skincare empties

done, finito!

ahh, that exciting feeling of reaching the bottom of a beauty product. i can’t be the only one, right?! there’s just something that’s very satisfying about finishing an entire product from start to finish. like you’ve done something good. and you have — you didn’t waste! so give yourself a pat on the back!

i have so much skincare. it’s a #FWP. when it comes to skincare staples, i always re-stock my favorites when they are on sale so i have at least one ready to-go in my skincare stash. mama doan taught me to be a savvy spender that way #mamadoanproud. surprisingly i finished all of these staples within the last few months and wanted to document them here! i occasionally like to try new skincare items but always venture back to these as you’ll read/see.

side ramblings: not looking forward to a forecast of rainy weather to bring down my mood. how do people live in seattle, IDK. in case you missed it on IG stories, my sis introduced me to @whippedatx — they are taking macarons to a whole new level. the filling is a buttercream consistency. and YA GIRL loves buttercream! most places don’t make it right, it should melt in your mouth, so whipped #nailedit. it’s in cedar park which is HELLA far. but we went twice in two weeks. so you know i’m not playin! last week was about catching up w some old friends/bosses and probably my highlight. i’m always inspired to see how everyone has overcome life’s challenges due to COVID. my boss got into the best shape of her life and introduced me to @LEKfit. i already tried a couple workouts and “investing” into it with a trampoline purchase! it’s been a while since i’ve become obsessed with a work out (remember my journey w @lagreefitness? where i randomly become a certified instructor? somehow i thought i had time to teach haha). LEK fit is what i’ve been looking for — a mix of pilates, ballet, and cardio!! the indoor trampoline/rebounder has me super intrigued because it’s LOW impact so a great option for my old knees. it’ll be a fun way to get some cardio in. i think…😁 looking forward to documenting this fitness journey into LEK fit!

currently on my playlist: levitating by Dua Lipa

READ MORE

vitamin c serum | Skinceuticals CE ferulic //

  • about me: fave vitamin c. if you’re in your 30s you need to be using vita c — prevents skin aging, fade hyperpigmentation (brightening agent), reduce redness, even out your skintone

  • usage: while initally expensive, this bottle lasts me almost a year with 2-3 drops in the AM. so 50 cents a day when you break it down! and that’s really how you should think of skincare. and when it comes to quality skincare, you DON’T need a lot!

  • pro-tip: light causes your vitamin c to start oxidizing (becomes less stable/active), while i’ve heard this is OK, i store mine in the dark. so keep it in its box but just cut off the side flaps and store it in the dark/cabinet

  • honorable mention: Drunken Elephant c-firma vitamin c day serum (more price friendly & uses clean ingredients)

eye treatment | Skinceuticals AOX eye gel //

  • about me: fave lightweight eye treatment, i also like how it’s packaged so no digging fingers in a jar. i prefer gel consistency for AM and something heavier for PM

  • usage: tiniest dollop in the AM under both eyes

  • pro-tip: use your ring rings aka: softest finger for that delicate under eye skin. lightly dab in vs. smearing back and forth

  • honorable mention: BIOSSANCE squalane + peptide eye gel


facial cleanser | CURE natural aqua gel //

  • about me: mama doan actually introduced this to me. and mama doan is skincare goals. this is also the best selling face cleanser in japan. #saynomore because japanese & korean women have the BEST SKIN.

  • usage: first thing in the AM on DRY skin, you’ll see it exfoliate all the dry/dead cells, it’s kinda gross yet intriguing. i can’t explain it; i won’t.


facial oil | Drunk Elephant virgin marula face oil //

  • about me: have no fear when it comes to oil! facial oils have become so popular the last couple of years. i’m currently trying the BIOSSANCE squalane oil but think i prefer the DE marula oil a smidge more, it seems to absorb into my skin better for some reason.

  • usage: PM only. unless you want to look like a grease pan during the day. i use oils every 2-3 nights in the summer.

