Lilac & Ivy

As I’m sure you’re aware, I’ve been on the hunt for a new facial cleanser. I want it to be as safe for the environment as possible and I want it to work! I have oily skin that tends to get irritated easily and in the harsh winter cold can become dried out. Well ladies and gentlemen, drum roll please… I have found a winner. I’m not kidding. I know I can jump around with products but I am in love. Literally in love with these three products.
Checks and Balances leaves my skin clean and refreshed. There is no tightness and it controls oil for hours. I use it day and night and have noticed a considerable difference in the shine factor.
Purifying Tonic is the perfect compliment to Checks and Balances. The dullness that has plagued my skin is slowly disappearing, as are the blackheads. My skin is refreshed after I use this and truly looks and feels clean. There isn’t any tightness like with usual tonics (aka astringents) and I love that it gets the last remaining makeup and gunk off.
Modern Friction has made my skin so soft. I use it twice a week and can see an immediate change. My blackheads are disappearing and my pores appear smaller. My skin is soft and looks and feels reenergized. It doesn’t irritate like some scrubs with sand have been known to. I absolutely love this.

With all three of these products I use a very minimal amount. The size of a pea for the cleanser, one dousing of the tonic on a cotton ball and the size of a dime on the scrub. I anticipate each of these to last well over six months, thus I’m okay with the cost. And did I mention, each of these products are tested on people not animals, is made exclusively with plants and essential oils not chemicals and the tonic is even organic? I have nothing to complain about!
Images: Origins

One thing I’m religious about is putting sunscreen on my face. I’m a product junkie so you can trust me when I say I’ve tried tons of different sunscreens.

Last year when I was at the dermatologist having some melasma looked at, she recommended Elta MD Oil-Free Sunscreen since I have, well, oily skin. And you know, this stuff is amazing! It’s light, fragrance-free and doesn’t leave any film on my face. It’s also safe for sensitive skin. If you’re on the hunt for sunscreen I definitely recommend Elta MD. They have a full line including products for older skin, acne prone, sport, water proof and body lotion.

Elta MD is pretty much only available through dermatologist offices, however, I have found a few places that carry it online, including Amazon. Prices are consistent everywhere, but don’t be turned off with the price. It’s so worth it.