Finding the Skincare Products that Work for Me

Since becoming a mom, I have had to make some adjustments to my normal beauty routine. Gone are the days I can spend hours on my skin, hair, and make up – however they are not any less important than they were before I had my son. When I had to look at how I wanted to take care of myself what was always important to me was keeping myself up – not for anyone else but myself. I want to always feel good about how I look. I think being a former pageant girl has also “trained” me to take skin seriously, pageants definitely elevated my “skincare game.” I may not always be dressed to the 10s and have make up done for the runway, but feeling good in my own skin has always been something that meant a lot to me. If you are interested in a breakdown of my daily skin routine, let me know, as I navigate this blogging thing I would love to give insight on anything I can, besides food which is my specialty of course 😉

It was instilled in me at a young age to have a skincare routine, wash and moisturize. Although most kids and teenagers (besides adolescent acne) have fresh skin, keeping it healthy and well-nourished was still important. I remember when I was younger my money went to fancy make up and brushes, now it goes to skincare products and how to look my best without make up [how ironic]. Today, at almost 31 years old, my skincare routine has evolved extensively – but it has paid off. I found what works for MY skin. I say that because, everyone’s skin is different and needs its own TLC routine that can only be developed by old fashion trial and error. These are just a FEW of the products that work for me.

PS – I am not getting any sort of compensation for the posting of these products, I genuinely just love them so much, and sharing with you, but this post may contain affiliate links.

RayFlex Organic Rose Water Toner

I love this product, love it. And I am so proud that one of my best friends, Kristina Ray, PT DPT, is the developer of this incredible product. She left it for me to try, and it has been a part of my nightly skincare routine ever since. The hydrating toner is excellent for most skin types including sensitive skin.  It helps to balance skin, remove cleansing residue as well as prep skin for serums, moisturizers and makeup. Rose water, frankincense, Lavender and rosemary are known for their anti-aging properties reducing fine lines and wrinkles, this product is most effective when washing your face.

Rose Water, complete with antioxidants that neutralize free radical damage decreasing wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Frankincense, is a powerful antioxidant that can improve the appearance of pores, sunspots, wrinkles and scars. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and disinfectant agents that has antimicrobial effects. Aids in strengthen skin, elasticity, and defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes. Helps lift skin, reduces the appearance of acne, and treats wounds. Beneficial for fading stretch marks, surgery scars or marks associated with pregnancy, and healing dry or cracked skin. Lavender helps reduce inflammation and aids in skin lightening, reduce discoloration, including dark spots. Helps lessen blotchiness and redness. Finally, Rosemary which is in antioxidants and aids in slowing down the effects of aging. It promotes growth of collagen and tightens sagging skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary help in curbing chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

I use this product after washing my face, spraying it on and allowing the minerals to set in for a minute or two, removing the excess and applying my nightly serums or moisturizers. I have noticed my skin has had a more youthful and rested appearance (which is major when you have a child and don’t get consistent sleep), have noticed a reduction in dark spots on my face, an has given my skin a tighter more lifted appearance. Can I say for sure this is 100% just the toner, no. I do have other products included in my skincare routine, but since adding it has done nothing but elevate my skin-game and I will continue to use this product, as I highly recommend you do too!

You can learn more about this product by clicking here: RayFlex Organic Rose Water Toner

Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixer

Full disclosure, this is one of the more expensive products in my favorites list but I absolutely love it and it is a product belove by many too. I learned about this product on social media – a powerful marketing tool these days. As the website says, “Awaken your skin’s potential with the power of potent ingredients, featuring REPLEXIUM® for younger-looking skin, Golden Vitamin C for a brighter-looking complexion, and hydration powerhouse Polyglutamic Acid – a supercharged skincare ingredient that’s over 4X more hydrating than Hyaluronic Acid.”

The hype is 1000% legit. My skin is SMOOTHER, fresher, it is glowing and my favorite part, is a little goes a long way, so although it is a little more money. It is worth it when you only need 2-3 drops on your face. I use this every morning, and it is a requirement for the base of my makeup routine. This has quickly become one of my favorite skin care products that has been added to my daily routine. Again, I can’t say the results would be the same for every skin type – but for mine, which is more dry, it is exactly what my routine needed!

If you’re interested in more information you can check out the product at: Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rose Water

This facial spray does not need any additional PR, 8/10 people like to wear make-up, know this product. And if they don’t wear make-up and just love a good facial spray for their skin, they know it. The website describes the facial spray as such: Revitalize skin with dewy radiance. Whether spritzed for a hydrating boost or mid-day pick-me-up, our cult-favorite facial spray helps revive dehydrated skin anytime, anywhere. It’s a rejuvenating mist infused with herbal and botanical extracts (like Aloe Vera, Gardenia, Rose, Bladderwrack and Thyme) that help soothe and re-energize skin—giving it a healthy, radiant glow.

They recommended putting the product in the fridge, oh my gosh, I love it so much. I normally keep a standard bottle in my bathroom at the vanity, and a smaller travel size in my purse to give me a refreshing spritz through the day – call it what you will, I love this spray. It is one of those products I FEEL so much better after using it. To be honest the rose water is my favorite, however I have tried them all… and there is no bad facial mist – it is totally your preference.

If you’re interested in more information you can check out the product at: Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rose Water

Skin and Senses Fearless Nourish & Repair Body Butter

Now, skincare does not only apply to the face, the body is also covered in skin, if you have not noticed. I discovered the Skin and Senses Fearless Nourish & Repair Body Butter when I was pregnant, I used this product every single day, two to three time a DAY. But again, I was pregnant and was trying to do everything I could to keep my skin moisturized and hydrated. I wanted to avoid stretch marks if I could, and of course there is nothing wrong with stretch marks they are 100% a part of life, a part of creating and carrying life, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. This body butter helped when I had those belly itches, and it was easily my favorite pregnancy product

Now that my son is almost a year old, I still use this product, for my entire body. Honestly I LOVE how my skin feels when I apply this body butter. My skin literally feels years younger, smooth, sleek, and it smells amazing. As the website mentions, Fearless Body Butter is an all-natural body butter for all skin types. This organic body butter can help with stretch mark prevention, keratosis pilaris (chicken skin), dry patches, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin and keep your skin smooth and hydrated. It has vitamin E as an antimicrobial and is so pure that it melts as soon as it touches your skin. It is a thick, creamy body butter meant to keep your skin extremely well moisturized.

Shea butter is a good source of vitamins A and E (which can reduce inflammation and repair damaged skin), while cocoa butter contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP), which eases dermatitis and/or rashes. 

I actually have always struggled with eczema, and this skin really helps soothe my breakouts from time to time. Because of this I tend to avoid a lot of scented lotions, my skin does not always react well to them. The Fearless body butter is one of the products that has consistently worked well with my skin without causing irritation. When I originally bought this product it used to be called “Fearless Mama: Belly Butter Stretch Mark Prevention” but now, it is simply, “Fearless” don’t quote me, but I think this product became so beloved by pregnant women (like myself), they kept using it in post-partum. If you are someone who struggles with dry skin, dermatitis, eczema – or just someone who loves a great product that is vegan and free of GMO, toxins, artificial colors, and synthetic chemicals – this is THE body product for you.

To learn more about this product, you can click here: Fearless Nourish & Repair Body Butter