Tatyana Fortune

I’m pretty lazy about skincare. But with this unexpected free time, I decided to focus on things I usually don’t have time for. After reading reviews, comparing ingredients, and doing some research, I ordered some new products and have begun testing them out. It’s overwhelming because every product has some rave reviews. Even though there are tons of skincare products out there, I suggest starting out with 5 -7 depending on your skin type. 
Keeping cost in mind (because being a broke college student is no joke) I looked for products to tackle my problem areas. I wanted to add a strong vitamin C product to tackle my hyperpigmentation and dark spots. I really wanted to get the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Serum ($80) but it only had 15% Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid). Instead, I got the Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum ($88) with 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA. 
I also got the Herbivore Prism Exfoliating Glow Facial ($58) as a peel to help improve the texture and clarity of my skin because the reviews said that it was good for sensitive skin and doesn’t sting or burn too much.
I have acne scars and dark spots, so I had to get the Caudalie Vinoperfect Anti Dark Spot Serum ($79) because it claims to even skin tine and be 62 times more effective than Vitamin C. It is made with patented  Viniferine (aka grapevine sap) and Olive Squalene. 
I splurged on these items after doing a ton of research, but I went and got some more affordable products as well! The downside is because the cheaper products are so popular, they are often out of stock. 
I supplemented my routine with these products:

• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($5.90)
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% ($6.80)
• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque ($12.00)
• The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane ($5.80)
• The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($7.20)
• Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 ($42.00)

Morning Routine:
After washing my face in the morning (yay greasy skin), I apply a toner and then the Niacinamide serum. Then I add the vitamin C serum. While it’s drying, I wash my hands. My skin always feels a little bit tacky as it dries, but then I add my moisturizer with SPF and it goes away! 
Evening Routine:
Wash my face twice (I’m not sure why, I’m hoping it helps), apply toner, then I use the AHA serum and the anti-dark spot serum. Then, I add the eye cream and acne cream to the trouble areas. Top it off with some chapstick, and I’m ready for bed!

In my opinion, my skin looks clearer and smoother after only using these items for a few weeks! I’m excited to start going makeup-free more often.