Life as Leilani: SIX STEPS TO A FLAWLESS COMPLEXION

Everyone wants a flawless complexion, lets be honest. I've struggled with so many different skin problems from having overly active oil producing skin, to flaky dry skin that I can't seem to moisturize enough, i know crazy right? you don't hear many people having both those issues with their skin but i guess im just the lucky one (cue sarcasm). I have tried everything from accutane to help out my acne, to the most expensive dermatologist recommended face washes, to your basic neutrogena face wash, and i finally found one that works for me! now im not saying this will work for everyone, and if you decide to switch over and use some of the products that i do, be prepared for a little breakout before your skin gets better because your skin isn't used to these products so give it a little time and then judge if it works for you or not.

As well as face washes, i've included my favorite makeup staples that help with this flawless complexion, and as always i've included a save and splurge to each product, cause if you're like me there are some thing that im so willing to drop way too much money on (like makeup and bags) and things that i would rather have more of then a fancier version (shoes....)

STEP 1: EXFOLIATE

many people make the mistake of thinking that they don't need to exfoliate because they're already too dry, or they're scared that their skin is going to freak out and produce more oil because its stripping the oil from the skin, but that's wrong! exfoliator are seriously the best thing you can do for your skin! it deep cleans your pores, riding them of dirt and excess makeup that you may not get out of your pores in your daily cleansing. BUT make sure you're not overusing your exfoliator! that's when your skin will begin to freak out, only exfoliate 1-2 times per week and make sure to moisturize after!!!

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STEP 2: PRIMER

another way to get a flawless complexion, is to use a primer before your foundation! primers fill in all your imperfections and blur your pores and make your foundation last even longer!

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STEP 3: HYDRATING FOUNDATION

now, this is seriously one of my favorite things ever! i have combination skin, meaning its oily in some places and dry in others, so i was terrified to use a hydrating foundation cause i didn't want to look shiny, or oily, but it has been the best thing for me! it feels like a cloud on my skin and i feel like its actually helping heal my skin while i wear it! i don't wear foundation very often, but when i do i love to use one that hydrates my skin, and gives me a glow!

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STEP 4: CONCEALER

OH THIS IS LITERALLY FROM THE MAKEUP GODS FOR SURE. especially if you're like me and no matter how much sleep you get, how many "eye products" you use, you always have dark circles under your eyes! obviously you can use concealer to "conceal" blemishes, and highlight certain areas of your face, but my favorite way to use concealer is to cover my dark circles

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STEP 5: HIGHLIGHT

OMG. yall. this is my absolute favorite thing of all time, especially in the summer time!!! when im headed to the pool where i know ill be taking pictures and don't want to look completely crazy without makeup, i just throw a little highlight on and im ready to go! i never thought that highlight would do much for me, but it just adds that extra amount of oomph to really make people look, in a good way!!

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STEP 6: TRANSLUCENT POWDER

this is an absolute savior for people with oily skin, as well as setting concealer, or achieving a matte look, so basically its amazing for everything... i love the translucent part of it because you cant use too much! and i love to just throw a little bit on top of my skin before i head out to just blur out some of my imperfections

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Now for my personal makeup and skin care routine, i've found that the most amazing product that has worked wonders for my skin is the Mary Kay TimeWise collection. I use their at home micro derm exfoliator once a week (sometimes twice if i really feel like i've been sweaty or have extra dirty pores) and immediately after i use their day or night solution moisturizer, depending on if i exfoliate in the morning or night. As for my makeup routine, these are my basics that i use every time i put on makeup, now i always add a blush if im going to contour my face cause it really just pulls it all together, but i don't have a staple blush yet cause i haven't found a color that i really love! so if you have any suggestions let me know! and once i find one i love ill post it up for yall!