Happy Cinco de Mayo! Isn’t it great that Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday this year? Sadly, we are still in quarantine so the only celebrating we will be doing is at home! Definitely not complaining though because Sabir makes fireee fajitas and guac ;).
Anyway, you’re here to read about skincare, not tacos and margs hah. Let me give you a little background about my skin and previous routines. I’ve never had issues with acne growing up, just a few ~blemishes~ here and there. BUTTT, last year… omg, let me tell you. I was working a job that I absolutely hated and it stressed me the hell out. I did not realize that being under so much stress can affect your skin! Well it did. I was breaking out left and right. ALL the time and it would not go away no matter what I did!
Thankfully, I started a new job in November and my skin (& mood) has turned a full 180. My skin started to clear up but I still had a few stubborn breakouts here and there. That’s when I decided to switch up my skincare routine.
*Please note that this post is not sponsored at all! All of the products mentioned were purchased with my own money! Links throughout the post may be affiliated.
I finished all of the products I was previously using and decided to purchase only Drunk Elephant skincare going forward. I am soo glad that I made this decision because my skin has never been so clear and radiant. The best part is that you can order the mini sets before actually making the commitment of purchasing the full size.
The reason I decided to go with Drunk Elephant is simple. They are committed to using only ingredients that directly benefit the health of the skin and leave out what they call the Suspicious 6 (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, SLS). Many people breakout from products that use the “Suspicious 6” and don’t even realize the root cause.
This post breaks down my morning and night skincare routine. I’ve listed the products in the order that I use them.
The picture to the left was taken before I started using Drunk Elephant. This was after I switched jobs so my breakouts weren’t as crazy as they were months prior. I wish I took a better picture beforehand but this is what I could find. If you zoom in, you can see where a majority of my breakouts occurred (side of my cheeks where I would contour). The picture to the right is how my skin looks now (6 months later). I rarely get a breakout and when I do, it’s gone in a few days. My acne scars are basically gone and my skin is visibly smoother! I am not wearing foundation in either picture. The glow in the right picture is from the D-Bronzi Drops (mentioned below) :)!
Before
After
morning routine
C-Firma Day Serum
What it is: A super-potent vitamin C day serum packed with a powerful antioxidant complex, essential nutrients, and fruit enzymes, all working together to firm and brighten the appearance of skin, while improving the signs of photoaging.
My experience: I apply this to my face first thing in the morning, before everything else. I have DEFINITELY noticed that the dark spots on my face have lightened up! (link to product)
Use: 1 pump / day
Protini Polypeptide Cream
What it is: This breakthrough protein moisturizer combines an unprecedented array and concentration of signal peptides, growth factors, supportive amino acids and pygmy waterlily for visible and immediate improvement in the appearance of skin’s tone, texture and firmness.
My experience: I LOVEE this stuff. By far, my favorite moisturizer. I apply it daily, after the C-Firma Day Serum and it leaves my skin hydrated all day. What blows me away is that it looks great under both water-based foundations AND oil-based foundations (V rare find)! (link to product)
Use: 1 pump / day
A-Passioni Retinol Cream
What it is: Retinol reimagined. A-Passioni Retinol Cream is a clean, cutting-edge formula that combines 1.0% vegan retinol with nourishing, superfood-rich ingredients to dramatically diminish the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles and sun damage revealing a vibrant, younger-looking complexion.
My experience: I ordered the mini version (only $28!) and I can tell this thing is going to last me a longgg time. I only use it once a week and a little goes a long way! When I do use it, I apply a tiny amount in the morning mixed with the Protini Polypeptide Cream. I noticed that my smile and forehead lines have reduced & definitely aren’t as deep as they used to be. I remember looking in the mirror one day and was like..wow, either I need to stop smiling so much or I need to find something to fix this ASAP hah. Just a little warning, START OFF SLOW! I was trying to rush the process and use it like 3 times a week…that’s a no no. My skin started to peel, hence why I only use once a week now. (link to product)
Use: 1 pin size amount / week mixed with Protini Polypeptide Cream
B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
What it is: B-Hydra is a cool drink of water for your thirsty skin. This ultra-hydrating serum replenishes the complexion and improves the look of skin tone and texture.
My experience: I’m probably going to overuse this saying throughout the post but bare with me, I LOVE this serum. This gets applied after your moisturizer and locks in all of the hydration you just applied. I have extremely dry skin so this works wonders. My skin no longer has dry patches and it feels hydrated throughout the day. I mix the B-Hydra serum with my favorite product ever, the D-Bronzi Drops (mentioned below). (link to product)
Use: 1 pump / day
D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
What it is: Like sunshine’s bronzy color, delivered without the damage. A chronopeptide that mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D, omega-rich virgin marula and black currant seed oils, along with vitamin F (fatty acids), immediately replenish the delicate balance that supports a healthy barrier function of skin, while a concentrated mix of protective antioxidants boosts skin’s defenses against pollution and environmental stressors… all delivered with a bronzy finish.
