Look to Nature for Beauty

I received the items mentioned in exchange for an honest review on my blog. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

This winter seems a bit colder and drier than usual, and my skin is paying for it. After ringing in the New Year with a nasty cold, my skin is screaming for moisture. When people ask me about my skincare routine, they're often surprised to learn that I use on my face as a moisturizer. Yes, oil.

Oil Doesn't Always Cause Breakouts

Cleaning with Oil

I'm blessed to have skin that isn't acne prone. Not only do I moisturize with oil, I clean my face with it, too. My favorite oil cleanser is LAVO's Deep Cleansing Oil because it dissolves stubborn waterproof mascara better than chemical-based eye makeup removers that contain mineral oil. LAVO makes its cleansing oil with coconut oil, vitamin E and essential oils, like lavender oil. For the price you pay, you receive a generously size bottle that has 200 or more uses.

Removing the Residue

After removing my eye makeup, I like to use a sponge or washcloth to remove the oily residue. I just discovered the konjac sponge, thanks to Oleavine. When it's dry, the sponge looks kind of looks like a pumice stone. It's flat, dry and scratchy. After letting absorb water for about 20 seconds, the sponge poofs up. It feels soft like a natural sponge, but silky. The texture is interesting.

After doing some research, I learned that the konjac sponge comes from the root of a plant that's native to Asia. People sometimes eat it sukiyaki. While the sponge feels soft, it gently exfoliates the skin, making it ideal for all skin types. On the package, Oleavine stated that you can use the sponge without soap because it naturally cleans your skin. When I tried this one morning, my skin felt greasy the rest of the day. I recommend using a bit of soap on it unless you have sensitive or overly dry skin.  

Mask

Once a week, I like to use a mud mask after I wash my face. The mask I've been using lately is the Dead Sea Mud Mask by Instanatural. Some mud masks irritate my skin, but this mask does not. It has no scent and you only need to apply a thin layer to your face. I make sure to spread the mask on my nose because it's good at removing blackheads. I like that it has organic oils and shea butter because my skin doesn't feel super dry when I use it.

Post-Wash

After washing my face, I apply a toner to shrink my pores and get rid of any dirt and oil that's still on my face. The Rose Water from Skin Daily Skincare Solution is a great option. The rose water smells like a fresh-cut bouquet in a bottle. Unlike toners sold in the facial cleansing aisle at the store, rose water is 100 percent natural and has all the same benefits.  

After using a toner, I like to apply a serum, like Naturalico's vitamin C serum. My favorite thing about vitamin C serum is its ability to keep my complexion clear. What makes Naturalico's serum different than others on the market is that it contains rosehip seed oil and sea buckthorn oil. The added moisture, in my opinion, makes a difference.  

Moisturize 

When it's time to moisturize my skin, I reach for Valentia Skin Care's Organic Rosehip Oil. I only need a few drops for my entire face. Unlike, rose water, rosehip seed oil does not smell like roses. It has no scent. My skin absorbs the oil quickly and my skin does not feel greasy afterward.

Sometimes I like to use Haven's Arc organic argan oil, too. Argan oil is a good general oil that you can use on your face, hair and skin. Sometimes I use it as a leave-in conditioner for my hair. The thing I notice the most when I use argan oil is how quickly the skin on my hands absorb it; it can't get enough. 

I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review on my blog. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on an Amazon.com link and make a purchase.