The last decade has felt like a “trial and error” skin journey! My skin has been SUCH a long, frustrating, emotionally draining battle. I had minimal breakouts as a teenager, but when I was 22 my skin went CRAZY with persistent and aggressive cystic acne breakouts on and off till the beginning of my 32nd year.
I’ve have done a lot of work trying a variety of things that have all helped my body/skin heal: Nutrition, BodyTalk therapy, parasite cleanses, colonics, toxic free makeup, toxic free skincare products (that’d work for a month and then stop working) and supplements targeting digestive health and liver health. Like I said all these things have all contributed to the healing and health of my skin, but what made a final difference is the skincare I began using in late 2021. It has made an INCREDIBLE difference. The skincare I’ve been using this year has significantly improved the quality, texture and health of my pores and skin. I no longer suffer from persistent and angry cystic acne (even during my time of month it’s SO minimal). I wanted to take time with these products before I shared with you my results. I gave this a total of six months. As I am here in my bed typing this, I seriously CAN NOT BELIEVE my skin looks and feels this good, and it has continuously stayed looking this good. (pictured below)
If you suffer from acne, (or any type of skin condition) I am so sorry. I feel you, I see you. I know the emotional roller coaster and battle, and the hope for “the” answer. I hope my experience may inspire and bless you and/or your loved ones. ❤ Everything I have shared here is my honest experience. I am here for you and to spread the good word of healthy, beautiful, radiant skin and confidence!!
Below I have listed the skincare and makeup products I use and why I love them. I love everything generally, because they are toxin free. There are hundreds to thousands of toxins and harmful chemicals in lotions, soaps, makeup, skincare, deodorant, etc. Many of chemicals in these commercial products are endocrine disruptors, which cause harm to the endocrine system which is one of our major communication systems of the body (along with the nervous system). Endocrine disruptors can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, metabolic disorders, fertility issues, early puberty and other developmental disorders. If you’re interested in learning more click here.
**Products I recommend on this post I personally use and love! Please note, most links are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission on purchases made at no additional cost to you. Purchasing through my links supports my small business, so thank you for shopping through them!**
Part 1, Primally Pure skincare
I found out about Primally Pure from author and business coach, Jenna Kutcher. I stumbled on her skin journey with melasma online a year ago and I was impressed by her results. I am always a bit skeptical of products influencers share online, but I was desperate, and I am so freaking glad I was influenced, haha! I have tried EVERYTHING for my skin – so many skincare products and medication and Primally Pure is just the magic my skin has been needing! Their products are natural, healing, effective and made with clean ingredients. What we put on our skin matters! It not only affects our skin, but the health of our organs, lymphatic system, endocrine system, etc.
~My Primally Pure skincare routine~
*Shop this LINK and get $10 off your first purchase of $50 or more!
Cleanser
Cleansing Oil (Oily + Acne Prone Skin)
Oil dissolves oil! Perfect cleanser for my skin!
Toner
- Everything Spray – I use this daily before I apply makeup. I also keep a small bottle on hand to refresh and guard my skin from acne causing bacteria during the day! It is also sooo healing for sunburns.
- Plumping Mist – this gives my skin a little extra moisture and fabulousness! I use this 5xs a week after applying my makeup.
Mask
Clarifying Face Mask – I use this 1-2xs per week. It gives my skin a little extra pore cleansing boost and decreases inflammation. I can tell a difference when I don’t use this regularly.
Serum
I use this after I mask up with the clarifying face mask. They are a powerful duo!
Moisturizer
OK, this stuff!! I have no idea why I felt drawn to buy it, but I am freaking glad I did! The baby balm is for diaper rash, haha! Anyways, this is my #1 favorite Primally Pure product. My esthetics friend told me the ingredients in this is really good for the skin and hydrates all skin layers (there are 3 main layers). I’ve noticed it has helped accelerate the healing of breakouts (during my period), reduce overall redness, and has helped minimize the harshness of my wrinkles around my eyes and forehead! If anything, buy this! You won’t regret it. It’s liquid GOLD. I use a dime sized amount, morning and night.
