Olay Retinol24 4 Week Trial - RESULTS

This blog post is sponsored by Olay.

Okay friends, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for…

If you follow me on Instagram (which most of you do), you know I have been testing out Olay’s Retinol24 collection over the last 4 weeks to see what the hype is all about. Spoiler alert, this trial is NOT the last time I will be using these products.

The last time I tried retinol products, my skin got extremely irritated. It would turn beet red and start peeling by the morning. It made me feel like I was doing much more harm to my skin than good.

However, I understand the importance of using retinol, especially while I am young for preventative purposes. Retinol is a powerhouse skincare ingredient that targets fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production in the skin. Our skin naturally produces collagen, but it produces less and less as we age. The more collagen we have, the bouncier, tighter, and more radiant our skin is.

Upon doing research before I started this 4-week trial, I discovered that Olay says that 96% of users who have tried these products experienced virtually no irritation. Now THAT is a statistic I was really excited to test as someone who suffered from sensitivity to retinol in the past.

I can now confirm that Olay’s Retinol24 Collection did not irritate my skin in the slightest. In fact, it soothed my skin and kept my skin perfectly hydrated throughout the night.

My absolute FAVORITE product from the collection is the Retinol24 Night Moisturizer. I am a sucker for a really rich, hydrating moisturizer and this one really did it for me. I woke up each morning with perfectly plump and glowing skin.

I also LOVE that these products are fragrance-free. My skin can be pretty sensitive when it comes to harsh ingredients and fragrances but my experience using these products was quite flawless.

The other really fantastic part of these products is price point. Retinol products can be extremely pricey but Olay makes retinol skincare accessible for everyone. You can find these products at your local drug store.

If you are in the market for retinol skincare products that won’t irritate your skin or break the bank, be sure to pick up Olay Retinol24 Collection at your local drugstore or snag them online here! These products most definitely passed the test.

Keeping My Pearly Whites Pearly White

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of ARC. The opinions and text are all mine.

I have always been crazy about taking care of my teeth, especially after suffering an injury that pretty much knocked out my two front teeth - but that’s a story for another day. For a long time after my injury, I was very self-conscious about my smile and I felt like everyone could tell that my two front teeth had been through the ringer. Taking great care of my teeth and keeping them pearly white was what gave me the confidence to keep smiling.

When it comes to whitening my teeth, I feel like I’ve tried it all. I had professional whitening by my dentist, used whitening toothpastes, and tried whitening strips. These options are either way too expensive, not effective, or have harmed my teeth and/or gums.

I recently got introduced to ARC Blue Light Teeth Whitening and I am really freaking excited about it. You can pick your kit up at Target for just $45 which includes the blue light and 14 treatments (strips for top and bottom teeth). The best part is the strips are made with the same enamel safe whitening ingredient dentists use. You get professional teeth whitening quality for a way lower price in the comfort of your own home.

Since I got my kit last week, I have been using it once a day for 30 minutes. It was really easy to incorporate into my routine because I can multitask while it’s working its magic on my teeth! I either use it in the mornings while I am working on my eye makeup or in the evenings when I’m catching up on The Bachelorette. I noticed a difference in 3 days!

One of the other things I really liked about these strips is that they don’t slide around. Once you put them on your teeth, they really do stay in place. This is important to me because I have gotten so annoyed with other whitening strips that constantly need adjusting.

The ARC Blue Light Teeth Whitening Kit is available now at Target! This is one of my new essentials to be red carpet ready at all times.

Please let me know if you have any questions about using the product in the comments! I am happy to share more about my experience using ARC!

xoxo,

Liv

How To Care For Your Skin After a Night of Drinking

A little party never killed nobody... but a little party can definitely mess with your skin.

There are some Saturday mornings where I wake up like:

I know you all know the feeling.

 Alcohol really dehydrates your body which is one of the main causes of hangovers. But have you ever noticed that your skin can be hungover too?

