Cassie DeNisco

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My Sensitive Skin Care Routine!

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that my skin has really become sensitive. I try to combat that with using gentle but still effective products. I’ve been using these for about a year and I’ve definitely seen a difference with my sensitive skin care routine!

As always these are affiliate links so I make a small commission if you decide to purchase from me! These have become my go to products I can’t live without so I hope they help you too!

Vanity Planet Face Brush

Shop Here

sensitive skin care routine

This has been a constant in my routine for years. I love that this gently exfoliates my face and leaves me with that really deep clean feeling. I use this at least once a day every other day because sometimes I do find it to be a little too abrasive. This paired with my cleanser has really kept my skin clear and glowing.

Cetaphil Sensitive Skin Cleanser

Shop Here

Sensitive Skin care routine

This has been game changer for me. I’ve been really trying to find a cleanser that is effective but not overly drying. I’ve even tried other similar products but I just keep coming back to this one. I love this Cetaphil cleanser with my whole heart. It truly cleanses but doesn’t strip my skin.

The only downside is that it’s hard to find but I often can order it on Amazon. I just make sure it doesn’t get too low!

Kiehl’s Moisturizer

Shop Here

sensitive skin care routine

This is pricy but so worth it. I’ve found that this Kiehl’s moisturizer is probably the best on the market right now. It reduces my redness and really gives me a nice glow. I’ve found it’s really not that heavy on the skin either which I appreciate. It’s been a few months with it and I haven’t found it to break me out which is also another plus.

Inkey List Eye Cream

Shop Here

sensitive skin care routine

My last step in my routine is this Inkey List eye cream. I really love how well it works and just leaves me looking awake. I actually use this night and day because I do really enjoy looking awake all the time. This one is really affordable with good ingredients so I am happy with it!

As you can see, I’ve really cut down on the quantity of products I’m using. I really wanted to clear my skin and stop going overboard. Once in awhile I’ll do a mask or use a different serum but for now this is what keeps my skin clear and glowing!

If you liked this skin care post, you can check out more here!

Beauty Tools that You Need Right Now!

This month’s bonus post is short and sweet. I’m sharing my top 3 favorite beauty tools that you seriously need in your regime. I think tools are almost better than products in some cases because they just enhance that spa vibe.

I’m all about relaxing when I do self care and these tools give you all the luxurious feels. As always these are affiliate links so if you purchase from them I make a small commission but there’s no pressure to purchase!!

Face Steamer- Click Here

beauty tools

I have had this steamer for years and I cannot live without it! I love to steam my face to open my pores and really get the products in there. I can’t say enough good things about this Vanity Planet one in particular. I had purchased a cheap one from Amazon but it just got gross so fast. This one is such great quality and I’ve had for like 2 years now!

Ice Roller- Click Here

beauty tools

I feel like people are super passionate about the ice rollers that they like. I personally love this one from Amazon because I find it actually stays cool for long. This is essential to de-puff your face in the morning and honestly it’s even good in the summer to help you stay cool!

Sculpting Bar- Click Here

beauty tools

This is probably my favorite device. It’s similar to a roller but has batteries so it can vibrate. I swear this actually does help to sculpt out your face if you actually use it consistently. Hailey Bieber mentioned it in one of her videos so I knew it was a must purchase and I was not disappointed.

I told you this bonus favorites post was short and sweet! These are seriously my go to beauty tools on a weekly basis that I cannot life without in my beauty regime.

You can read more beauty posts here and be sure to subscribe here so you don’t miss a post!

Summer Skincare Essentials!

I went back and forth for this bonus post about what to write but I finally decided that this was necessary. My summer skincare essentials will help you get through sunburn and just keep your skin looking healthy! I have had my fair share of burns so I know the ins and outs to get you through.

Taking care of your skin is so essential year round but I find it even more important over the summer. From SPF to moisturizers, these are my go to products for summer!

Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen- Shop Here

summer skincare essentials

This is my go to face SPF year round but especially in the summer. Most other sunscreens are too oily and break me out but I really think this is my forever product. It’s light on my skin but I feel like it does such a good job protecting my skin.

Neutrogena Skin Rescue Moisturizer- Shop Here

This is a newer product but I immediately fell in love with it. I got a bad sunburn but this instantly helped to cool and moisturize it. The moisturizer is infused with green tea, aloe, and mint so it has all the ingredients you’d want. I would almost recommend it over the Hawaiian Tropic green lotion.

Method Green Tea Body Wash- Shop Here

This is my favorite summer body wash!! I love the green tea and the cooling gel seriously helps with sunburn. I love using this in the shower to get off the suntan lotions and I feel like it really cleans but doesn’t strip which is exactly what you want.

Clinique Dramatically Different Gel- Shop Here

I find myself needing a lighter moisturizer in the summer because my thicker one leaves me too greasy. This is truly my tried and true summer moisturizer because somehow it moisturizes so well even though its light. I prefer the gel but it does come in a usually moisturizer texture as well.

I hope you enjoyed these summer skincare essentials! These products will keep you going all summer long and protect your skin. It’s so important to not over do it in the summer so using these products will keep you going.

To cure your sunburn, read this post! Be sure to subscribe here to the blog so you never miss a post!

My First Aid Beauty Haul!

As we approach warmer months, I’m constantly finding myself reaching for lighter products that still work. I have been on and off with First Aid Beauty for about year now but recently have fallen in love. By April, my dry skin wasn’t getting any better so I knew it was my products and not the weather.

I turned to FAB for their cleanser and moisturizer to help combat that problem but also found so many other great products. I also like that they are decently affordable and are sensitive skin approved. I’m going to share the few products I’ve tried with affiliate links if you’re interested in purchasing!

Face Cleanser-Shop Here

I’m loving this face wash! I needed a gentle face wash for everyday and this is perfect. I like to go in with an acne one once and awhile during a breakout but this is perfect for everyday. It has this milky consistency that leaves you feeling clean by hydrated.

Many face washes leave my skin feeling super tight. This one doesn’t do that at all. I love that it says gentle on sensitive skin because that is exactly what I needed!

Ultra Repair Cream- Shop Here

This repair cream was a god send! So many other thick moisturizers are way to heavy on my skin but this one is perfect. It hydrates me well but doesn’t feel too thick and like it’s clogging my pores. I also like this consistency because it’s thick but still silky.

CeraVe was my go to but it was breaking me out. I was apprehensive at first because I thought this would have a similar issue but so far so good. I also like that this can be used full body because I definitely will use it after being in the sun.

White Clay Acne Pads- Shop Here

first aid beauty

I use these about every other night before bed and I do feel like they help my little breakouts and keep my skin smooth and glowing. They are wasteful in the sense that you just wipe your face and throw it out but they are just so good at their job.

These were to use after dancing in a mask and they really helped to keep my skin clear!

Ingrown Hair Pads-Shop Here

first aid beauty

These are a more recent purchase but I am so excited to use these this summer! I feel like as swimsuits get more high cut, I have more bumps down there. These are so great to help with that and keep my skin looking good no matter what bottom I’m wearing.

These are all products that I’ve tried and love by First Aid Beauty. I’m really interested in trying out their niacinamide brightening eye cream but I still have the one I’m using. Once that’s empty, I am definitely going to be checking it out!

Have you tried First Aid Beauty? Let me know in the comments below! Read my latest skincare post here and be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you never miss a post!

Self Tanning Tips for Winter

I always find myself reaching for my self tanner right about now in the winter. My summer glow has faded and I’m seriously reaching for anything that will get me glowing. I’ve made previous posts about self tanning tips like this one here but I’ve actually switched up my products.

I noticed with the previous brand I was using, the ingredients weren’t very clean and one of my resolutions was to make sure my beauty products are. Another thing I noticed was that they changed their formula. This brand I had been using for years and the last time I purchased, then tan had a weird tint and didn’t go on smooth.

