The 5 Best Drugstore Charcoal Skin Care Products You Have to Try!

I'd heard about charcoal skin care products eons ago though has never tried them before.  It wasn't until I visited a friend's house and saw a charcoal cleanser by her sink that I knew it was something I must use.  For those that might not know, charcoal, when used on skin, is a natural detox.  It removes impurities from your skin leaving it clean, smooth and tight!

I immediately went to the store and picked up my first one.  That was a few months ago.  Since then, I have found the 5 best charcoal skin care products!

Yes to Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap - This soap is fabulous.  If you experience any body breakouts OR want a quick solution to washing your face, this is the soap for you.  It's nice and cheap and lasts for a long while.

Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask - Literally the best $5 I ever spent.  I use this on my arms, neck, face, shoulders and everywhere else that needs some love.  It's super moisturizing and smells delicious.

Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser - I like this cleanser because it tingles on my skin. Once removed, though, my skin is clean and refreshed.  I will say that it might not be best for sensitive skin though.

Garnier Clean + Blackhead Eliminating Scrub - This scrub is amazeballs!  Honestly, it actually does what it says.  After using this scrub, your pores seem smaller and your skin is just so smooth.

Coalface Cleanser from LUSH - I am beyond obsessed with hard soap as cleansers lately.  Since being pregnant, my skin has ranged from amazing to terrible so I've been going back to basics as much as possible.  I love this soap because it lasts forever, works amazingly well and literally clears up all blemishes.  It's a dream come true!

Have you tried any of these products before?  What were your thoughts?  Which one do you most want to try?

    

My Road to BB Cream

Check out my glowing skin?  Yes, I am sitting at my desk at work

I've heard the term "BB Cream" for a couple of years now.

I've heard it mentioned in magazines, books and even seen it featured on commercials yet I never gave it a passing thought because, until recently, I've always been a foundation/concealer/powder kind-of girl.  Yes, these three products have always been an integral part of my morning makeup routine.  In fact, these three products together create the "Christina" my family and friends have come to know and love.  However, a few months ago, something changed.

Two months ago I decided to start wearing less makeup.  And since wearing less makeup, my skin looks fantastic.  Since my skin looks fantastic, I go without makeup sometimes.  (It's been an amazing circle of events, actually.)  I decided to start wearing less makeup because I knew I wouldn't be able to carry my normal makeup routine while backpacking nor wear it in 42 degree temperatures without my face melting off.  So, the hunt for an all-in-one product overtook my life.

After searching high and low for a few weeks, listening to friend's reviews, and reading other blog posts, I discovered two of my "can't-live-without" products AND am finally able to go without foundation, concealer and powder.  My two favorite BB Creams are Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew BB Cream and Marcelle BB Cream Anti-Aging SPF 20.

Why two you ask?  I bought both with the intention of wearing them separately.  However, since I am so pastey pale, I began blending the two together (as one was a bit dark for me) and love the way they both feel on my skin.  I get the sunscreen and anti-aging properties of the Marcelle BB Cream and the texture and glow of the Garnier brand.  (I do, still use a bit of concealer should I have a blemish BUT no more powder for this gal!) 

Sometimes, you just want to post a picture that makes you feel good!

After what seems like such a long road, I finally understand the "less-is-more" phrase.  Not only is my skin in better condition than it ever has before but I am beginning to see makeup in a whole different light.  Plus, my back will definitely be thanking me in the months to come.  (No heavy backpack for this gal...) 

It's safe to say that I will never be a 3 product girl again!

What is your favorite BB Cream ladies?  What made you try a BB Cream out?

 

Guest Post: Garnier BB Cream Review

Photo courtesy of www.garnier.com

 I am so lucky to have such fantastic friends WHO also appreciate skin care and cosmetics.  My best pal, Bronwen, is in love with a new product and can't wait to share....without further adieu, here she is. 

Hello ladies!

I don't know about you but I'm a sucker when it comes to seeing things in ads and wanting to try them out.  When I saw the ads for Garnier's BB Cream I knew I had to try it.  You see I'm relatively new to the makeup front. I know... weird, right?  So since I knew this was basically a tinted moisturizer, I figured I couldn't really go wrong.

I should clarify that my morning routine, in my mind, needs to be really quick. I work extremely early in the morning (I have to be at work at 6:30am!!) so quick and easy solutions are what I gravitate towards, since I like to sleep as long as possible. This BB Cream works great for me as I can basically slap it on, throw on some mascara and lip gloss and be good to go (WOW, this makes my routine sound violent.  I assure you it's not). I've been blessed with pretty nice and clear skin that really only requires some evening out. This works great for me!  It really does even out my complexion and moisturizes all at the same time.

What really drew me to the product, and this may be a little weird, was the smell.  I don't know about you but if something smells off or has a really potent odor, I just won't use it.  Needless to say, I really like this product and I think it will stay in my arsenal for a while!  (Please excuse the horrible photos, I just got back from the gym and, good grief, my hair is a mess!)

Thanks again, Bronwen, for such a fantastic review.  After all you've been raving about it, I know I have to try it.  Have any of you ladies tried this before?  What are your thoughts?

 

Drugstore Shampoo Failure: Garnier Fructis Color Shield

If you couldn't quite tell from said haircut below, I have extremely thick hair. 

I am told, consistently, how "amazing thick hair is" and "how many fabulous hair styles you can do with thick hair."  Though that may be true, I have wanted nothing other than thinner, easier to manage hair.  Yes, I love that I don't ever have to use thickening creams or volumizing products and can go for three (even four) days without having to wash it BUT this is where the convenience ends.  I use a handful of shampoo/conditioner every time I wash my hair, it takes ages to fully blow dry and a straightener will only straighten my locks if it's on the hottest setting.  This means, you guessed it, that my hair is unbelievably over-processed and dry.  Hence my need for a great shampoo/conditioner.