 I know my skin is hungover when I wake up with dry, dull skin and sometimes new blemishes too. How nice.

 I have a two favorite skincare treatments that I am going to share with you that I always do the morning after a night out.

My favorite hydrating face mask is the Moisturizing Moon Mask by Glossier ($22).

This face mask feels like my skin is taking those first few gulps of cold water at 4am. It's an intensely hydrating face mask perfect for all skin types that will instantly plump your skin up with hydration, smooth out fine lines, and brighten your skin. It's the ultimate cure for a skin hangover and you can buy it here.

Sometimes I feel the need to double-up on my masking and do a detox mask too. Alcohol just makes me feel gross and like I need to start over. Anyone else?

The Body Shop's Japanese Matcha Tea Mask ($21) is the perfect pollution-clearing mask to help me start fresh.

It deeply purifies skin and gently exfoliates to remove build-up of city pollutants and everyday impurities. This mask feels tingly and cold when I have it on which I love. It really feels like it's working and my skin always feels so fresh once I wash it off. You can purchase this mask here for $21. 

If I really am going to double-up on my masking to cure my skin's hangover, I would do the detox mask (Japanese Matcha Tea Mask) first and follow with the hydration mask (Moisturizing Moon Mask).

This is my exact treatment routine to care for my skin after a night out. It works like a charm every time. Happy masking! 

xoxo,

Liv

Shop My Exact Skincare Routine

One question that I get the most in my DM's is "What is your skincare routine???". I have answered this question here and there but I have been experimenting with different products for the last few months. Well I finally have a  solid skincare routine and I can tell you where to get the exact products I use every day. 

1) Cleanse

I like to start my morning by cleansing my face with the Knours. Your Only Cleanser. This cleanser is so gentle yet so effective. It removes all oil, dirt, and imperfections from the skin. Since I started using this product I have noticed my skin is softer, brighter, and just feels super clean.

You can purchase this product here for $25.

2) Tone

This is the one skincare product that I swear by and I absolutely cannot live without. Solution by Glosser is a chemical exfoliator that can transform your skin in 4 weeks. I wish this was around when I was a teenager but I am so grateful to have it in my life now. 

This product is what makes my skin so clear and blemish free (most days).

You can purchase this product here for $24. It's worth 100x its weight in gold. Thank me later.

Then I spray my face with this toner:

 This Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner ($36) smells refreshing and perfectly soothes my skin after exfoliating with the Glossier Solution. It tones and rebalances the skin without dehydrating.

3) Apply serums

This Intensive Hydrating Serum with Green Tea Seed by Innisfree ($20) has been my saving grace this cold Winter. It's easily my favorite smelling skincare product right now but it also feels incredible on my skin. It's insanely hydrating and keeps my skin that way all day, through the cold and all. 

I also have a serum specifically for my under-eyes. 

The Eye Serum by MDNA Skin ($180) is the priciest part of my routine but definitely worth it if you struggle from dark circles and puffiness like I do. MDNA Skin has some of my favorite skincare products I have ever tried (moisturizer coming up next) and this serum is one of them. 

I have tried many different eye creams and serums. Most that I've tried have at least one of these three problems: they irritate my eyes, they don't sit well under my makeup, or they don't layer well with my other skincare products. But this MDNA Eye Serum doesn't create ANY of those problems. 

4) Moisturize

My every day moisturizer is the MDNA Skin Reinvention Cream ($75).

 This moisturizer makes my skin feel and look amazing. It is soothing and incredibly hydrating. This cream is basically magic -- it functions as a toner, serum, moisturizer, and a mask all in one. We love doing the most for our skin! 

You can get this moisturizer here for $75. 

---

And that's it for my skincare routine! I do love a good skin treatment though, and you can check out my favorites here for extra self-care.  I'm always up for a face mask!

 Make sure you subscribe to my blog so you don't miss my next post! 

xoxo,

Liv

Do You Have A Makeup Removal Routine?

