@SKINANDKISSEES
Katresse S.
LOCATION: Los Angeles, California
I am a Registered Nurse and content creator based in Los Angeles, California. Through my blog, I aim to promote self-love and self-care. I love traveling and enjoy being active.
SKIN TYPE: Combination, Oily
CONCERNS: Clogged pores, Dark circles, Fine lines, Sunspots, and Hyperpigmentation
FAVORITE GOOD MOLECULES PRODUCTS:
Instant Cleansing Balm
Niacinamide Brightening Toner
Niacinamide Serum
Discoloration Correcting Serum
Pure Cold-pressed Rosehip Seed Oil
Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches
SKIN CONCERNS
DARK CIRCLES
FINE LINES
HYPERPIGMENTATION
Q&A WITH KATRESSE
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SKINCARE INGREDIENTS?
It’s so hard to just pick one but if I have to narrow it down, it would be Vitamin C, Niacinamide and AHA/BHA exfoliants. I have seen significant improvements since I incorporated these ingredients in my routine. My main skin issues are hyperpigmentation, congestion, enlarged pores, fine lines and breakouts. I’m always in search of and gravitate to products with ingredients that would help me achieve smooth, bright clear skin and smaller looking pores. And as I get older, I tend to go for ingredients that would help fight fine lines and signs of aging.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum is formulated with one of my favorite ingredients, niacinamide. I noticed that new pimple scars are lighter and fades so much faster. It also leaves my skin feeling bouncy and hydrated. Naturium BHA 2% Exfoliant is new to my routine and I’m already loving its benefits. I use it every other night and it’s effective on unclogging pores leaving my skin feeling smooth, clearer and brighter. Krave Beauty Beet Shield doesn’t leave any trace of white cast on my skin. But what I love the most is how it gives my skin a nice, dewy and glowy finish. Wear your SPF daily and don’t forget to re-apply! :)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO PRACTICE SELF CARE, APART FROM SKINCARE?
Apart from skincare, working out and staying active is another self-care activity that I enjoy. It is my go-to stress reliever and gives me a boost of energy and joy. Working out puts me in a focused and motivated mindset, that helps me stay positive and ready to conquer the day. It is also something that I enjoy with my boyfriend so not only are we trying to stay fit and healthy together, we also get to bond and spend quality time with each other. So, I would suggest looking for a work out buddy/accountability partner that would push you to stay on top of your game. And just have fun!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE GETTING INTO SKINCARE?
First, be BFFs with your skin. I mean, to get to know your skin like your best friend; skin type, what it craves for, what skin issues are you having. Build a skincare routine starting with the basics: Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer, SPF (in the morning) . Then build up from there, adding serums and treatments according to what suits your skincare needs. Skincare also doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a lot of affordable products out in the market that are as effective are the others.
BUYING SKINCARE
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
I choose skincare products based on my current skin condition and concerns. There are a lot of different factors that affect your skin such as weather change, hormones, aging, lifestyle etc, you’d want to buy and use products specifically for those concerns. Skincare is evolving so fast. And I know it could get overwhelming at times. As new skincare innovation, technologies, new ingredients/products come out, I find it beneficial to research and learn about them.
KATRESSE'S PICKS
Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches
"One of my biggest skincare frustration is having puffy and dark eye circles. These eye patches are perfect not just as a pick-me-up when you wake up in the morning but also with your night time routine when your eyes are tired and needs some love after a days work."
Niacinamide Brightening Toner
"I love that this toner it contains my fave ingredients: Niacinamide and Vitamin C. I enjoy using it during the day and it gives me a brighter looking skin."
Discoloration Correcting Serum
"I fell in love with this serum instantly. It has helped fade my post acne hyperpigmentation faster. But not only that, I find myself reaching for this serum on days when my skin is feeling dull and dry, especially the day after using retinol.It is also great on adding hydration on the skin making it look plump and glowing."
Niacinamide Serum
"Niacinamide is one of my favorite ingredients for I believe it has helped lessen the appearance of my enlarged pores, and gives me even and brighter skin. I have had bad reaction with Niacinamide before but my skin loves GM's formula, I did not experience any irritation or skin reaction. I enjoy using this in the morning because it is so lightweight, skin absorbs and layers well with other products."
Instant Cleansing Balm
"I am a big fan of double cleansing. Using a cleansing balm/oil before my cleanser gives me the confidence that oil, dirt and skincare products are completely taken off my skin. GM Instant Cleansing balm is one of my favorites because it applies so nicely and smoothly without tugging the skin, leaves no film when rinsed and it's very effective in melting away make up and getting rid of oil and dirt without drying out the skin."
Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil
"In my night time routine is when I layer my skincare products and a good facial oil is always a part of it. GMs rosehip oil is lightweight, absorbs on the skin nicely, effective on hydrating without leaving the skin oily or greasy."
KATRESSE'S ROUTINE
Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm
Cleanser
Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner
AHA/BHA Toner & Serum (PM, 3-4x a week)
Retinol (PM, 1-2x a week)
Vitamin C Serum (AM)
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
Moisturizer
Good Molecules Pure Cold-pressed Rosehip Seed Oil
Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches (as needed)
SPF (AM)