As the season’s begin to shift, our skin seems to change along with the weather conditions. When you’re a teenager, simply washing your face with soap and water does the trick just fine once you add a little bit of your mother’s beloved Oil of Olay moisturizer. In this post, I wanted to focus on the two main brands that I have been using for the past year or so, both of which were quite a financial splurge but well worth it.

In my late teens, early twenties, I religiously used Benefit and Lancome but my usage was usually limited to a morning routine, sometimes failing to wash my face after a night out of drinking. In my mid to late 20’s, six days a week of 90-hour work days and constant use of makeup brought a change to my skin. It was then that I began experimenting with different skincare lines and products in an attempt to protect my skin before it was able to catch up with the long stressful hours of a busy law firm.

I don’t use all of these products every day; I use the ones that best suit my skin on that particular day. What works for me in the winter, will turn my skin into a greasy mess; and what works for me in the warmer months, would leave my skin dry and very unhappy in the colder months. Listen to your skin. Try different products for different problems.

Now I'm not anti-drugstore skincare, but I have personally had better results with higher-end cosmetics. There are definitely some products that I love from the drug store (Simple cleansing cloths, hello) but for the most part, I am a firm believer of investing into your skin.

Algenist was an absolute Godsend for my skin last year and I recommend the entire line for just about anyone, depending what your concern or focus is. I've mentioned them before, recently reviewed their Bi-Phase Peel. I've been religiously using Algenist products for the last year and a half.

Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream is my favorite moisturizer. Period. It combines Alguronic Acid and Microalgae Oil to minimize the appearance of fine lines and delivers are more-toned appearance to your skin.

Firming & Lifting Neck Cream is once again using Alguronic Acid with a protein and peptide complex that visibly tightens and lifts skin, leaving your skin smoother and even looks repaired after just a couple of uses.

For eye cream, I have been loving their Firming & Lifting Eye Gel which is formulated with Alguronic Acid + ProPeptide3 to visibly firm, tighten and lift the delicate skin around the eyes. I really feel like it hydrates the skin around my eyes, which can sometimes feel extremely dry.

As for their Concentrated Reconstructing Serum, I may not be their target customer since I don’t really have deep wrinkles but somehow my skin has looked more youthful since incorporating this once a day (usually at night).

*You can buy the Concentrated Reconstructing Serum, Complete Eye Renewal Balm and the Firming & Lifting Cream in a gift set if you’d like to try it out without purchasing full-sized products.

I don’t have a major problem with crepey skin, but I have noticed it a little bit over the past few years. I have been using Crepe Erase to try and halt any further progression.

Caudalie is one of the newer lines I’ve added to my regimen, which has been quite costly but ultimately a good investment. Caudalie is another power house from France using the power of vino and other natural ingredients.

I was first introduced to Caudalie with their Beauty Elixir, which smooths away fine lines, gives your complexion an instant boost of radiance and tightens your pores. It’s truly a multi-purpose product; use it as a toner, to freshen up your skin throughout the day (after a long haul flight or a hot, humid day) or to set your makeup. If you're only going to buy one Caudalie product, try this.

For years I’ve been using a soy-based cleanser from Fresh, which I still love, but when my skin is having a sensitive moment, I’ve since began using Gentle Cleansing Milk. It removes makeup, and soothes your skin while removing impurities. Apply it in the morning and evening, and you can either leave it on or rinse it off.

As far as masks go, Caudalie has three that are worth a space in your beauty cabinet. Instant Detox Mask does everything it is advertised to do. It draws out toxins, tightens pores, and basically acts as rehab for stressed-out skin. Glycolic Peel Mask is one of my tricks when my skin needs an immediate burst of life and radiance. If you’re looking for a mask to brighten, lighten and even your skin tone, this mask is the answer. The Purifying Mask was suggested to me a few weeks ago while my skin was having a temperamental moment. If you have a breakout or two, this mask can be used as a spot treatment or apply it all over for a complete complexion pick-me-up. I like using all three masks at once to create the ultimate mask.

Vinexpert Night Infusion Cream is a miracle worker. In the morning, I wake up with my skin looking plumped up, refreshed and radiant.

Vinoperfect Radiance Serum corrects dark spots, brightens your complexion. Since implementing this product into my every day skincare routine, my skin has had an even tone, no new dark spots have developed and quickly heals any acne marks. On the weekend, or makeup free days, I’ll simply apply this beneath my sunscreen or tinted moisturizer and call it a day.

At first, the hefty price tag turned me off of this product but once I was sent home from Sephora with a sample of this moisturizer, I knew I had to buy it. Premier Cru La Crème Riche is my go-to product when my skin is dry and needs a pick me up in the winter. Be warned, if you do not have dry skin, your skin will become incredibly oily. This product contains three of their signature patents: Resveratrol to lift and firm, Viniferine to correct dark spots and brighten, and anti-oxidant rich grape-seed Polyphenols.

Other products worth mentioning: Kate Somerville, Ole Henriksen

Clarisonic Mia 2 Deep Pore Detoxifying Solution System Kit

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