Usually I post about applying makeup. Today I am posting about taking makeup OFF.

I have always believed that skincare comes first and makeup comes second. But there is one thing that bridges the two -- makeup remover.

I cringe at my old ways of removing makeup. Some days I would just use a makeup remover pad and that's it. Other days I would wash my face with a full face of makeup on and I considered that removing my makeup. Why didn't anyone stop me?! Middle school/high school me was a little clueless. (If you feel personally attacked right now… please keep reading. I’m here to help you take the best care of your skin!)

 I have found a combination of products that I love to use to remove my makeup. I love having clean skin, and my makeup removal routine has played a MASSIVE role in clearing my skin.

1) Remove eye and lip makeup with Elemis White Flowers Eye & Lip Make-Up Remover ($34)

I use a cotton ball to wipe away my eye and lip makeup, and this remover takes it off with ease. It is extremely gentle but gets EVERYTHING off your eyes and lips --I'm talking waterproof mascara, liquid eyeliner, the most matte liquid lipstick in your makeup collection. Everything.

2) Dissolve and clear away the day's grime with Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm ($64)

 I scoop some of this cleaning balm into my hand and smooth it over my face and neck. It dissolves makeup, daily grime, and pollutants while treating your skin to promote collagen production. I wipe off the balm with a warm, damp cleansing cloth. It smells absolutely incredible (just like roses) and I look forward to using it in the evenings. 

And as an added pro-tip. . . you can apply a layer of this cleansing balm to clean, dry skin as a collagen face mask. So good.

3) Wash face with Chuda Everyday Exfoliating Cleanser ($35)

This is my current face-wash (I just started using it for a two-week testing period but have a feeing it’s gonna stay for a while). I love it because it is a gentle daily exfoliator which preps your skin for the rest of your skincare routine.

When I wash my face with this Chuda face wash, my skin feels incredibly soft and I know it’s prepared to absorb the rest of my serums and moisturizer as much as possible.

Current Makeup Favorites

I am constantly asked about my favorite makeup products. Here is a handy list of my favorites with direct links to purchase. It's makeup shopping made easy!

Foundation:

Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation ($49)

This is my #1 all-time favorite foundation. It's lightweight, long-lasting, full-coverage, and non-drying. It's the perfect foundation for any occasion. The shade range is pretty inclusive, too. 

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Hydrating Foundation ($36)

For a lighter option, the Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation is amazing. This is a light to medium coverage foundation with a natural finish. I have been loving wearing this foundation while the weather is cold because it's hydrating and keeps my skin from drying out. 

Concealer:

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer ($27)

This concealer is a staple for anyone's makeup collection and I'm sure most of you already have it. Am I right? 

I have been using Shape Tape concealer for years and it's one of the best full-coverage concealers on the market. 

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30)

This concealer is the sister-product of the NARS foundation I listed above. It's a creamy, radiant concealer that will make your dark circles *poof* disappear.

Brow Pencils:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer ($20, originally $23)

Anastasia Beverly Hills is known for her brow products for a reason... they're literally the best. 

I have been using this brow pencil since eyebrows became so trendy and it's so easy to use, super creamy, and precise. 

Trèstique Brow Pencil ($24)

If you like brow pencils AND brow gel, this is the perfect product for you. It's a 2-in-1 brow pencil so you have everything you need to sculpt perfect brows in one stick.

Eyeshadow:

Urban Decay Born To Run Palette ($42, originally $49)

This palette has something for everyone. It has shades for everyday wear, bold colors for a fun look, and smokey options too. I use this palette almost daily! 

Smashbox L.A. Cover Shot Eyeshadow Palette ($45)

This palette is relatively new in my makeup collection and I am loving it! It has the right shades for so many different looks - you can go natural, bold, full glam, or cool-toned. We love a versatile palette.

Bronzer/Contour:

Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Bronzer Coconut Perfect Tan ($49)

Not only does this bronzer smell like coconuts, but it also gives a very natural bronzed look as if you just walked off the beach. 

