There was a time in my life that I really was not all that concerned with nor interested in skincare…
THE STORY
…But with age comes wisdom, and a wrinkle or ten. Hence, my newfound interest in skincare…and the perfect foundation. Alas, the foundation saga will be a story for another day my friends. Today we’re sticking to skincare.
Back in the day, I seriously abused my skin. When I was in my teens, I spent a good amount of my summer days lying in the sun in the trailer park, coated in Crisco with my hair drenched with Sun-In. Okay…which part of that last statement gave you pause? Basking in the sun in the trailer park? The Crisco? The Sun-In? I’m going to take a guess that the Crisco is what really caught your attention. Yes, Crisco. As in thick greasy lard out of a can. For whatever reason, my compadres and I thought that actually frying our skin sounded like a splendid plan. Needless to say, there came a day that I had a case of actual sun poisoning which required a trip to the hospital. That put a rather abrupt end to greasing myself up like a slab of bacon.
No one in my family was much for any type of skincare. I never saw it, I never learned it, so even into my twenties and early thirties moisturizers and whatnot just weren’t my thing. Sure, I was all about makeup, but the preventative/protective aspect was of no interest to me. It used to be that I never ever even bothered to wash my makeup off at night. Obviously, taking care of my skin just wasn’t a priority. I was probably in my mid-thirties when I first started to notice the crows feet and tiny lines forming on my face. That would be the point when I decided that perhaps I should start thinking about adding some skincare to my daily routine.
I’m not going to sugarcoat this. I do still have a number of questionable habits when it comes to my skin. Most nights I do wash my makeup off. Typically it’s a two-step process. First I use an oil based cleanser then after rinsing that off I follow it up with a foaming cleanser before applying a serum and moisturizer. Note that I said most nights. I do still occasionally crash before taking care of business like a big girl should.
Another of my questionable habits is tanning. Yes, I know it’s not good for my skin. Yes, I know it’s a bad idea. No, I don’t need a lecture. I just happen to like how I look with some color. I actually don’t tan all that much. I get a little base in the Spring and then for the most part maintain it with self-tanning lotion and I do wear sunscreen when I’m outside. In any case because of my reckless youth, my continued questionable habits, and of course the natural aging process I am definitely more regimented with my skincare routine, which leads me to sharing with you the Saranghae Skincare Line.
THE PRODUCT
Saranghae is a Korean family-owned and operated company. The matriarch of the family actually started making homemade skin creams using local botanical ingredients to help support her family during the Korean War. Her work is the foundation upon which much of Saranghae’s current line is based.
When her daughter, Min Jun Lee, moved to the United States she was unhappy with the amount of chemicals in the skin care products that were available. She began selling her family made products to friends and through word of mouth, her business grew and Saranghae Skincare was born.
The Saranghae line is a five step skincare program which includes a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, eye cream and sheet mask. All of the products are botanical based and all natural,with no dangerous chemicals. They are all environmentally friendly and sustainable with absolutely no animal testing.
As I mentioned, typically I wash my face twice; first with an oil based cleanser followed by a foaming cleanser. The Saranghae Nourishing & Moisturizing Oil + Foam Cleanser with Truffle Extract & Gold eliminates the second step of that process. How? Surprisingly, it’s both an oil based and foaming cleanser. You apply it to dry skin (as you do all oil based cleansers), massage it in, then splash some water on your face and…voila…it becomes a foaming cleanser. And yes, there really is gold in it! I have to say that the cleanser and the mask are my two favorite products. That says a lot because I’ve never been too finicky in regard to cleansers and I never have used a sheet mask before. I have to warn you…use the Saranghae Elemental Essence Mask once, and you’ll be addicted!
The serum, moisturizer and eye cream are all fabulous as well. They penetrate quickly which is nice when you’re short on time, and they leave your skin beautifully hydrated and moisturized. My skin feels deliciously soft and healthy and I actually look forward to my routine. Saranghae does not make outrageous claims or promise false miracles. They offer a “30 Day Full Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee”, so if you’re unhappy they will provide you with a full refund. Saranghae simply wants their customers to have the healthiest, most vibrant youthful skin possible. And don’t we all want that?
THE TIP
You are never too old (or too young) to start taking care of your skin. I make an honest effort every day to drink lots of water, thoroughly cleanse my face (honest, I do!) and slather my skin with serum and moisturizer.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
