Skincare Essentials for Summer 2020

I'll start of by telling you a little bit about my skin type and what I look for in particular products. First of all, as I have begun getting older, I just turned 29 (hello 30's!), I have been lucky that my skin has balanced out and I now have normal skin, it's not too oily and not too dry; in the winter months I do sometimes suffer from dehydrated patches. I have some larger pores in my T-zone that can get slightly oily but nothing noticeable. Since I have normal skin, I generally look for mild cleansers that wont strip my skin, hydrating moisturizers that are not too heavy, and anti-oxidant rich serums or masks.

Now please keep in mind these are all just suggestions and things that I have been loving, not every skincare product will work the same for everybody.

Without further adieu here is the list you have been waiting for, my favorite skincare products of Summer 2020.

Facial Cleanser- Spotlight Beauty Lounge Foaming Lash Cleanser

Shameless plug here and you might be asking why I have a lash cleanser listed as my facial cleanser, well I'll tell you why. This foaming cleanser is not only amazing for your lashes if you have extensions, but also great to use for your entire face. It is an affordable all-natural and oil-free cleanser that is made from plant-derived ingredients that are incredibly gentle. This foaming cleanser will leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed without feeling stripped or tight.

Pros:

- All-natural ingredients

- Vegan and cruelty-free

- Gentle and safe for sensitive skin

- Affordable

- Made in Canada

Cons:

- While it takes off most makeup, you may need a different makeup remover for stubborn eyeliner or liquid lipstick

Where to buy:

Spotlight Beauty Lounge $17 CAD. Message or email us, or pick it up at your next appointment!

Moisturizer- Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

Right in the name it says oil-free, that's why it's so great! It's lightweight but still moisturizing and contains hyaluronic acid which is incredibly hydrating. It contains several anti-oxidants and is super calming for any redness you may have. This moisturizer is perfect for every skin type, and best of all, it smells heavenly!

Pros:

- Clean beauty

- Vegan and cruelty-free

- Anti-oxidant rich for antiaging

- Perfect for all skin types

- Lightweight and absorbs instantly

Cons:

- On the priceyer side

- Not heavy enough for dry, scaly dehydrated skin

Where to buy:

Sephora $28 for the mini $50 for the full size CAD

Night-time Serum/Oil: Sunday Riley Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil

After trying (and LOVING) the Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil, I wanted to try something along the same lines but a little more affordable. Some research on Sephora led me to this and I am so happy that it did. The Juno oil is perfect for a nighttime treatment to keep your skin looking plump, clear, and healthy looking. Packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins, and essential amino acids, this face oil promises to help brighten the appearance of your skin and leave you with a glow. It leaves the skin super hydrated, ultrasoft, and supports antiaging. I generally use this 2-3 times a week right before bed. People with oily skin may typically steer clear of facial oils but using them may actually leave your skin less oily because it tricks your skin into producing LESS oil, so I definitely recommend giving this a shot no matter what skin type you may have.

Pros:

- Great for all skin types

- Paraben, sulfate, phthalate free

- Anti-oxidant rich for antiaging

- Super hydrating and you wake up with super soft and plump skin

Cons:

- Pricey, however, the mini size will last several months

- Since it is an oil it doesn't sink into the skin quickly, perfect to use before bed

- It says it's unscented but it does have a natural grass-type smell due to the blend of natural oils

Where to buy:

Sephora $47 for the mini $95 for the full size CAD

Lip Balm/Mask- Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Probably one of the most popular lip masks is this one, and for a great reason, it works! If I don't moisturize my lips before bed I eventually end up with dry lips, not fun! I started using this lip mask pretty much every night before bed probably about a year or so ago, and it really makes the world of a difference. Even though it is marketed as a "sleeping mask" it's lightweight enough that you can use it all day; I use it before putting any other lip products on. It comes in several different flavors from berry, chocolate mint, vanilla, lavender, and apple lime. It is not sticky at all and the container lasts forever!

Pros:

- Cruelty-free

- Paraben and Phthalate free

- Several scents to choose from

- Super hydrating but not sticky at all

- Allure Best Of Beauty winner several years in a row

Cons:

- Doesn't come unscented

Where to buy:

Sephora $24 CAD

Self-Tanner: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops in Dark

I tend to lose the tan on my face very quickly because I like to exfoliate my skin regularly, for that reason I like to use these custom drops in my moisturizer to help even out my skin tone. You can use them all over your body by just mixing the desired amount into any moisturizer and rubbing it in well. It doesn't leave your skin orange but slightly bronzed instead, if used as directed. They have a Light, Medium, and Dark option for different skin tones and then it's up to you how much you want to use.

