When I was 29 I had a hormonal skin crisis. My chin and jawline started breaking out and not healing and no matter what I did or tried – nothing worked. I saw a dermatologist who told me frankly that not much would work – it was simply a phase of time. She sent me away with samples of Cetaphil and told me to come back in a few months if it worsened.
UM….o.k.
Hello 36! (See below a make-up free shot of me complete with scarring, blemishes, and dark spots!)
Everything is a hormonal crisis these days. I’ve given birth and nursed two healthy babies in a span of 4 years which has taken it’s toll on my body, skin, and hair. Seriously – there is a reason why people don’t tell you everything that happens to you when you have kids; NO ONE WOULD EVER HAVE THEM. You name it; I’ve had it. Loss of bladder control (I have to cross my legs when I sneeze or I will definitely pee); loss of hair (I had serious bald spots at my temples that I thought would never grow back in after my second child); loss of boobs (I swear when I tell you that my kids sucked the life out of me – they took it right from the boob!); hemorrhoids (yep, I’ll say it out loud); stretch marks (not too many, but I have my fair share at my outer hips); and crazy skin issues (acne, melasma, and scarring).
There isn’t too much I can do about most of it, because the way I see it – I’m getting older everyday and I just want to be healthy and enjoy my life. I can’t afford surgery at this time, so I focus on what I can control.
This post is on SKIN CARE. What is my regime? What works for me? And what are my favorite products?
For starters – take a skin care evaluation. There are many out there, but this one is simple and straightforward. I am considered a NORMAL – to – DRY. (One of the few times in my life I can be labeled as NORMAL). Hahaha.
I have a daytime regime and a nighttime regime and will include some things that you may want to pick up during the Sephora sale (starting Thursday 8/30/18 for Beauty Insiders!)
Daytime: 
- First, apply Normal to Dry 3-in-1 cleanser ($30) in a dime-sized amount to Clarisonic Mia Brush ($90) and gently massage facial brush onto face in small circles, at an even pace. Do so for 1.5-2 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and again with cool. Pat dry with clean towel.
- Apply one pump of Multi-Vitamin Brightening Treatment ($75) to dark spots (I have a pesky sunspot on my left cheek that is lessening over time – thank goodness!).
- Apply 2 pumps of Normal to Dry Daytime Moisturizer ($50) in circular motion all over face and neck.
- Apply a dime sized amount of Eye Cream ($50) to undereye area, going up to the temple region.
- Allow product to dry for about two minutes before going ahead with my make up routine.
Nighttime:
- Apply almond size amount of Beautycounter’s Cleansing Balm ($80) in a circular motion all over face and eyes, taking off all make-up. Massage into skin for approximately 1 minute.
- While doing so, heat up a Norwex body cleansing cloth with warm water.
- Ring out body cloth of excess water and place onto face for 30-60 seconds. Wipe product off face gently.
- Rinse with cool water.
- Apply one pump of Multi-Vitamin Brightening Treatment to dark spots and on any areas that may be experiencing break-outs or dark patches. (normally, chin/jawline)
- Apply one pump of Anti-Wrinkle Treatment ($65) to fine lines in forehead.
- Spray 2 pumps of activated Climate Control ($60) (basically this is the FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH product) to palms of hands and press into the skin all over the face and neck.
- Apply a dime sized amount of Nangai Oil ($50) to palms and massage all over face and neck.
- Apply a dime sized amount of Evening Normal to Dry moisturizer ($50) all over face and neck.
- Apply a dime sized amount of Eye Cream to undereye to temple.
- (For an extra treat, I do a layer of the Senegence Collagen Night Pak Gel ($85)to around my eyes and mouth every other night.)
- Apply Lip Balm ($20) liberally on lips.
You may read this and go “I don’t have TIME to do this every single night.”
Well, Lazy Pants, in all it takes less than 5 minutes and it’s well worth it when my skin is inflamed or showing serious signs of age or sun damage.
If I had to limit my Nighttime routine to the bare minimums – I would do the Cleansing Balm, the Climate Control, the Evening Moisturizer , and Eye Cream. But I love the fact that at night when my skin cells are replenishing they are getting the hydration that they need to turn over at an accelerated rate. I wasn’t a freak about my skin until I turned 30 when suddenly it became very clear that all the tanning I had done in my 20’s was going to catch up to me VERY QUICKLY.
As a Senegence distributor, I have access to samples for the Senegence product line and am more than happy to send some your way if you would like – just send me an email! As for Beautycounter and Norwex, I have great friends I am happy to refer you to (if you need one).
Now for the Sephora recommendations:
Clarisonic Mia 1 Cleansing System ($129) 
I’ve had mine for three years now and regularly replace the brush heads and it works so well. It’s gentle and consistent.
Caudalie Beauty Elixer ($49)
I may or may not have stocked up on this item when Bryan took me to Paris two years ago. It is AMAZING. It smells like a spa and instantly brightens your entire face upon misting it. Perfect for a mid-day refresh!
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift and Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches ($75)
I haven’t ever used these, but they are on every single blogger/influencer/beauty vloggers list of things they travel with! I may have to try them out this sale time around!
That’s all I came up with for the Sephora skin care sale, but to match it – I will personally offer 15% OFF any Senegence Skin Care through 9/3/18! WAHOOOO!!!!
If you have any questions about my regime or any of the products I recommend, please send me an email! I look forward to seeing everyone with their glowy skin! And don’t forget my picks for updating your beauty routine HERE!
xoxo, Brandi’