Unfortunately, Garnier Fructis Color Shield was not it.

Pros:

Smells just like strawberry yogurt

Price is phenomenal at $5.99 per 750 mL

Prevents color from fading

Cons:

Shampoo doesn't lather well 

Shampoo doesn't fully clean the hair

Conditioner doesn't do anything, at all

Hair looks lackluster after use

Conditioner on the left and Shampoo on the right

Booo...I had such high hopes for this shampoo.  Not only was the price phenomenal but I adored the strawberry yogurt smell.  Trust me though, my friends, when I say to steer clear of this shampoo; try not to be sucked in with the fantastic pricing.  I should have saved the $12 spent on these items and purchased something from the L'Oreal EverPure product line instead.

**PS - I should probably mention that my hair stylist, Alicja, who cut my hair into a really cute bob nearly died when I told her the type of shampoo I was using.  She said that my hair was so dry because of it and ended up giving me a ton of salon shampoo/conditioner samples to take home.  Thanks lady!**

The 5 Best Toners For Under $20

During my strange bought of dry skin a few months ago, I stopped using toner/astringent.  For some reason, I thought by axing toner, my skin would all of a sudden become normal again.  But, I was wrong.  As soon as I incorporated a sensitive skin toner AND a new moisturizer, my skin was like new again.  Which, of course, got me thinking...What makes for an effective toner?

L to R: Garnier, Dickinson's, Nivea, Burt's Bees and Clinique

For those that are new to the term "toner", it refers to a lotion, wash or liquid designed to cleanse the skin of impurities and reduce the appearance of pores.  They can be applied many different ways (from a cotton pad to a spray bottle and even through a face wash) but the effect is all the same: noticeably clean feeling and radiant skin.  Here are my top 5 toners that cost under $20.

#1 Nivea Visage Gentle Toner for Dry to Sensitive Skin - $8

I bought this on a whim one day because I'd never tried anything by Nivea and thought I should.  I was instantly drawn in by the scent, which is advertised as Almond & Calendula Oil but smells like roses to me.  (I should probably mention that any toner with rose is PERFECT for sensitive skin.)  I've been using a dime size amount both in the morning and at night for the past three weeks and my skin feels exceptionally supple.

Pros:

The small price tag

Available at any drugstore

The smell is divine

Completely alcohol-free

Reduces pore size

Minimizes fine lines

The squeeze container is very sanitary

Cons:

Bottle could be bigger

Not best for oily skin

#2 Burt's Bees Rosewater and Glycerin Toner - $15

This was my go-to toner for years and years.  I adore the smell (which, of course, has roses...ha) and it leaves my skin soft, reduces the appearance of blemishes and makes my skin glow.  Plus, Burt's Bees carries a pretty hefty 99.98% natural tag that strikes a major chord with me.  It's such a nice feeling when you know exactly what you're putting on your skin.

Pros:

Paraben-free

99.98% natural ingredients

Beautiful rose smell

Perfect for sensitive skin

Doesn't dry out your skin

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and blemishes

Cons:

Absolutely nothing!

#3 Dickinson's Pore Perfecting Toner 100% Natural - $6

So, I debated about having this as my #2 but, in the end, smell won!  I should mention that this one does not smell good, at all, but man does it ever work.  Because this product is made with 100% natural witch hazel (a flowering plant) it is absolutely perfect for people with acne or blemishes.  With Hazel actually refines pores, removes and controls oil, soothes irritation and lock in skin's natural moisture.  For all acne sufferers, this will become your go-to product.

Pros:

Great for all skin types

Soothes irritation

Reduces pore size

Actually does control oil throughout the day

Will not dry out your skin

Completely 100% natural

Paraben free

Cons:

The smell is not very nice at all

#4 Clinique's Clarifying Lotion 2 - $15

Yes, this was my tried and true toner for a loooonnng time.  Did it help that my mom was a Clinque rep (probably) and that she always had gallons around the house (absolutely).  But, there's a reason that the 3-Step System still remains on the top; it's because it works.  They reformulated the toners and they are much less abrassive now which is very nice for those people with sensitive skin.  The toner itself leaves skin feeling tingly, removes flakiness and refines pores to make your skin look oh-so clear.

Pros:

Trusted brand

Dermatologist recommended

One for every skin type

Leaves skin feeling tingly and clean

Reduces pore size

Curbs redness

Cons:

Can sometimes be a bit abrassive for extremely sensitive skin

Smells a bit alcohol-y

5.  Garnier Skin Naturals Fresh Vitamin-Enriched Toner - $11

I sometimes feel like I'm out of the loop when it comes to certain products.  Like, when did Garnier release a natural skin care line? Anyway, since I hadn't seen it before, I knew I had to get it.  This toner has a fantastic fresh scent, almost rivaling the Nivea one BUT this one is made with grapes instead.  This product brightens your complexion, rinses away dead skin and leaves skin extremely soft to the touch.

Pros:

Very inexpensive

Fantastic smell 

Works to brighten dull skin tones

Leaves skin very smooth 

Removes impurities 

Tightens pores

Cons:

Doesn't reduce redness

How's that for a great list!  I adore toners.  I honestly use them twice a day and have incorporated them into my skin care regime for many years.  Not only do they make your skin feel amazingly soft and supple but they give you skin that much needed moisture after cleansing.  If you haven't started using a toner, I highly recommend that you do.  Plus, how can you go wrong if they're under $20?

XO Christina