Skincare and Body Care you NEED

Okay, So It’s time for those who have more self-control to shop the sale. AKA VIB and Beauty Insiders. I already shared my makeup must-haves, so this time around, we will be talking about all things skincare and body care. I love this category because I have spent time condensing my routine as much as possible to garner the best results. AKA glowy, youthful-looking skin. 

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Getting compliments on my skin makes me happy because I worked so hard on it, especially over the past two years. Story-time: Two years ago, my skin decided to FREAK OUT completely. Like I started breaking out of nowhere, I had so much congestion and texture and had no idea what to do. I took to TikTok (because why not) and bought many of the recommended products (yes, snail mucin, I’m looking at you), and it didn’t really help because I didn’t address the root cause of the issue. Long story short, I tried many products, and now I have my holy grails, and my skin is thriving if I say so myself.

So let’s get onto the recommendations. I will list the products in the order that you would typically use them, with some extras thrown in there just for fun. 

 

Disclaimer: Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. So, if you do choose to purchase an item using this link, I will make a small commission on that sale at NO additional cost to you.**

Skincare:

Cleansers:

I have used a lot of cleansers in my day, both drugstore and “high end,” and I have to say, my skin is bougie and only tolerates higher-end products (for the most part). 

My TOP cleanser pick would have to be the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Cleanser (US link). This is a very creamy and gentle cleanser that not only cleans my skin (duh) but it doesn’t suck the life out of my skin after rinsing it off. It also removes your makeup, so if you aren’t into the whole double cleansing thing, this is perfect for ensuring that you aren’t going to bed with makeup still on your skin. 

 

Toner/ Liquid Exfoliator:

This category is optional, but as you all may know, I am extra. I do love skincare, and I feel like these enhance my routine, so leggo.

Now that Paula’s Choice is finally available at Sephora Canada, I OBVIOUSLY recommend the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (US link). If you are going to listen to anything I recommend, please let it be this product. It is essentially magic in a bottle; It will help to get rid of dead skin that’s just sitting on top of your skin. It will help to unclog your pores, help reduce the appearance of fine lines (if you’re over the age of 25, listen up) and just leave you with a stunning glow. Now, don’t buy this product and use it every day, twice a day, because you will ruin your moisture barrier, okay?

Use this SPARINGLY. I know the bottle says to use it daily, but as your internet, big sis, I love you and your skin, so please listen to this advice. I have used this product on and off since 2020, and it has truly transformed my skin.

 

Serums:

I have to preface this by saying that it may seem like this is an ad for Youth To The People (YTTP). It’s not, I swear on my firstborn Crocs’ life that it’s not. I just really love these products.

Hydration

The first serum everyone needs is the Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum from YTTP (US link). I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. This is no ordinary hyaluronic acid serum; it has peptides and other great stuff added to it to make it a lil extra. I love this serum because it leaves my skin hydrated as no other serum does. I’ve let friends use this serum, and they loved it too. Just don’t look at the price when you buy it. That’s all I’m asking, lol.

Glow

Another love from YTTP is the 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Serum (US link). This serum takes my already glowy skincare routine to a whole nother level (ANOTHER ONE – DJ Khalid). It really plumps up the skin and also smells delightful. I think they made it smell good to help boost you up when using the serum in the morning. 

The last serum I want to share has been something I have used for years, and it was influenced by one of my favourite influencers, Aysha Harun. It is the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum (US link). She swore up and down that this product helped her to improve her skin’s brightness and help with hyperpigmentation, so you best believe I bought it. Not only does it do those things, but it also helps give you the most stunning glow and leaves your skin looking smoother than a baby’s bottom. I believe this happens because of the glycolic acid in the serum, which helps dust off the crusty skin, and keep your pores clear and all that good stuff. Just don’t overdo it with the exfoliation, okay? Your skin’s moisture barrier will thank you (and me, ofc).

 

Eye Cream:

Another controversial skincare product is eye cream. Some people say you don’t need it because it is a glorified moisturizer, and others swear by it. I am one of those people that don’t really hold a strong opinion on it, but I do use one and will continue to use it because I love how it makes my under eyes feel. I have been using the Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb (US link) that was gifted to me, and I love it so much. It reminds me of the moisturizers that I already love from Belif. It is very lightweight and incredibly hydrating, a NEED.

If you are feeling a lil BOUGIE, then you should get the Fresh Black Tea Firming and De-Puffing Eye Cream (US link). I bought this years ago and repurchased it a few times because I really loved how luxe it made me feel. It does have some benefits, like helping to reduce the look of dark circles and fine lines, and it helps to brighten up the look of your under eyes, giving you a more youthful look. I still dream about this eye cream. It is just so great.

But again, if you don’t think eye creams are necessary, then you can totally skip them.

 

Moisturizers:

Okay, before we start, I just want to put this out there; I am a HUGE Belif stan and have been for many years. I have the empties to prove my love and dedication to the brand. 

 

My two favourite moisturizers from Belif are The True Cream – Moisturizing Bomb (US link) and The True Cream – Aqua Bomb (US link). I love them because they absorb so nicely into my skin, leaving the most beautiful glow.

