Beauty Week: My Somme Obsession

Welcome to Beauty Week at Stripes & Sequins.  For the rest of this week, I will be posting about all of my favorite beauty things.  Many of you have asked about my skincare and beauty routines… so I figured, why not dedicate an entire week to my faves!  I’ve got tips, tricks, discounts, and a few giveaways up my sleeve… so you are in for a treat!

I thought we’d start out with skincare.  For the past two months, I’ve been religiously using The Somme Institute’s 5 Step System.  I was hesitant to try the line at first, but have to tell you, it’s pretty fantastic.  On top of that, though it’s a 5 step routine, it takes less than five minutes – I‘m lazy a big fan of convenience, so this is perfect for me.

Now before we dive in, I must disclose… Somme Institute sent me the line for review.  But – I like the products so much that I’ve continued to purchase  them on my own, and will continue to do so.  The products work.

Since using the products, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my skin.  I look younger…. and more rested.  My skin looks much healthier, more rested.  The small patch of rosacea on my cheek has started to fade (their aesthetician assures me it will be gone after another month or two of  use.

The process starts with the Nourishing Cleanser – a milky, gentle cleanser.  It reminds me a bit of a more luxe Cetaphil – super gentle and non-stripping.  Post cleansing, you exfoliate using Transport (my favorite part of the routine – these amazing, Stridex-like exfoliation pads.)  The next part is the Serum, then the A-Bomb (an incredible fluffy moisturizer…) and lastly, Double Defense (SPF 30 Sunscreen.)

On top of those two products, I also adore their eye cream – and my new favorite treat, Boost – which smells like a Pumpkin Spiced Latte, and leaves skin soft, smoothe, and completely glowing!  I sat in the tub with it on my face and never wanted to take it off – it smells that good.  What’s so incredible about the line is that it contains MDT5 technology (5 different vitamins,) which penetrate 4mm deep below the surface, to really get in there – and reverse damage.

I should warn you that in the first couple weeks of using the system, you do break out.  Your skin goes through a detoxification stage, and it isn’t always pretty.  I’m someone who never really ever broke out as my skin errs on the drier side.  During this stage, it did start to break out.  This stage lasted for about 3 wks, and now my skin is completely clear – and better than it was when I began the program.

The products work on all skin types – oily, dry, aging, the works.  If you want to be really blown away, check out their before/after testimonials here.  Completely insane.  (In the best possible sense of the word.)

Note:  To save money, I only use the Transport + Serum at night.  I know that this routine is costly, but trust me – it really, really works.

As a special treat to Stripes & Sequins readers, Somme has generously offered to grant you all 20% off the entire collection, when you purchase from their online store through 3/27, using promo code:  GDSTRIPESSEQS.  The sale only lasts a week, so be sure to jump on it now!