First things first, I have the world’s most sensitive skin. At 24 years old, I’ve yet to find a facial cleanser that I actually like. I have legitimately resorted to using a body wash for my face because nothing else will work. I also suffer from full-blown adult acne and sometimes, even cystic acne (I know, some girls really do have it all!). I’ve accepted it and have (thankfully) come a long way since undergrad. Shout out to Mario Badescu, tbh. However, there are still many mornings where I wake up to find a zit that feels like it’s the size of a small country. When I just want it to go away ASAP, nothing. works. As least not as fast as I want it to. So when Glossier came out with a spot treatment called the Glossier Zit Stick that supposedly works wonders in just a few HOURS, you’re damn right I had to get my hands on that sucker and try it immediately.
Prior to using it, I had done my extensive research Google searching, as I always do before putting anything new on my face. Not only does the packaging look pretty and petite (v travel-friendly), but its ingredients consist of tea tree oil, capryloyl salicylic acid (a way less harsh version than regular salicylic acid), and benzoyl peroxide. Already sounds fantastic. Plus, just as an added bonus, it’s hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten- and cruelty-free.
Many people can have bad side effects to benzoyl peroxide since it can be drying and strong on skin, so although I felt my skin had been used to it in the past, I used my fave moisturizer beforehand, juuust in case. Since you can use the Zit Stick up to 3 times a day, I started using it around 10am directly on fresh red and swollen zits (in my cheek and nose areas) before I finished putting my makeup on. First observation: you can totally layer it under your foundation, so major points.
I then applied it again before bed the same day. But like, P.S. please excuse both my very awkward face and terrible bathroom lighting. This already took massive courage (with no alcohol consumed) to show my non-countoured face. I’m assuming you know the struggle. I’m not a beauty vlogger by any means, ok? Moving on.
The next day in the midst of getting ready, I had already noticed a significant difference. Did it work in three hours? Not quite. Did it work, though? In my opinion, yes. *In a really professional scientist-like sounding voice* As seen here, while both areas aren’t completely clear, the redness has practically gone away and the swelling has gone down tremendously. I am honestly impressed. I didn’t experience a single negative side-effect (and I would’ve noticed right away), and my skin doesn’t seem to reject it at all.
Because I know some of you will inevitably ask: No, Glossier did not pay me to write this review. Sometimes you just review products out of your own curiosity and they… end up doing exactly what they claim to do. I know, it’s crazy. The moral of this review is that the Glossier Zit Stick is worth a try if you ever suffer from breakouts. (And if you don’t, kindly donate your skin to me. Thx.) For the price ($14), you’d be kicking yourself if you didn’t add the Zit Stick to your Glossier cart. I feel like this is a better thing to keep in your purse than a Tide-to-Go pen, and knowing that any PMS- or stress-induced zit is only a swipe away from disappearing is a level of comfort you can’t put a price on.
Photos: Alexandra Gorn / Unsplash; Glossier
I have recently decided to become a good person kind of healthy and try, like, really hard to better myself inside and out. How long will this phase last? I give it a week, but for now, let’s continue to let me feel productive and wholesome. Obviously, I want to have my cake and eat it too, so while I still have the frequent bottle glass of wine along with calorie-loaded food, I also want to have FaceTuned-looking skin by the time I wake up tomorrow. Luckily for me all of us, there are a bunch of acne spot treatments that basically perform miracles overnight. Here are the ones worth both your time and money that will make your breakouts disappear ASAP.
1. Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment
This is the first one I’ve tried, and it’s my fave so far (which is saying a lot for someone who is insanely picky). The natural cream is full of super healthy ingredients including tea tree and other good-smelling plants. All you have to do is use a small amount of the cream on the affected area and watch your blemish disappear by the next day. Seriously, a little goes a looong way with this one. The formula helps reduce redness, unclog pores, and prevent future breakouts. TBH, there *is* a little bit of a sting when you initially apply it, but it’s nothing to leave a bad review for, and it’s oddly satisfying to know this shit is working.
2. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
This is next to add to the existing cart I have on Nordstrom.com simply because anything by Mario is essentially a godsend (and honestly, I’m just waiting for that Black Friday sale). The lightweight lotion is v gentle and soothing, which is ideal for those with sensitive acne-prone skin. It consists of major key shit like calamine and salicylic acid, both of which make zits disappear overnight without drying your face out. BLESS. After washing and toning, tap on the affected area, but don’t rub it in—instead, wash off in the morning.
3. Kiehl’s Since 1851 Blue Herbal Spot Treatment
Oily skin sufferers, say no more. This spot treatment was designed for those who go through blotting sheets like it’s their job, since it controls excess oil while reducing rude af breakouts. Even if you have sensitive skin, this will soothe it immediately without causing irritation. It’s a fucking miracle. Start by applying once a day, and only increase up to three times a day if you find it v necessary.
4. Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Clearing Gel
First of all, anything with AHA or BHA is a plus. Both have really long names that I am most definitely not spelling out rn (that’s what Google is for, guys) and have fab results for the skin. These clearing gels work to reduce the appearance of most types of blemishes, which include whiteheads and blackheads, and help rejuvenate the skin by correcting discoloration from previous acne. It also cleanses your pores, hides the fact that you’re slowly aging, and produces healthier cells for better skin. Use just once a day or twice if you need a pimple gone like, yesterday.
5. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Fighting Spot Gel
Take it from me: This shit actually works, and you can low-key stock up by running to the nearest Duane Reade or CVS. It’s a non-comedogenic gel that clears breakouts in just a few hours. So basically, it’s the perfect solution to a pimple emergency, if you have a date or important photo opp planned. Apply directly on the affected area once a day to start seeing results in eight hours, or just leave it on while you sleep.
6. Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Fast Acting Acne Spot Treatment
This moisturizing treatment clears and soothes irritated skin by the next time you check yourself out in the bathroom mirror. Okay, so not that fast, but you get the analogy. It not only gets rid of current and future breakouts ASAP, but it also eliminates the nasty-ass bacteria that causes acne to begin with. FINALLY, someone is doing something right in the world. The lightweight treatment will drastically take away unflattering redness, swelling, and all-around change your selfie game life as you know it.
Images: Sam Manns / Unsplash; Ulta; Nordstrom; Sephora (2); Neutrogena; Macys