 

Personally, I like to use the moisturizing bomb during the fall and winter months just to ensure that my skin feels extra moisturized during these harsh Alberta winters. I use this one in particular because it is a creamy moisturizer that my skin LOVES during the winter because it is ‘heavier’ than the Aqua Bomb.

 

I use the Aqua Bomb moisturizer during the spring and summer. This moisturizer is more of a gel-based moisturizer which is more lightweight and perfect for the warmer months because it won’t have your skin feel greasy. One thing about this moisturizer that sold me on this product is the fact that it feels so cooling when you apply it (perfect for the heat wave part of summer, IYKYK).

 

A third moisturizer I love is the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (US link). I always have this moisturizer on deck for those days when I need some EXTRA EXTRA hydration, mostly in the winter months because Alberta’s weather do be dry. 

Sun Protection, AKA SPF

Bestie, as you are reading this, I really hope that you wore your SPF today… if not…

If you love your skin and want to protect it from UV Rays, stay looking youthful, want to reduce the appearance of dark spots, and also use ANY chemical exfoliating products in your routine, you better be using an SPF EVERY DAY (yes, even in the winter)

 

As a melanated woman, the struggle has truly been real when trying to find an SPF that will not only protect me from the sun but also won’t leave me looking like a Smurf or casket ready..(Raven-Symoné flashback).

I have found a few that work for all skin tones, and you can thank me later (or now, idk). So let’s get into it.

Zero White Cast Zone

Belif Aqua Bomb Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (US link) is a new find, but I am absolutely OBSESSED. I first heard about this from one of my fave beauty creators. I have been waiting eagerly to either go to the States or for the brand to finally bring the product to the Canadian Market. My prayer was answered, and it made its debut in Canada. I got my hands on it, and I was kind of skeptical because I could’ve hyped it up in my head. BUT y’all..it DELIVERED. Look at this beauty in action. No white cast blends like a dream, leaves a stunning glow, and also smells kinda good, idk lol. Maybe I am just weird.

Reapply your Suncreen

The second sunscreen I think you need to buy is the Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF50+ (US link). I like this because it is nice and compact and perfect for reapplication during the day. Reapply every two hours, okay bestie? I am not going to lie to you, I normally despise the feeling of silicone-y products, but this one doesn’t make me want to rip the skin off my face. Sorry, that was a bit graphic.

Okay, enough of that; next topic:

 

Lip Care:

I don’t know about you, but having crusty lips just isn’t my vibe. Not only does it look kinda off, but it doesn’t feel that great, either. I have a few products that I can’t live without because they stay giving me soft, luscious lips, lol. The first product is the Jack Black Moisture Therapy Lip balm (US link). Technically this brand makes products for men and people with beards, but this lip balm is FIRE. it not only moisturizes my lips but it also has SPF, which surprise surprise, your lips need protection too. Have you ever had a sunburn on your lips? That sounds horrible, but I wouldn’t know. I’d rather not risk it.

 

The second option is something to ensure that while you’re getting your beauty sleep, you’re keeping your lips moisturized. The Belif Aqua Bomb – overnight lip mask (US link) is that gworl. It is like you’re slugging but just on your lips. When I am desperate for lip hydration because I have been slacking, this product helps, even when my lips are cracking on the sides (ouch). I also use this throughout the day when I am just sitting at my desk trying to secure the bag and can’t find one of my many moisture therapy lip balms.

 

And like that, we are done with the skincare, so let’s move on to the body care goodies:

 

Body Care

All things hair removal and ingrowns

I don’t know about you, but I like having nice, smooth legs year-round, especially now that summer is around the corner. What about those dark marks from scars, ingrowns or you simply have chicken skin or KP, so your legs aren’t where you want them to be? I have the PERFECT solution for you. It’s the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Eraser (with 10% AHA) (US link). This body scrub is like any I have ever tried because it pairs the scrub with a chemical exfoliant, so it gives you the softest skin while also helping to improve the look of dark marks.

I use this scrub on my legs before shaving, before waxing my underarms and throughout the week to ensure that the hair doesn’t try to grow into itself. It has truly changed the game for me, and when I pair this with the Ingrown Hair Pads (US link) and the KP Smoothing Body Lotion (US link) also from First Aid Beauty, you will have the softest body parts. If you wax, you’ll have an easier time because the hairs will just glide out of your pores, leaving you with a mostly pain-free wax session. (I can’t guarantee this, though. Proceed at your own risk; I can, however, guarantee that your skin will be so soft that your partner or even you won’t stop rubbing your legs, arms or wherever (KEEP IT PG, k?).

 

If you struggle with ingrowns and, for some reason, you’re not feeling the FAB stuff, I’d highly recommend the Jack Black Bump Fix (US link). This product is essentially a liquid exfoliant/soothing liquid to help you reduce the look and emergence of razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Fragrance

Okay, the last body care product I have is for those of you that like sweet scents and want to smell like a snack all day, every day; the 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods (US link). Just hit up your local Sephora, smell it and thank me later.

Wrap this up

Now that yall know my deepest darkest secrets that keep me soft, glowy, smelling good and just a vibe, please purchase at your own risk. I am not responsible for the actions that follow the use of these products, so proceed with caution (wink).

Like this post, share it with anyone who you think may like this, and make sure to bookmark this for future reference.

Catch ya later, gator.

 

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