Real Talk: Skin Care, DIY Lip Scrub & Makeup Essentials

Things are about to get real here on the blog. Are you ready?

My skin is no where near perfect. In fact, for years I've battled breakouts, some that would literally make me cry. I'd look online and see all these gorgeous women on their blogs with their perfectly creamy skin and think, "if only I could have their skin." Oh, how sad my heart would feel when I would think those words.  Friends, it's been a struggle, but I'm here with really good news! I finally found a routine, products and a healthy diet that have cleared my skin up....I think for good! {crossing my fingers on this!}

I've often thought I surely cannot be the only one with this struggle, so why not share about it and see if I can help other ladies along the way. Below you'll find my skin care routine, makeup essentials (all great for acne-prone skin!) and a DIY lip scrub-- just because it's fun :)

 1. Skin Care Routine: 
My Clarisonic is my lifesaver. I use it every night and it helps exfoliate and deeply clean the skin's pores.  Twice a week I use Dermologica's Skin Prep Scrub in the morning, to exfoliate more and bring a nice glow to my skin. Just last March I was introduced to Arbonne by my friend Kate, a natural, organic and toxin-free line of skincare products. As soon as I started using it, my skin began clearing! I use their face wash and toner. After washing and toning with the Clear Advantage line, I use an oil-free moisturizer with 2% benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria.

2. DIY Lip Scrub: 
1 teaspoon coconut oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 squirt of honey (to bind it all together). Mix well then use your finger to scrub on your lips. Wipe off with a wet tissue or washcloth, then finish with vaseline or lip butter of your choice!

3. Makeup Essentials:
1. After washing and cleansing my face using my Clarisonic, I apply this Arbonne Spot Treatment to any breakout areas if needed. Next, I use Smashbox Photo Finish Blemish Control. 
2. I have dark circles under my eyes, so I just picked up Fake Up Concealer by Benefit. This hydrates the areas under your eye with the clear ring around the concealer (you can see what I mean in the picture above). The moisturizer has vitamin E in it, so it really helps hydrate those dark circles. After concealer, I finish with Jane Iredale foundation.
3. I love a hot pink blush. Lancome's Cosmo Pink is my favorite. 
4. L'Oreal Paris' black liquid eyeliner. I could never find an eyeliner that stayed on my lid without creating a crease on my eyelid. I finally found one!
5. On my bottom lash lines, I use this Almay eggplant colored liner to bring out the blue/green in my eyes.
6. This High Impact Volumizing Mascara by Clinique is my absolute favorite. It does in one layer what most mascaras would take 3 coats to accomplish!
7. In the summer I use a peachy colored lipstick and in the fall, I like to go a bit more "berry".  This one is "talk flirty" by Benefit.

The last thing that has been SO essential in my skin clearing up, and possibly the #1 reason why it has, is getting a facial once a month. I go get a facial at my dermatologist and my insurance covers it. If you struggle with acne, I'd check into this with your dermatologist! I get a soap peel {like microderm}, steam and a mask. It helps keep away the unwanted breakouts AND leaves my skin glowing for weeks. So, tell me: what are your favorite products and have you ever struggled with skin issues?! {please tell me I'm not the only one!}

Happy Monday!
xoxo

PS. THANK YOU for all the birthday wishes!!! You all are TOO sweet.