TrèStiQue Color + Contour Mini Bronzer Stick ($10)

My favorite cream contour stick. This product is buildable and so easy to blend out into an effortlessly contoured look. 

 You can use the brush on the other side of the contour stick to blend or sometimes I use a damp beauty blender to blend. 

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Face Sculpt & Highlight ($68)

 This is one of the best sculpting bronzers for a beautifully chiseled look. I use this bronzer when I am going out for a night on the town, dates, or for photoshoots. 

Blush:

Nars Heartbreaker Cheek Palette ($42)

 A beautiful selection of NARS blushes all in one place. This is a limited edition palette and definitely one to grab before it's gone! 

Dior Rouge Blush ($38, originally $44)

 One of the best long lasting, vibrant powder blushes I have ever tried. I love that it smells like roses and creates a radiant look.

Highlight:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Sun Dipped Glow Kit ($40)

 I wear the shade "Summer" from this palette practically every day. These highlights are buildable, so you can keep adding to create a blinding highlight, or apply a small amount for everyday wear. 

Mascara:

NARS Climax Mascara ($24)

 If you are into dramatic lashes, this is the mascara for you. Hands down. 

 I don't have long lashes but this mascara gives me a false lash effect immediately. I usually wear this mascara for a night out.

Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Volume 2 Mascara ($32)

 This mascara never fails me. It doesn't clump, flake, or dry out. I use this mascara for everyday wear.

Lipstick:

Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick in shade 306 Carmin Escarpin ($37)

 Behold, the best red lipstick to ever exist.

But really though... this is the red lipstick you all have been seeing me wear so much lately. Creating a red lipstick formula that doesn't crack or dry out your lips is extremely difficult but Givenchy nailed that shit.

This red lipstick is beyond comfortable to wear, doesn't stain your lips, but is still long-lasting.

Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip in shade Juicy Date ($26)

This is my go-to lip lately. My signature lip color is a warm-toned pinkish nude… and this hits the nail on the head. It has the look of a satin lipstick with the comfort of a lip balm. I am living for it lately.

---

 Did I miss something you were looking for? Feel free to ask me any other makeup questions in the comments below! 

 xoxo,

Liv

The Exact Products That Repaired My Hair

I have always hated having dry hair with brittle split ends... so I did something about it. 

 For whatever reason, I used to not believe that hair products could actually prevent damage or repair hair. I had tried products here and there but was never consistent with it.

Over the last few weeks, I have been trying to spend as much time caring for my hair as I spend on my skin. There are a handful of products that I have been testing that I KNOW are working. Read on to see the products that have made my hair healthier than it's ever been, even after going more than 6 months without a haircut.

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER:

 Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo ($24)

Color safe, sulfate free, phosphate free, and paraben free. I love it because it gives me a deep clean and doesn't strip my hair. And not to mention, has one of my absolute favorite fragrances in the world.

Moroccanoil(R) Moisture Repair Conditioner ($25)

My favorite conditioner. Leaves my hair silky smooth without weighing it down.

AFTER SHOWER:

 It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In ($17)

I spray this leave-in product into my towel-dried hair. It smells amazing and is one of my secrets to shiny, healthy hair.

Moroccanoil Treatment ($44)

I am obsessed with the smell of Moroccanoil products and this treatment is a great hair oil to lock hydration in. I apply this to my towel-dried hair concentrating on the ends and sometimes, I even apply a little of this to my hair when it's dry and already styled for extra shine and hydration.

FOR STYLING:

Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Thermal Protection Spray ($30)

I spray this on damp hair before blowdrying and styling. It's hard to tell how well this product actually works but it's one of those things you might as well just use for the sake of trying to protect your hair. 

OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray ($12 or $26 depending on size)

This is a great hairspray that can be used to add texture to your hair while holding it in place. This is a must-use when I curl my hair.