  • honorable mention: Go-To Skincare face hero


neck treatment c/o | TATCHA ageless revitalizing neck cream //

  • about me: a heavy duty neck cream bc the neck needs love too. heck, i don’t care, put any kind of moisturizer on it! no one pays attention to the neck so it’s the part that starts sagging and wrinkling first. #theneckneedslovetoo

  • usage: AM and PM; just whenever you remember!!

  • honorable mention: Skinceuticals tripeptide-R neck repair (trying this one out but my skin may not like the retinol in it or is used to it yet)


bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott presleigh cuff bracelet in gold
earrings | Mejuri bold charlotte hoops

i hope you enjoyed this #beautyedit!,
JD

fall skincare

it’s time for a #beautytalk!

i thought it would be good for me to go back to my roots on a beauty/skincare post so i’m here to prep your beautiful skin up for fall! as the temps drop, my combo skin (oily t-zone, dry-ish cheeks) tends to get more dry and some HH (hardcore hydration, i mean happy hours too) is needed! just as you change your clothes for the seasons, do the same with your skincare. different seasons require different types of clothing, just as skincare.

repeat after me: moisturize. moisturize. moisturize. to sum this post up in a few words, some key ingredients you can add to your fall skincare routine include: hyaluronic acid, lipids, retinols, and oils. but if you’re a nerd like me and need more explanations/ramblings since you want to up your skincare game, more after the jump!

side ramblings: it’s been hard trying to navigate social life again after half a year of hibernation. but hey, baby steps right? i’m trying to manage my anxiety better and get out there again. safely of course! i never thought that something that came so naturally to me would be difficult. i watched Work It this past weekend, super cute highschool dance team movie and i’m loving the upbeat happy soundtrack! linked one song below :)

currently on my playlist: let me move you by Sabrina Carpenter

READ MORE

hylauronic acid //

hyaluronic acid is a sugar naturally found in our skin that holds water and keeps it hydrated. as we age, HA gradually decreases (gotta love aging!). applying HA can help draw/hold water to make your skin look more plump & hydrated. this is essential during the fall months when we’re subjected to heaters and wind that dry out our skin. the two serums i interchange are:

  1. Dr. Barbara Sturm hyaluronic serum — this has a hefty price tag associated with it and for the price point, i was expecting life changing results. that did not happen as i near the end of the bottle. i won’t be purchasing it again solely based on price point. but hey, if you’ve got money to blow, by all means give it a go! it is a non-fragranced clear serum in a dropper bottle.

  2. SkinCeuticals hyaluronic acid (H.A.) intensifier — this a light opaque muted reddish color (nothing scary looking) in a dropper bottle.

i tend to go through anything with HA pretty quickly. i think it is because of the serum consistency and i think my skin “eats it up” so i use a lot of it. but it’s also important to note that these are also light enough to use year-around.

heavy moisturizer //

note: heavy doesn’t always mean greasy. greasy isn’t my style.

  1. SkinCeuticals triple lipid restore 2:4:2 — gosh, i LOVE this stuff. this thing REALLY works. i cannot go any fall season without it. you can feel it seep into your skin and it feels heavy-good without the greasy-ness. if there is one thing you are thinking of purchasing from this post, let this be it! it’s my BFF in the fall months and random patches of dryness that pop up during the year. i use this in the AM and it is a non-fragranced white cream consistency in a jar.

  2. TATCHA dewy cream c/o — the dewy line is my favorite from the TATCHA line. TATCHA was one of my first brands into skincare and they still hold my heart! it isn’t as “thick” as the SkinCeuticals triple lipid but this one feels light enough to use year round and is a lightly fragranced light purple cream consistency in a jar.

retinol (plant-based) //

retinol is something i’ve always been on the fence about. my skin is pretty dang sensitive so anything harsh i usually stray away from. retinol is for anti-aging. it’s supposed to help reduce lines and wrinkles by increasing our collagen production (also, did i mention that also decrease as we age? haha). plant-based retinol started popping up in the past year or so and in my research i found that this naturally derived version is better for sensitive skin. so it was time, plus i’m not getting any younger! they usually recommend using retinol products during the winter when you are less exposed to the sun as retinol is active and can make your skin more “photo-sensitive.” i only use retinol at night.

