Disclaimer: The products featured were provided but this is not a sponsored post.
2015 was the year I really got into skincare and the obsession continued into 2016 (as you will find out in this post). Today I will be covering everything from cleansers to masks to moisturizers that I've truly enjoyed throughout the year. To find out what made the list, click.......
Cleansers | Cleansing Tools:
1. Clarisonic Smart Profile: I fell love with my first Clarisonic (the Mia 2) the first time I used it and I honestly didn't think the device could have gotten any better. Lo and behold we have the Clarisonic Smart Profile, which was a more powerful and versatile update of the previous editions. This thing also has an amazing battery life that completely trumps the Mia 2.
2. Ole Henriksen Truth Sugar Glow Polishing Mask: Part mask and part scrub, this sugar polish smells amazing and it is very gentle on the skin. The honey-infused formulation is rich and while it leaves the skin feeling softened and nourished, it didn't leave behind any icky residues.
3. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm: I am a die-hard fan of the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils and I have found most other cleansing oils and cleansing balms to be inferior in comparison. However, this cleansing balm from Estee Lauder blew me away. The soft and rich formulation melted makeup like I've never seen, leaving the skin feeling so nourished and non-greasy!
4. Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder: Cleansing powders are still a relatively new concept to me but I am hoping that by the end of 2017, every skincare brand will have its own take. However, the Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is going to be a hard one to beat. This thing lathers and foams upon contact with water while still retaining a slightly exfoliative texture that makes my skin feel smoother than it ever did. Had this been a bit cheaper than $78, I would lather my whole body in it!
Face Masks:
1. Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque: Although this mask has been around for several years, I've only discovered it in 2016. It's not mindblowingly amazing but for a simple clay mask, it is pretty darn good. The price is affordable and if you have oily/combination like me, a weekly use will definitely help clarify the skin.
2. Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque: Kiehl's has good masks and 2016 saw the introduction of two new additions with one being the the Tumeric and Cranberry Seed mask. This thing smells amazing and doubles as a gentle exfoliater thanks to the small cranberry seeds.
3. L'Oreal Pure-Clay Energizing & Brightening Mask: For a $13 clay mask this one is truly amazing! Formulated with three different types of clay and an added dash of charcoal, the Pure-Clay Energizing & Brightening Mask made my skin look so good after each use!
4. Tata Harper Purifying Mask: I usually don't like to endorse super pricey skincare products but Tata Harper totally won me over with this invigorating, ginger-citrus clay mask. The formulation was potent and tingly on the skin, leaving my face feeling so refreshed and renewed!
Toners | Serum | Moisturizers:
1. Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go: Formulated with glycolic acid (known for it's exfoliative properties), the Pixi Glow Tonic is one of my favorite toners in the recent years. So to have an easy-to-use version of the toner was a dream! Sure the price works out to be a bit high (versus just buying the bottled toner), the Glow Tonic To-Go Toner Pads is still a great option for travelling.
2. Fresh Creme Ancienne Supreme Face Serum: As I've said in my review, $310 for any skin care products is hard to justify but this serum from Fresh is amazing! Formulated with the highest quality ingredients and mixed by hand, the Creme Ancienne Serum made my skin feel so refined and nourished.
3. Clarins Multi-Active Nuit: Clarins keeps it simple with the Multi-Active Nuit. This is a deeply-nourishing yet lightweight night cream that moisturizes and renews the skin. I love how this makes my skin look in the morning and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a simple yet effective night cream.
4. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream: With a lightweight gel-like texture, the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream worked really well with my combination skin and it was one of the few face creams (along with the Multi-Active Nuit) that I completely finished off in 2016.
5. Clarins Boosters: An innovative concentrated serum that can be mixed with any face creams, the Clarins Booster truly customizes your skincare routine based on your needs and concerns. All three works wonders and I would highly recommend these to those that are dedicated to their skincare regime.
6. Korress Castanea Arcadia Night Cream & Eye Cream: Rich and thick creams perfect for this time of the year, the Castanea Arcadia line from Korress really impressed me. Everything had such a nice scent and my skin was protected to a T from the harsher winter environment.
