Learning to love my makeup-free skin with Advanced Clinicals
If I’m being honest, I never used to be a huge skincare gal. Give me a good cleanser and that’s all I really card about! It wasn’t until I became a blogger that I started to try new products and experiment a bit. Then I had some issues with breakouts about 2 years ago and I got into it a little bit more… and now I’m 31 and realizing that taking care of my skin is SO important. Especially if I want to hang on to this baby face for years to come ?
And speaking of getting older – these past few years, I’ve realized how much people do in order to look “better”. There’s microblading for your eyebrows, eyelash extensions are more popular than ever, and, of course, botox. And I’m not putting down anyone who does any of those things (eyelash extensions have been on my wish list forever!), but I will say that all of that can be intimidating. I’m sure I’m not the only one who sees insta-stories first thing in the morning and wonders how on earth someone can look that perfect without makeup on! What is their secret?!
Well, instead of feeling bad about myself or caking on makeup every day, or scheduling any and all appointments I can to make my face look “better”, I’ve started to shift my mindset. First of all, we can all stop comparing ourselves to people on social media, right? Second, I’ve started to embrace my natural makeup-free face more. Flaws and all. And third, I’ve started to use some effective new products to help my skin look and feel even better.
Enter: Advanced Clinicals
Advanced Clinicals is a line of problem-solving skin care products developed by chemists (and cruetly free!). Their goal was to use high-quality ingredients to create effective formulations that delivers powerful skin care solutions. But the best part is that they were able to do all of this and still maintain attainable prices for their customers. That’s right, everything is $30 and under. How nice is that?!
I first discovered Advanced Clinicals a few years ago when I got a press package, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Here are a few of my favorites products!
My favorite oil for every day is the Hyaluronic Serum Instant Skin Hydrator. Turns out Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, which essentially means that it helps lock in and replenish moisture. And this combination of Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, Apple Extract, Glycerin and Red Seaweed really does keep my skin from drying out. It’s so hydrating – especially in these winter months!
I also really love their Vitamin C Anti Aging Serum. This serum works to target dark spots, uneven skin tone, and expression lines while hydrating and firming your skin. It’s an easy way to brighten up your skin each day!
And before we move on from the oils, if you are breaking out and deal with blemishes or scars, Tea Tree Oil and Turmeric Oil would be great additions for you, too. The Tea Tree Oil is blended with Vitamin E, Witch Hazel, and Sunflower Extract to calm irritated skin. And Turmeric Oil won’t turn your skin orange, I promise! Turmeric itself has anti-inflammatory properties, so it makes sense that this oil would help soothe and smooth your skin. Even if you don’t have blemishes or scars, this oil has natural redness-fighting botanicals. Awesome, right?! I don’t use these every day, but I will bust them out when my skin is acting up! (Update: I like the Tea Tree Oil much better than the Turmeric Oil. I just think it works better for my skin!)
In addition to the oils, they also have a Complete 5-in-1 Eye Serum. I have tried a lot of eye serums in my day, and while I like my Sunday Riley one the best (I have terrible dark circles!), I know not everyone can spend $65 on an eye cream. This budget-friendly option feels lovely and hydrating, so that’s a win right away. But on top of that, it also has amazing ingredients. It utilizes Plant Collagen, Manuka Honey, Collodial Gold, and K3 Vitamin C to target those dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and more. And the most impressive part of it all, it’s only $18! Hellllo!
And of course, you can’t ignore the rest of the bod! This Collagen Lifting Body Oil has been a total surprise for me. My skin gets so dry in the winter, and I usually feel like I’m applying lotion every hour. Haha just me?! Regardless, this oil utilizes collagen (we all know I love collagen!), Vitamin C Oil, Moringa Oil, and Vitamin E to create a formula that absorbs quickly.
Advanced Clinicals says that it lifts the skin, too… I don’t think I’ve been using it long to notice that, but I’ll let you know if it smooths out any cellulite for me! That would be pretty awesome, wouldn’t it?! But really, besides the appearance of the skin, I just love that I can put this on after my shower and my skin stays soft and hydrated all day long. I’m convinced every gal needs this – especially from November to March ?
And of course, I can’t try a skincare line without also trying their face masks! DUH! I personally like the Vitamin C Exfoliating Clay Mask the best. I also like that it comes in a jar – it makes it super easy to scoop out and smooth on your skin!
How Much Retinol is in Advanced Clinicals products?
Their Retinol Serum and Retinol Advanced Firming Cream are actually the only Advanced Clinicals products with retinol in it. I personally use a retinoid serum by another brand – but these are great options that are more affordable!
Have you ever tried Advanced Clinicals?
I’d definitely recommend checking it out if you’re looking to amp up your skincare regimen, but don’t want to spend a lot of money. Also, you can use the code LAUREN30 to get 30% off your entire purchase from December 1st – December 31st! And stay tuned for a special giveaway this Saturday… it’s gonna be good ?
*This post was sponsored by Advanced Clinicals, but (as always) all opinions are my own! Thank you for supporting the companies that make Lake Shore Lady possible!
PS. You might also like All About Collagen, Cherry Collagen Smoothie Bowl, and The Best Affordable Winter Skincare.