  1. BIOSSANCE squalane + phyto-retinol serum (not pictured) — this is a light pink/salmon cream in a glass pump bottle. it has a slight fragrance to it but dissipates pretty quickly.

  2. Drunken Elephant a-passioni retinol cream (not pictured) — haven’t tried this one so it’s an honorable mention & DE products are usually on point.

oil //

if you’re hesitant to put oil on your face, trust me when i say i feel you. WHY would anyone want to put oil on their face? but fear not my friend. oils are/will become your BFF, esp in the fall. i use oils only at night and as the LAST STEP of my routine. oil will always be your last step to seal everything in.

  1. Drunken Elephant virgin marula luxury facial oil — this absorbs really well and is a non-fragranced clear-ish oil in a dropper bottle.

  2. BIOSSANCE squalane oil (not pictured) — i purchased this recently and i’m a pretty big fan of this brand. their main focus is on one ingredient: squalane. squalane is another element that we naturally produce but as we age, it decreases. it also helps retain moisture. i really like BIOSSANCE because of how green the products are and the price point is pretty affordable. can’t wait to try this one! it is a non-fragranced clear oil in a pump dispenser bottle.

misc & optional //

  1. TATCHA dewy mist c/o — because why the heck not?! mists are great when you need a little pick me up, esp after a plane ride (what are those anymore btw?) or when you’re feeling extra bougie.

hope y’all enjoyed this skincare edit!,
JD

top 6 skincare masks

HELLOOOOOOOO youtube world!

y'all, this is SUCH A FEAT!!! over sunday brunch, my foodie friend @wanderlustanita and i were discussing the youtube world, and what i wanted my first video to be like... she told me, "better done than perfect!" at this point... SO TRUE. i tried my best on this one and for some self taught editing... not bad janna doan (yes, i talk to myself in third person occasionally). i have many things to work on ("UHMMM." yes, i know, i say it a lot, it's very annoying, i'm trying to quit that!) and ideas already brewing in my mind that i can't wait to execute down the line. i am really excited to introduce this new facet of jannadoan.com; think of it as me coming to life from still images?! maybe you should be scared. haha, either way i hope that you will follow me on this (rocky) journey. 

this is long overdue and i am proud of this video because it was NOT EASY. diving into the unknown, teaching myself videography, and Adobe premiere editing/formatting (thank goodness for google and youtube tutorials), still images, music, formats etc...! can you believe this is only the beginning?! i’m just scratching the surface. i will say, it is pretty awkward sitting in a room by yourself talking to a camera. just sayin'. i hope to one day look back and see how far i’ve come. it’s all about starting somewhere and making progress, am i right?!

skincare masks are my BFF. they should be yours too! i’m an avid person when it comes to masks. i do them on the REGULAR, the same day each week, guaranteed. also it’s a great way for you to treat/pamper yourself after a long day or even if you have a girls night in! if you find yourself always forgetting to do them, put it on your calendar, set reminders, MAKE TIME until it becomes a habit! remember, good skin doesn’t happen overnight. it takes years of consistency and finding a routine that works for you. so start now with some masks! in all my photos and now video, i do NOT wear ANY FOUNDATION (ain’t nobody got time for that). not bragging (because trust me my skin is nowhere near perfect), but merely stating that this is a huge testament in what consistency, taking care and investing in your skin will do for YOU (and maybe a good ring light too, lol). 

view my FIRST YOUTUBE video after the jump! xx

signing off and celebrating this thing i call and look forward to most in life #thelittlevictory.

READ MORE

product mentions // 

1 | Skinceuticals clarifying clay masque -- $52 for 2.4 oz
2 | Target Up & Up aspirin -- $3.79 for 500 tablets = CHEAP!!
3 | Skinceuticals B5 hydrating masque -- $54 for 2.5 oz
4 c/o | TATCHA violet-c radiance mask -- $68 for 1.7 oz   
5 | SK-II facial treatment mask -- $17 each or six for $95 or ten for $135
6 c/o | TATCHA luminous deep hydration lifting mask -- $95 for four masks
c/o | TATCHA dewy skin mask (mentioned but have not tried it yet) -- $12 each or four for $45

wearables // 

earrings | BaubleBar dancer drop earrings

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

special thanks to @pearlsnapphotography for the knowledge transfer on settings/how to film videos on my camera because that would've taken another four months (shooting photos is so different!). and @wanderlustania (check out her youtube channel) who helped guide me on the music and youtube aesthetics!