HAIR TREATMENTS:

 At least once a week, I try to do a hair mask to give my hair the special treatment it needs to stay silky, healthy, and hydrated. Here are some of my favorites:

It's A 10 Silk Express Miracle Silk Hair Mask ($37)

Kerastase Masque Magistral Hair Mask ($53)

Tips and Tricks To Achieve The Perfect Halloween Makeup Look

Halloween is just around the corner and I am letting you in on lots of my makeup secrets to help you perfect your spooky look. 

Read on for easy tips on how to achieve different looks.

1) How to apply rhinestones and glitter to your face:

If you are planning on dressing up as an alien, raver, unicorn, mermaid, or anything else that calls for rhinestones... make sure you apply them to your face so that they last all night but also don't harm your skin.

Any time I have ever put rhinestones on my face, I have used eyelash glue. Eyelash glue is good for this because it's made to be used on the most sensitive skin on our faces (eye region), but it is strong enough that the rhinestones don't fall off. 

I like to use a bobby pin to precisely place glue dots onto my face and then place the rhinestones on top of the lash glue.

2) How to apply fake blood:

Two years ago for Halloween, I dressed up like a vampire and had fake blood dripping down one corner of my mouth and splattered on my chest. It was such a fun look to put together! You can buy fake blood almost anywhere this time of year (Walmart, Target, your local party store) but they key is how you apply it.

Sometimes it's good to have a friend help you apply fake blood so it looks as realistic as possible. You don't want it to look streaky and you also don't want it to look too perfect. The best strategy is to get creative and don't be afraid to get a little messy! I always look at Pinterest for Halloween inspiration.

3) How to paint your face with the most precision:

Two things are important here: a great eyeliner and great brushes. 

If you are going for a precise eye look, you need a sharp liquid eyeliner. One of my favorites is Tarte Maneater Liquid Eyeliner ($20).

If you bought face paint or are using eyeshadow to paint your face, you need a good set of brushes to help you achieve the look you want. A lot of face paint kits come with brushes, but let's be real... they're not the best brushes. Especially when you're going all out to create your best Halloween look yet.

A great and affordable set of brushes are BH Cosmetics Brush Set ($24). 

4) How to paint your face with colors you already have:

Eyeshadow can be a lot more versatile than you think!

Have you considered taking a wet brush to apply eyeshadow to your face to paint something? I have seen people do this to create detailed skeleton masks on the face or to create beautiful designs like fish scales if you're dressing as a mermaid, for example.

You can also mix eyeshadow with a clear lipgloss to create a new lip color. 

---

Let me know if you have any tips or tricks for special effects makeup! Halloween is such a fun time to get creative and I can't wait to see the looks that all of you put together. 

xoxo,

Liv

Chanel N°5 LIMITED EDITION Eau De Parfum

This post is sponsored by Chanel. 

---

The Holiday season is almost here and preparation has already begun! Have you created your wish list? Or have you started shopping for your loved ones yet? I am the kind of person who at least starts planning gifts for my family and friends in October -- and I have the perfect gift idea for you. 

One of the best gifts for a young woman is a Chanel perfume. These fragrances are timeless, gorgeous on your vanity, and will last you for quite a while. If I could recommend one for the Christmas season, it would be the Chanel N°5 LIMITED EDITION Eau De Parfum. 

This limited edition perfume is beyond stunning with its ephemeral red bottle and sophisticated scent. This floral bouquet composed around May Rose and Jasmine features bright citrus top notes. Aldehydes create a unique presence while the smooth touch of Bourbon Vanilla leaves an incredibly sensual trail.  

When I wear this fragrance, I feel empowered and confident. Whether you are adding this to your own wishlist or thinking of buying for someone you love, you can do no wrong! It is a very thoughtful and chic gift perfect for every elegant woman. Exclusively available at CHANEL from now until November 1, 2018. Available online and at select boutiques from November 2, 2018 to December 31, 2018.

