However, I actually started this post a week ago and so far? My skin is still doing pretty darn good. So screw those horror movies! I'm totally channeling happy-go-lucky Pixar/Disney now.
Here's what's been going on my face these days:
MORNINGS:
Some days I wash my face with Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel and some days I wipe it down with La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution if it's too sensitive for a cleanser to start (and yes, I know I can just switch to a gentler cleanser but I'm kind of addicted to that particular one!)
1) Estee Lauder Idealist
After cleansing, I use this first. I love the texture of it. It doesn't exactly "dry" immediately but it also isn't wet and sticky before drying down like some serums/treatments. This feels very silky after applying. I usually let it sit for 15 minutes or so while I putter around doing other morning things.
2) Avene Skin Recovery Cream - Rich
Shortly before we leave the house, I then put this cream on. It's the rich formula and it's for very sensitive skin. State-side it is also known as "Avene Cream for Intolerant Skin". It is paraben-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free. Last year I used La Roche Posay's Toleraine Ultra which I loved but I wanted to try something new although equally as gentle this year. I wanted to kick up the moisture a notch thought, so I choose this Rich formula which is slightly thicker than the regular Skin Recovery Cream but otherwise the same.
I then do my makeup half-way through our drive, so that's about 30-45 minutes for the cream to completely settle in. My makeup routine does include a primer.
EVENINGS:
I follow the same routine at night with my "prep" - either the Vichy gel or La Roche Posay Micellar Solution. I'm live a really exciting life that way.
1) Boscia Restorative Night Treatment
This comes out on your hand like a clear watery gel (slightly yellow tinged). I apply this all over my face and because it's watery, I usually leave it for a bit before applying my cream. Anywhere from 5-30 minutes depending on what I'm doing.
2) Boscia Restorative Night Moisture Cream
Once the gel is settled, I put this cream on. Even though this isn't marketed for sensitive skin, it has not irritated me at all unlike some products that are specifically labeled as such. Although it's a cream, it's light. Not watery, but just feels like it weights less on my skin. It is incredibly moisturizing without being greasy. I hate the pump which is the same as the Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel I reviewed previous here but the product itself makes up for it completely.
3) Avene Ystheal+ Eye Contour Cream Gel
To cap it off I'll pat some of this cream-gel on my eyes. The consistency is the same as a light cream. It's very gentle and although I don't see any drastic changes (then again, I don't have drastic wrinkles or dark circles here), I do like the idea of keeping the sensitive eye area well moisturized.
So there you have it. This is what I'm using everyday and so far this combination is working. I suspect it's mostly do to a great combination of HEAVY DUTY MOISTURIZER + SUPER GENTLE FORMULA that's doing the job and only partially these particular products with all their fancy names. But, I'm not going to knock it because my skin really does feel quite fantastic right now.
As for next winter (or late this winter if these products run out) I probably won't purchase Boscia again. And the reason really is just price. So far I'm been quite happy with everything I've tried from the "gentle French brands" like La Roche Posay, Vichy, and Avene. They're more expensive than regular drugstore brands like L'Oreal, Garnier, Olay, etc. but less than most skincare lines at Sephora including Boscia. Performance wise, though? I'd say they're better than the drugstore brands but the same if not better than many high-end brands at less cost.
What's your routine for winter or super-sensitive-skin-is-going-crazy spells? Do you have the same skin problems as me when the seasons start changing and the temperature starts dipping?