No need to fear, I found this brand at Ulta and I seriously fell in love. The Tanologist brand is pretty affordable and it seriously works wonder. I decided to try out the tan water instead of the mouse and honestly, I don’t think I have a preference. The water is harder to use because it goes on clear to not rub off on anything but that makes it hard to know where you put it.

In addition to the water, I also purchased the drops which I soon realized I didn’t actually need. I never used to use self tanner mouse on my face because it would break me out but the water actually doesn’t. The drops are useful though because all you have to do is mix them with your favorite moisturizer. I might try them in the spring when I’m starting to lay out again but want to be tan. Here are some of my self tanning tips for Winter!

Exfoliate

I feel like people will tell you to exfoliate and literally never elaborate on what it actually means. You need to prep your skin to be able to soak in the tan, just like getting your nails done or hair. I like to shave about a day before I tan and then I like to exfoliate in the show right before I tan. This way my skin won’t be super irritated but I’ll get a smooth application.

To exfoliate, I like to use a mild and gentle body wash with a loofa or some sort of exfoliating brush and just gently work it over my skin. Do not go crazy because you don’t want to over exfoliate and throw your skin off.

To take off the tan, you can try this same process about a week later. I always like to tan on Sundays so then I’ll do it again on the next Sunday.

Moisturize

This is one I used to always over look but not anymore. Moisturizing before you tan is so essential to making sure you don’t have any pooling of the tan in places your skin is try. I used to always mess up my knees and elbows because they’d be super dry. Now that I moisturize, the tan glides on and is even.

It’s also super important to continue to moisturize your skin even as the week goes on. The moisturizer will help preserve your tan and keep your skin glowing. I like to use a lighter moisturizer that won’t be too heavy on my skin but still gets the job done. My personal favorite is actually just the mositurizer from CeraVe.

Find What Works

Not gonna lie, this one took awhile. You can try out the products I mentioned and they might not work for your skin type. It takes a bit of testing out to find a product that is affordable for you and that works well. I really like the Tan water because it’s not super sticky and so far hasn’t transferred to any of my clothing.

I do recommend trying out a mouse if you are just starting out because I can see how you might get an uneven tan the first few times you use it. My biggest tip is to find something that you are comfortable and confident using.

I hope these self tanning tips were helpful. I love being a bit tanner in the winter because it seriously just lifts my mood. The weather in New York is often cold and gloomy mid winter so I’ll do anything to make it feel like summer.

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Products Mentioned:

Tanologist Express Tan Water $16.99- Shop Here

Tanologist Face + Body Drops $19.99- Shop Here

Ulta Sunless Mitt $5.99- Shop Here

Ulta Tan Mitt for Face $5.99- Shop Here

Daily Body Moisturizer $12.99- Shop Here

My Favorite SkinCare Masks

If you’ve read my updated skincare routine, you know I love using a mask at least once a week. Face masks are great to use to target a certain problem with your skin but also just elevate your skincare experience. I think masks are just so fun and great to use especially after your steam your face. Keep reading on to see the skincare masks I love and why I love them!

I make a small commission off of the links here, no pressure to purchase through these links but I do thank you for the support!

Glamglow Supermud

skincare masks

This face mask was my holy grail for so many years. It’s a great clay mask that helps to really clear out your pores and target acne. This mask did wonders for my skin but it’s actually quite pricy. The standard size is $60 so I started to not love it as much when I kept having to repurchase it.

Sephora Purifying Mud Mask

skincare masks

Finding this face mask was revolutionary for me. I wouldn’t say that this is a dupe for the glamglow but it does a lot of the same things and it’s only $16. I love clay masks that purify and cleanse the skin. At the end of the week, I feel like my face just needs a good pore clean out and this does the trick. I absolutely love this mask and it really has made me not need to by the Glamglow one since I found it.

