There is just something about the change of seasons that wakes me up more easily to appreciate the new colors and joys of this time of year. Could it be
Speaking of new joys- we are sitting at 37 & 1/2 weeks of pregnancy- and cannot wait to meet our little nugget. The transition from second to third trimester has not been as challenging as the first, but I’ve definitely experienced speed bumps as Baby Boy grows into a full-fledged babe. For those of you who are interested, you can read all about me Baking Baby Boy here.
For all you skincare lovers, I decided to transition towards a hydrating and moisture-retaining routine. My biggest third trimester woe is that I have developed some amazing eczema that has loved to show itself on my eyelid. It’s so pretty, and fun to pick at, but it has cracked and become very sensitive and irritated. I got lash extensions about a month ago which you can read all about here, and I think getting them done just irritated it to where it’s just a hot flakey mess. Gross.
I also want to proudly announce that I have expanded my skincare scope of practice to six amazing hydrating steps to keep my crusty eye at bay. This is by no means to make anyone feel bad for a quick and easy routine — believe me, I would have loved to keep it that way– but with the new development in my skin, I have been trying to find the best thing for me to fight off the weirdness that goes along with being pregnant.
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
This product is one I swiped from my sister when I was visiting my parents back home. I didn’t have a cleanser and was in need of one. My younger sister is a more avid skincare fanatic than I am, so I figured anything she brings home is something worth trying.
This is a nice foaming cleanser to get the party started. It’s a very gentle foaming cleanser; I use no more than a pea sized amount and get a good lather going on my T section and at my temples. Most foaming cleansers tend to dry my skin out, but I have yet to experience this with this specific cleanser. 5 outta 5 would recommend.
Lancome Hydrating Toner with Honey Acasia
This product garnished over 4.5 stars with thousands of reviews on both Ulta’s and Sephora’s websites when I went to look up hydrating toners. That along with the pretty pink packaging, I figured I could give this a try. I also do this weird thing that I do whatever Twin Sister tells me to do, and she said that adding a toner is very important. For the benefits of toners and what they do, click here.
This is the first toner I have added back into my routine since 2002 when I had horrible acne, backne, and rackne, and I remember toners smelling like alcohol and stinging away any grime that was leftover from my cleansing step, and my face felt (cringe with me now) squeaky afterward. I cry just thinking about it. However, toners are not just meant to clear away residual yuckies from your face anymore. Depending on the type you purchase, you can get a toner that suits your skincare needs. In need of hydration (who isn’t), I fell upon this beauty.
I typically use this with a cotton pad and revel in the leftover grime it grabs as I smooth this over my problem areas: the corners of my nose, my temples, and my jawline. I was weary of spreading this over my cheeks *flashback to screaming cheeks as I run a toner-soaked cotton pad across them* but it left that area feeling supple, and my pores were nonexistent.
This product is definitely scented, and I personally think it’s a tad overwhelming, but it doesn’t smell like fake strawberries or flowers to where you feel like you’re putting perfume on your face if you know what I mean.
Overall, this is a great product to add to your routine if you are looking for a light, freshly scented hydrating toner that leaves your skin supple.
Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
My younger sister actually gifted this to me saying that it was a great neutral moisturizer with no actives. I really love that because I feel like I have been heavy on the hyaluronic acid. Maybe that’s why my skin’s moisture barrier is so thin, but putting this stuff on my face definitely gives my skin a hydration head start. It’s nice and light and absorbs so well into my skin.
I hope you find some of these reviews helpful!