I should start off by saying, I am not an expert in this field.

A few short years ago, I was literally using bar soap or whatever was in the shower to wash my face. I’m cringing at my history as we speak. Every now and again I would pick up something dedicated to faces from a pharmacy, like St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Don’t even ask about moisturizer – I can’t remember ever using anything regularly.

I’ve been a no-fuss gal for my entire life, partly because I’ve been very lucky with my skin. No phase of acne, or anything…nothing. So, when I decided to see facialist Mamie McDonald 7 years ago – I expected nothing but an A+ on my skin’s record. I was dead wrong. Mamie basically read my face for filth. She told me my skin was severely dehydrated and that I needed to keep up with a solid regimen.

I was floored, but I can take that kind of criticism. It made me only want to get my skin right and get it tight. I researched all the brands out there and I was definitely interested in buying products that were low in chemicals, paraben free, etc. I stumbled upon Dermalogica which was affordable, fragrance free and free of synthetics. Time went on and I became more committed to my skin care regimen. I started to mix up my system, incorporating products from companies like IS Clinincal which were not only focused on cleansing – but, also focused on preventing pre-mature aging.

As the years have gone, I’ve continued on my path of healthy eating which has led me to eat Raw at least once a day. I’ve also become more aware of the sickening levels of chemicals in everyday products, thanks to CosmeticDatabase.Com. You really need to check it. It’s a database that can tell you how the products you use rate on a scale of 1-10, from the least toxic to the most. For example, take a mainstream Baby Lotion that almost everyone has grown up with and continue to use on their children because it’s a household name that you trust. See what rating it gets…

They even break down each ingredient and explain how each one has an adverse effect. It’s super thorough and scary sometimes.

Trust me, when I found out that the certain lipstick I loved was chemical-laden, I didn’t want to let go of my favorites, but eventually I couldn’t lie to myself anymore. Also, the least chemical-free products will surprise you sometimes. It’s not always something expensive. For instance, the saline solution that rates a 0 on the scale is CVS brand and that’s the one I use! I’m no expert, but there has to be some truth to this. We wonder why we and the ones we love are stricken with disease and while some are genetic and some may be unexplained, we should at least avoid bad products to lessen our odds of getting sick. Right?

Anyways, after trashing all the products that were bad for me I became interested in skincare that was the same. I found a “raw facialist” via Google, which led me to my current facialist who also involves Reiki – Monica Watters at Sacred Touch. She is a like-minded woman who is educated in non-invasive anti-aging techniques and is also a certified Reiki Master, Reflexologist, Raw Food Chef, Crystal Therapist, Bach Flower Practitioner and Certified Vinyasa Flow Yoga Teacher. She put me on to most of the current products I use; Luzern and  Dr. Alkaitis which I absolutely love.

For those of you interested in what my skincare regimen, here it is. This is not a paid post, most of my long-time readers probably know that already. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten paid to blog (*rubs chin and looks upwards wondering how to make that happen). Like I said, I’m no expert, this is just what I currently do for my face.

++++++++++

STEP 1: FACIAL CLEANSER

Dr. Alkaitis Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser – $65.00

Application: Morning & Night

Dr. Alkaitis is a brand with a tagline of “Holistic Organic Skin Food”, which sounds perfect when you think about. If skin is the body’s largest organ (eeek I feel gross whenever I remember that) then it would make sense that whatever you put on it should be edible by the human mouth. I now live and obsess by that very thought, if you can’t eat what you put on your skin then you shouldn’t put it on your skin. It’s also “100% organically grown, raw skin food for all skin types. Gender neutral. Chemical free. Cruelty free. No GMO’s.” It’s also been featured in magazines like Vogue , Harper’s Bazaar and is popular among famous beautiful faces like Karolina Kurkova and Gisele Bundchen.

What’s great about Dr. Alkaitis is that you can try their products in trial size for a fraction of the cost of their full sized products. I absolutely love that feature and the prices range from $3.50 to $8.00. Don’t you just hate when you buy a product to try it out and you hate it?! I sure do. Anyways, the samples are how I fell in love with the Dr. Alkaitis Brand. I highly recommend you try it!

++++++++++

STEP 2 – TONER

Luzern Labs Vita-o2 Glacial Toner – $38.00

Application: Morning & Night, after Cleansing/before Serum. Spray evenly across face and neck.

I also use Luzern Labs from Switzerland, which is pricier depending on the product – but also involves a scientific approach. “Amidst the pristine beauty of the Swiss Alps, a new concept in luxury skin care is born. One designed to enhance the health and beauty of the skin, from the inside out. Our state of the art pharmaceutical-grade ingredients contain ultra-high levels of peptides, antioxidants and polyphenols, and are processed pure and free from skin damaging additives. From wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and loss of elasticity, Luzern Labs takes skin care to new levels of efficacy, without synthetics, preservatives or chemicals.”

++++++++++

STEP 3 – SERUM

Luzern Labs Serum Absolut Rehydrate – $85.00

Application: Morning & Night, after Toner/before Moisturizer. 2 Pumps into palm of hand, pat into face and neck.

Serums are absolutely necessary. They help your skin to absorb your moisturizer helps to create a dewy look. This serum is full of Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5 + Bio-Lipid Moisture Enhancing Complex. ”This lightweight serum absorbs instantly and leaves skin dewy soft and youngerlooking. Hyaluronic Acid increases skin’s moisture. Vitamin B5 penetrates skin cells to add moisture and a desirable plumping effect. Lipids restore the barrier function of the epidermis to improve long-termhydration andprotect skin from irritants. Excellent for all skin types: Dry and rough skin feels hydrated, softer and healthy all day. Combination and oily skin gets deep, long-lasting moisture without feeling oily.

++++++++++

STEP 4 – EYE SERUM

Be Natural Organics Eye Repair Night Serum – $17.60

Application: Morning & Night, after Toner/before Moisturizer. 1 Pump into palm of hand and applied along orbital bone

I found Be Natural Organics from CosmeticDatabase.Com when I was looking for beauty products ranging in the 0 rating. They are incredible and affordable. This eye serum is a must! There are no functioning oil glands under the eye, which leaves little to no moisture around them – so we must moisturize that area, unless you’d like pre-mature crow’s feet sprouting up!

++++++++++

STEP 5 – MOISTURIZER

Luzern Labs Force De Vie Creme Intensive – $155.00

Application: Morning & Night. Applied by dipping 1 q-tip in jar, so not to contaminate product. Dab on face and rub in upwards motion.

I swear by this moisturizer Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Creme Intensive. I must warn you – retails for $155 (I know, it’s expensive!), but it’s become a necessity in my life! My face always feels plumper and softer after applying it, not sticky or heavy.

OTHER NATURAL THINGS I’VE USED IN THE PAST: Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Coconut Oil.

++++++++++

Check out MICHELLE PHAN, beauty blogger’s, video on how to layer your products. Not only is she great at her beauty tutorials, her videos are well-made and her skin is lovely! I watched this one and now I try and apply my products as she does!

I hope this helps anyone who was curious out there. If you have a great skincare regimen, please share!

Especially if it’s a family secret or a natural/homemade concoction. I love those!

xo, va$htie.

PS: Boys need to take care of their skin too! #justsaying