As a blogger, I feel like I’m constantly inundated with skincare products. It is difficult to be loyal to just one brand when there is so much out there to try. But if there’s one line of skincare I’ve stood behind for the past year, it is Alba Botanica ®.
As you guys know, I have really oily, acne-prone skin. Yes, even in my 30s. I admittedly scan my face like a hawk looking for potential signs of breakouts, and I’m always reevaluating my skincare routine.
With lots of diligence and patience, I finally have my breakouts under control. I attribute most of my skincare success to a good diet, sweating almost every day, drinking lots of water, taking spironolactone, and using a retinol prescribed by my dermatologist. I also love and use the acne line from Alba Botanica (I wrote about it in this post and about the mask and sunscreen I love in this post) but I recently added two new Alba Botanica ® products to my routine to dissipate breakouts early on and help shrink my pores.
A Little About Alba Botanica ®
Alba Botanica ® started in 1979 with the mission of making botanically-based, 100% vegetarian beauty products. You’ve probably seen them on the shelves in Target, Walgreens, or Ulta. I think it is pretty cool that you can find such natural and cruelty-free products where you already shop!
The Acnedote™ Clearing Gel Peel
You know when things start to look a little lumpy, like you’re about to break out but haven’t yet? With the stress of deadlines and not drinking enough water, I’ve been really relieved to find a product like the Acnedote™ Clearing Gel Peel. I’ve been using the gel peel once a week to keep those underlying breakouts at bay.
It is technically an exfoliating treatment, as the peel contains 1% salicylic acid. Salicylic acid dries up any existing pimples and banishes acne-causing bacteria. I’ve been using it once a week as an extra boost to my skincare routine, and I can definitely tell a difference in the texture of my skin.
I also have to stress that I’m a busy girl, so if I use any kind of mask or peel then it has to work the first time, otherwise I will never use it. I leave it on for 5 minutes in the evening while I brush my teeth, go put some dishes in the dishwasher, and take my vitamins. By the time that’s all done, I rinse it off and follow with the rest of my evening skincare routine. It is super easy and effective.
Hawaiian Facial Mask Pore-Fecting Papaya Enzyme
Michelle and I were joking when we photographed these products that the Hawaiian Facial Mask looks like snot, lol. But don’t let the texture fool you! It is the most magical goo there is, plus it smells like a delicious juicy pineapple.
If I go out with girlfriends, have too much wine, and look a little parched and dull the next morning, that’s when I use this mask. C’mon, you know you’ve been there too! It has a pH balanced formula with Aloe Vera for an extra burst of hydration. And the enzymes in the mask (papaya and pineapple) loosen up and dissolve pesky dull skin cells. Just like the Acnedote™ peel, this one only takes 5 minutes. Slather it on, go read a couple pages of your book or pet a cat, and rinse off. Contrary to the acne peel, I prefer to use this one in the mornings because it has a fruity, awakening scent.
I love discovering new skincare products, especially ones that fit seamlessly in my already overcrowded skincare routine! Make sure to check out this post on the Alba Botanica pimple fix & willow bark scrub, as well as this post on Alba Botanica’s Hawaiian warming mask and Hawaiian sunscreen! They are all fabulous products that I stand behind and would recommend to any close friend.
This post is sponsored by Alba Botanica and Her Campus Media. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Glass of Glam!
On Mondays We Link Up
My favorite look from last week’s linkup is Julie’s daughter, from The Main Line Life.
Julie featured her daughter in a post about what fashions are hot with the teen girls these days. I must say, her daughter had fabulous taste! I love the outfit she put together here! I admit that I’m studying because I want to stay young and hip, too!
Acne is the worse for me. At least once a month I break out. I may need to try this and see if it helps!
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com/
Alba Botanica sounds really interesting. I’d love to see it for myself. Thanks for sharing dear. Anyway, you have the most adorable two-piece dear! So cute on you.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I must give this brand a go, Roxanne, since you speak so highly of it. I too am plagued by acne, and hormonal acne at that so I’ll try anything once to see if it wins the war against pimples GRIN love these photos by the way.
The products are definitely worth trying, especially since they are both very affordable.
That facial mask sounds really good. I don’t have a lot of me time so when I do I have a ton of stuff I have to catch up on. This sounds like an easy and quick way to help out your skin!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
It is SUPER fast – such a good option for busy gals like us. I just don’t have time to put on a mask and sit in the bath for 20 minutes, haha. 5 minutes is all you need for these two!
Your skin looks beautiful and your lips match the sunnies perfectly and look great with the itsy bitsy teeny weeny black polka dot bikini! The pineapple Papaya sounds delightful!
Thank you! I totally didn’t plan the matching either, haha!
I love Alba Botanicals—their products smell so good, and I love that you can find them at Whole Foods!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Whole Foods, too!? I love that! Thanks for the heads up!
I am always searching for new products that people love, I will definitely give these a try! These photos are fabulous, love your suit!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
They are totally worth it! Thank you – we had fun shooting!
I always protect my skin with SPF and I love face masks! Love your adorable suit! Now… if i could get to a beach…..
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I too, suffer from acne (in my sixties!), and oily skin, which they promised me I would grow out of. Right! Plan to order some Alba botanicals from Target today. Thanks for the tip.
Acne is definitely one of those demons that comes and goes! I hope you love the Alba line as much as I do!
That is such a cute suit!
Thanks, Amy! It is this one (on sale!) from swimsuits for all.
Thanks so much for Featuring Lauren in your link-up today. I appreciate it. Love your cute polka-dot suit. Looks really cute on you… and I really like Alba products too. I didn’t know about the mask. It would be great for my teens who have oily skin.
Lauren is a beauty, and she has such good style and taste! Definitely check out the mask – the fact that it only takes 5 minutes is enough of a reason to at least give it a try!
Roxanne, thanks for sharing about your fave skin care products! These pictures are just too darn cute! And that swim suit is amazing. Love this!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks for taking the time to read, Shelbee! I’m so happy you like the photos 🙂
Cute photos and 2 piece swim suit! Love the higher waist on the bikini bottoms and how fun are those red sunnies on that pineapple. Very!! This sounds like a great product because your skin looks flawless and beautiful. I hope you had a great weekend and happy Monday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thanks so much, Maureen! The higher waist is so flattering. And that’s such a nice compliment, as I’m constantly fussing over my skin.
Fantastic set of photos. Love your confidence! Thanks for introducing me to this 100% vegetarian beauty brand, they look great xx
Thank you, Maria! I’m really trying to be conscious of the ingredients in skincare products. This line is definitely a good one!
Fun pics, and these sound like lovely products!
Thank you for the link up!
Hope that you have been having a great weekend 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Thanks, Mica! Hope you had a great weekend!