Current Skincare Routine

I wanted to do a post on my current skincare routine to share some products that I have been using on my face for a while and what I think of them. For reference, I get oily on my T zone within a few hours while the rest of my face is either dry or normal. I also have lot of discoloration thanks to acne (due to stress). I have noticed, as well as others, that the discoloration has been fading to the point that from a distance, my skin looks almost clear. I have been using all of these for at least a month, some even longer. None of these products have broken me out and like anything, you need to be patient and consistent to see results. These are just my thoughts and experience, but I hope this helps someone :)

You can click the images to enlarge them. For more info. on any of these products or to purchase, please go here.

Disclaimer: I was not sent any of these products for free. Everything mentioned was purchased by me. I am not being paid for my opinions. These are all of my honest opinions. Post does contain affiliate links.

"Daily"

I don't use these products mentioned below in this exact order, just what products I think my skin needs at the time. I don't use all of these every day either, so they are not technically "daily" products, but I use them enough times in the week to be more than just once or twice a week products.

I have been washing my face using a sample of Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3 in 1 Cleanser for face and eyes. I use it to wash my face in the morning, to take off makeup, or to wash my face before bed. This doesn't make my skin feel really dry and this takes off makeup almost completely! My only complaint is the smell, but I do recommend this cleanser for the face.

For more info. on this products or to purchase, please go here.

For my sunscreen/ moisturizer, I use a sample of Purlisse Pur Protect Essential Daily Moisturizer with spf 30. I like that this is light on the skin, it doesn't leave a white color on my face, and it also doesn't have a strong sunscreen scent. Favorite sunscreen + moisturizer I've used so far!

For more info. on this products or to purchase, please go here.

I use CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM as a moisturizer without sunscreen. It does moisturize, is lightweight, and doesn't have a strong scent. One pump is enough for my face, so this bottle will last a long time.

For more info. on this products or to purchase, please go here.

When I want to hydrate my skin but don't want to use a serum or moisturizer throughout the day or before bed, I use Cococare 100% Natural Almond Oil. My skin does get oily, but when I still fell like my face needs some love, I like to use this natural oil. Almond oil benefits the skin and since it is natural, it doesn't hurt to try! This has little to no scent and makes my skin feel soft and look better within a few hours. I use about 5 drops for my entire face, but you can use how much you feel you need.

For more info. on this products or to purchase, please go here.

After cleansing my face at night or taking a shower, I use this Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum that I bought in a set which I mentioned here. I have been using this for a little more than 3 months. It has a dropper and I use 4 drops for my entire face. I am heavy handed so 4 drops might be a little too much but you can use less. I like the light scent and I think this is helping my skin look better overall. I don't like that it sits on the skin and is noticeable compared to the Ole Henrikson serum I tried and mentioned here. This is also pricey, so I don't think it is reasonable to purchase one of these every 3-4 months or so. However, if you don't mind investing in your skin and are looking for a serum, I would suggest trying this one out.

For more info. on this products or to purchase, please go here.

I have used about 3 other eye creams in the past and this Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream has been the only one that doesn't burn my eyes! You only need a small amount so this will last a long time and it has a slight scent, but it doesn't bother me. I have been using this for a little more than 3 months just like the serum above. Does it help with lightening my dark circles? I haven't noticed much of a difference to be honest, but since it came in the set that I mentioned in my post here I thought I would try it.

For more info. on this products or to purchase, please go here.

Weekly
I try to use the products below at least once a week.

I have been using my Personal Micro Derm that I bought during my Black Friday 2014 haul for over 7 months. I love this product for my face and really believe it has been helping my skin. This basically exfoliates the top layer of skin so products work better. I like to use serums or oils after "vacuuming" my face every Friday after I shower. This doesn't hurt and it hasn't damaged my skin. It is an investment, but if you get it on sale or with a discount code and really put this to use, I think this product is worth getting. I have repurchased a few replacement heads already and will continue to use this product as long as possible. Highly recommend!

For more info. on this product or to purchase, please go here.

