Man look, my skin has been a cracky, crunchy, itchy mess since I've been in Germany. Now I've had dry skin all my life but since moving to Germany, it's been even worse. It really sucks because I love makeup and even though I love a good cake face, there is nothing cute about a cakey face. You know that look when your makeup sinks into every crack and crevice of your face or it just kind of sits on top looking crunchy. Yup, that is how my makeup was starting to look. However, with the proper skincare and makeup combo's I have been able (most times) to avoid this look. Most recently, I started to receive compliments on my skin again and I knew that I finally hit the skincare/makeup combo jackpot.
The following products are my current skin savers and are kept in heavy rotation.
1. MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator
I use this product once a week when my skin is looking extra crazy. It doesn't feel abrasive on my skin and it has become the only exfoliator that I use.
2. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
I use this to remove my makeup every day. It is amazing for taking off all of my long-wearing products and not irritating my sensitive skin.
3. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
It's amazing. Try it. Love it. That is all.
4. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer
Again, Kiehl's is saving my face. This moisturizer is so good at moisturizing without leaving me feeling greasy. It sinks into the skin but not so much that I start to dry out. It is also great for me as a substitute for a foundation primer because I find that when I use this, I really don't need to prime my skin because my foundation glides on and works really well with my current foundation.
Now these are my makeup glow bunnies. These products help me achieve that glowing skin even though I like a full coverage look.
1. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish - Comfort
(this product is limited edition but you can substitute it for theBalm's Betty Lou-Manizer to get a similar effect)
I put this product on the top of my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and on my cupid's bow to get a warm glow. It is perfect because it's not to shimmery but gives the right amount of sheen/glow to the skin.
2. NARS Blush - Taj Mahal or Taos
Both shades are amazing and really help to give the skin a healthy glow. I use Taj Mahal more in the summertime when I want a bronzier look and I use Taos when I want a little more color.
3. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer - Ebony 8
My favorite bronzer ever! I love the way this looks on the skin. I apply it around my temples, in the contour of my cheeks and on the sides of my nose. It gives the perfect amount of bronze to the skin without looking too dark or too shimmery.
These products are absolute favorites of mine and I hope this post helps some of you that may have skin issues like mine!