What were some of your favorite skincare products of 2016? Tried anything I've listed in this post? Share with me in the comments below!
1. Clarisonic Smart Profile: I fell love with my first Clarisonic (the Mia 2) the first time I used it and I honestly didn't think the device could have gotten any better. Lo and behold we have the Clarisonic Smart Profile, which was a more powerful and versatile update of the previous editions. This thing also has an amazing battery life that completely trumps the Mia 2.
2. Ole Henriksen Truth Sugar Glow Polishing Mask: Part mask and part scrub, this sugar polish smells amazing and it is very gentle on the skin. The honey-infused formulation is rich and while it leaves the skin feeling softened and nourished, it didn't leave behind any icky residues.
3. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm: I am a die-hard fan of the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils and I have found most other cleansing oils and cleansing balms to be inferior in comparison. However, this cleansing balm from Estee Lauder blew me away. The soft and rich formulation melted makeup like I've never seen, leaving the skin feeling so nourished and non-greasy!
4. Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder: Cleansing powders are still a relatively new concept to me but I am hoping that by the end of 2017, every skincare brand will have its own take. However, the Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is going to be a hard one to beat. This thing lathers and foams upon contact with water while still retaining a slightly exfoliative texture that makes my skin feel smoother than it ever did. Had this been a bit cheaper than $78, I would lather my whole body in it!
1. Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque: Although this mask has been around for several years, I've only discovered it in 2016. It's not mindblowingly amazing but for a simple clay mask, it is pretty darn good. The price is affordable and if you have oily/combination like me, a weekly use will definitely help clarify the skin.
2. Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque: Kiehl's has good masks and 2016 saw the introduction of two new additions with one being the the Tumeric and Cranberry Seed mask. This thing smells amazing and doubles as a gentle exfoliater thanks to the small cranberry seeds.
3. L'Oreal Pure-Clay Energizing & Brightening Mask: For a $13 clay mask this one is truly amazing! Formulated with three different types of clay and an added dash of charcoal, the Pure-Clay Energizing & Brightening Mask made my skin look so good after each use!
4. Tata Harper Purifying Mask: I usually don't like to endorse super pricey skincare products but Tata Harper totally won me over with this invigorating, ginger-citrus clay mask. The formulation was potent and tingly on the skin, leaving my face feeling so refreshed and renewed!
1. Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go: Formulated with glycolic acid (known for it's exfoliative properties), the Pixi Glow Tonic is one of my favorite toners in the recent years. So to have an easy-to-use version of the toner was a dream! Sure the price works out to be a bit high (versus just buying the bottled toner), the Glow Tonic To-Go Toner Pads is still a great option for travelling.
2. Fresh Creme Ancienne Supreme Face Serum: As I've said in my review, $310 for any skin care products is hard to justify but this serum from Fresh is amazing! Formulated with the highest quality ingredients and mixed by hand, the Creme Ancienne Serum made my skin feel so refined and nourished.
3. Clarins Multi-Active Nuit: Clarins keeps it simple with the Multi-Active Nuit. This is a deeply-nourishing yet lightweight night cream that moisturizes and renews the skin. I love how this makes my skin look in the morning and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a simple yet effective night cream.
4. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream: With a lightweight gel-like texture, the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream worked really well with my combination skin and it was one of the few face creams (along with the Multi-Active Nuit) that I completely finished off in 2016.
5. Clarins Boosters: An innovative concentrated serum that can be mixed with any face creams, the Clarins Booster truly customizes your skincare routine based on your needs and concerns. All three works wonders and I would highly recommend these to those that are dedicated to their skincare regime.
6. Korress Castanea Arcadia Night Cream & Eye Cream: Rich and thick creams perfect for this time of the year, the Castanea Arcadia line from Korress really impressed me. Everything had such a nice scent and my skin was protected to a T from the harsher winter environment.
What were some of your favorite skincare products of 2016? Tried anything I've listed in this post? Share with me in the comments below!