My experience: Where do I even start with these drops. They make your face look like the sun has ~gently~ swooped down and kissed you. They are beyond amazing. I no longer wear foundation on a daily basis due to this little guy. As mentioned previously, I mix 2 pumps of the Bronzi drops with 1 pump of B-Hydra. Especially now that we are in quarantine, I have no urge to put on a drop of makeup. HOWEVER, I am as pale as Casper right now so if I don’t apply anything…then I look like a walking corpse lol. These drops make me feel like life has been bestowed upon me ;). I would say the wear time is between 6-8 hours. I usually get a longer wear if I’m not sweating or touching my face. (link to product)
Use: 2 pumps / day mixed with B-Hydra Serum
T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
What it is: Babyfacial is a pro-quality AHA/BHA “facial” that resurfaces to reveal greater clarity, improved skin texture and tone, and a more youthful radiance. Think of it as an extra nudge for stubborn, dull skin (in other words, it’ll knock your cells off).
My Experience: This face mask is highly effective! I use it 1-2 times per week, after cleansing my face with a Clarisonic (read my Clarisonic post here). Not going to lie, it definitely burns when you first apply it but the feeling goes away after a few minutes. Make sure you do NOT leave this mask on for longer than 20 minutes. You will be as red as a lobster (not kidding). I’ve noticed that my skin has become a lot smoother and the acnes scars that I had have smoothed out and disappeared. If you are between getting this and the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (mentioned below), I would say go for the night serum. This mask is amazing but you can’t use it every day. (link to product)
Use: 2-3 pumps / week
Night routine
C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
What it is: C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream is rich and restorative, featuring a brightening combination of eight peptides, five forms of vitamin C and cucumber extract for firmer, stronger-looking skin around the eye area.
My Experience: I’ve never been one to use eye cream because I normally wear concealer so essentially.. it was useless to me. HOWEVER, since I stopped wearing foundation / concealer to work, there was no way I would get away with zombie eyes. I don’t have bad dark circles in the morning, but they’re still noticeable. This eye cream does wonders! I was originally using the sample size and as soon as I ran out, the bags came back. I ended up purchasing the full size and will definitely restock once I’m out. After about a week of consistent use, I felt like I no longer needed to apply concealer! (link to product)
Use: 1 pump / day
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
What it is: An AHA/BHA night serum that refines and resurfaces skin to reveal a smoother and more radiant complexion. T.L.C. Framboos enhances the performance of other products by clearing the way for maximum absorption.
My Experience: I would say that this is an extension to the beloved T.L.C. Babyfacial Mask (mentioned above). I never miss a night of applying this stuff and have noticed that my skin is visibly brighter and more radiant. (link to product)
Use: 1 pump / day
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
What it is: Straight from the “pip” of the marula fruit, our Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is untouched by any chemical or fragrance, natural or synthetic and remains in its purest form. Drunk Elephant uses a proprietary raw, cold-press extraction and filtration process, resulting in the purest and most concentrated form of the oil, highly absorbable, with its delicate polyphenol antioxidant and fatty acid compounds preserved. Our Marula Oil contains greater concentrations of polyphenols than dark chocolate, green or black teas, which means powerful antioxidant defense against pollution + damaging environmental free radicals.
My Experience: Originally, I thought this was a product that I would not purchase in full-size. I received a bunch of mini-samples with my order and came to love it! I use this at night and sometimes during the day when I’m feeling lazy & don’t want to go through the full shabang. It’s extremely lightweight and not greasy AT ALL! Not only do I use it on my face but I also use it on my hair! I apply 2 full “pumps” to my hair after blowdrying then use a straightener to smooth it out. (link to product)
Use: ~4 drops / day
Lala Retro Whipped Cream
What it is: Introducing a multi-faceted rescue cream that provides replenishing barrier support by reinforcing skin’s acid mantle and defending against the effects of everyday stressors.
My Experience: This is the perfect night cream for those who have dry skin. It’s super thick but not heavy on the skin. I just finished the sample size and plan on purchasing the full size. The best part about these moisturizers (incl. the Protini) are the airless pumps! All you do is take off the top and push down on the container! It dispenses the perfect amount and ensures that air does not make it’s way back into the jar. It is also way more sanitary than sticking your fingers in a jar every day hah. (link to product)
Use: 1 pump / day
Have you tried anything from Drunk Elephant? If so, what’s your favorite product and why?