Best Face Washed For Your Skincare Needs

I love skin treatments, masks, serums, and moisturizers. But one thing that is so important that I don't talk enough about is a good face wash!

There are so many face washes on the market that target different skincare needs and a good face wash really does set the foundation for the rest of your routine. I have tried TONS of face washes over the years and I have narrowed the list down to my very favorites. Listed ahead are my go-to face washes that I switch up in my routine based on my current skincare needs and environmental factors. Whether you struggle with oily skin, dry skin, or acne prone skin, I have a suggestion for you! 

FOR DRY SKIN:

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Cleanser ($28)

This is by far the most soothing face wash I have tried. It is so gentle yet removes makeup and dirt with ease and locks in moisture all day long. It’s perfect to battle dry skin caused by cold weather but also great for summertime when you are constantly in the sun. You really can’t go wrong with this one.

FOR OILY SKIN: 

Olehenriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser ($25)

After I wash my face with this Oil Control Cleanser, my face feels completely oil-free. It smells minty and feels refreshing and slightly cooling on the skin. This is absolutely 100% my recommendation for anyone battling oily skin.

FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN:

 Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash ($38)

Peter Thomas Roth is one of my favorite skincare brands. This acne clearing wash is perfect for fighting existing acne and preventing future breakouts. I would suggest this face wash to someone who struggles with acne.

OIL-TO-FOAM 2-IN-1 CLEANSER:

Knours Your Only Cleanser ($25)

For the girl who hates double-cleansing. . . this one’s for you.

This cleanser is an oil-to-foam cleanser than eliminates the need to double cleanse. The oil cleanser gently melts away makeup and then turns to foam to rinse everything away. I love this brand because it’s made specifically for women and works with our hormones to give optimal results.

FOR EXFOLIATION:

Chuda Everyday Exfoliating Cleanser ($35)

This is a great cleanser for all skin types. I have appreciated the daily exfoliation more and more lately. I use a real facial scrub 2-3 times a week but this is a gentle exfoliator for everyday use that helps prep your skin for the remainder of your skincare routine.

If you are serious about your skin absorbing everything and getting the maximum benefits out of your serums, I would definitely recommend using a daily exfoliator like this one.

The Summer Skincare Trend That I Can't Let Go Of

If you know me, you know I am skincare OBSESSED. I am always following the latest industry trends and trying them all. Well I must say, the Summer trend revolving around watermelon was one of my favorites ever and one that I can't let go of this Winter.

I love watermelon. It's refreshing, hydrating, and the perfect representation of Summer. Basically, it's like a superfood for your face. Lots of brands are incorporating this juicy treat into their products and I am SO here for it. And just because it's Winter doesn't mean we can't continue to use these amazing products! If you think about it, Fall and Winter might even be the better seasons to use watermelon as a skincare ingredient since most people experience dry skin during this time of year.

Below are my favorite watermelon infused products that are a MUST try. 

Bliss What A Melon Overnight Mask ($16)

I have written about this overnight mask before and I love it so much I am writing about it again. I consider this mask a part of my skincare routine because I use it at least once a week. It smells SO delicious and gives my skin all of the hydration it needs to naturally glow.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer ($39)

This moisturizer feels like a treat on my skin. The smell instantly takes me to a poolside cabana with a glass of fresh watermelon juice in hand. But really, I wish. 

This moisturizer is great for all skin types (including sensitive skin) and really helps boost a natural glow and radiance in the skin.

Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Serum ($36)

 I am clearly a big fan of products that promote luminous, glowing skin. This serum by Milk Makeup fights dryness, wrinkles/fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Another watermelon-inspired product to add to your skincare collection.

WINKY LUX Watermelon Jelly Balm ($14)

This Jelly Balm is the BOMB. Not only is it packed with moisture to hydrate your lips, it also has pH-activated ingredients which makes it a color-changing lip balm to give you the perfect pink lip color. This is a must-have in my collection.

