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Julie's Second Week With The Summer Box
Julie is 38 with combination skin, an oil-prone t-zone and normal/dry cheeks. Here concerns are hormonal acne, erythematotelangiectatic (subtype 1) rosacea, dry undereyes, and the first signs of aging. She lives in east-central Indiana, USA, which is hot (75-90ºF) and humid during the summer.
General Impressions
I continue to really love the products in this box. I think my favorite products right now are the Bamboo Foaming Cleanser and the Detox Herbal Mask, but again, I really love all of them. There isn’t one product in this box that I wouldn’t purchase again on my own!
Changes I’ve seen
I decided to compare my selfie this week with my selfies from week 1 and day 1, and I can absolutely see a difference! There’s a real reduction in the redness in my cheeks, which I’m thrilled about. Also, my skin looks brighter overall! I wake up every morning with my skin feeling hydrated, without any tightness or oiliness. No icky feeling of any kind--and I think we all know what that’s like.
AM Routine & PM routine
AM:
Bamboo Foaming Cleanser/ Oatmeal & Rice Cleansing Grains (alternating days)
Detox Herbal Mask (every 3 days)
Strawberry Exfoliating Toner (every other day)
Cucumber & Aloe Mist
SPF
PM:
non-SB oil cleansing balm (makeup days only)
Bamboo Foaming Cleanser
Peppermint Water (makeup days only)
non-SB sheet mask (every 3 days)
non-SB facial oil
Camel Milk Cream (all over face)
Any changes I’ve made
As I mentioned before, I have erythematotelangiectatic (subtype 1) rosacea. I used to think that there was almost nothing I could do about it. However, since becoming a Summer Box reviewer I’ve been much more mindful about my self-care practices, and that’s led me to doing some research on subtype 1 and trying to understand what kind of special care my skin needs. Long story short, I’ve decided to only use Strawberry Cocktail Toner every other day instead of every day. Also, in summers past I wouldn’t use anything but a super-light moisturizer (oily skin conspiracy theories coming back) but I’m seeing that my skin really is pretty sensitive and does need love year round. It’s amazing what you can learn about yourself if you slow down and pay attention.
Overall thoughts
I am so glad for the many items in this box so that I can try different combinations and not feel like I’m going to run out of product too quickly. I’m a professor and it’s summer, so my financial cup isn’t exactly overflowing right now. The Summer Box is an incredible value; there’s a real feeling of abundance that comes with having all of these products and with the feeling that yes, I can use them every day, yes, I deserve to use them, and no, I don’t have to ration them out like they’re only for special occasions. Why is one day more special than any other?
Forgive me for waxing philosophical for a moment. About three and a half years ago, my beloved mom passed away suddenly at the age of 65, just two months before she was to retire after 40+ years as a nurse. It was devastating for my entire extended family. As I processed the loss, the most tired clichés started to feel meaningful: don’t take anything for granted, quit doing stuff you hate, follow your heart, celebrate every day you have with the people who matter to you. I need to stop acting like there’s some future moment I’m saving my best clothes or best perfume or best attitudes or best happiness for. I certainly wish my mom had more moments, but that’s not always how life works. The best way I can honor her is to honor the here and now. It’s enough.