Drunk Elephant Baby Facial

skincare masks

I love to use this mask about once a month. This little one is powerful and perfect for resurfacing your skin. The mask leaves my skin feeling like I was just getting a professional facial but I got it in my home. I notice a difference in the texture of my skin the next morning when I wake up. I will warn, this one does tingle a bit so if you don’t like that feeling, I wouldn’t get it!

Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Whipped Mask

This mask is a newer favorite of mine and is one that I think is best suited for drier skin. The first few times I tried this out I definitely broke out. It is so nice to put on and is so fluffy. Definitely hydrating and it’s pink so I mean, come on!

Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Obsessed is an under statement with the Neutrogena sheet mask. This is one of my favorite skincare masks after a long day. I pop it in the fridge for a few minutes and when I put it on my face, it is so cool and relaxing. This is basically a shot of hyaluronic acid for your face so your skin is left glowy and hydrated.

Diamond Eye Mask

I definitely saved the best for last with these eye masks. These are best in the fridge but I use them a lot throughout the week. They are perfect in the morning to help wake up my eyes or even at night when jade rolling my skin. I think you might be only able to get these at target but I seriously love these and are by far the best that I have tried yet.

I hope this blog post leaves you with a few new skincare masks recomendations! Skincare is so much fun and find it so interesting to see what works for other people. Skin is so funny because what might work for you, might be terrible for me but it’s always great to try!

Let me know your favorite skincare masks that I should try out!

skincare masks

My Updated Simple SkinCare Routine

One new year’s resolution I had was to step up my skincare routine. I have been watching and looking at different skincare content and decided it was time to start making changes. I wanted to not only minimize my routine but also start using quality products. All of these products I have been using since January so five months later, I do think there has been an amazing improvement in my skin.

As with any skincare routine, everyone’s skin is different so these products may or may not work for you. I love posts like these because it helps me become familiar with brands and introduces me to new products. As always, I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links but there is no pressure to purchase here!

Step 1 Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

If you’ve read any of my previous routines like this one, I used to swear by Cetaphil. I recently made the switch to CeraVe because for the same price, you’re just getting much better ingredients. This has hyaluronic acid and is formulated to not leave skin feeling too tight after washing. This is equally as gentle as Cetaphil but I just think is more worth it because of the ingredients.

skincare routine

I never wash my face without my Vanity Planet Facial Brush. This is a serious must in my routine because I swear that using it keeps my skin clear. Maybe it has something to do with not touching it with my hands but I will never not use it to wash my face!

Step 2 Daytime Treatment: First Aid Beauty White Clay Acne Treatment

Before you kill me on how wasteful these pads are, this First Aid Beauty White Clay Treatment has done wonders for my skin. I totally get how wasteful it is but this has transformed my skin even with wearing masks. I was struggling with acne under the mask line and using this everyday prior to wearing my mask has helped to keep my skin clear and glowing.

Step 2 Nightime Treatment: Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Serum

skincare routine

This T.L.C. serum is definitely pricy but I can’t live without it. I use this at night right after cleansing and I wake up with soft and even skin. This is the only product that has changed the texture of my skin and I’ve tried a lot. I know there are cheaper alternatives but I am just so happy with my results I can’t imagine adding in something else.

Step 3 Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

Out of all my products, this is the only one I’m iffy on. I have been using this Clinique Moisturizer for years and do love it, but I think I can find something a little cheaper. I am actually interested in trying the CeraVe lotion because I’ve heard great things about it. This moisturizer was one I tried when I was in high school and found this was the only one that wouldn’t break me out. I don’t think I’ll ever fully part ways with it but I wanted to be transparent and say I don’t love love it.

Step 4 Sunscreen: Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen

This Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen I am okay with. I say that because usually sunscreen breaks me out and this one doesn’t but it is so expensive and I don’t love the Goop brand. (If you know, you know) I do think I will rebuy this only because it goes on so lightly and doesn’t feel like anything on the skin. If you can’t add anything else into your routine, add a sunscreen. It is so important to keep your skin not only healthy but preventing premature aging. I wish I had started adding in sunscreen prior to this year but I know starting now can only help.

