Top Secret ::: Skincare Routine

All photos by {accordingtoame}

I am a creature of routine and habit for the most part. That extends through most facets of my life, unrelated to diet and exercise, of course, but most definitely though my beauty regimen.  My skincare routine is pretty streamlined and doesn't really change too much, save for testing something new, or when I am on the retinoid rotation I discussed back in the Aloe post. Those simply add or subtract one or two steps within my regular routine.  

Top Secret ::: Aloe Vera Gel

All photos by {accordingtoame}

A totally natural, and totally cheap, skin care staple, and something anyone using retinoids (which should be everyone!) should have on hand is Aloe Vera Gel.  

Why, you ask? 

My Top 5 ::: Skincare Favorites

Photos by {accordingtoame}

I get asked frequently by readers, and by friends and family, what my favorite and must-have daily driver products are, things I cannot get by without in my vanity arsenal. I saved those lists for this month, because as you know, I discover and try out new things constantly, and share my reviews with you pretty often, so they kind of evolve over time. "Favorites" can change on a dime, but it's the ones that you go back to that end up being "the ones." 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30

I picked up a little bottle of this Mario Badescu moisturizer at Nordstrom a few weeks back because I had been looking for a new SPF30 face lotion that was rich enough but not irritating. So far this has been a winner. It's non-irritating AND SPF 30 which is lately hard to find. I had tried their regular Oil Free a while back and really liked it, and also really like the Buttercream moisturizer a great deal, but I had been getting scolded a bit by the dermatologist when she read the SPF level (or lack thereof) on my current rotations, and said that I needed 30 or higher, preferably 45+.

Photo Credit: MarioBadescu.com

PRODUCT REVIEW: Mario Badescu Silver Powder

This is a product that I have lusted for after reading about it in the past but never thought it was a worthy investment, despite being only $12. But while at the Nordstrom Mall of America I saw it on quite a large MB display. So I grabbed it.  I tested it out after a shower one night.