A full skin+hair care routine [guest poster Emi!!]

Hey girls! For today's post, I'm excited to be introducing something new!! A couple weeks ago when I asked your girls' favorite skincare, haircare, makeup, and summer products, one of my sweet subscribers wrote a big, detailed list for me and I decided it was so helpful that I needed to put it in one big post for you all! So, introducing my very first guest poster (yay!!), Emi! Here's a little about her :)

"My name is Emily, or Emi, and I’m fifteen years old :) I’m going to be a sophomore this coming school year and I live in the Bay Area in California! I swim, dance, play piano, and play waterpolo as well :) This summer, I’m lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons, which I’m so excited for! I also love fashion; ever since I was little I loved creating and designing outfits in my head! I’m addicted to shopping for the newest trends and I love watching fashion videos, looking through magazines, and of course reading blogs like Glory’s! 💗 I love how Glory has shared her passion with so many people, and I hope you guys enjoy these recommendations we worked on as well! If you have a vsco account, you guys can follow me @emilyminchoi, I always try to follow back and would love to message and get to know y’all as well :)"

I think Emi is absolutely so sweet, and I am so blessed to have her supporting me and to get to collaborate with her :) So make sure to go give her a follow! 💗

And now, let's get right into her list!

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FACE CLEANSERS: I tend to be pretty picky about my face washes because they can be very drying, and some of them even sting my skin (similar to a "burning" sensation), but the ones below keep my skin super clean and free from impurities. 

**A quick side note: Currently, I have settled into a revised, pared down, skin routine for summer, and I am only using the Innisfree cleanser (mentioned below) along with the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser (for moisturization). However, I have used all the cleansers below very regularly in the past and they have all worked very well! They are all amazing products :)

-Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Foam ($10.98)

My friend actually first bought me this from Korea, and I have recently started using it. It foams up extremely well with a sponge that I'll mention later, and it smells extremely fresh. It is probably the most "natural" cleanser that I have used so far, and my skin always feels so clean afterward. It doesn't really serve the purpose of moisturizing, but mostly for a cleansing that feels really nice! In my current summer skincare routine, I use this cleanser and then immediately follow with the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser so my skin also gets hydrated. I thought you could only find it in Korea, but you can also find their products on Walmart and Amazon as well! The size of the bottle is also very significant for its affordable price :)

- Glossier Milk Jelly Cleanser ($18)

This is super moisturizing and soothing and I love washing my face with it right before bed!

-Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser ($15)

I love so many of Mario Badescu's products ahaha :) This is great for preventing acne, but also doesn't excessively dry out my skin. I used this extremely often all throughout this past school year because I would often break out from stress, but it really controlled that! It's actually very gentle for its target purpose, which I love of course. This past year, I used this in pairing with the product that will be mentioned below (I would use this cleanser first, and then the one below), and the combination really improved my overall skin! 

-Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser ($30)

I did purchase the $30 version of this cleanser, but there is a much more affordable option, which is the mini size for just $10! This mini size is great to test the product in my opinion, and a little goes a long way! I love so many of Boscia's products, and this one is no exception. This is also gentle and is super super detoxifying. As previously mentioned, I used this in pairing with the Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser from a previous skincare routine, and they really compliment each other. This one has a gentle foam, a "warming" feeling, and from my experience, no stinging sensation whatsoever. It doesn't necessarily target acne, but it definitely prevents it from my experience and also brightens my skin!

SPONGES: I was always looking for a product other than my hands to wash off any soap or cleansing foam off my face, and so far, this is my absolute favorite! 

-Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal ($15)

This is super exfoliating and gentle, and I use it for all cleansers or scrubs I wash off my face. It adds an extra layer of exfoliation but is not abrasive at all! It is also made from really good "ingredients," and that along with the fact that it has lasted me very long makes the price worth it in my opinion. 

ACNE TREATMENT:

-Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum ($28)

This is my absolute favorite because it keeps my skin super clean and prevents acne.

-Glossier Exfoliating Skin Perfector Solution ($24)

I also really love this product because it really prevents breakouts. Although, I wouldn’t use it in super dry and hot months because it can sting and burn your skin (just from personal experience).

MOISTURIZERS AND HYDRATION PRODUCTS: The number of moisturizers and hydration products that I've tried in hopes of finding one that wouldn't make me break out has been so so crazy ahaha, but after a lot of searching and trying, these are definitely my favorites, and ones I would highly recommend. 

-SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil ($8.99)

I use this on my face on any place that needs any hydration. It is super effective and not super greasy, it really makes my skin feel so so soft :)) argan oil can get very very expensive so this is a much more affordable brand. Some complain about this particular brand’s smell, but to me it’s really light and smells, if anything at all, slightly nutty...But the price alone makes the product great! 

-Honest Beauty Soothing Daily Moisturizer ($27.99)

This product is very expensive, but soooo worth it in my opinion. It is super lightweight/airy and is specially made for those undergoing simultaneous acne treatment. It's super moisturizing as well and is very soothing and replenishing. I apply this both during night and in the morning as part of my routine as well. 

-Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ($9.99 for the mini 0.5oz size)

For the mini size (which I always get), this product is pretty affordable because a little goes a long way. It is the ultimate hydration solution, it's not my favorite for my morning routine because I already have morning moisturizers, but when my skin is in extra need, I apply a thin layer to soak in at night. It doesn't cause any acne from my experience and smells so so soothing! My skin is literally immediately fixed after applying this water gel. I actually first tried it out when I got a tester, but it worked so well that I decided to get a bigger size! This purchase was one of my favorites :)

-bliss Lemon and Sage Body Butter ($9.99)

This is such a rich and creamy formula, I never use it for my face but I always use it on the rest of my body because it's so moisturizing. It's not like a normal lotion because it's really thick (very similar to a heavy hand cream), but the texture is the only thing that is somewhat different. It has a pretty strong, but not unpleasant (it smells like lemongrass to me) smell that does fade after application. When I want to use it, I apply it right after showering for maximum absorption, and I mainly use it for my legs :) Especially because sunburn and sun in general can really dry out my skin, I apply this every once in a while and it totally heals all my dry skin!

-Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Gel ($9.99)

I’m lifeguarding this summer so it gets really hot, and I get sunburned a lot so I use this aloe vera gel and it is really effective for me :) It does exactly what it says it does, and it's perfect focusing after sun exposure and great for sunburned or chapped skin!

FACE MASKS AND FACE SCRUBS: I use a lot of these products, I do face masks once or twice a week and do scrubs every other day or everyday depending on their formula.

- Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Face Scrub ($9.99)

This scrub is super exfoliating, and it's so gentle that I use it everyday :)

- I love the Tonymoly masks (around $4 each)! All of them are great but I really love the aloe and lemon ones. I put these in the fridge for summer time to soothe my skin.

-Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask ($34)

This has been one of my favorite, more “intense” if you will, face masks lately. It’s a peel-off mask that I only use once a week, but it really clears my skin and stops any dead skin cells. I first tone my face with a gentle toner (see the cucumber Mario Badescu toner mentioned below) and then apply the mask in a very thin layer, from a lot of experience it can get very messy but as long as you keep the thickness very minimal and be sure to tie back your hair, it works super well!

-Formula 10.0.6 Three Times Sublime ($6.99)

This is super affordable, and it acts as a wash, scrub, and mask all at once. It has a pretty pleasant grapefruit smell, and I use this twice a week! Afterwards, my skin feels super smooth clean, which I always love! In my opinion, it's also pretty gentle as the scrub is not super abrasive at all. 

TONERS: Here are a couple of my favorite toners :)

-Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray ($7)

I am really loving this for my skin because it’s super refreshing! It’s getting pretty hot in Cali so I put it in the refrigerator and spray some on my face in the morning and it also soothes irritated dry skin.

-Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion ($15)

This is a really weird name for a simple toner ahaha :) but it smells super nice, very refreshing with a slight cucumber scent. I just simply apply it with a cotton pad and let my skin absorb it. It's a really nice toner when you don't want to dry out your face too much because it doesn't target acne (but doesn't cause acne either)... it's actually pretty moisturizing and hydrating as well. This is the toner that I use for the Boscia face mask above :)

SLEEPING AND RELAXATION: I only have one product for this category, which really doesn't fall under the skin/makeup/hair umbrella, but it's been one of my favorites for so long so I thought I would at least share it with you! :)

-A&G Good Night Chamomile Essential Oil Duo ($9.99)

I have a pretty hard time falling asleep, especially during hot summer nights... it's also probably due to the caffeine I have throughout the day ahaha :)) but this duo has really helped me fall asleep quickly. It contains a rollerball to put on your pulse points (I usually do my wrists and neck) and also a pillow mist to spray on your pillow before sleeping. It smells so relaxing and is very soothing, but the scent isn't too strong for those that are sensitive to smells. It's actually pretty hard to find, but I got mine at CostPlus World Market, and you can find it on CostPlus World Market's online site as well. 

SUNSCREENS: I have quite a few sunscreens that I use depending on their availability and cost, but I recommend all of these below (these aren't the kinds to really wear at the beach or hiking/sports activities, but they are more light sunscreens that you can incorporate into your daily skin routine)-unfortunately, these are all pretty expensive, but if you're willing to invest, I would definitely recommend them.

-Rodan+Fields Unblemish Shine-Free Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen ($31)

This is almost a three in one for lotion, sunscreen, and acne control :) it's very light and non-greasy and once it's on, it feels just like a lotion. It hasn't caused me any breakouts at all, and it's preventing them too. I use it just like a lotion, because it is also hydrating. In my opinion, it does add a little extra shine but does so many good things for your skin that I believe it's worth it! 

-Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 35 ($25)

This is probably the most pleasant formula to use out of all my recommendations. It is actually the only sunscreen that I feel no greasiness whatsoever. It's literally invisible, it feels more like a light gel more than anything, and doesn't make my skin feel oily, greasy, or shiny after applying it which I find with so many sunscreens. There is no white or yellowish streaky residue, and they describe it as a "watergel formula," which in my opinion, is so accurate. The formula is also clear, which makes it even better for a light sun protection in the morning. I apply it over a moisturizer when I use this product. I would highly suggest it if you want to give your skin some needed protection!

-Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 - Cucumber Matte ($36)

I am literally so in love with this sunscreen, it's quite similar to the Rodan+Fields one, but it doesn't target acne and may be even lighter on the skin. It is a super matte formula and doesn't give off any extra shine. It's really made for such a wide variety of skin types, from dry to oily. It has a very light, pleasant cucumber smell and is super lightweight and natural. When I use this, I apply a light layer on top of my moisturizer. Unfortunately, it is my highest priced recommendation, but I really like to treat myself to the formula once in a while :))

HAIR PRODUCTS: I don't use that many products for my hair, but my hair is super superrr fine, and I have a lot of it-- on top of it, I swim competitively, and daily, which means my ends get really dry. The hair mask really helps, but the product below adds that extra boost that my ends really need!

-SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil ($8.99)

**Side note: This exact product was mentioned in the moisturizers/hydration products category, but I use it for both my skin and hair (I actually use it more for my hair though!). 

I use this on the very ends of my hair. It is super effective and not super greasy, it gives hydration to my dry ends and actually also promotes hair growth as well! As mentioned before, argan oil can get very very expensive so this is a much more affordable brand- some complain about this particular brand’s smell, but to me, it’s really light and smells, if anything at all, slightly nutty... the price alone makes the product great! 

-Garnier Fructose Smoothing Treat One Minute Hair Mask ($2.99)

Since I swim a lot and my ends get dried out, I use this hair mask, and their avocado version as well, but all the variations are good! It’s super moisturizing for my hair and I personally think it smells amazing--so sweet and fresh!

-Bumble and Bumble BB Don’t Blow It Hair Styler ($16)

For hair styling I’ve recently started using this, and it’s an easy cream that I use whenever I straighten my hair or anything like that :)

-T3 Hair Straightener ($180)

This so far is the only straightener that works fast for the large amount of super fine hair I have!

MAKEUP/BEAUTY PRODUCTS: I never ever wear makeup on the daily, but when I was searching for makeup for my dance performances, I found a couple of products that I think are worth sharing because I think they would work really well for a daily, very natural makeup routine. I do, however, use the lip set I will mention below very regularly!

** Nearly all the makeup products are from Glossier, but they have been my favorite brand because it's a very natural look that doesn't cause super dramatic and negative side effects for my sensitive skin <33

-Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint ($26)

This is barely a foundation, but it actually worked for my stage makeup! It is so so lightweight and breathable, and doesn't cover up to the point of cakiness! It is very dewy and thin, which really just evens out the skin tone for a beautiful, but natural, finish. 

-Glossier Stretch Concealer ($18)

This is super natural and just blends seamlessly with any makeup you layer over it! You can actually apply it just with clean fingers and you don't have to worry about blending it out with a brush or sponge or anything. It doesn't create cakey and unattractive areas where it is applied and instead, just provides a thin, full-coverage layer :)

-Glossier Boy Brow ($16)

This is probably my favorite Glossier makeup product! It is so so easy to use, especially for beginners, and doesn't make your eyebrows too harsh. Instead, it just enhances their natural shape, and the brush even allows you to shape your brows. It's super flattering and doesn't stiffen up your brows at all! According to Glossier, it is conditioning as well, which is a huge plus of course! Overall an amazing product! 

-Blossom Roll On Lip Gloss ($4.99)

This is my new favorite lip gloss! It's lightly scented, not sticky or tacky, and moisturizing.

-Burt's Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm ($3.59)

First for lip balms, I love this Burt's Bees one, and it's also super moisturizing!

-Glossier Balm Dotcom ($12)

And then of course the balm dotcom lip balm! My favorites are the rose and mint so far.

-Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 ($24)

This is a beautifully tinted lip "balm" type of product, I always get the shade Rosé, which is a super soft and sheer rosy color. It's super pretty and very natural, and also has extra benefits with SPF and its conditioning aspects! It's great to use to go out or to just apply for an extra, soft pop of color! 

-Fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator ($24)

This is my favorite lip scrub for exfoliation and scrubbing away any dry skin on my sensitive lips! It is super gentle, and even though it is a "scrub," it also hydrates at the same time! It fixes dryness and "flaky" lips so fast!

I love all of these products so much and hope you girls like these recommendations as well! :)

--Emi <3

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Well, that's it for this post! I hope you all enjoyed reading this first guest blog post and I hope that some of Emi's favorite products might work for some of you all too! :)

Again, don't forget to check out Emi's account, and make sure you like this post and comment to give her some love! 💗💗💗