*In addition to Baby Balm at night for extra hydration, I mix pomegrante seed oil (quarter size) with blue tansy essential oil (1 drop). These are not Primally Pure products, but they’re amazing for oily, acne prone skin. 🙂
Pomegranate oil reduces inflammation, increases collagen production, sun protection, can heal acne scar tissue. Blue Tansy is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It calms irritated skin, reduce heat, and relieve delicate or troubled skin. It’s ability to clear congested pores, kill off pimple-causing bacteria, and reduce redness, makes it one of the best oils for acne-prone skin.
Body Lotion
I got a free sample, and oh man! This stuff is the butteryist thing I have ever touched alone and put on my whole body. This doesn’t relate to my acne, but we’re talking about skin here! haha. It is absolutely divine!! I bought the biggest jar after I used up the sample.
Lips
Also, buttery and silky. My lips are obsessed with this! And the variety of scents are so good!!
Part 2, Ilia Beauty makeup
I’ve been using Ilia Beauty makeup since November 2021. I have loved their products SO much. Their products are created intentionally with healthy ingredients. Before, I have used BeautyCounter and I have loved Ilia Beauty so much better, due to their on point color matching and product textures that go on incredibly smooth.
What I appreciate about Ilia Beauty is that they’ll skin match you! On their home page on the top, select “FIND MY SHADE” and they’ll match foundation, concealer, blush, etc. based on your skin tone! I haven’t been disappointed with what they’ve recommend for me.
Ilia Beauty’s statement and promise:
We learned early on that not every natural ingredient is good for the skin, nor is every synthetic bad. Clean beauty is where those two collide—with conscious, carefully-selected ingredients, and no compromises. Since our journey began in 2011, we have been continually working to push the boundaries of innovation—and the industry—forward. We challenge the conventions of clean beauty to create something radically new—through safe, potent formulas that protect and revive your skin.
~My Ilia Beauty makeup routine~
Primer
True Skin Radiant Priming Serum – Light It Up
I have tried a handful of primers and this is by far my favorite. I love the slight gold shimmer, and that there’s Aloe Leaf Juice in it, which calms my skin redness.
Foundation
- True Skin Serum Foundation – color Texel SF3
- Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 – color Bom Bom ST5
I use both because the True Skin has medium and buildable coverage and the Super Serum has SPF and is light coverage. So some days I mix both together (for sun protection) or I just use the Super Serum. They’re both so fantastic!
Concealer
True Skin Serum Concealer – color Burdock SC1.75
Great coverage and blends really well for spot treatment or under the eyes!
Bronzer
NightLite Bronzing Powder – color Drawn In
I love powder bronzers due to my oily skin. This one is flawless and there’s a few color options too!
Blush
Multi-Stick – color All Of Me, Lady Bird, Peach Pink
This multi stick is everything! I use it as a blush mostly, but sometimes as eyeshadow and lip color!
Highlighter
DayLite Highlighting Powder – color Decades
I love how perfect and subtle this highlighter is! I chose the powder vs. the liquid highlighter due to my skin being on the oily side.
Finishing Powder
It goes on smooth, translucent, softens and hydrates skin and absorbs excess skin oil. Boom!
Brows
This is one product I don’t use of Ilia’s, because I like a redhead brow color, but this one has excellent ratings and reviews!
Mascara
This is another product I don’t use of Ilia’s, because I like natural redhead mascara, but this one has excellent ratings and reviews!
Eye Tint
Liquid Powder Eye Tint – color Ochre, Adobe, Tannin
This eyeshadow is the only one that works for me! It doesn’t gather or smudge weird. Where I put it, it stays put! I’m a big fan of their matte colors.
Lip
Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil – color Saint
Perfect amount of color and shine!
Bring Healthy Back 