The clay mask made my already dry skin feel even more dry and tight. It was also very difficult to wash off, so I had to use a damp towel to remove the mask. I later learned that a bentonite clay mask is more apt for use on oily skin, because it’s made from a very absorbent material that is sometimes even used for cat litter. It’s not a bad ingredient, but if you have dry or sensitive skin, there is a better alternative.

I remember purchasing my first daily sunblock five years ago. I had just learned that I needed sun protection not just for beach trips, but every single day. Since I was just 16 at the time, I looked for a mild formulation that would suit my adolescent skin and chanced upon YADAH’s Oh My Sun Block SPF35 PA++. Because it was lightweight and slightly moisturizing without the sticky feel, it was easier for me to get into the habit of wearing sunscreen daily.

I was sooooo excited to try the Mega Mushroom line formulated by Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins, since the products are specifically for people with sensitive skin. Formulated with a blend of “soothing” mushrooms, with the Reishi Mushroom as the active ingredient, Origins claims that the line helps “calm sensitivity and irritation, boost resilience and reduce visible redness.”

How true are these claims? I tested three products in two months: the Mega Mushroom Skin Relief Face Cleanser, Soothing Treatment Lotion, and Soothing Face Cream, since even skincare products that claim they’re perfect for sensitive break me out or make me itch.

As a beauty addict, I eat, sleep, and breathe makeup recommendations. To be specific, I really love giving them! But while I can dash off a laundry list of fave eyeshadows and lippies, foundations have always posed a bit of a problem for me. See, while I have generally resilient skin (combination-oily, with a tendency for breakouts now controlled by the In Her Element Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser), many of my friends fall on the more sensitive side of the spectrum, meaning I don’t often have recommendations - especially for liquid formulations - I feel I can safely recommend.