skincare

  • Best Skincare Gifts for Normal to Dry Skin *Tested*

    Best Skincare Gifts for Normal to Dry Skin *Tested*

    Shopping for skincare products is not easy for everyone as it may seem. Firstly, dozens of skincare products are on the market with promises to correct and address the same concerns. Additionally, our skin goes through routine changes! A change in skin type or texture can present challenges for shopping for the right skincare products to help identify skincare concerns. Tbh, it’s chaotic. There needs to be an effective method in place to navigate all those skincare products on the market! So, we’ve compiled a guide to a few of our favorite skincare products. These products will make the best skincare gifts for the skincare lover in your life!

    (Whether that person is you or someone you may know.)

    Why You Should Trust Us: Reasons Why They’re The Best Skincare Gifts

    So if you’re asking for a friend, we want to tell you why you can trust us about these products. We got you! The reader should note that the skincare products in this guide work best for normal to dry skin types. This news is great for our readers and girlies who do not have many skincare concerns or goals. Secondly, we believe each item on this list is a great product to add to any beginner or expert skincare routine. Lastly, we’ve sorted through the best honest reviews from verified reviewers, we’ve tested these products ourselves, and we’re confident that skincare lovers will find them beneficial!

    DISCLAIMER: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. Above all, if you buy something through one of those links, you will not have to pay a penny more, but I receive a small commission. In other words, it helps keep the lights on. Thanks! 

    Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

    cetaphil moisturing lotion | best skincare gifts

    Let’s begin with the best skin care products that anyone can use daily. Cetaphil is a trusted brand by dermatologists and many consumers. Their body lotions and moisturizers provide hydration and nourishment that lasts all day. The Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is perfect for the face and body of all skin types (normal, dry, and sensitive).

    Price at the time of publishing: $12

    *What Our Reviewers Say: 

    “My skin really likes Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. I usually apply right after I bathe/shower and don’t have to worry about reapplying as I would with [some] other lotions/moisturizers, and I consider this [to be] a pretty ‘clean’ skincare product which is a plus. I trust enough to let my whole family use it for this reason, and I would purchase it again.” – Aspiring D, Influenster Reviewer

    Chapstick Total Hydration with Sea Minerals

    chapstick total hydration with sea minerals

    This 3-in-1 lip balm has a botanical-moisturizing complex to help keep lips moisturized for up to 8 hours. Reviewers found their lips feeling nongreasy, soft, and smooth after using this Chapstick with a triple-action formula. Everyone and anyone who has used Chapstick’s products before knows that their products renew and transform dry lips for a radiant and youthful look.

    Price at the time of publishing: $7

    *What Our Reviewers Say:  

    “I absolutely love this Total Hydration Sea Minerals Moisturizing lip exfoliator, and I use it at night as a moisturizer for my lips. [This] tends to leave my lips soft and hydrated the next morning. I really enjoy this new product.” – Jamie U, Influencer

    CosRx Niacinamide 15 Serum

    cosrx niacinamide serum | best skincare gifts

    Serums are the best gifts for addressing and treating skin care concerns. CosRx’s Niacinamide 15 Serum rapidly treats mild to severe acne breakouts and dark spots. The serum is light and absorbs fast into the skin, and reviewers noticed a change in appearance within 30 days!

    Price at the time of publishing: $25

    *What Our Reviewers Say:  

    “I think this is a good everyday serum! I’m a huge fan of niacinamide in my routine and have been for years, as there are spots on my face that are an oil slick if left to their own devices, and I have massive pores in those areas as well. This serum is definitely in the top five niacinamide serums that I have used. I can really tell a difference in the oil production throughout the day on my skin.” – Shelby M, Skincare Enthusiast, Makeup Junkie

    CosRx Vitamin C 23 Serum

    cosrx vitamin 23 serum

    We believe our readers will no longer be interested in searching for the fountain of youth after using this serum. CosRx’s Vitamin C 23 Serum targets aging, improve skin, and boosts skin radiance. What we love most about the Vitamin C 23 Serum is its 23% pure vitamin c, perfect for reducing wrinkles and enhancing elasticity.

    Price at the time of publishing: $25

    *What Our Reviewers Say:  

    “I [honestly wasn’t too] sure what to think about this product at first. The consistency also [appears] like a lightweight oil at first, so I was nervous about it leaving my combination skin oily. All [of] my concerns were put to rest when I put the product on my face! While [it] has a strong smell in the bottle, once you put it on your face, you don’t notice a thing.

