The Best of 2014: Skincare

Part 2 of my 'Best of 2014' round-up posts is dedicated to the products I've loved and depended on this past year to keep my skin clean, radiant and as spot-free as possible. Again, you may recognize several of these favorites from last year's post as well. They really are that good.

After a long day, the last thing I want to do is struggle with removing ever last bit of makeup off my face. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm dissolves every type of face, eye and lip makeup imaginable, and it does so gently and effortlessly. I use it either with a warm washcloth or simply rinse it off, although the second method can often leave a slight film on the skin, which I then remove during a second cleanse anyway. One Love Organics Vitamin B Active Moisture Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover is another fantastic option I often reached for, and unlike the Clinique cleansing balm, which I only used for makeup removal or as a first cleanse, the OLO cleansing oil is a heavenly cleanser on its own as well. The fresh pineapple scent never gets old. The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel paired with a warm washcloth is my favorite duo for a refreshing morning cleanse or for a second cleanse at night.
For exfoliation, I love NUDE Skincare Detox Brightening Fizzy Powder Wash for how incredibly soft and alive it makes my skin look. Apart from using it every other day or so, I still rely on Osmia Organics Detox Exfoliating Mask once a week for a more intensive skin detox experience. Although it can be mixed with water as well, my favorite way to use it is combined with a penny-sized amount of the luscious May Lindstrom The Honey Mud Cleansing Silk. Although it can also be used as a cleanser on its own, I far prefer using it as a mask, as I find it offers so much hydration and soothing properties, and it smells of a delicious cocoa and honey blend.
For any pesky spots, the Osmia Organics Spot Treatment is one of my go-to products to dab on before bed, as it truly works but never dries out my skin in the slightest. (Bonus points for not bleaching my clothes or pillowcases like my traditional benzoyl peroxide acne treatments!) Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil remained a favorite this year. I massage several drops into my skin before bed, with or without an additional night cream on top, and it plumps up and hydrates my skin, while also working to gently fade acne scars.
My holy grail overnight lip balm continues to be C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Night Balm. It's by far the best lip treatment I've tried, and it definitely lasts until the morning, if not longer. I can't imagine myself ever being without it! My favorite body moisturizer this year was Osmia Organics Body Oil. I've tried several different scents, but Light is my favorite. When applied on damp skin immediately post-shower, it absorbs quickly yet offers up incredible moisturization that truly lasts all day. Lastly, my favorite hand cream: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. It feels thick and luxurious but never leaves hands feeling greasy, it smells lovely, and I adore the packaging.

Bloglovin'. Twitter. Instagram. Facebook.