Beauty on a Budget

Since I’m currently jobless and internship-less, mama ain’t got room in the budget to spend the big bucks on a quality skincare regime. However, I’ve made do with the products above and based on feedback from my clueless husband and the unintelligible babble coming from my 9-month old, I’d say the results are pretty stellar. Allow me to provide a little rundown of each product:

1. I try to do this mask once a week to remove impurities from my skin and unclog my pores. You can quickly feel it start to work as your skin really pulsates. Your face will be red post-mask so be sure to use this at night (and make sure you use apple cider vinegar vs water- just feels more effective with ACV) Anyway, I call this thing a mini face lift because in the morning my skin is always noticeably tighter and smoother.
2. Highly recommend buying a daily moisturizer with SPF so that your face doesn’t look like a road map by the time you’re 50. This is my first Kiehl’s product and I’d say I’m pretty happy with it. A small amount goes a long way and I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of sunscreen-y scent (smells like nothing). My only complaint is it is a bit oily so I’d advise those with oily skin against this product.
3. When I heard Nivea Creme being compared to La Mer, I knew I had to try this stuff out. I’ve been using it for the past month and I love how rich and luxurious it feels as a night cream. I love slathering stuff on my face at night so that my skin has several hours to absorb it and my skin just feels more plump (in a good way) in the morning. I would love to say that I’ll eventually do a follow-up post comparing this cream to La Mer but ain’t nobody got $180 to spend on a measly 1 oz of product!
4. I bought a jade roller when it was the popular thing to do cause I’m a follower like that and used it for like 2 days and then it sat for about a year. Now that I’m a mama and the under eye bags are real, I dusted that puppy off again and took it for another spin. I’ve noticed I’m less puffy (something about lymphatic drainage) and I look more awake post-use. Also, it just feels good doing it and I’ve gotten accustomed to viewing it as a little “me time” in the morning before everyone wants a piece of me.
5. When my Clarisonic broke, I didn’t have the stomach to shell out another $200 for a new one so in my quest to find something similar, I stumbled upon this wizard brush. I typically use it with my everyday cleanser and I’ve noticed my pores are less clogged and my skin is softer. Just feels like a deeper clean when using it.
6. I don’t what else to say about this stuff other than it’s magical. Although I don’t experience any major skin issues, I’ve heard of people using this cream as a sort of cure-all. Don’t be intimidated by the thick, oily consistency. It is magical.
7. Saved the most basic for last. I’ve been a diehard Cetaphil user for years…maybe because it doubles as a makeup remover & a cleanser which gives ya more bang for your buck. Anyway, it’s gentle, non-irritating, and has yet to cross me so I’m keeping it around.