    The formula absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving it looking greasy. After just a few days of using this product, I noticed a big improvement in my skin tone. I have quite a bit of sun damage from years of living in Florida by the beach, and this definitely helped reduce some of the discoloration and fine lines.” – Allyson C., Influenster Reviewer

    Dr. Teal’s Melatonin Shea Sugar Scrub

    dr. teal's melatonin shea sugar scrub | best skincare gifts

    We’re all for total body care, so the decision was easy to include this product in our gift guide. Dr. Teal’s brand has many scrubs, oils, and salts that people use to help relax and heal their bodies. Their brand is one of the popular go-tos for relaxation. Dr. Teal’s Shea Sugar Scrub has vitamins like A and E and essential oils to exfoliate and lock in moisture. Our readers should note that a sugar scrub’s recommended use is 1-2 times weekly to avoid over-exfoliating the skin.

    Price at the time of publishing: $6

    *What Our Reviewers Say:  

    “I recently tried Dr. Teal’s Melatonin Shea Sugar Scrub, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. [The combination of] shea butter and sugar crystals creates a gentle yet effective scrub that leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. The added melatonin is a nice touch, and I appreciate the calming benefits it provides.” – Kira A., Influenster Reviewer

    Dr. Teal’s Sleep Body Lotion

    dr. teal's sleep body lotion

    The third moisturizer to make our list is Dr. Teal’s Sleep Body Lotion. If you’re trying out Dr. Teal’s Melatonin Shea Sugar Scrub (the fourth-best skincare gift in this guide), we recommend pairing the sleep body lotion with it for maximum results. How to use: use the sugar scrub during bathtime. Then, follow up with the sleep body lotion after your bath for additional moisture. Many testers agree that its lightweight formula works to promote better sleeping.

    Price at the time of publishing: $5

    *What Our Reviewers Say:  

    “I came across Dr. Teal’s Sleep Body Lotion at Wal-Mart. Let me tell you this [lotion] is part of my new nightly bath routine. The shea butter smell is not overpowering the essential oil in the lotion. To me, the best part is the melatonin in the lotion. It’s everything you need to relax your body at the end of the night.” – Leesha H., Blogger

    Mele Plump It Up Nourishing Cream

    mele plump it up nourishing cream

    So just like all of the other moisturizers on this list, this melanin-rich nourishing cream is designed for dry skin care. What we love most about the Mele brand is that they make skincare products for women of color. We know firsthand about the lack of skincare products on the market that are inclusive to all skin types and how that makes it even harder to find products that work. Mele’s Plump It Up Nourishing Cream is just one of their products that identifies specific needs such as dryness and uneven skin tone in melanin-rich skin. 

    Price at the time of publishing: $12

    *What Our Reviewers Say:  

    “I was excited to try this brand out since this is Black-owned skincare. It isn’t oily and doesn’t give any scent, and I’d definitely recommend it for those with dry skin.” – Fallon B., Influenster Reviewer

    Philosophy Pore Minimizing Serum

    philosophy pore minimizing serum

    The Purity Pore Minimizing Serum decreases the appearance of pores instantly. If you’re looking for products that show improvement results quickly, we feel you can’t go wrong with this serum + multitasking moisturizer (more on this soon). We noticed a difference in our skin’s appearance, noting fewer blackheads and clogged pores; within 24 hours of using this serum. We gotta love a product that boasts of purity being made simplistic!

    Price at the time of publishing: $39

    *What Our Reviewers Say:  

    “I have been using Philosophy products for almost a decade now. Their products never let me down [and] this [one] has done wonders on my skin. As for pore minimizing, I do notice a slight difference when combining with other actives.” – Chelsea W., Content Creator

    Philosophy Hope In A Jar Moisturizer

    philosophy hope in a jar moisturizer

    READ FULL REVIEW: Starting the New Year With Hope And A Radiant Glow

    We raved about this moisturizer on It’s The Lewk all last year as one of our favorite new products. This product is definitely one of our go-to moisturizers and is used routinely in our skincare regimen. In addition to targeting dehydration, this multitasking moisturizer promotes skin surface cell renewal and boosts radiance. We’ve never experienced a glow like this with any other moisturizer!

    Price at the time of publishing: $42

    *What Our Reviewers Say:  

    “I’m so pleasantly surprised by this product, mostly because I’m super picky when it comes to face creams, but especially when they promise to be the solution to several skin concerns like this one who says it can improve both fine lines and skin texture while also turning dull, dry skin into glowing well-hydrated skin. My expectations were high, and my skepticism even higher. I found myself cutting out several other products because this truly is a multitasking cream.” – Ine L., Influencer

    Rimmel London Wonder Serum

    Rimmel London wonder serum

    READ FULL REVIEW: A Special First Look At Influenster Rimmel London Voxbox

    WATCH YOUTUBE REVIEW: Rimmel London Voxbox Unboxing

    Enjoy longer, fuller, and revitalized lashes when you use Rimmel London’s serum for eyebrows and lashes. Its gentle, nutrient-rich conditioning formula supports lash and eyebrow growth. This serum is perfect for growing eyebrows and eyelashes for a fuller or thicker appearance.