PM skincare routine

i couldn't wait to share my PM skincare routine with y'all to complement my recent post on the AM skincare routine! the PM is a little more intense than the AM because it's the time of day where your face will be bare and clean while you get that beauty sleep on! this may seem overwhelming, but i actually look forward to all of this -- i encourage you to start a PM skincare routine that you look forward to! 

READ MORE

01 | cleanse

dermalogica precleanse ($38 USD for 5.1 oz.) -- start your routine by taking all your makeup off with a cleansing oil. most of the time, these are to be used on a dry face before you do anything else. this gives the Clarisonic (next step) a clean canvas to work with which yields better results. i highly recommend this no matter how little makeup you wear. however, it doesn't come in the best packaging, so i fill mine in an empty Caudalie SOS serum container that has a pump. unsure? try the travel size. 

dermalogica special cleansing gel ($36 USD for 8.4 oz., pictured is the travel size $10.50 USD for 1.7 oz.) -- this was also mentioned in the AM skincare routine since i wash my face twice a day. in the PM i use the cleansing gel with my beloved, HG (holy grail) can-never-live-without Clarisonic mia. as i mentioned in my Clarisonic mia review, this brush works best in the shower and this cleanser lathers very well, isn't drying like foam cleansers, and fragrance free. 

02 | exfoliate

AMORE PACIFIC treatment enzyme peel ($60 USD for 2.5 oz.) -- this is one of the first powder exfoliators i've used and i love it. the only problem is that it's not really convenient to use. by this i mean that the powder is activated with water. therefore, if you leave this bottle in a place where there is moisture (aka: bathroom), it will clump up. this is a very gentle exfoliator and you only need a tiny amount. this bottle has lasted me almost two years and we're still going. i use this about 3x a week, activate it with water and leave it on my face and neck for about 30 seconds. TATCHA also makes a unique range of rice powder exfoliants in: soothing, classic, gentle, and deep. i have tried the classic powder and it also works great, very similar to AMORE PACIFIC without the signature AMORE PACIFIC perfume-y smell.

03 | tone

SK-II facial treatment clear lotion ($70 USD for 5 oz.) and SK-II facial treatment essence ($105 USD for 2.5 oz.) -- this duo goes hand in hand. if you are going to use one do it right and use the other. see my review on my SK-II regimen. this is also HG status in my life. if you are hesitant, i recommend purchasing the SK-II starter kit ($105 USD, valued at $130 USD) which will also give you the opportunity to try the mask as well!

04 | moisturize

Caudalie SOS vinosource thirst quenching serum ($49 USD for 1 oz.) -- i've used this for sooo many years now, and it's so good that i use it twice a day, AM and PM. 

TATCHA deep brightening serum ($185 USD for 1.7 oz / TATCHA also ships free to TX) -- this is the most expensive moisturizer i have ever used in my life. (gulp!) if you read this blog you know how much i love TATCHA products. not only are all the products outstanding, the brand, people, and company's philosophy really give it extra points in my books. i tried this serum in the TATCHA ritual discovery kit ($59 USD for four RE-FILLABLE travel size products, valued at $99 USD) and fell in love. every morning i honestly feel like my skin is more luminous and bright. however, there is one downside (besides price!!), i can't see how much is left in this pretty white bottle. therefore... i have legitimate fears that one day i will push down on the pump and nothing will come out. #thehorror

Kiehl's midnight recovery concentrate ($46 USD for 1 oz.) -- a few years ago the thought of putting oil on or anywhere near my face was out of the question. who would do that and WHY?!?! skincare has changed since and putting oil on your face is actually very accepted/encouraged these days. so i jumped on the bandwagon with this, my first oil moisturizer. it is supposed to, "regenerate, repair, and replenish skin for smoother, healthier skin." it also has the same scent as the midnight recovery eye cream, but nothing overpowering. i mainly use this for my neck. can't forget the neck!

