My Favorite Face Masks| All Skin Types

Hey Guys!

I am a skincare fanatic. I love trying out new things to help with my issues. I especially love face masks. It was a bonding thing my Mom and I did when I lived at home and we still share our favorite masks with each other. I love trying different types from peel off, to clay, to sheet ones.

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I would describe my skin as oily and acne prone. I breakout with cystic like acne and this leaves very dark red marks that take forever to disappear. Since being pregnant, my skin has made a slight switch towards the more normal dry range. It doesn’t feel as oily anymore but this could be because I rarely wear makeup any more or because summer isn’t here yet. But this has allowed me to try out different masks for different skin types.

Check out my picks below. These are tried and true and have earned a coveted spot in my medicine cabinet. Let me know what your favorite masks are. I am always looking for new ones to try.

-Laura Mercier Glow Skin Mask- Since my skin has been on the dry side this winter, I started using this intensely moisturizing mask. First off it smells like roses, second, it soothes my skin and makes it supple and soft. I love applying it and relaxing before bed as I let it soak in. I then wipe it off with a tissue and rub the excess in. In the morning, my skin feels amazing and not greasy at all.

- Clarifying Mask- Since I do suffer from breakouts, I love using mud or clay based masks to suck out all the oils and dry out the breakouts. This mask from Formula 10.0.6 is not only inexpensive, but it works as an all over mask or an overnight spot treatment. I love applying this when I feel a breakout coming on. I believe this helps speed up the healing process as well.

-Peel Off Mask- This mask is not for the faint of heart. If you have seen those painful peel off mask videos online then you know what I am talking about. I have used this all over my face but I realized my skin doesn’t need to be peeled all over. So, I just apply this on my nose. It is basically like a nose pore strip but in liquid form. Now it doesn’t make me cry like they do in the videos, but it pulls out the blackheads. I like to use this after taking a steamy shower to open up my pores.

-Sensitive Skin Mask- My skin can become very sensitive at times. Especially if I am trying out new products or using really harsh products to treat breakouts. I love this Green Tea mask because it calms and soothes my skin and helps reduce any irritation or inflammation I have.

-Face Mask Set- I have purchased this set at least 2 times. I love the variety of masks it includes and the price point is amazing. These sets are great to try out especially if your skin is like mine and it’s needs seem to change every day. The masks treat issues such as breakouts, firming, resurfacing, detoxing, hydrating, and repairing. I get at least 6 full faces out of each tube. Sometimes more!

How I Cleared Up my Hormonal Pregnancy Acne| My Pregnant Skincare Routine

Hey Guys!

I am obsessed with trying out skincare and recently with me being pregnant, I have been trying out new products.

During my first trimester, I suffered from horrible cystic acne and scaring that I have thankfully improved and gotten rid of.

Keep reading to find out what products I swear by and please keep in mind, if you have a question about using a product while pregnant, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for their opinion.

If you want to read about my First Trimester Journey, check it out HERE.

If you want to read about my Second Trimester Journey, check it out HERE.

Here is a little background on my skin: I had clear skin until Freshman year of College when I started having moderate acne on my chin and cheeks. These were very painful and under the skin and left giant scars on my face. I went on Proactiv which I stayed on for the next 9 years. I highly recommend Proactiv to get rid of cystic acne but I wasn’t able to be on it while pregnant so I had to find other products to use. During my first trimester the mix of hormonal changes, coming off of birth control, and coming off of Proactiv really messed with my skin. I got horrible cystic acne on my chin and cheeks that left huge red scars. This left me not feeling very great about myself in a time in my life when people were supposed to be telling me “You are Glowing!”. By the time I headed into my 2nd trimester I found the products that helped to clear my skin and heal my acne marks. I am sharing my daytime and nighttime routine below along with links to the specific products.

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Daytime:

Cleanser: Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub. This product is a very natural and gentle on the skin. It has natural salycilic acid that helped to clear up my skin and keep it clear without irritation. It also doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, parabens, or dyes which I prefer when I am pregnant.




Toner: Mario Badescu Special Cleansing Lotion C I have oily acne prone skin and this toner has been amazing at balancing my skin without drying it out. The bottle is giant and has lasted me months. I like that it also helps to remove build up that clogs pores and causes acne.




Treatment: Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment Since my acne was deep and large, the pimples left behind deep red scars that made it look like I still had active breakouts. I have been using this product during the day and love that it instantly smooths and primes my skin for makeup, and has also been helping to lighten my marks.


Moisturizer: Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ I am a big advocate for SPF during the day so I am always looking for a moisturizer that has it. I like this one because it controls my oil but isn’t heavy or greasy feeling. A Win Win in my Book !



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Nightime:

Makeup Remover: Murad Prebiotic 4-In-1 MultiCleanser. I never go to bed with makeup on because not only do I not want to get makeup all over my sheets and pillows but it is very bad for the skin. I love this makeup remover because it is gentle on the skin, removes eye makeup, and also removes face makeup. It doesn’t dry out my skin and makes it feel so clean.

