This post is sponsored by Bioré, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Up until recently, my main focus when it came to my skin had been moisturizing and slathering on as must cream as possible–due largely to the cold weather and immense drying my skin was experiencing. Yet, I knew something was wrong in my approach–little bumps kept appearing from my nose to my cheeks, and kept growing bigger and bigger.
Indeed, I knew I wasn’t being careful about cleansing my skin of the extra grime before moisturizing, but I was also too afraid to use a harsh exfoliator, because I didn’t want my skin to peel. This is where Biore’s Deep Cleansing Pore Strips and Pore Clarifying Toner from the Witch Hazel line came in to save the day.

Mild, yet effective, these two products proved perfect for clearing my pores without drying my skin out too much. As I got out of my shower, I began by applying the deep-cleansing pore strips first, and leaving them on for a good 15 minutes.

Within this time, the pore strips, which use a blend of C-bond technology, acted almost like a paper-mache; they bonded to my skin just the right amount and hardened in texture. When it came time to peel off, I was appalled by how much dirt actually was present in my pores.

The next step was to use cotton to apply Biore’s Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Toner. I’m someone who has always been extremely wary of toner’s because, historically, I haven’t had great experiences with them, and have ceased to understand the need for them. This time, however, I actually felt that the toner removed any excess residue that the pore strips could not and restored my skin’s balance. Talk about useful!

I then went on to do my normal hydrating and moisturizing routine: applying a hydrating serum, an antioxidant super serum, protective day cream, and then a beauty elixir. I cannot believe I had been slathering on so much product (every day) on my face without cleansing! I’m so glad to have found products that I actually find effective in cleansing without drying–now I don’t have to worry about trying to use makeup to minimize the appearance of my pores. I encourage you all to check out Biore.com and try their Witch Hazel products–I’m hoping they work as well for you as they did for me.
XOXO,
-MS