05 | prevent

Kiehl's midnight recovery eye cream ($36 USD for 0.5 oz.) -- this was one of the first eye creams i started using religiously the past few years. you should've seen my reaction the day i actually finished ONE whole tube! it will take you forever so for the price, this is really worth it since all you need is the TINIEST amount. tip: apply using the tips of your ring fingers, i've read this is the softest finger and the best to use for applying treatments to the delicate under eye area. this is a thicker eye treatment than my AM Skinceuticals AOX eye gel ($92 USD for 15 ml) and works great as a PM treatment. it is supposed to, "diminish the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and reduce puffiness." again, with all eye treatments, you will not see the results immediately. i think that is part of the reason why people quit. remember, it's a preventative measure and the time to start is now, not when you start noticing the wrinkles or bags! 

Cle De Peau Beaute lip serum ($95 USD for 15 ml) -- i recently splurged on this. after researching, it was the pot-less application that sold me, not to mention that it is by Cle De Peau Beaute. it's supposed to hydrate, shape, and minimize the appearance of lines/wrinkles. i've used this for a few weeks now and wow, when i wake up in the morning my lips aren't even dying for lip balm! again, you only need the tiniest amount so this will last me a long time. #purchasejustified

in summary,

  • use a cleansing oil to give your Clarisonic a clean canvas to work with
  • exfoliate
  • moisturize your neck down to your clavicles!
  • use an eye treatment, apply using tips of the ring fingers
  • be consistent

what are some PM products you can't live without?

the time for a good skincare routine is NOW!,
JD

AM skincare routine

start the morning off with a fresh, beautiful face. 

i didn't realize how many products i use in the morning until i gathered the items for this product photo. LOL. nonetheless, this all takes less than FIVE minutes. i'd say that's a pretty good investment to make for your skin every morning. the steps are: exfoliate, tone, moisturize, and protect. pretty simple! so let's get to it!

READ MORE

01 | exfoliate

CURE natural aqua gel -- this was introduced to me by mama bear, who by the way, has the MOST FABULOUS skin. i've also seen the beautiful @BubzBeauty mention it one of her videos as well.  you use this on a dry face, rub into your skin and the gel removes all the dead skin cells and starts flaking off your face. it's actually weird. but i can't live without this. not to mention, it's a very gentle exfoliator.

02 | cleanse

dermalogica special cleansing gel -- for a long time i was using foam cleaners and realized it was drying out my skin big time. so i switched to a gel cleanser. this has been my favorite by far, gentle, non-drying, and fragrance-fee. 

03 | tone

SK-II facial treatment clear lotion and SK-II facial treatment essence -- can't rave about this duo anymore. CATE BLANCHETT. do i need to say more?!?! my review here. 

04 | moisturize

Caudalie S.O.S. vinosource S.O.S. thirst quenching serum -- this is a light serum, smells divine, and my HG (holy grail) moisturizer. i've used it for so many years. it's good to use alone in the summer, but on days where i need the extra boost, i will top it off with the TATCHA moisture rich silk cream which is a has almost a whipped like consistency. (pictured is a travel size which comes in the TATCHA ritual discovery kit which is a great deal to try a few of their amazing products). it is important to note: moisturize YOUR NECK! this step is often missed or forgotten. your neck is the first thing that will usually start wrinkling. don't let it happen to you. 

Skinceuticals AOX+ eye gel -- eye treatments are pricey but when you think about it, you use the tiniest amount of this product. it should last you pretty close to a year. i love using this eye gel in the morning as it is really light and brightens the under eyes. it claims to help with puffiness, under eye bags,  combat fatigue, and fight the signs of aging. honestly, i can't say i've seen huge results but it's important to note that there is no miracle eye treatment. results on this type of product cannot be seen until years down the line, it's all about prevention and consistency. 