For almost 2 months, I have been using Derma Logi's Derma Roller that I got on Amazon. This creates microscopic damage to the skin so the skin repairs itself quicker, which is good for people like me who want to get rid of discoloration from acne. I use this on clean skin (after I shower) and roll it on my face in a few different directions back and forth. Then I follow it up with a serum or oil, just like after using my PMD. Since I don't want to hurt my skin with too many gadgets, I try to use this 3-4 days before/after using my PMD. Derma rolling looks painful, but really isn't if you don't roll too hard. You can feel the micro needles, but as long as you follow the directions, nothing should go wrong.

For more info. on this product or to purchase, please go here.

I have been making a do it yourself (DIY) honey and oats mask/scrub for over a  year. There are benefits to both honey and oats which can be found online so I decided to mix the two and leave it on my face as a mask for about an hour and take off as a scrub. Blend the oats first to make a powder with no big chunks. Add 1 spoon of honey and 1 spoon of the blended oats on a clean plate/bowl and mix. This should be enough for the entire face, but if it looks a little dry after mixing the two well, just add a little more honey. I tie my hair back and use my hands to put this mixture on. The honey will get warm on the skin and will run down the face so make sure to keep something under your face that can be washed and you don't mind getting stuff on. Gently scrub your face with water in circular motions to get all the mixture off and towel dry. Make sure you take this off over a sink and don't clog your drain! You will be left with clean, soft, and bright skin after each use.

For more info. on these products or to purchase, please go here.

Other

I still use Clean and Clear Persa Gel 10 for spot treatment occasionally. I wrote about this in my Drugstore Beauty Basics Bundle Review #2

For more info. on this products or to purchase, please go here.

Walmart Summer 2015 Beauty Box

 

I got my 4th beauty box from Walmart! To learn more about how you can get your own beauty boxes from Walmart and how the subscription service works, go to https://beautybox.walmart.com/

To find out what I got in my Fall, Winter, and Spring beauty boxes, please go to
http://theskyisthelimitsf.blogspot.com/2015/07/walmart-and-target-spring-2015-boxes.html
http://theskyisthelimitsf.blogspot.com/2014/12/walmart-winter-2014-beauty-box.html
http://theskyisthelimitsf.blogspot.com/2014/10/walmart-and-target-beauty-boxes.html

Disclaimer: I was not sent any of these products for free. I am not being paid for my opinions. Everything mentioned was purchased by me. Post does not contain any affiliate links.

Like always, this card lets us know what season box we received.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser

This is my 2nd sample of the same cleanser. I haven't tried it yet, but definitely plan to.

Aveeno Protect and Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 30 + $2 off coupon

A nice sample to find the perfect sunscreen that doesn't give a white cast or smell too heavily of sunscreen.

Simple Micellar Cleansing Water + $2 off coupon

I have wanted to try this cleansing water from the drugstore since these products have been all the rage on YouTube. But, the sample given is pathetic to be honest. I don't see how this packet could have enough product inside to try. At least I can use the coupon to try this cleansing water!

 

One Direction You and I perfume sample

This has a sweet scent. Not bad but I'm not in love.

 

Rimmel Show Off Matte Lip Velvet in Meteoric Matte

I love this color on my lips. Now I just need an occasion to wear this to!

 

Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum with Pure Cocoa Butter

This has a strong scent but if it does anything good for my skin, I can overlook the smell.

Product Empties with Reviews #3

Finally, another product empties with reviews! I have been meaning to do this for a long time, but the amount of (different) products to review made me hesitate. Nonetheless, here it is! I try to review products that I have never reviewed before on this blog so although I have more empties, they have already been reviewed by me in the past so I don't mention them again.

For my last 2 empties post, please go here and here. For more info. or to purchase the specific products, please go here or click on the name of a specific product. You can click on the images to enlarge them too. I hope this is helpful!

Disclaimer: I was not sent any of these products for free. I mentioned where I got each one. I am not being paid for my opinions. Affiliate links have been used.

