[Beauty] Products: Skincare

I'm always so curious to know what beauty products other ladies swear by, so over the next month or two I'm going to do a few product related posts, focusing on something specific, and invite you all to leave comments with your faves so we can all potentially discover some new great products!

I'm kind of a flip-flopper when it comes to products. By that I mean I have zero loyalty until a product completely blows its competition away. I am on a constant search for the perfect _______ (fill in whatever there...curl product, skin cleanser, blush, whatever!). In order to find the perfect "one" that may or may not even exist, I am always switching up what I use. If I get something and it doesn't impress me, I won't buy it again.

Today I'm going to start with skincare. This is an interesting topic to me because so many women are crazy sticklers to their skincare routine and I just haven't gotten there yet. I have what most would call "combination skin" - oily T zone, normal everywhere else. However, I find that "combination skin" products don't work well enough to curb the oil, but that "oily" skin products do a great job with minimal impact to the rest of my skin. So what do I use?

Cleanser: I have not yet found a cleanser that I adore. I have found a ton that I hate, but none that I've loved. I tend to stay away from rough cleansers with strong exfoliants in them because they make my skin angry red. Currently, I'm using St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser. So far, I don't love it but I don't hate it. What is your favorite cleanser?

Toner: Since I have oily skin, I enjoy using a toner. I've read all over the place that toner isn't necessary, blah blah blah, but I've used one for 10+ years now and I just like them. I don't like the alcohol-y ones, though, so currently I'm using Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner. Do you use a toner?

Moisturizer: I always thought it was a contradiction to use moisturizer on oily skin but since I use a toner I find that my skin feels dry and taut afterwards so I always make sure to moisturize. In the morning, I use a moisturizer that isn't specifically for oily skin and while I like it, I think my next one will be specifically for oily skin. I find this one can leave me oily mid-day. I'm currently using Aveeno Ultra Calming Moisturizer.

Sunscreen: I also top it off with some sunscreen. Wile the moisturizer has SPF 15, I like something a little stronger than that and go with Neutrogena Dry Touch Suncreen over it.

Nighttime moisturizer: I use something specific to nighttime and really like it - I find it keeps my skin soft and feeling good! The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Night Cream is one of those products I actually keep buying.

Anti-Aging: There is one last piece to my skincare puzzle. I use a retinol cream for its anti-aging benefits. I love Roc's Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream.

What products are must-haves in your skincare routine?