05 | protect

MDSolarSciences mineral creme broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB sunscreen -- it is hard for me to find a product that is a primer, has SPF, and is matte. (i mean is that too much to ask for?!) finally we met and it's been great ever since. i can't stress wearing SPF.  it is SOOOOOO important. i never tan. (the main reason why i am so.. as my sister says, "alabaster"). the sun is really damaging and it will age you exponentially. and you may not see it now, but you will down the line, and EARLY. so protect yourself! people think that you don't need to apply sunscreen if you're just driving to and from work. but that time in the sun really adds up. TATCHA just came out with a sunscreen that i can't wait to try soon that meets all my requirements, TATCHA silken pore perfecting sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 35!  

in summary,

  • let a product absorb into your skin before putting the next on
  • moisturize your neck down to your clavicles 
  • use an eye treatment
  • wear SPF
  • be consistent

the time for a good skincare routine is NOW,
JD

facial masks in rotation

good skin takes time and dedication. (well... everything does).

READ MORE

01 | Skinceuticals clarifying clay masque

there is irony in applying dirt to pull dirt out of your skin! this is one of my favorite masks because you can actually feel it working on skin... which will feel like a baby's butt (this is highly coveted!) afterwards. guaranteed. the ingredients in this earthy-smelling mask helps calm skin, lift impurities, exfoliate dead skin cells, and remove excess oils. 

  • directions: apply a thin layer for 10-15 minutes. like mud, it will begin to harden and crack on your face. rinse with warm water. 
  • usage: 1x every two weeks. i also use this as a spot treatment for my nose in between. 
  • cost: $51 USD for 60ml. (one jar will last me almost 6+ months.)

02 | Aspirin mask

if there is only one mask to pick from, this is it. i learned about this mask ages ago from the very famous make-up/skincare guru @MichellePhan. here is her original Youtube clip. this is the CHEAPEST and most effective mask in terms of preventing breakouts. aspirin contains salicylic acid which is always the main ingredient in treating acne. it also helps clean your pores, exfoliate your skin, and reduce redness. all you need is uncoated aspirin, basically aspirin that is not sugar coated like Advil. (the bottle in the picture above can be purchased at Target. i realize it says "coated" but it is good to go).

  • directions: use 3-4 tablets, dissolve with a few drops of water, add a drop of honey for adhesive-ness, mix together and spread on face for 15 minutes. rinse with warm water. as you are rinsing this off, take the opportunity to exfoliate with the grainy-ness of the aspirin. 
  • usage: 1x a week. (this mask is amazing, but do not overuse it!)
  • notes: i also use this as a spot treatment (day and night) when i notice a pimple trying to make an appearance... it's my way of saying 'GOTCHA!' #sorrynotsorry
  • cost: $4.99 USD for 500 tablets = 125 masks. that is $0.04 per mask.... can't get cheaper than that. 

03 | Caudalie moisturizing mask 

Caudalie has a great range of skincare items. i think i've already mentioned my holy grail Caudalie vinosource S.O.S thirst quenching serum. they recently launched a range of masks. since my skin is combo and a little on the dry side, i picked up the hydrating mask. it is cream-based but not too thick. as all their products, the scent is light and pleasant. "A mask that restores moisture levels to relieve tightness, reduce redness and increase softness for a hydrated, dewy glow."

04 | SK-II facial treatment mask

i've talked about my SK-II regimen here. the SK-II facial treatment mask is the most expensive mask i treat myself to. it is cloth-based that is drenched in the magical SK-II ingredient; pitera. this mask is so popular that make up artists use this on brides as part of their routine, and it is often used as a post-airplane pick me up. 

  • directions: place cloth mask on face, lay down for 20 minutes. take mask off (feel free to put it back in the package and re-use it again the next day). DO NOT rinse off. 
  • usage: once on a blue moon! (due to price tag).
  • notes: use every DROPLET left in this package on your beautiful face! in the summer, i will refrigerate this packet before using it.
  • cost: $17 USD for one mask, $95 for six masks, $135 for ten masks. purchase it tax-free from bloomingdales.com.

rock the face mask,
JD