The Search Continues | Perfect Cleanser

As I continue to search for a more reasonably priced replacement for my most beloved cleanser, a Sephora associate at the store in the Shops at Northbridge (who was awesome, but whose name I have forgotten, sorry!) helped me discover the Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Melting Cleanser.

First, how awesome is it that it comes in a tube?! In my wayward youth, I thought pots of skincare just looked so much cooler, but as I continue to educate myself about skincare, I've come to appreciate the importance of keeping things hygienic. Frankly, that's much easier when you can just squeeze out of a tube instead of sticking your dirty fingers in a pot.

On to the cleanser itself! According to Sephora's website, this "combines both alguronic acid, a patented antiaging breakthrough, and microalgae oil, a new source of nourishing oil, to visibly replensish and smooth skin." Phew! There's definitely a bit of a learning curve here. Less is more, if you use too much it won't "melt" properly and it'll kind of feel like you're tugging the thick gel around your skin. After it melts into an oil, wetting your fingertips and continuing to massage your skin turns it into a milky emulsion that feels very refreshing. I then use a warm washcloth to remove it from my face for some gentle exfoliation and to make sure there's absolutely no residue left. The biggest complaint I've read online is that it leaves a weird film on the skin, but if you just give the washcloth a go, you won't run into that at all.

I use this in the evening as my second cleanser and really take my time with it. I've definitely seen an improvement in the overall texture and hydration of my skin, so I'm super pleased with it! Though I can't really speak to it's anti-aging ability since I'm 26. The only negative I can think of is that it smells a bit odd, but it doesn't linger at all.

Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Melting Cleanser is available at Sephora for $38.

My Morning Skincare Routine

Mornings are hard, this we all know. One of the most difficult things can be sacrificing those few extra minutes in bed to give your face the attention it deserves. However, developing a consistent morning skincare routine has actually given my a much better outlook on the morning, as it gives me the time to slowly wake up and prepare to join the world.

Step one is cleansing. Since you're really good at this whole beauty thing and you took all your makeup off before you went to bed, you don't have to double cleanse in the morning. Right now, I'm just using Lush's Ultrabland. I massage it into my face and then wipe it all off with a warm washcloth. Next up begins the hydration. If you like, you could use an exfoliating toner here, but I usually just skip right to my hydrating toner, Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic. I am addicted to the smell of this, and I definitely notice a difference when I take a break and experiment with different products.

Next, you've got to pay some attention to those eyes. I'm currently testing Hylamide SubQ Eyes, which caught my eye at CVS the other day. The jury is still out, all I can say for now is that it's lightweight and doesn't interfere with my concealer, which is what I wanted. While that's being absorbed, I apply three drops of Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ all over my face and neck. I've spoken about my love for Trilogy Rosehip Oil before, and after I finish this sample size, that's what I'll be returning to, as I don't feel the souped-up version is significantly different, even though the price certainly is. Then I get dressed to give that time to sink in and finish up with Boscia Sake Balm, which I picked up at the same time as the Algenist Gel Cleanser I mentioned last week. I can't lie, I am absolutely addicted to this stuff. The texture is so light and it sinks in super fast, which prevents that weird slimy feeling you can get when you go out in the summer and start getting a little sweaty.

I know it sounds like a lot, but since I implemented a more aggressive skincare routine, I've noticed fewer blemishes, an improvement in the texture of my skin, and a more even skin tone overall. Obviously it's important to find what works for you, but proper cleansing and hydrating have gone a long way for me.