Lancôme Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara

The name rubbed off the tube, but I am sure I received the mascara linked to above from Sephora as a deluxe sample. I don't know if most mascara samples are better than the full size, but this is the 2nd sample that I have tried and loved! This made my straight lashes curl without using a curler. It also made them more thicker than what they are without mascara. I do like it enough to want the full size, but I honestly can't make myself pay $27.50 for a mascara! I do suggest trying a sample of this though if you get the chance.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

I bought this to use during my sister's wedding. I don't feel like this made my makeup last longer than usual, but maybe because I didn't put as much as I should have... As for the packaging of this product, it has 2 caps which is a waste in my opinion The white spray bottle itself is made of something that gets makeup on it easily, so if you have makeup on your hands (like foundation) then wipe/wash it off before you use this product or else the bottle will look like mine eventually. This isn't really a problem unless you plan to leave your bottle out where others can see it. I do not plan on repurchasing this product. UD is known for the setting sprays (amongst other products), so I do suggest at least trying it if you haven't already.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Boaster

I bought this after I tried samples and loved it! This product smells citrusy (oranges???) which I like. It also absorbs into the skin and doesn't just sit on top and leave a sticky feeling on the skin (like my current serum). I feel like this helped lighten my dark spots from acne, especially when used after the Personal Microderm (will review that in the future iA). I like that this has a pump, but to get every little bit out, I had to turn the bottle upside down, twist off the pump, and pour the collected product onto my fingers. This product got me into serums and I have repurchased this already, so I highly suggest this product.

Sephora Collection Face Mask in Green Tea

I bought this because I want to find my perfect (sheet) mask. 1 mask comes in each pack and sells for $6. I used 1 mask about 3 times and I don't feel like this did anything for my skin. There is a lot of "wet" product in the actual sheet/fiber mask and it does cover a lot of area on the face. If left in the fridge for a while before using it, the cold mask feels good on the skin. This product isn't expensive so you can try it out if curious, but I don't plan on repurchasing the green tea one.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

I bought a travel size (7 wipes) of this product to try out. The blue pack of wipes burn my eyes so I won't be repurchasing these specific towelettes.

La Fresh Travel Lite Oil-Free Makeup Remover Wipes

I got this travel pack (8 wipes) in a subscription box a long time ago, so I honestly don't remember if these burned my eyes, which is my #1 concern with wipes. These did have a light scent though, which didn't bother me. I don't just use wipes to remove all my makeup, but this did take off a lot. I still suggest using face cleanser to remove makeup completely no matter if any wipes are being used or not. I like to use wipes either before taking off all my makeup with a cleanser or after using a cleanser to see if any makeup remains! I don't plan on repurchasing these only because I have A LOT of wipes to try out.

Olay Fresh Effects Everything Off Make-Up Removal Wet Cloths

I received a travel pack (7 wipes) of these from my Walmart Winter 2014 Beauty Box. These have a strong scent and I don't remember if they burned my eyes. Like I said above, I don't just use wipes to remove all my makeup, but this did take off a lot. I still suggest using face cleanser to remove makeup completely no matter if any wipes are being used or not. I like to use wipes either before taking off all my makeup with a cleanser or after using a cleanser to see if any makeup remains! I don't plan on repurchasing these only because I have A LOT of wipes to try out.

Swisspers 100% Cotton Rounds

These fall apart easily with olive oil, which I used for a while to remove makeup. I didn't try these any other way, so I might repurchase these if I need cotton rounds (for removing nail polish).

CVS Foaming Acne Face Wash

I got this from my doctor as a recommendation for my acne months ago. (My face has improved a lot, but more on that in the future iA). This is a thick white cream that has a medicated scent (probably the benzoyl peroxide). A little goes a long way and after washing my face with this, my face felt clean. I used moisturizer/oil/serum after washing my face (which I suggest after using any wash/cleanser) so I didn't notice if my face felt tight/dry. If benzoyl peroxide works for your acne, then I do suggest buying/asking your doctor for this.   

Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Mask

I bought this because I needed a mask and wanted to try this Allure Award Winner mask by Freeman. This is lightly scented and my skin felt soft after using this product. I think it is good as a scrub more than as a mask, so I would suggest it as a good sugar scrub. I don't plan on repurchasing this exact "mask", but I would like to try more masks by Freeman.

Dove Go Fresh Body Wash in Cucumber and Green Tea

I got this in a gift set from a coworker and really liked this body wash. It has a nice light scent to it and with a luffa, it foams enough for a good clean wash. I do suggest trying this, but I personally don't plan on repurchasing it because I already found a body wash I like that is even more affordable (mentioned here).

Nivea Cream

This is a white "body" cream that I bought in small tins to use as hand cream while out. It does smell good at first, but after rubbing the cream into the skin, it ends up smelling bad. I don't know if it is just the tin I used, but I have another tin to try and decide whether I really like it or not.

Johnson Reach Dental Floss in Mint (green)

I prefer floss that come in rolls like this compared to floss picks. I am currently using the spearmint floss and am not sure yet which one I prefer, but I do suggest everyone floss frequently (at least every other day if not every single day). I promise you will notice a difference in how clean your teeth and gums look and it will make your breath fresher. This is a definite repurchase for me!

I got the Sunshine VoxBox!!

 

I got my 4th box from Influenster yesterday! So excited to try some more new products for free :) In a future post inshAllah, I will review the products once I try them. You can click on the images to enlarge them or click the bold product names for more info. on that specific product. If you would like to join Influenster to try free goodies, please join here

Disclaimer: I received these free products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  

Everything  that was inside my box!

I love how Influenster gives a card with the product names and details in each box. According to the prices listed as well, I got about $30 of products for free!!!

Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer

I am really excited to try this. I get lazy about putting lotion/moisturizer on my body after a shower so this quick product (easy for lazy people ;) should get the job done!

 

Infusium 23 Leave In Conditioner

I have never used a leave in conditioner so this will be a new experience. Hopefully it will wow me :)

Dickinson's Cleansing Cloths

I have so many packs of cleansing cloths/ makeup wipes to try and find my favorite. Love that this has 25 wet cloths and what looks like good ingredients.

 

3 $3 off coupons on any Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel products.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish

I had a little accident so the name rubbed off, but I think I got the shade in Why Not. I did a swatch on my clear nail wheel of 1 coat. Don't have an exact color like this in my collection but will have to see how it looks against my skin tone.

Blue Diamond Almonds Bold Sriracha

Need to find out if these are halal so I can try them!

Bark Thins Snacking Chocolate coupon to try one for free!

Again, I need to find out if these are halal or not.

My Job Interview Tips

I have been to a few job interviews recently and wanted to share my tips for others to learn from. Some of these are common sense or we heard multiple times, but a reminder never hurt anyone :P Hopefully these are helpful and if you have any other interview tips, please share them in the comments below!

Questions
Research some potential questions you might be asked and think of your responses. Some of these questions will be specific to your job field, but definitely know how to introduce yourself in a few minutes. In addition, come with questions you have that you can ask if you are given a chance. This will hopefully help you make a better decision when the time comes.

Dress to impress
Plan what you are going to where before the day of your interview. Dress in a way that you know is suitable for your preferred work place. If you aren't sure, find out before your interview. The last thing you want is for your interviewer to make a negative comment about your judgment on appropriate clothing.

Be early and know your way
Leave home with at least 10-15 minutes to spare. You can use this time to freshen up or look over any materials you brought. Arriving early will show your interviewer you are serious and punctual. Also, know your way to the interview location before the interview.

Go prepared
Bring (extra) resumes and materials that will impress your interviewer(s). If you have all of these in a portfolio like I mentioned here, then definitely bring your portfolio and ask if anyone would like to see it.

Present a better you
First impressions are very important and although we hear to "just be yourself", sometimes we need to adjust ourselves for the situation, especially at an interview. If you are a talker like me, try to not go on tangents or ramble. If you talk too fast, slow down a bit so others can understand you and you don't have to repeat.