About Me
I’m Nadia, a full-time UX designer and part-time skincare junkie.
I started Complexion Confessions because it can be very overwhelming to break into skincare or build your own skincare routine, especially if you want to try incorporating multiple steps or Asian products. I’m attempting to simplify that.
On Complexion Confessions I break down and make recommendations about routines and products that busy people can use in their daily lives.
Because my aim is to make skincare easier for busy people, I focus on products that are easily-accessible to people in the US. This means you will see a lot of products from Amazon, Target, Sephora, and official brand stores.
You’ll also see both Western and Asian products reviewed here. I use the Asian skincare methods of layering multiple products, but try to use a mix of products to ensure that everyone can find something that will work for them.
While this is not specifically a low-cost blog, I love getting a good bargain, and there are some amazing budget products available. Conversely, I tend to be harder on expensive products because I expect them to do more for me.
I’m incredibly picky about my skincare; if it doesn’t show me clear results, then it doesn’t go into my routine. Life is too short for so-so skincare.
Skincare Philosophy
Ok, philosophy might be a tad on the dramatic side, but go with me for a second.
We’re all busy. Most days, life keeps moving faster and faster, and we’re just struggling to keep up. Many of us sacrifice personal time in order to get everything done that we need to. But this isn’t a great way to stay happy. It’s important to find joy in things in your day to day life, and to devote some time to doing something for yourself.
What does this have to do with skincare?
Spending time doing a longer, extended skincare routine can be a great way to treat yourself. During the week, I have a very short routine that usually consists of one cleanser, toner, and moisturizer+SPF. I just don’t have time to layer on massive amounts of products or do any kind of exfoliation. All I care about is that my skin is hydrated and protected from the sun.
The weekends, however, are a totally different story.
I try to carve out 3 hours or so of “me” time on either Saturday or Sunday. I try to go for a run or go to the gym, then come home and shower and get ready for some quality skin time.
That 10-step Korean skincare routine? This is when I do most, if not all, of the 10 steps. Here’s an idea of what my extended routine consists of on a treat myself day:
- Cleanse – usually just a water-based cleanser since I’m usually coming in from a run and not wearing makeup
- Toner
- Exfoliation – sometimes a chemical peel, sometimes a physical exfoliant
- Sheet mask – usually takes the place of an essence unless I’m really dry
This is hands-down my favorite step. I’ll grab a protein shake and watch a show while I let the sheet mask work its magic for 20-30 minutes
- Serum
- Moisturizer
- Face oil
Not gonna lie, by the end of all these steps my face kinda feels like this:
But it’s so worth it. My skin is smooth as a baby’s butt and plumped up from all the hydrating layers. I’ve also accomplished something by going on a run, then having some solid time to myself watching a show.
you can turn a long skincare routine into an at-home spa experience for yourself. Light some candles, read a good book, or watch a rerun of your favorite show. Going through all the steps of a longer routine (particularly the sheet mask step) forces you to slow down and really focus on taking care of yourself.
See? Maybe there’s some philosophy in there after all.
My skin type
For the most part I have dry skin; it leans more towards normal in the summer (thank you DC humidity) and gets extremely dry in the winter.
My biggest skin concerns are combating the fine lines I have and keeping my skin hydrated to avoid new ones.
I wouldn’t necessarily categorize myself as having sensitive skin, as I rarely experience breakouts as a result of product or environmental changes. However, I’m extremely sensitive to actives (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, and Vitamin C, specifically). Because of that, I err on the side of caution when adding actives to a routine.
My husband has oily, acne-prone skin, so I use him as my guinea pig for products aimed at combating oil production or for reducing acne.