Cleanser: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. This Cleanser is super gentle and lasts forever. You only need 1 pump and it helps to remove excess oil but doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry and tight. Cetaphil is great for all skin types and perfect for sensitive skin especially.

Tool: Clarisonic Mia Prima Sonic Facial Cleansing System. I love using my Clarisonic with the Cetaphil Cleanser. Because the cleanser is so gentle, my Clarizonic helps to remove any extra dead skin, makeup and oil without being too harsh. I love the Clarisonic because you can customize the head to your skin type. I like to use the sensitive skin one but they also have attachments for acne, body, normal, and many more. I also love that it vibrates to let you know when to move the device to a different part of your face. I have had mine for 2 years and it has been worth the investment. My skin has less blackheads and just always feels clean and fresh.

Toner: Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel. I love this toner for night time because it is gentle but effective at helping to renew your skin. It uses AHA/BHA/TXA blend to exfoliate, renew, nourish, and brighten but also doesn’t dry out my skin or cause any redness or irritation. I noticed my pores being less clogged once I started using this and my skin just feeling more balanced as well.

Treatment: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%. The Ordinary is my favorite affordable skincare brand. I love using this Lactic Acid at night to help exfoliate my skin even more, and reduce inflammation. This compares to a $100 lactic Acid treatment that is very popular and for less than $10 a bottle this stuff is a steal! I use this 3-4 times a week and love it.

Moisturizer: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Pink Grapefruit. This moisturizer comes in a large jar and is amazing! I get the Grapefruit scent because I love Grapefruit but they also have other scents. This moisturizer is great for all skin types, and I love that it sinks in quickly and doesn’t feel heavy on my oily skin. It also be used on the body which is great.

Serum: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil .Another product that is affordable from The Ordinary is their Rose Hip Seed Oil. Because I had moderate and cystic acne and my skin marks very easily, I read that Rose Hip Oil can help fade the marks. It is organic and because it is an oil it can be a bit heavier so I recommend pressing it into the skin and waiting at least an hour before laying in bed that way it sinks into your skin and not into your pillow. I have noticed a dramatic decrease in marks since using this product and love how it helps to moisturize my skin. When I use this I skin my moisturizer since I don’t need all the extra moisture.

Eye Cream: IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Under Eye Brightening Eye Cream. I think eye cream is super important no matter your age. I am 27 and started using eye cream when I was about 24. I use it as a preventative treatment and since I wear makeup and rub my eyes alot, I find that a good eye cream makes the delicate area around my eyes feel so much better. I also have allergies that makeup my eyes puffy sometimes and since using eye cream consistently I have noticed a dramatic decrease in the puffiness. This eye cream feels so nice but not overly thick. I don’t like super thick eye creams because they can clog the pores around my eyes. This one is a gel like consistency and sinks in quickly.

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What skin care products do you swear by?

XOXO Channing

Ole Henriksen Unboxing+ Review | Influenster VoxBox

Hey Guys!

Today I have a VoxBox Unboxing from Influenster to share with you. To find out more information about Influenster check out my video below. I did receive these products for free in exchange for my honest review.

The products are from the new Ole Henriksen Power Bright line. This line promises brighter, more illuminated skin. I am always on the hunt for brightening products as I feel they can help diminish my post acne scars. We received 3 generous products to try out in this VoxBox. 

The first item was Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster Serum. This is a serum that is supposed to be good for Normal, Combination or Dry skin. It is supposed to help brighten the complexion, reduce lines and wrinkles and help with uneven skin tone. It smells like yummy oranges and goes on well. I like to rub this on at night after my toner and before my moisturizer. I gently rub it all over my face, neck and decollete and then pat it in so it absorbs better. It does have a slight tacky feel but that goes away once you apply moisturizer over it. Overall I like this and find that it has helped me look "glowy". Check it out HERE.

The next product was the Sheer Transformation moisturizer. This is supposed to be good for normal, combination, and dry skin and promises to help with dryness, uneven skin tone, and uneven texture. I use this product nightly after the serum. It has a lightweight creamy formula and goes on really well. I put it on my face, neck and decollete and my skin just drinks it in. Check it out HERE.

The final thing I was sent to test out was the Power Bright 3 Step System. This is good for all skin types and promises to reduce uneven skin tone, get rid of dullness, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The kit comes with a mask, a concentrate, a cleanser, and 2 facial sponges. The first step is the Truth Sugar Glow Polishing Mask. You apply it to your face for 10 minutes then while rinsing it off you want to massage it into the skin. The next step is the Truth 25% Vitamin C Concentrate. You apply this after the mask to dry skin and let it soak in for 2-3 minutes. You don't want to rinse it off after. The final step was the Pure Truth Melting Cleanser. This is to be applied straight over the concentrate and left on for 10-15 minutes. To remove this you dampen one of the complexion sponges and wipe off. You should follow with a moisturizer and expect a glowy complexion.

Check it out HERE: 

Overall I loved all the products! I felt like I was at a spa and people have actually been telling me how glowy I look lately! If I had to recommend 1 thing it would be the 3 step system. The results are amazing!

Check out Influenster HERE.