I don’t know about you guys but as I get older my fear of looking old also increases. I have no problem with aging. I think it is a beautiful process. However, I strive to look younger than my actual age and contrary to popular belief…BLACK DOES CRACK! LOL.

Lately I have been investing major coins (more than usual) in skincare. I call it “protect your magic” investments. I have been consumed with investing in inward and outward self care and evaluating everything from health, to diet, and skincare.  I wish I would have started taking my skincare routine more seriously at a younger age but it’s never too late to start!

When it comes to skincare I have a pretty simple regime. I currently use either Cetaphil or Murad face wash, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (winter), Kiehl’s Oil-Free Gel Cream (summer), rose water toner, a retinol night cream that I picked up from TJ Maxx, and an occasional sheet mask. Btw, Murad’s Acne Clear Control 30-day Kit is the best system I have ever used to combat a breakout. Thanks Taniesha for the suggestion! I have decided to amp up my regime with the following products:

1. Sunday Riley, Good Genes- This is by far the most expensive product I have ever purchased when it comes to skincare. However, my eBates gift card from all of my holiday shopping helped lessen the hit to my pockets significantly. If you are an online shopper and not using eBates you are missing out! It’s free money that adds up! It is not a hoax of gimmick. I receive a “big fat check” via Paypal every three months. If you’re interested in trying it out; sign up here. You’ll automatically receive $10 once you spend $25.

   I bought this product because it had RAVE reviews on Sephora. My focus with skincare is hyper pigmentation. I a few dark scars from acne and dark spots on each side of my nose from wearing glasses. Because this product is pricey, I use one pump per day. I haven’t noticed a change in my hyper pigmentation yet but it is too soon for a full review.

2. Youth to the People, Youth Duo Mini Cleanser and Cream- Whenever you are considering adding new products to your skincare routine I always recommend starting with a mini/smallest size of the product to test how your skin reacts to it and whether you truly like it before fully committing. I don’t have a real reason for trying these  products besides the name. I want to stay youthful so it made sense. LOL. I really wanted to try the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil but it was sold out. My initial reactions to the cleanser and cream is that they are both gentle which I love. I also like that the cream doesn’t leave my face shiny or oily.

3. GlamGlow, FlashMud Brightening Treatment Mask- Like Good Genes, this product also had rave reviews for lightening dark spots. I have only gotten around to using this mask once. My initial thoughts is that I love how it left my skin feeling incredibly smooth and soft. Update to come on the brightening effect.

4. Korean Sheet Masks- I have been researching and learning more about Korean Skincare products. It’s a tad bit overwhelming because there are so many products to choose from. I literally want everything. Until I compose my list of products for a future haul, I decided to start with Korean sheet masks. I ordered a combination box from Amazon. Although, the combo pack comes with a variety of types and  ingredients, they all feel similar. They leave my face feeling moisturized and hydrated. I also ordered this silicon mask. It keeps the sheet mask in place so that you don’t have to be still or lay down during application. It’s a little scary looking but I really like it.

5. Rose Quartz Roller and Gua Sha- I have been intrigued and interested in face rolling ever since I saw Tracee Ellis Ross on Instagram holding a jade roller. We all know she looks FAB! I don’t know what life was like before face rolling but I’m not going back. Investing in a rose quartz or jade roller helps with puffiness, penetrating your products into your skin, lymphatic drainage, reducing inflammation, tightening pores, and blood circulation. I personally think it helps with relaxation and stress reduction. Here are a few tips when face rolling: roll outwards or upwards (you never want to pull your skin down), clean your roller with alcohol after every use, store in the refrigerator if you want a nice cooling effect with tightening benefits, and use after facial cleansing and applying an oil, moisturizer, or serum.

Have you tried any of the above products? If so, what are your thoughts? I’m also curious to know whether you jade roll? Stay tuned for an updated review on all products once I have used them longer. Until next time lovelies, live life fashionably!