Skincare

I can’t resist trying new cleansers! They are my absolute favorite category of skincare and I love a variety of textures. I have four new formulas in today’s post that I have been using and wanted to share my thoughts on. A few were major loves and others were just likes. Have you tried any of these and if so, what did you think?!

1. Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Balm – I’m already a huge Elemis fan and especially for their Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm which is one of my all time favorite formulas, so I was VERY excited to test this new cleanser. The texture is creamy is formulated with natural AHAs to help brighten and give the skin a deep cleanse. It removes makeup easily and leaves the skin feeling so hydrated and soft. For those that are cleansing balm lovers or Elemis lovers, this is a must have cleanser that won’t disappoint!

2. Wishful Clean Genie Makeup Removing Balm – While I LOVE cleansing balms, this was only a “like” for me. The texture is actually different from most others I’ve tried. It is still quite creamy but thin and has a ton of slip to it. It did remove most my makeup though I had a bit of mascara still left that I had to take off with an eyemakeup remover. After rinsing it off, my face still felt like it had some residue so a washcloth is necessary to use with this. It was nice but nothing special to be honest. The Elemis Superfood Cleansing Balm was 100x better and more effective in my opinion.

3. Shani Darden Cleansing Serum – I’ve been intrigued by Shani Darden products for awhile now and this is the first thing from her line I have tested. The texture is like a thick serum that turns into a light foam when water is added. It is designed to help remove makeup and impurities without stripping the skin or drying it out. I really liked this though it wasn’t my favorite out of the bunch. It did remove makeup but not as effectively as some of my other cleansers. In fact, my Summer Fridays Amino Gel Cleanser has a similar texture and does a phenomenal job at removing makeup. The Cleansing Serum did leave my skin feeling nice and fresh but wasn’t special enough to really wow me.

4. Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Creamy Jelly Cleanser – The name of this cleanser is absolutely perfect – it is a jelly cloud! It’s creamy and feels so smooth and silky on the skin. I prefer to use this as a second cleanse or morning cleanse because it didn’t remove all my makeup as effectively as my cleansing balms. However, I still love it because my skin feels so supple and super hydrated afterwards! This one is a definite must try!

I have been testing out the NuFACE Trinity device over the past month and am so excited to share my review in today’s post. While I love beauty and skincare, I don’t have any devices that really wowed me until now. I like using my Gua Sha stone from time to time, but I have seen such fantastic results with the NuFACE that I find myself reaching for it more. As I have heard time and time again, this device really works IF you are willing to use it consistently. The results are hardly visible if you use it once in awhile, but really significant is you are committed to using it at least 5-6x/week.

I was a bit worried that it would be very time consuming which would discourage me from using but it’s actually so easy and quick to use! I have the Trinity device but there is also a mini version that is a little less expensive. The NuFACE uses microcurrent to help firm, tone and sculpt the face. Microcurrent stimulates the face sending gentle waves down to the facial muscles and by energizing these muscles it gives the face a more lifted appearance.

I wanted to give a before and after look so I took the above picture one night after using it on the right side of my face. You can see that side looks less puffy, more sculpted, lifted and slimmer. And the results will continue with regular use. Here are a few FAQs that you guys have sent me over the past few weeks which I thought I would answer in today’s post:

1. Can you feel the microcurrent going through the skin? Does it hurt? I can’t feel the microcurrent unless I go over a place on my face that doesn’t have any primer on it. The primer helps to conduct the microcurrent so without it, you will feel a tiny shock/zap. It’s not painful but it just reminds you to apply some primer on that area.

2. Where do you use it in your routine? I use it after I have cleansed and toned but before I apply any serums or moisturizers. You must use it on cleansed skin.

3. Do you have to use the primer gel with it? The short answer is yes. You must apply the primer in order to help the device conduct the microcurrent. I usually apply it on the area of the face that I’m working on. You can simply rub it in afterwards and continue with your skincare routine once you’re done using the device, but I prefer to wipe it off. NuFACE obviously suggests their primer as the only product to use to help conduct the current, but a few of you that have the device have recommended this mask by Peter Thomas Roth as another option. I have not tried it yet but thought I would mention it.

4. How long before you began to see results? I saw results after the first time using it! It really helps to immediately lift the area and sculpt the face. It’s amazing!

5. Is it easy to use? Yes, super easy to use! Once you turn it on, you can choose the intensity that you prefer and then begin using. It will beep when it’s time to move to another part of the face.

6. How exactly do you use it on the face? What movements or motions do you do? To be honest, I really didn’t know so I went on their Instagram to see if there were tutorials. HOLY COW! There are a million tutorials and educational videos on their social media channels and site. For me, I run it along my jawline, along my cheekbone and lift my brow with it. You want to always move it in an upwards and outwards motion to lift the face. I will use it in on my Instagram insta-stories and then save it to a highlight so you can reference it going forward. I would also encourage you to follow them on Instagram because they are always sharing tutorials!

I was really unsure if the NuFACE device would live up to the hype but I am a total believer now! It’s definitely worth the splurge if you are going to commit to using regularly. There are also a ton of sales, promotions and bundles happening regularly so you can often find it discounted. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is coming up and the Trinity device is on sale (and there is also a bundle available) so it’s the perfect time to splurge if you have been considering it.