If someone would have told me that upon moving abroad I would develop a rash on my forehead that would last over a year I might have changed my mind about moving. But the good news is that I solved the problem with something far more simple and less costly then I thought. And bonus points because my skin looks and feels better than ever.
I'll admit that I haven't been the best at taking care of my skin (falling asleep with my make up on, never putting on under eye cream, and spending way too much time in the sun in my late teens). Now that I can see how much of a difference this makes, I'm hooked on taking care of my skin. When you do, you actually spend a lot less money on make up or expensive treatments later on.
So, let's take a look at why you should invest in your skin right now and the products that I believe are total game changers. Before and after pictures included, because I wanted to document these changes.
My Skin Back Story
I moved abroad from Texas to Germany in September of 2016. It was a blissful time. There were flowers blooming, the weather was impeccable, and the charm of Europe seemed to follow me every corner I turned. But in December my skin started to itch. The left part of my forehead and left eyelid started to become dry and itchy. I thought at first it must have to do with the beanies I was wearing. Certainly.
Not only did I have this rash, my skin was red and dull. Something I thought must have to do with aging.
I was wrong. Michael and I took a trip to London and I woke up in the middle of the night furiously scratching my head.
I stopped wearing makeup. Didn't work. I thought maybe it was Germany. Nope, happened when I traveled.
Finally, after complaining and trying some over-the-counter creams I went to a dermatologist. First, they gave me a prescription for a cream. They said I could only use it for two weeks at a time because it was so drying. This also didn't work.
I went back to the dermatologist and this time we performed an allergy test. They said my skin was simply, “sensitive” and that I was also possibly allergic to grass. GRASS?? Oh you mean the stuff that is everywhere? Great.
After given an additional cream and pills I was sure I was on the path to getting rid of this rash.
But even using the cream and prescription didn't seem to help.
Finally, I went and saw a dermatologist on a trip home back in Texas. They asked me to remember when I didn't have the rash. I told them it was before I moved. Then they asked when my skin looked best and I mentioned that it was when I was using a couple years ago, when I was using the Colleen Rothschild skin care line. The dermatologist had not only heard of it, but recommend that I try and just use her line to see if it would help clear up my rash and skin over all.
My Skin Care Solution
It worked. It wasn't instantly but in about 3 days (yes, that's it!) the rash dissipated. My skin looked and felt better. I had so much redness on my cheeks I wore Estee Lauder Double Wear nearly everyday to hide it. I also felt my skin looked so dull and lifeless.
Not anymore.
If I had just kept up with this skin care solution I'm sure I wouldn't ever had a rash.
I can't even begin to put in words how passionate I am about this brand because I know it's worth it. It truly has transformed my skin and also helped with signs of aging.
I have combination skin. In some places I'm oily and others I'm dry (especially my forehead). My skin has changed a lot over the years because of the vast climates I've lived in – Texas, Tennessee, and now Germany.
Colleen Rothschild is kind enough to give y'all a coupon for 25% off (I'm using it myself because I'm stocking up!). Use code: FRIENDS25 for 25% off site wide from May 15th – 20th.
Now scroll down to see all the products I use, how, and why I love them.
My Skin Care Routine
I'm going to break down exactly how I use the products and how they work for me. If you have sensitive, irritated, heck if you have skin, I recommend these products. If you've been around this blog for a while you know I only share about products I use. I can now say I've used the Colleen Rothschild brand for years and I don't think I'll ever use anything else. It's that good.
Night time:
Cleansing Balm – This is the game changer. It has a cult following and after one use you'll see why. It's a solid formula, but when you put some in your hands it melts and turns into a rich cleanser. The product is described as “luxurious” and I completely agree with this description. Lather it on your face to remove makeup of all kinds or just to cleanse.
I take a small scoop then warm it in my hands and put it all over my face – including my eyes. Then I use the included wash cloth, wet it, and put it over my face for a “mini facial.” Then I wipe away the entire day. I'm left with a clean face that's still hydrated.
Mandelic Acid – I was a bit hesitant to use this product because, you know, acid. But then I did some research and saw the light. This serum contains alpha hydroxy acid which helps with cell turnover and removing dead skin cells (aka why my skin looked dull). I'm also 100% convinced this product is one of the number one reasons my rash is gone. It also contains salicylic acid to help prevent breakouts.
I don't know about you, but during my time of the month I tend to break out. This really helps combat those period breakouts I get around my chin. I put on one pump directly after cleansing.
Extreme Recovery Cream – Next up I'll moisturize my skin with the light, whipped Extreme Recovery cream. It immediately soaks in to my skin and leaves it feeling soft. My skin craves this moisturizer. I can tell if I use something else, my skin just isn't as soft or plumped. It's an intensive care espeically good for dry skin or sensitive skin. I actually threw away all other products I use besides the Colleen Rothschild moisturizers. It just doesn't work the same!
Face Oil No. 9 – Because my skin gets so dry, I swear by the Face Oil No. 9 – especially for my forehead and around my eyes. I truly think that using an oil is the key to combating wrinkles. I was always hesitant to try oil because to me it felt like I would be adding to my skin issues and causing breakouts. But truly, this has never caused a single issue. I use one pump and focus on my forehead and around my eyes and the remainder on my décolletage area. Again, no residue, because these products are phenomenal. I sleep with a silk pillowcase and I've NEVER had any residue on my pillow. Ever.
This combination, I'm convinced has brought so much luminosity and cured my rash.
Day Time:
My day time routine is quick and easy.
Cleansing Balm – I start off with the cleansing balm if I want to feel fresh in the morning.
Sheer Renewal Moisturizer – This absorbs lightning fast and leaves no residue on the skin. This is particularly great for the warmer months or when you just want to quickly hydrate your skin. I squeeze a dime sized amount onto my fingers and put this on my face and neck.
Here are my crazy, and real before and afters (no makeup on in any pictures):
Do I even need a before and after label?! This is within ONE MONTH! Here's a look at my face without make up, just moisturizer: 
After reading this post if you purchase any one product I suggest starting with the Cleansing Balm. I literally do not travel without it. There are other products out there that try to be similar (like the Clinique one) but it just doesn't hold a candle. This cleanser is a luxurious miracle. In case you don't believe me, just take a look at the reviews of this product. People are head over heels. I truly have never found anything like it.
What I really love about these products, in addition to being miracle workers, is that Colleen Rothschild is a bad ass entrepreneur. She combines her knowledge and expertise to provide products that just work. I think investing in your skin is one of the greatest things you can do to ensure you keep looking good.
Don't forget to use the code “FRIENDS25” for 25% off the ENTIRE site!
This is a sponsored post written in partnership with Colleen Rothschild but all opinions are my own.