    Price at the time of publishing: $8

    *What Our Reviewers Say:  

    “I was genuinely impressed by the results of this easy-to-use lash/brow serum! I had noticeable results with longer, fuller bare lashes and with mascara after just a few weeks of use. The formula is thicker than other lash serums I’ve tried, but I think that’s actually an advantage because it’s less likely to run into your eyes. This product is very affordable and is a great value compared with other popular lash serums on the market. It didn’t cause any irritation, redness, or discomfort to my eyes or the skin around my eyes.” – Gabriela S., Influenster Reviewer


  • The Complete Guide To My Skincare Routine

    The Complete Guide To My Skincare Routine

    I get compliments and questions on what I do to maintain clear skin all of the time. I’m usually a modest person, attributing it to drinking more water and staying indoors, but I must be honest. I do have a skincare routine. Every 3-4 weeks, I follow a simple three-step process, and I will sometimes add more products based on acne breakouts or hyperpigmentation. The steps that I am going to share with you are instrumental in cleansing, correcting, and moisturizing your skin. They are easy to follow, should also be easy to stick with, and are results-driven, no matter what your skin type may be!

    There are products for all skin types, so before you begin taking notes of the products that I use, please remember that my skin type is considered to be normal. The products that I use are universal and can be absorbed into most skincare routines. I encourage you to look at all products that are going to address your concerns and will be something that you can use regularly.

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  • You’ll Want These: Simple Veet 3-In-1 Wax Strips

    You’ll Want These: Simple Veet 3-In-1 Wax Strips

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    My followers on Instagram agreed that I should try body waxing and recommended that I try Veet’s 3-in-1 Wax Strips or Sensitive Precision Beauty Styler (an electric trimmer for facial hair). I decided to conduct a poll because I didn’t know which one I wanted to try out first. Both products seemed like a great fit for what I wanted to accomplish. The people voted and decided that the 3-in-1 Wax Kit was what they were so eager for me to try. A lot of you had positive feedback about what you liked about it and what it was able to do for you.

    Scroll on to read more about Veet 3-in- 1 Wax Strips & the Waxing Body Kit

    About Veet

    Veet has made waxing super fun, quick, and easy with their latest body waxing strips. I was able to wax in under 25 mins & now I love body waxing at home!

    Veet 3-in-1 waxing strips effectively removes hair close to the root in just a few minutes! The formula with cold wax strips quickly removes 95% of your hair at the first application while leaving your skin moisturized. It is best suited for sensitive skin as it is enriched with Shea Butter and Acai Berries fragrance that help nourish your skin and leaves behind salon-like glowing smooth skin with results lasting up to 28 days for a refreshing experience. The pre-cut body hair removal strips are for ready-to-apply action in seconds and perfect finish wipes will help clean up any remaining wax residue.

    I purchased my wax kit from Amazon. You can easily get yours from Wal-Mart or Target while you’re out, but if you’re like me and shop online for convenience, I got you. Grab yours here.

    One Veet 3-in- 1 Wax Strips Kit includes:

    1. 40-count wax strips
    2. 4 Perfect Finish Wipes

    I did not realize that I ordered a two-pack until it arrived, so I have (80) wax strips total. I knew that since it’s been six weeks since the last shave I needed to make sure I had enough. FYI: one box is enough.

    Take a look at the 3-in-1 Waxing Kit contents below.

    veet 3-in-1 wax strips kit contents

    The use of the gel wax strips was simple and easy. I decided to wax my underarms and legs and you can watch as I review my experience in the video below.

    How to use Veet 3-in-1 Wax Strips

    There are just four easy steps. Gently peel the double-sided wax strips apart using the grip tabs. Next, apply the strip to the skin, and grip the tab side facing downwards. Rub several times in the hair growth direction your hair grows.

    Pro Tip: Always pull back the strip against the direction of hair growth, keeping the strip close to the skin as you pull. 

    Hold your skin tightly stretched, grasp the tab, and pull the strip back on itself as quickly as you can! The faster you pull, the more hair you remove! After waxing, clean away any wax left on your skin with the Perfect Finish Wipe.

    veet 3-in-1 wax strip instructions

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    Veet 3-in-1 Wax Strips Review

    Very easy! I was so pleased and happy with the end result. I did have to clean up mid-waxing because I waxed the same area more than once. It became TOO much gel TOO fast. LOL! The instructions for use do recommend to wax in a consistent pattern to make sure you don’t miss hairs.

    However, DO NOT wax over the same area more than once. My leg hairs did not show well in pics or on film due to lack of hair. Veet has made waxing at home super fun, quick, and easy. I was able to wax in under 25 mins! That was super convenient for me because Landon (my son) was ready for me to spend some time with him.

    Let me know your experience with using Veet’s 3-in-1 Wax Strip Kit in the comments below. If you are looking to do more self-care things like this when you’re at home, give this a try. I have decided that I just might not ever return to a spa for waxing services ever again! Oh and if you’re not already, make sure you’re following me on Instagram and YouTube so that you can catch my posts and videos.

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