Pros:

- Clean beauty

- Never a problem with streaking

- Very light scent

- Doesn't stain your clothes or bed sheets

- Completely customizable

- Very affordable if used as directed

Cons:

- Clear gel-liquid so you can't tell where you've applied it

- It expires after about a year, it starts to turn a darker colour and doesn't perform as well

Where to buy:

Sephora $38 CAD

But wait, there's more!

Here is a list of honourable mentions that I may not use super frequently but they definitely earned a spot in my rotation.

Makeup Remover: Neutrogena Makeup Cleansing Wipes

I have tried so many makeup removers to get rid of my eyeliners and waterproof mascaras and this is the only one that I have found that isn't pure oil and doesn't require a lot of scrubbing. I use them as a pre-cleanse and follow with a regular facial cleanser to remove any residue. They are gentle enough for the eyes and don't cause irritation. I recommend these to my lash extension clients that wear heavy eye makeup but tell them to be careful not to scrub the actual extensions with the wipe. These are found at every drugstore; the only alternatives to these that I found have worked are the Equate Makeup wipes that are a Walmart generic version of these, you can find them directly beside the Neutrogena ones, and the Kirkland brand ones found at Costco.

Pros:

- You can buy them at any drugstore

- Don't leave a super oily residue

Cons:

- Could be irritating for super sensitive skin

- Not a fully cruelty-free brand

Where to buy:

Any drugstore $11 CAD

Sunscreen: Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF50 Mineral Body Sunscreen

You may have wondered why I didn't include this in my daily favorites, while I definitely recommend the use of daily sun protection especially in the summer months, I am however, allergic to most sunscreens. It sucks, but I can only use mineral sunscreens that sit on top of the skin as opposed to the traditional chemical sunscreens that sink nicely into the skin. A good mineral sunscreen is also hard to come by, believe me I have tried so many! This one is the only one that I find doesn't leave me with a horrible white cast all over my skin, it's also by Clinique, so you know it's good quality. It is quite expensive so I only use it on the days that I will be outside for a prolonged period of time.

Pros:

- Natural form of sun protection

- Mineral sunscreens are much safer then traditional chemical sunscreens

- Doesn't leave a strong white cast on the skin

Cons:

- Doesn't sink into the face very well but they do have a version specifically for the face

- Pricey

Where to buy:

You can find it at Shoppers Drug Mart, any Clinique counter, or Sephora $48 CAD

Face Mask: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Just like it's counterpart, this facial mask leaves your skin feeling super soft and hydrated. It is surprisingly lightweight and soaks into the skin quickly, it does leave the skin slightly sticky feeling so it's best to use before bed. If I happen to get a sunburn on my face, this is my go-to! By the next morning, your skin will be moisturized and the pain and tightness will be gone. The product has a fresh scent that is not overwhelming but perfectly pleasant.

Pros:

- Cruelty-free

- Perfect for all skin types

- Gel consistancy and absorbs quickly

- Paraben and Phthalate free

- Allure Best of Beauty winner several years in a row

- Relatively in-expensive for a luxury brand and you get a large amount

Cons:

- I can't think of a single one

Where to buy:

Sephora $33 CAD

Exfoliant: Pixi Beauty Glow Peel Pads

I usually use an exfoliating mitt in the shower to gently scrub my face but sometimes I get uneven texture and tiny bumps around my chin and jawline, that is where a chemical exfoliant comes in. These pads are great for daily use, or every other day if you have sensitive skin, and contain 20% glycolic acid. After wiping it all over your face while avoiding the eye area, you then wash it off after 2-5 minutes; you may experience a tingling sensation. They really help get rid of those bumps and even out your skin while minimizing breakouts. However, they are only sold in the US so the Glow Tonic Pads are the next best thing.

Pros:

- Cruelty-free

- High concentration of glycolic acid

- They don't make your skin peel like other peel products

- Reasonably priced

Cons:

- Not sold in Canada so you need to order them to the US

- A tingling sensation may occur

Where to buy:

Pixi Beauty website and shipped to US $22 USD

Spot Treatment: Kate Somerville EradiKate

This is hands down the best spot treatment I have ever used. It's formulated with all the right ingredients, sulfur, camphor, and salicylic acid and it dries up any pimple overnight! I have tried similar products such as the Mario Badescu one but it didn't even come close. I have recommended this to my friends, younger sister, and now everyone else.

Pros:

- Cruelty-free

- Dries up pimples fast

Cons:

- Pricey

- Can dry out skin if overused

Where to buy:

Sephora $31 CAD

Well, there you have it, my list of Essential Skincare Products for Summer 2020. I hope I was able to provide some insight on each product and what you should try for your own skincare needs.

Let me know in the comments below what your favourite products are and if you've tried any on this list!

07•08•2020