Sephora Collection Watermelon After-Sun Mask ($5)

This is the ideal summer treat for your skin. It's a cooling and hydrating mask that soothes skin after sun exposure - especially if you have a sunburn. This mask has also been proven to prolong 82% of women's tans who have tried it, which is quite the added bonus (Sephora). 

---

Writing this post has me craving watermelon. Let me know if you get around to trying these products and share your favorites with me!

xoxo,

Liv 

The Skincare Treatments that Changed My Skin

For those of you that don't know, I have been on a hell of a skincare journey since I was in middle school. I struggled with acne and never felt confident with my skin. I wore a full face of makeup every single day in high school and college and wanted nothing more than to feel pretty without makeup. 

Over the last 6 months or so, I have been experimenting with different skincare products to figure out what will work for me. I have a stable skincare routine ( which can be found here) but I realized that my skin needed that extra push to get the clarity I wanted. 

What I have discovered through my skincare journey is that face masks are necessary. I have a serious love for face masks and try a new one practically every week. I realized that I can use multiple face masks a week that target different issues. Here is the ultimate list of my favorite face masks that have helped me achieve the skin of my dreams.

When I'm having breakouts and need a detoxifying mask, I use:

Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack ($22)

This is a detoxifying face mask that I love. Especially being around so much pollution in NYC, this treatment gives my skin the deep cleanse it needs. 

The Body Shop Matcha Tea Mask ($28)

This pollution clearing mask has a little bit of a burn which is something I really love about it, oddly enough. It really makes me feel like it's clearing my pores - and it does! 

For an at-home facial feel:

Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask ($48)

This mask does it all - it exfoliates, brightens, and helps with pigmentation issues. It feels like a treatment straight out of the spa.

Elemis Peptide 4 Thousand Flower Face Mask ($45)

This mask is easily one of my new favorite skin treatments. This mask feels like velvet on the skin, has a little tingle, and visible results after a single use. I use it at least once a week.

For hydration:

Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask ($30) 

This face mask perfectly plumps skin with hydration and always makes my skin feel recharged. I love the fresh scent and jelly-like consistency.

Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask ($22)

Also a cure for a skin hangover. ^

To clear out and shrink those pores:

Olehenriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask ($36)

This mask is not only the most beautiful shade of electric blue, but it also instantly shrinks your pores. The treatment truly mimics a "cold plunge" and feels so fresh and cooling on the skin.

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask ($21)

I have had the hardest time finding masks that actually clear my pores but this one... it's the best I have tried for this purpose. I'm not going to tell you that if you use this once, your pores will be clear as day, but it's an incredible start. With consistent use, I think you will be thrilled with the results. 

For brightening:

Farmacy Bright On Massage-Activated Vitamin C Mask ($38)

This mask is a massage-activated vitamin C mask which means as you rub it into your skin, it changes colors, which activates the ingredients that brighten your skin. It goes on incredibly smoothly and instantly brightens.

Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Mask ($15)

Bliss is a great skincare brand and this treatment in particular is very soothing. I feel like a lot of face masks that are made to brighten the skin can feel harsh, but this one is so calming and makes my skin feel and look revitalized.

Overnight masks:

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask ($48)

This mask is certified clean at Sephora and perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or even eczema. I love using this either as an overnight mask, a hydrating mask (in which you don’t have to rinse off) or an under-eye treatment. It really is a do-it-all mask but I love it most as an overnight mask or in-flight mask.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Swiss Glacier Water ($26)

I am convinced Origins has the best-smelling overnight face masks. I get SO excited to use this mask! I wake up with perfectly hydrated skin in the mornings however, you do need to rinse it off in the morning unlike the Jet Lag mask listed above.

---

I will continue to update this post as my mask experimenting continues. But for now, these are my absolute MUST HAVE face masks - each with its unique purpose. 

Let me know if you have any face masks that you can't live without! I would love to add your favorites to my "try" list. 

xoxo,

Liv