I hope this simple skincare routine introduced you to some new products! My favorite part of skin care is learning about the different ingredients and how they can affect your skin. It’s so important to start caring for your skin now so even small changes in your routine can help.

P.S. don’t forget your sunscreen!

Holiday Gift Guide: Beauty

Some of my favorite things to ask for around the holiday’s are beauty gifts. They’re often something we won’t always splurge on ourselves but are great to receive as gifts. I’ve complied here my list of products I’m loving and would love to receive as gifts this season. This holiday beauty gift guide is your go to in finding the perfect gift for the beauty lover in your life!

Truly Beauty Gift Set

Truly Beauty Gift Set

I’ve see this brand and these products all over TikTok lately so I was definitely intrigued. They claim to help with firming and tightening certain areas on your body. I’ve only been using them for about 2 weeks so I can’t yet say they work, however they smell amazing!! I picked up this gift set from Ulta but unfortunately its sold out already. They have a similar set on the Truly website for $47.60 and I think its totally worth it to give these products a try. Gift sets are the best to be introduced to new products or get products you love at a great price!

Tatcha Dewy Skin Moisturizer

Tatcha Dewy Skin Moisturizer

This moisturizer is life changing if you have really dry skin in the winter. The price tag is steep at $68 but I definitely think it’s worth it. I love how glowy my skin looks after applying and it really helps to hydrate the dry, cracked skin I often get on my face as the winter months approach. This is an awesome gift for the beauty junkie who likes luxury products but might not be willing to purchase them their self!

Olaplex Shampoo & Conditioner

Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner

Hands down my favorite thing to ask for or receive around the holiday season is Olaplex. This combo is my go to shampoo and conditioner that actually works for your hair. These work to rebuild the bonds of your hair and strengthen them. Their are so many great gift sets out right now that make these affordable and you get to try them out before committing to the full product. I linked one above for $60 that has the mini shampoo, conditioner, oil and mask.

Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez

One thing I love to give or ask for are lipsticks, highlighters, or blushes. Often they’re easy to purchase since they don’t need to be color matched the way a foundation or concealer needs to. I have been loving the Rare Beauty line by Selena Gomez. I plan on giving some goodies to friends and family for Christmas. All of these products have great messages in their names and the line is awesome. If you know that the person you’re buying for has a signature product or color, getting them it is a great reminder you pay attention to the little things.

Glam Glow Face Masks

Glam Glow Super Mud Face Mask

My go to brand of face masks is Glam Glow, so I included them in this beauty gift guide. Face masks are great to give or receive because everyone can use a good face mask. They’re great for self care nights and generally help your skin at least a little. This is the Super Mud Mask and is great for pore refining. You can also use it as a spot treatment on acne.

I love beauty gift guides because they really help when you might be stuck on a present idea. I hope my beauty gift guide helped you and gave you some great ideas for all the people on your list this year. This is the first of my 2020 holiday gift guide series so I hope you enjoy and check back next week for another one!

Let me know in the comments below your favorites from this beauty gift guide or what products you plan on giving or receiving this Christmas!

Check out my gift guide for her and him from last year here!

Sephora Skincare Haul

After a long 3 months of no Sephora, I went all out the second I could get back into a store on a Sephora skincare haul. Some of these products I just needed to repurchase and others were brand new for me to try. Quarantine opened my eyes to the importance of taking care of your skin so that was what drew me to this major Sephora Skincare Haul for summer.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion $27
sephora skincare haul

This product was a repurchase for me. I love using this as a toner because I feel like it helps to really leave my skin clean and exfoliated. I used to use the Clinique three step line but I found that this product is the real winner for me and my skin.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C Serum $90
Sephora skincare haul

I went through all of quarantine without this Drunk Elephant product and I realized how much I miss it. This T.L.C serum seriously changed my skin. I put this on at night before bed and I wake up with the smoothest skin. The price tag is pretty high but for the fact that this helps me reset my skin in one night, I will continue to rebuy.

