For the past few years, I’ve made New Years resolutions to start- and stick with!- a skincare regimen. When I initially had this on my list of new years “to-do’s”, I was still a couple of years away from turning 30. If I am being completely honest, my sense of urgency wasn’t really there. I’ve always had good skin without putting much work into it- never had acne growing up and pimples typically only happen once a month if you get my drift ;). Because my skin was usually clear which I equated with good, I would become lazy a few weeks into any normal routine.
As my 30th birthday was imminent (I’m talking weeks away), I finally ordered some skincare products and started a routine that I’ve stuck with and am super happy with. If you made any skincare resolutions this year, today’s post is for you- don’t be like me and let time go by before getting serious about your skin. When I actually started taking better care of my skin, I discovered it could actually be even better than I thought my already “good skin” was. These are the products that made all the difference for me:
Rodan + Fields Redefine Regimen: I’m sure you’ve heard of Rodan + Fields at some point- maybe from some old high school classmate messaging you about it on Facebook? Or maybe that’s just me 🙂 … When my good friend Kristen started using their products, I started to take notice. She had struggled with her skin before and was getting such great results she started selling it. For me, buying the regimen was a way to keep myself accountable to my skin. At just about $200, it’s enough of an investment that I really wanted to use it- instead of buy it and ignore it like I’ve done before. The regimen is also great because it comes with everything you need, including a daily face wash, toner, daytime moisturizer and a nighttime cream. I have to give a shout out to the toner here because before I tried it I was a serious skeptic of why one would ever use a toner. One time swiping that bad boy on my face and I was sold! I actually felt my pores tightening- it was amazing! If the whole regimen isn’t for you, you can also buy the individual products themselves to give it a try too.
Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil -After using R+F for a few months, I started to get really in to taking care of my skin and purchased this oil (and the serum up next) one day when perusing Sephora. I’m absolutely obsessed with this oil! First, it has an orange-y color to it which actually makes me feel like I have a bit of a tan during these pale Boston winters. That’s not really the purpose of it- just a nice side effect. The oil is filled with Vitamin C and Vitamin A which are both awesome for making your skin appear brighter and reducing lines. Two of my main goals for sure 🙂 It’s a pretty dry oil (not sure if that makes any sense), but I think it would be okay for all skin types, but maybe test it first if you have oily skin. I apply this product after I wash my face and use my R+F toner.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Anti-Aging Collagen Booster – This was part two of the Ole Henriksen set I bought. Collagen is super important to skincare as collagen production decreases as we get older and results in sagging skin- ick! This product tightens skin and increase collagen production. I add this product on after the oil mentioned above. PS- I bought these two Ole Henriksen products as part of a gift set- which is always a great way to try new products! Unfortunately I can’t find it online, but I did see it in my local Sephora store just this past weekend so if you are actually shopping in the flesh for it, look for the “A Lil’ Love A Lot O’ Radiance Ultimate Brightening Duo” set.
Sephora Sheet Masks– I’ve shared these masks before, but doing a sheet mask is always a fun way to pamper yourself at home. These ones from Sephora are great- I’ve used the moisturizing during dry winters and the anti-aging just because.
My skin is nowhere near perfect- years of laying in the sun and a brief tanorexia phase (gasp!) in college have made sure of that- but thanks to these products I’m loving my skin and have got it glowing 🙂 With that being said, I would be a total liar if I didn’t give a shout out to my everyday makeup products that keep me looking good- Trish McEvoy BB Cream, BareMinerals Warmth and Nars Orgasm blush.
xoxo, Jenna
I really don’t know what we did before sheet masks!? I’m obsessed with buying new ones every time I go to Sephora or Target heh I like the sounds of this collagen booster and getting a little “tan” while fighting aging- might need to try this next, I’m almost out of my serum now. Thanks for sharing , Happy Monday!
xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black
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Thanks Tess- I am obsessed with it! Oh and sheet masks truly are fab! I can’t go in to Sephora without buying at least one 🙂
i use that truth serum and it smells SO good. i love the ole masks.
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I totally forgot to mention how good it smells! It smells amazing! I’ll have to try the masks next 🙂 Thanks Christina!
I am a huge fan of sheet masks! I wish I could go back and tell my 20 year old self to be better with sunscreen!
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Oh Meghan, me too… literally every day! Growing up I was a swimmer and my summer jobs were a lifeguard and swim coach. I shudder when I think about how little sunscreen I would wear being out in the sun all day long! Oh well, live and learn I guess 🙂
great post! I, too, always vouch to take better care of my skin but for one reason or another, it never sticks! I think it’s partly due to the same reasons it took you so long to find a regime that stuck. I have a good friend who sells R&F so maybe I should chat with her… I am turning 32 this year so i should probably take my skin a little more seriously, especially since I care so much about eating organic and working out and all of those things that are good for me!
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You should try it! I was skeptical but I love it and it really has made a difference for me. Thanks Monique!
Hi Jenna,
I’ve heard so much about Collagen treatments but I’m still a little nervous about trying one, maybe because I already have too many products up my sleeve. But I think I’ll have a go with that Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Anti-Aging Collagen Booster. I’m turning 32 and my laugh lines aren’t looking fun at all lol! Thanks!
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Hi Jenny! Thanks for stopping by and commenting- definitely try the serum! I’m loving it and honestly think it makes a big difference. I’m the same way- I put so many products on every morning…just hoping something works at this point, haha! xoxo!
Hi Jenna, thanks for replying. I shared your blog with my sister, and she bought us the L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Cream for Face instead. She said this product was highly recommended by her college friend who’s a dermatologist now. Will have this a go and I will share with you how it will go for me. Thanks!
Hi Jenna,
Women really want the best when it comes to their beauty and skin care. I love doing skincare experiments of what’s the best, even making some DIY natural skincare recipes – really good for the skin. I want to try Sephora rose mask. I want to try this one to pamper my face – feels like a supplement to my everyday work stress. Thanks!