Cassie DeNisco

My Updated Simple SkinCare Routine

May 7, 2021

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.

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

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!

Best Sun Tan Products

June 22, 2020

how to get and preserve a tan!

It’s finally feeling like summer and I couldn’t be happier! I seriously have found some of the best sun tan products and I am so excited to share with you. One thing this quarantine has given me is a great tan and I would argue might be the best tan of my life. I read in the sun, answer emails and take phone calls so its not like I’m not being productive. One of the beauties of being home is that you can really work from any area of your home. With that being said, I’ve put together my top 5 best sun tan products to help you get a tan and then keep it all summer long!

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil

This has been my all time favorite product for tanning since I can remember. I have tried plenty of tanning oils but this one is so nourishing for my skin that even if I burn, it helps to moisturize me. I usually buy the one with the least amount of SPF and start out with this on. Once I notice myself getting red, I switch over to the next product below.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen

This product seriously changed the game for me. I often would only wear just tanning oil until I realized how terrible it could be for your skin. I LOVE this sunscreen because I swear it has some tanning oil in it because it really helps me tan. Most sunscreens do what they’re supposed to by blocking the sun but I always use this and have the nicest tan after. I rarely even get red with this product. Even family members who have different skin types love this product because it seriously works.

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion

If I had to tell you the secret to a good tan or even a sunburn, I would tell you it’s this lotion. Moisturizing your skin is so important after spending time in the sun and I swear it helps to keep your tan beautiful and dark all summer long. I am obsessed with making sure I moisturize after I lay out and shower so this product is everything to me.

Drunk Elephant Sheer Defense

I’ve very conscious of making sure my face never burns. I want to stay as wrinkle free as possible and using something like this Drunk Elephant product really protects my skin. I must warn you that it is pretty much pure zinc so it is heavy on my skin but I know it’s protecting me and I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Chapstick is so important after a long day in the sun but I really like to make sure that I help to recharge and refresh my lips post tan. This mask is so hydrating and I absolutely love it. It seriously leaves my lips feeling great post tan. It is a a little pricy but totally worth it.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, or just your back yard this summer I hope the best sun tan products seriously help you tan. Don’t forget, the sun can be dangerous so do take precautions to protect your skin and always use SPF! You seriously will thank yourself later on down the road. Let me know in the comments below what the best sun tan products are for you!

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Check out my last blog post here!

4 Ways to Heal Your Sunburn Fast

June 18, 2019

I get asked all the time how I get so tan over the summer. I used to lay out in the sun with only tanning oil on but once I became more aware of the harmful effects of sun damage to your skin, I quickly made skin care my top priority. This post is dedicated to healing that painful sunburn that we all get a least once a summer.

Quality Sun Tan Lotion

Let me tell you, this may seem like the most obvious tip but a lot of people don’t take the quality of their sunscreen into consideration. Quality suntan lotion is generally a little more pricy then the cheap stuff but it is so worth the cost. For example, this Hawaiian Tropic’s sunscreen has built in moisturizers so that even if your skin starts to burn, it has moisturizer on it to start working fast to reduce the burn. I also love Sun Bum’s products as well. It’s important that you’re getting quality suntan lotions so that you can prevent the burns before they happen and prevent long term skin damage.

2. Don’t Exfoliate or Peel Your Skin

It might be extremely tempting to sit and peel off that dead skin or use an exfoliating scrub in the shower but DON’T DO IT!! Stripping off that dead skin prior to it naturally coming off will leave your skin extremely damaged and stripped of the moisture that it needs to recover. That dead skin is helping retain the moisture that your skin will need to heal. You can purchase Sun Balm’s to apply to the peeling skin that can help speed up the process of your the dead skin coming off if you don’t like the way it looks.

3. Moisturize Immediately

I swear by this tip to keep my skin tan and not getting burnt. Even if I’m red after being out in the sun, whenever I get out of it I make sure to use an “after sun” moisturizer that is designed to help replenish what my skin lost from being out all day. Moisturizing is your best friend in the summer and so many people neglect this step. I really believe that moisturizing after I get out of the sun and using a sun lotion infused with moisturizer, I get the best tans that are long lasting.

4. Solarcaine

I was so surprised when people have never heard of this product. Solar Cane is basically used like aloe except its in a spray bottle and is cooling when applied. I don’t like to use aloe because it’s too sticky for me and also rubbing damaged skin isn’t the best idea. This product does the job of aloe except works so much better for some reason. I’ve seen people who get the worst sunburns put this on right after being in the sun and they’re not even pink. I highly recommend getting this and adding it to your after sun routine. It also will help take away the pain and burning sensation that sunburn leaves.

I also just want to put out a disclaimer that being out in the sun all day is not good for you. I love laying out and getting tan but as I get older, I realize more and more how harmful sun rays can be to your skin. A once in awhile sunburn is not the end of the world but please be cautious this summer because sun damage is irreversible.