Sephora Brightening Eye Cream $17

I have tried the Sephora skin line before and you can see my review of it here but I didn’t get around to trying this product. I noticed that I don’t really need help with fine lines so I wanted to make sure I was using a brightening product. The reviews seem really great and I love how affordable this product is.

Sephora Collection Nourishing Moisturizer $17
sephora skincare haul

Similar to the product above, I haven’t tried the moisturize by Sephora yet. I used to use their All Day Hydrator but I was looking for something less sticky. This product is so affordable and the reviews online were awesome. I’m hoping it’s not heavy or too tacky, which was something I didn’t like about the hydrator.

Ouai Treatment Masque $32
sephora hair care

This isn’t a skincare product but I used the Olaplex hair mask but found it was too expensive for no real results. I heard really great things about this masque and was hoping to replace the Olaplex one with this in my hair care routine.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen $34
sephora skincare haul

Wear your sunscreen kids!! Whether it’s summer or not, sunscreen is so important and something I wasn’t taking seriously. I found all sunscreens to be way too heavy or leaving a weird feeling on my skin. The reviews for this product were amazing and seemed to state this does the opposite of everything I hate about normal sunscreens so I’m excited to give this a try.

Brazilian Bum Bum Cream Mini $20

Shout out to Sephora for honoring Quarantine birthdays! I did not purchase this, it was my birthday reward but I am so pumped to try it. I honestly have heard nothing but great things about this product. It helps to firm your skin so I was happy to choose it as my birthday gift.

I hope my Sephora skincare haul for summer inspires you to try a new product. I have spoken in the past on my blog about how important skin care is when you’re young so it’s never too late to start. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products or if you have any Sephora recommendations!

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My Updated Skincare Routine

Last summer at the start of my blog, I shared my 2019 skincare routine, which you can find here. This summer I’m back with some of the same products and new ones that I am absolutely obsessed with for an updated skincare routine. Keeping your skin healthy from an early age is so important and having a good skincare routine early on will set you up for success.

Face Wash

skincare routine

Finding a good face wash for your skin type is hard, so I stopped trying. I went back to my tried and true product, Cetaphil and it really just does the job. It cleanses my skin, doesn’t break me out, and is super gentle. I highly recommend this is you have sensitive skin like me because I kept finding that other face washes would leave my skin either way too dry or break me out. 

Toner

skincare routine

I am still using my Clinique toner. This just really does the job and helps to exfoliate my skin. I did attempt to make the change to witch hazel but after some research,  I realized it wasn’t going to help my skin in the long run. I use the cotton rounds and apply this after I wash my face and my skin is left soft and clean.

Moisturizer

I switch up my moisturizer depending on the time of day. In the morning, I love to use the Clinique Dramatically Different Gel moisturizer. I love this one because its light and for the summer, does the job but isn’t too thick. At night, or after being in the sun for too long, I use the Drunk Elephant whipped cream. This is thick so I use it at night to reset my skin for the next day.

Eye Cream

skincare routine

I actually got this eye cream for free to try and I fell in love with it. The name might sound weird but this algae eye cream by Biossance is literally so good. It’s thick and feels amazing on the skin. I am absolutely obsessed with it. I love a thicker eye cream because it just feels like its working better than one thats thinner. 

Other Face Products

Other products that I love but aren’t a part of my daily skincare routine are my jade roller, face brush, and face steamer. I love using these products once or a few times a week to help reset my skin. Facial steam once a week helps to open my pores and get out impurities. I like to jade roll in the mornings to help with puffiness and I try to use electric face brush a few times a week to exfoliate. One other products that I have been loving is an eyelash serum. I got this one from Amazon, and it absolutely has helped my lashes grow!

Skincare is so important and is something that you should start early. Creating good habits while you’re young will help to alleviate some problems as you age. What is something that’s a part of your skincare routine that you can’t live without?

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