I firmly believe in the whole “your age is only a number and it’s more about how old you FEEL” sort of thing. However, it seems as if my skin hasn’t quite gotten that memo.
I mean, don’t get me wrong…I’m not unhappy with my skin. And I’ve always been quite fortunate in that department, since I’ve never really had to deal with any sort of bad acne. Really, the biggest issue I’ve always had has been the dark circles under my eyes and the fact that that skin can get rather dried out on me.
But recently, I’ve noticed that more of my pores have been appearing quite enlarged. Major boooo.
After talking with a few people, I’ve actually decided to start using a new witch hazel toner. I’m pretty sure the last time I used a toner was in junior high, and probably only because it felt “cool” to use something my mom may have been using at the time, or I read about it in Cosmo, or something like that.
As for toners, it’s said that they can tighten skin and are effective at preventing large pores from appearing obvious, so I’m giving it a go with this Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner.
FYI: This post is not sponsored in any way, but it does contain affiliate links.
I’m only about a week and a half into using it daily, so I hesitate to say if I’m really seeing any results just yet. But I will say that there are a couple of things I’m loving so far…
- The PRICE (I picked mine up at Target for less than $5.00!!!)
- It has a low score of 1 on the EWG website
- It’s cooling and refreshing, and I really do feel like it leaves my skin feeling nice and smooth after an application
So I guess we’ll see how things progress as I continue to use it more, but I’ll keep you guys updated!
Oh, and in that same shopping trip mentioned above, I also ended up picking up a bottle of this Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water.
This was another product I’ve recently been hearing some really rave reviews on, so since it was also relatively cheap (less than $4.00!) I figured it was worth a shot.
I’ve also only used this one a handful of times, but here’s what I’ve noticed so far:
- It removes makeup well, but doesn’t seem to remove my mascara as well as my oil-free eye makeup remover does.
- I tried using it as my only cleanser at night, but still felt like there was makeup left behind
- My favorite way to use it so far is to do a quick swipe over of the face to remove most of the makeup, and then follow up with my regular cleanser (followed by the toner, then moisturizer).
For a real blast from the past, THIS OLD POST (from 7 years ago?!?) shares my daily cleanser and moisturizer, although some of the other items listed have changed since then. Maybe I should do an updated post?!?
Do you use either of these products? What are some of your favorite skin care lines/products?
Lauren says
I just recently bought some Garnier Micellar cleansing water and grabbed the formula that removes waterproof mascara. It works pretty well! I’ve been noticing lately that my skin looks a lot better if it’s moisturized, especially around my eyes. Eeek! I’ve been using that product, cerve moisturizer, am/pm formulas, and a cerve eye cream (this is eh, kind of stringy, but I figure I’ll use it until I find something better). In the shower after a workout I’ll use a regular neutragena simply natural (something like that) cleanser.
I have used straight witch hazel in the past, but I’m not sure where it fits in the routine, I find it a bit drying.
Ashleigh says
I really like the Garnier Micellar water! I liked using it after I washed my face with my usual make up removing cleanser. I would swipe my face with the water and it felt more moisturized and thoroughly cleaned. Dry skin is definitely my main issue, and that seemed to help as a base before using a facial oil — which is something I never really considered until I bought one on a whim & LOVE it!
Have a great day!
Christen says
I’ve been using some Aveda products lately that my skin has been loving, but they’re definitely pricey. They have a great liquid exfoliant and I’ve been following it up with a vitamin C treatment (the help treat acne scars/sun spots)
Jennifer Hoffman says
I love micellar water! I cleanse after too, though. I think it’s necessary if you wear makeup. Cliniques cleansing balm is a nice follow up!
Rachel says
I have recently gotten into K beauty aka Korean skin care products and I am blown away by the quality and the affordability. There are K beauty products at Ulta, Sephora and on Amazon and there are also sites like Soko Glam with tons of info on which products are ideal for your skin type. I’m loving the “double cleanse” method (oil cleanser followed by gentle foaming cleanser), using a brightening essence from Missha, using snail mucin from Cosrx (yes snail!!) and a calming cream from Klairs.
Emily W. says
I love the Garnier Micellar cleansing water! I find it helps to hold a cotton pad soaked it in on you eye lashes for a few seconds and then rub seems to help get all the mascara off! If you soak the full cotton pad in the liquid (as apposed to a drop or so) it really helps get it all off. Hope that helps :)
I’ve had my eye on that toner, need to get it my next trip to the states!
Marie says
I’ve got to try out that cleansing water! I tried out the one that was more expensive and do like it but would love to try this one. I’ve been using witch hazel toner but the Thayer Rose Petal kind and love it. I used to use the oil based make-up removes but have been using different oils like Jojoba, Rosehip, or coconut oil to remove makeup and love it so much better. It does the same job but it’s only one ingredient. My skin type has changed so much since having kids so it’s drier now and I’m loving the extra moisturizing effect. Man, if only I was into skincare in my early 20’s! :) Have a great day, Courtney!
Stacey M. says
I would love to see an updated post on your beauty regimen … always interesting to see what works for others. And just because we’re all a little “nosy” ;)
Kelli Rudolph says
I love reading skincare blogs now because I started using Rodan & Fields Redefine regimen with the Active Hydration Serum July 1st and my skin has never looked or felt better. I have suffered from occasional hormonal acne and all the time dryness and Rodan & Fields completely solved that for me. It’s been AMAZING! I was a pretty low maintenance person and simply washed my face once per day before starting this regimen and I will never go back!
Stacey says
To remove eye makeup I use coconut oil – works great!
Shaqueefa says
I use I can’t believe it’s not butter on my face! It leaves my skin slippery and oily. Sometimes my dog wake me up in the mornin licking my face!
Amelia Votapka says
I love that witch hazel!! I actually discovered it while I was pregnant with Caroline. Since then, I have refused to stick any chemicals or crap in me. Love the EWG app!! I use it for everything!
I too have always had an issue with my pores, getting them super clean and still using natural products. Thats why I started using the Beautycounter charcoal cleansing bar and mask about 6 mo ago. Girl, my skin has never been better in my life! So much that I joined the company.
This past month I began using the rejuvenating eye cream and my dark circles and puffy eyes are gone! Love it when I find a clean, safe peoduct that works!
Happy to share as much info as you’d like. I use the complete kids line on Caroline too. The only kids line ive tried that doesnt stink like PU. Haha
Shaqueefa says
PU! Ma-ha-ha! 🤡
Autumn says
Please do an updated beauty routine! I love seeing what other people are using. Aaaaaand…I know everyone seems to love it, but I couldn’t stand the Garnier Micellar Water. I didn’t feel like to actually got my makeup off, including the waterproof Maybelline mascara I use (I did buy the one that said it removed waterproof mascara). Hope you like it, you get a ton of product for a sweet price. I’m about to try some others that a friend recommended, fingers crossed.
Jane says
The importance of daily skin care routines, including practices like Deep clean facial, Deep clean facial cannot be overstated. This technique not only improves the skin’s appearance by stimulating collagen production but also enhances its ability to protect against environmental damage. Regular skin care, as highlighted through easily digestible lists, is crucial for keeping our skin healthy, resilient, and functioning optimally every day.