Testing out new skincare products is always fun for me, and over the Thanksgiving holiday I tested Ode to Self Skincare’s De Palma Hydrating + Clarifying Facial Oil and Urban Skin Rx’s Combination Skin Cleansing Bar. I traveled for the holiday, and even though we were driving, I didn’t want to pack up my entire skincare routine to take with me. I’ve been a fan of facial oils for the last few years, and the Skin Cleansing Bar works as a daily cleanser, mask and exfoliator, so I knew that this would be a great duo to take with me in addition to my toner and SPF.
When I first opened the Skin Cleansing Bar, I was a little confused because I assumed it would be a gel or something (even though it says bar IN THE TITLE, smh). It includes an exfoliating sponge and it’s honestly a game changing product for me. I wear makeup almost every day (and some of it is waterproof), so I have to use cleansers that can remove everything but not completely strip my face of all of its natural oils. What I like about this product is that the lathering isn’t extremely intense, but it removes ev-er-y-thing. I usually have to double cleanse, but this easily removed all of the makeup from my face and my skin felt refreshed afterwards. I still use a toner afterwards to make sure I get everything but there’s very little makeup left. I didn’t have to use a separate exfoliator either, which is a plus. The cleansing bar is designed to help improve the appearance of dull skin, dark marks, fine lines and wrinkles, and I have to say that after a few uses my skin was visibly brighter. I usually give products at least 3 weeks to get the full effect but so far I really, really like it.
After cleansing and toning, I then applied the De Palma Hydrating + Clarifying Facial Oil. I started using face oils about 2 years ago and LOVE them. I have combination skin, but I think a big mistake that some people make is trying to remove all of the oil from their skin- oil is your friend and it will help keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. When your skin is properly hydrated and moisturized, you don’t over produce oils-it’s actually the opposite. Designed to help even your skin tone and improve hyperpigmentation, the De Palma Oil is really light weight and soaks in quickly, so you don’t look like a grease ball (a little goes a long way). Your skin just feels soft and supple, and you have a little glow afterwards. You can use a facial oil with a moisturizer as well, but for the sake of the trip I didn’t pack one and my skin was still fine.
I also have a Rose Quarts Facial Roller that I use (supposed to help reduce puffiness, inflammation and support renewal of skin cells), and while the jury is still out on its effectiveness, I do enjoy how it feels when I’m winding down for the evening.
Overall, I really enjoy how these products work together and will keep you guys posted if anything changes.
What new skincare products have you tried?
Ode to Self Skincare's De Palma Hydrating + Clarifying Facial Oil product reviews skincare Urban Skin Rx's Combination Skin Cleansing Bar