oily skin |

As I’m sure I’ve talked about before, I’ve struggled with acne and oily skin since I was a kid. I was (and still kind of am) extremely self conscious about it. It has recently gotten worse the past few months, and I’m currently trying to find a skin care routine that works for me. Once I find one, I’ll be sure to share it with you.

I have started using 4 face masks that seem to help out a bit when I have flare ups. I tested out A LOT of masks until I finally found my favorite ones. I use a face mask 2-3 times a week, and which one I use depends on what is happening with my face. Here is a breakdown of them and when I tend to use each one:

1. Pacifica Super Green Detox Kale & Charcoal Facial Mask
I usually use this mask when I have a break out happening, especially large cysts.

This is a natural fiber sheet mask that you leave on your face for about 20 minutes, then remove it and rub the remaining ingredients into your face. No need to rinse, and that is my favorite thing about it!

The main ingredients include kale, charcoal, cilantro, and green tea. These active ingredients help clear up clogged pores and blemish prone skin. This is my favorite face mask out of the other ones. I can notice a HUGE difference in my acne after using it. My face isn’t as red, and my blemishes aren’t as swollen or inflamed.

2. L’Oreal Paris Pure Clay Mask – Purify & Mattify
I tend to use this mask when my face it between break outs, or when my face feels extra oily. Sometimes I’ll even just put this on my “T zone” and not my whole face.

This is a clay mask that contains 3 pure clays and eucalyptus. It helps remove impurities, dirt, makeup, and excess oils that are built up on your face that tend to clog pores.

My face always feels a whole lot cleaner after using it, and I can notice a difference in how much oil my face produces the next day.

3. Derma-E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask
I use this mask when I feel a break out coming on, or my face is extremely dry from using acne medication (I’m currently using the original Proactiv system, and I’m about to try out the adapalene gel. I also currently use my own serum I created, which I will talk about in a future post!).

This is a mask and exfoliant in one that contains activated charcoal. It purges pores of deeply rooted toxins, then exfoliates away micro pollutants. I have been using this face mask the longest. As I mentioned before, I use a face mask 2-3 times a week, but I also exfoliate 1-2 times a week. I count this as a face mask AND exfoliant.

After using this mask, my face is soft, smooth, and the dry skin patches are gone. I also notice that my blemishes are smaller, and it prevents new ones from forming.

4. Formula.10.0.06 Be Berry Clear Illuminating Peel Mask
This face mask is the most fun for me. I use it when I feel a break out coming on.

After applying the mask generously on your face, let it set for about 20 minutes, then peel it off your face. It doesn’t get super hard (kinda gel like) and does not hurt while peeling off. It won’t pull out your hair, but can get kinda gummy in it, so make sure to avoid your eyebrows and hair line. I really enjoy the process of peeling it off, especially if I can get it to peel off in large pieces (I know, I’m a weirdo, haha!).

This mask contains raspberry and acai. It minimizes pores, calms flare-ups, and smooths skin.

If I had to pick just one face mask to use, it would definitely be the Pacifica sheet mask. I wish they came in large packs, but for now I just stock up on them when I head to Target. They are around $3.99 a piece, but totally worth it.

What are your favorite face masks? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Valerie

YSL

James& Katie

If you have been following my blog for awhile, you know that I always complain how oily/acne prone my skin is. In today’s post, I’m sharing with you 5 foundations that are perfect for those of you with oily and/or acne prone skin. I have tried SO many different foundations, and so far these are the clear winners! These are for all price points, from drugstore to Sephora, so you won’t have a hard time finding one that fits your budget! Coming up next month I will be having a blog post sharing all of my favorite skincare products for oily skin as well, so stay tuned for that! Now, onto the foundations.

YSL All Hours Foundation: This is the foundation I’m currently using. Influenster sent me this to try out, and I actually fell in love. I don’t always love the products they send me, which is why you don’t see a lot of them on the blog. I only share products I actually love and think you would love as well. This is a long lasting full coverage foundation. I put this foundation on in the morning (5:00 am, to be exact) and it lasts me all day. it never creases or gets cakey. By 2:30 pm my T-zone is a little oily, but it’s nothing that blotter sheets can’t take care of. This foundation is perfect for fall/winter makeup looks, but if you are looking for a light summer one, I wouldn’t pick this (see #3 for a light summer foundation). 😉
L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation: This is also a full coverage foundation, but a tad bit lighter. It’s a great dup to the YSL foundation if it’s out of your price range. This one really is long lasting, and I usually need makeup remover to take it off! Just soap and water doesn’t cut it, haha!
Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream: This BB cream is light coverage, and perfect for summer. When it’s extremely hot and humid outside, the last thing you want to put on your acne prone skin is a heavy foundation (hello, breakouts!). This has enough coverage to hide acne and scars, but light enough for your skin to breath. This also is a matte BB cream, so it keeps your face from looking oily throughout the day.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation: This is a full coverage foundation that I always wear during the winter. It hides all my scars and large pores. It doesn’t crease or get cakey throughout the day. I have also never had an issue with this foundation breaking me out, which a heavy foundation usually does for me. You also can’t beat the $7.99 price tag!
ELF Cosmetics Acne Fighting Foundation: This one is more of a foundation for my acne prone ladies. It provides a great coverage while also fighting acne when you wear it. It helps a tiny bit with oily skin, but I would recommend getting the other ones if that’s your main issue. It’s also only $6!

What’s your favorite foundation? Let me know in the comments. As always, thanks for reading!

Valerie

YSL All Hours Foundation received complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Styled Muse possible!