Morning Skin Care Routine:

My morning facial routine has to be quick and easy, but refreshing for my skin. When I was pregnant with A, I had gotten very bad pregnancy acne and it caused a lot of scarring. I thought I would never get rid of it, but over time, after trying a variety of products, I feel like I have finally found my solution. I thought I would share my morning and evening skin care routine, as well as my staple makeup products for my face that either cover or help my scarring.

When I wake up, the first thing I do is wash my face with the Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser.

 This cleanser "is formulated with a unique blend of caffeine, lemon and papaya and cleanses to help brighten the appearance of your skin while releasing an invigorating fruit fragrance that awakens your senses. Skin appears instantly refreshed and leaves you ready to face the day."

I really, really like this facial cleanser. I was originally using the orange version of this, and I like it. A friend of mine uses this one, but hadn't tried the orange one. She recommended this one, so I decided to give it a try to compare the two.  It only makes sense that this one would be even better  because of the lemon in it. It definitely stood up to my expectations! I have seen amazing results, and I have been using it for just over a month.

Next, I put on a toner. Right now, I am using the Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Balancing Toner.

This toner is used "to rebalance skin tone and moisture levels. Our pore perfecting combination of Aloe, Cucumuber and Papaya Extracts purifies and hydrates while targeting areas of hyperpigmentation. Plant-derived Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and cell energizer, helps eliminate free radical damage caused by daily sun exposure to help fight visible signs of photo-aging."

I use this toner during the summer because it has an SPF in it. Not only that, it helps with hyperpigmentation. Also has lemon extracts, which is a great source for skin discoloration and scarring. I love the way it makes my skin feel ( and smell ). It was one of those products that I really didn't set high expectations for because I had not heard of it before, but it actually is a great product for me. 

After I apply the toner, I put on my moisturizer. I have had a hard time finding a moisturizer for me because I have oily and sensitive skin. I have to have something that is oil free and not too thick. When I lived in Louisiana and Texas, I really enjoyed the Mary Kay moisturizer for oily/combination skin. Once I got to England, it always broke me out. Then I started using the Proactive Oil Free Moisturizer, and I still use it occasionally, but it definitely wasn't my favorite. About 2 months ago, I discovered the Simple Skin Experts products. I really enjoy their facial cleanser wipes, so I thought I would give their moisturizer a try. It is the perfect consistency for me. It is the Simple Skincare Replenishing Rich Moisturizer. 

Lastly, I use a firming eye cream. I'm not 100% sold on this one, so I will be trying more.

This ends my morning skincare routine. I am on the hunt for a pore minimizer. Any suggestions or recommendations?

First Impression: Neutrogena Wave

So recently while I was shopping at the commissary, I noticed that they had this gadget like thing that was for cleaning your face. It is the Neutrogena Wave. I didn't buy it immediately because I assumed it was one of those things that look cool and interesting but are actually a complete waste of money. I have only tried it once, so I have no idea yet. But I thought it would be fun to do a fist impressions of it. These types are popular among beauty gurus, and I didn't find any legit reviews of the product. So I thought I would write my first impressions and after a month or so I could come back for a full review of the product.

Here's the product:

When I first saw this product, I immediately wondered if it was a cheaper version to the Clarisonic Mia. I know many people rave over that, but I can't help but wonder if they only do it for the incentives that come with promoting the product and using their discount codes to buy it. After some research, I learned that they are two totally different products. They can't be compared to at all. The Clarisonic offers way, way, way more than this $8 product, which should not be surprising when you see the price of the Clarisonic. 

I bought the Neutrogena Wave (NW) the other day. I have been on a buying new products when I see them in fear of me not being able to get my hands on them later. This should not be a surprise as the military always sells stuff then stops and you are left without it. If you really want to give it a try, then you get it while you can without second guessing the next opportunity. Bottom Line... I bought it. For $8. 

It comes with a $2.00 off refill coupon as well as 2 weeks supply of the foaming pads that attach to its head. It takes a AA battery, which is also included. 

I finally decided to give it a go last night. I figured the best time to use it was at night. Maybe I am wrong? I used it. The vibrating was something new to me, and honestly it was a bit weird. But I got use to it quickly. I began massaging my face in a circular motion that it suggests doing. I did my whole face. After doing my first cheek, I felt a tingle and burning sensation. At first it worried me. I wondered if my face was turning red. But it didn't. My face definitely felt clean and soft like it claims. I could actually see clearly where my oily areas are, which I think is a good thing because that means it is cleaning pretty deep. I just don't know if it is pulling too much oil. After all, we do need some oils to keep a healthy glow in our skin. I made sure to moisturize afterwards. 

I woke up feeling great. I felt like my skin actually felt really good. I was impressed. I definitely admit that I enjoyed it. I; however, am scared to use it every night because I do have sensitive skin. I worry that it may pull too much from my skin and cause me to get dry, to break out, and damage my skin. 

I have known too many people in my life who cleaned their face so much to try and get rid of acne that they actually caused more problems. I do not want to be that person. With that said, I will probably use it every other night for now. Then I will do a full review on the product and see how things change over time. 

Have you tried it? Have you heard of it? I saw that it won some award back in 2007 or 2009. This is the first I have heard of it or seen it. 

Remember, I am on vacation until August 25, so all post are scheduled until then.