Thanksgiving is coming up, the Christmas tree is finally up. Of course, I would randomly decide to start a series on my highlights of the week. I’m going to include different things, including skincare, beauty, and books. I wanted a way to remember what I’m currently working on and my thoughts on various products while I’m actually using them.
Skincare Highlights
My skin is finally in a better place now. I’m afraid to really add anything else because it seems like my routine right now has been perfect for healing my skin barrier. Skin barrier repair has definitely been a big focus for the month of December.
I love trying out a variety of skincare products, which can essentially be problematic at times. Products can be a hit or miss especially when it comes to products that are exfoliating. I know I should patch test, but I normally don’t. I highly recommend not being like me by the way!
Fresh Beauty Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum
The hype is real. This serum is on the pricier side, so I was wary to try it. I kept hearing great reviews on Instagram, but this serum scared me. I didn’t want to fall in love with it and end up having to repurchase it over and over again. Because like I said, the Tea Elixir is definitely pricier than most.
The Fresh Beauty Tea Elixir is formulated to decrease signs of aging, smooth wrinkles, and improve the bounce. The ingredients include APT Technology, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ceramides.
APT stands for Adaptive Phytocompound Tea. I’m not exactly sure what proprietary formulation this entails but whatever it is just works for me.
I started using it when my face was stressed out and unhappy. I was willing to do anything. I needed to try this and I am definitely happy that I did. I definitely believe that it helped heal my skin barrier more than anything else.
I cannot recommend this enough! Maybe get a tester first, because the Tea Elixir is definitely pricey. Maybe there will be a couple sales during black friday and cyber week, so this might be the best time to pick it up. Or better yet, put it on your holiday wish list.
Just don’t blame me if you also fall in love. I had to tell you!
Available at Sephora and Fresh Beauty.
PS. If you’re seeing this during Black Friday or Cyber Week timeframe, it’s actually 50% off at Fresh Beauty!
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Essence Toner
On to a more affordable favorite of the week! I’ve been loving using the SKIN1004 Essence Toner after I use my Beekman1802 Milk Shake mist. If you haven’t tried it before, the texture is definitely a watery consistency. Super lightweight.
The Essence Toner was formulated specifically to heal the skin barrier and to aid in calming the skin. It is moisturizing in a way that still allows for layering with other serums and creams.
Although I didn’t really use watery toners previously, I cannot stop using it at this point. Maybe I just think that it helps, but my skin just feels better when I use it, so I’ll continue to use it.
Available on Amazon.
Osea Undaria Collagen Body Lotion
If you love milky toners and moisturizers, then you’ll love the Osea Undaria Collagen Body Lotion. I love this body lotion. It’s almost like putting on the Rhode Glazing Milk all over your body. IYKYK.
I shared this body lotion with my kids and I kinda wish that I didn’t because I should have kept it all to myself. It’s just so perfect. It just absorbs into the skin so beautifully. I definitely need another one of these as soon as possible.
And not to worry, even though it is super lightweight, it is still moisturizing enough that I don’t feel like I’m drying out throughout the day at all.
I don’t have a lot left of this and I’m so sad, but I’m happy that I got the chance to try it out. This might just be my favorite body lotion of the year. And I don’t even talk about body care all that much.
Available at OSEA and Ulta. 10% off OSEA.com with REALSKIN10
SkinFix Barrier+ Triple-Lipid Peptide Cream
I used the SkinFix Barrier+ cream when my skin was going through it. I don’t really remember what prompted me to try this out but I’m happy that I did. It’s such a great moisturizer.
Barrier+ is a little thicker than some moisturizers. It is exactly what I needed though. Although it has a thicker consistency, it isn’t too heavy once applied. The only other moisturizer that I loved this much is Farmacy’s Honey Halo.
I will say that I love the packaging on this better than Farmacy’s Honey Halo. I say that for practicality purposes. It has a pump that dispenses just the right amount of products without the need for a spatula, which I need when using Honey Halo. On the other hand, Honey Halo is more aesthetically pleasing.
Book Highlights
I’m still on my reading journey and I’m so happy about it. Proud of myself for actually keeping it up and hopefully I’ll keep on this journey.
One by One by Freida McFadden
Summary: A husband and wife go on vacation with their friends but it doesn’t go well. The GPS stopped working. The car stopped working. The group is forced to rely on a map to find their lodging, but despite it only being miles away, they aren’t able to find it as easy as they were supposed to.
I just have to say that I love Frieda McFadden books. One by One also did not disappoint. I’ve read so many of her books and despite watching so many thrillers and reading so many of these types of books, I can still get surprised when it’s Freida McFadden.
Also something to note, a lot of Freida McFadden books are on Kindle Unlimited or Prime Reading. I’m obsessed with the ability to read these books on there.
Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
Summary: A mother goes back in time unexpectedly to attempt to right a wrong. In present time, she sees her son murder a man. The morning after, she unknowingly goes back in time. The time jumps are varied and the days seem to be pivotal life moments. She doesn’t know if her actions change anything or if anything really matters.
I don’t typically read books that involve time travel. When I read the summary the first time, I wasn’t so sure. I ended up reading it because it was one of Reese’s Book Club picks. She hasn’t disappointed me yet, so I definitely had to at least give it a try. I was so happy that I did.
I related so much with being a mother and wanting to fix things. The little nuances that happen on the daily that we can forget. Time spent doing work instead of spending time with kids. Overall, it was a beautifully written story. I have to read more from Gillian McAllister.
What my mother and I don’t talk about Edited by Michele Filgate
Summary: A collection of essays from authors from different backgrounds talking about their mothers and their families. Heartbreaking, sometimes funny, beautiful.
I loved this book. I loved this book so much that I wrote a whole blog post about it. I think that if you’re in a healing journey, this is definitely the book for you. If you have a not-so-perfect relationship with your mother, father, parental figure, then this book is for you.
Final Thoughts
It hasn’t been the best week for my mental health, but at least i know that I still have my skincare and my books. Hoping you’re better than me!
