Okay Skin Now Let's Get in Formation

If you travel often, then you know that switching climates just ravages your skin. Climate is often too hot, too cold, and rarely is it ever just right. Unless you live in L.A., then you're complexion is more content than Goldilocks finding a porridge. I will admit though, even SoCal can prove to cause some problems on some peoples epidermis.

Every school year, I change states 4 times. And just when I think my circadian rhythm has recovered, I sigh as I notice my skin is still in shock. 

To give you some background, I have oily skin. It's both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because my skin won't crack and I'll look good even in middle age, but curse because my friends can see their reflection in the oil vat that is my forehead. Honestly, I am so embarrassed whenever I take a picture because my forehead just reflects all the light back. My first semester at HWS has horrible because a cold morning would turn into a humid afternoon and I felt like a carrot stick dipped in ranch. I remember one time saying this and my friend said, "I don't know what that means but it's so accurate." 

One problem with being a frequent flyer is finding out how to assuage your skin's panic. Fortunately, my philosophy in life is to try anything at least once and worry about the consequences later. Sorry mom and dad, but it's college. 

In my first year I tried all kinds of scrubs, lotions, and I even weirded out some people on my floor as I walked around the floor with masks made of eggs at one point. I was desperate for that skin stretched across the pages of Teen Vogue. I think the first important point I want to say is that there are thousands of articles, videos, and DIY remedies for clear skin but the truth is that all our skin is different.

In 2017 I want to focus on body positivity. My belief is that wellness is a personal endeavor. Yes looking good is important, but you shouldn't strive to be a Covergirl because that's impossible. Photoshop is great but it doesn't carry out into the real world. Nonetheless, I wanted to share this point because I think it's important to understand that I care about my skin because that's what I want to do. I want to reduce my oil and redness and I'm not doing it because I want to allure anyone.

Anyways, here is what I use for my skin. By the way this isn't sponsored, but damn I wish it was! 

LUSH Products: Aqua Marina, Tea Tree Oil, Herbalism, and Enzymion
​Boscia: Luminizing Black Mask 

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The first step to clear skin is finding the right face wash. I was turned onto LUSH products when I spent spring break in Toronto and I noticed all my friends using this brand. They even went to the LUSH store reiligously, and I decided to snag a sample. The first thing I ever tried from LUSH was Aqua Marina, and I instantly became fixed. 

I had known about LUSH's masks and such for a while, but the one that I had wanted to try was Dark Angels. That charcoal mask that every beauty guru seemed to be using, but talking to one of the associates I found that it may be too agressive for my sensitive skin. Funny, my skin is as fragile as my self esteem. Anyways, I went back the next day and bought myself the full size.

As for Herbalism, I bought this a few months ago when my skin started to feel heavy. My wash was great at getting the oil, but I knew that my black and white heads were holding their place. I asked for an exfoliator and this green paste is what I got. I found that this too was a great investment and not only did it absorb oil, but my pores got smaller! One thing I will advise, that you may already know, is that you should only exfoliate your skin 1 to 2 times a week. I learned this after my skin became a little redder than usual.

Along with a great skin cleaning plan, you also need a great moisturizer. Again, another thing that seems to be common sense but I failed the DMV permit test 3 times because of the fact that I lack common sense. Enzymion is another LUSH product and while it is a bit pricey, usually around $30 and up, it is worth the investment. This lotion does wonders for me because it leaves a matte finish! Not only does it hyrdate and combat oil build up, but it leaves you feeling zesty and ready for your day. I use this everyday after washing my voice, 2 times a day, BUT not before spritzing on some LUSH Tea Tree Oil.

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I am not exaggerating when I say this thing is the duct tape of the cosmetics world! It combats oil build up, reduces redness, sets make up, works as a phone cleaner, and wakes you up. Bascially, anything that bugs you and involves oil you can use this bottle for. The only thing this bottle can't do is cheer you up when you don't get a text back on a Friday night, you already canceled plans with your friends, and you just finished dressed up ready to go out.

Summary: I wash my face with Aqua Marina 2 times a day. I use Herbalism 1 to 2 times a week. I spray Tea Tree Oil every time I finish washing my face, and then I use Enzymion.

Lastly, the crown jewel of my skin routine: my boscia mask.

I went to 5 Sephora stores looking for this, but luckily my sister found it on Amazon for me. I have to say this mask is one of my favorite products I have tried in my 19 years of life! This mask has a lot of cool stuff in it, I won't list the ingredients but it does. You put it on 1 to 2 times a week, and after laying an opaque layer you let it dry for 30 minutes.

When you feel off the mask, pulling in an upward motion, you are both disgusted and intrigued as you see all the grime of your skin sucked out. Below is what this mask looks like.

Of course skin care regimes are great, but they cannot replace the fundamentals of wellness like drinking plenty of water and watching what you eat.

If you are what you eat, then I am Rosetta Black. Thank you for reading!