AM + PM Skincare Routine
It's been a little while since I wrote an updated post on my skincare routine and I thought some of you might be curious. It's taken some time to get the whole thing down (I have a compulsive problem with constantly trying new things) but I think I'm in a good spot right now.
A little background on my skin...I have combination skin that leans towards oily but lately has been dry. I definitely need to be stringent with my routine because at 27 I'm still suffering from acne. I attempted to go on Accutane but it was going to cost $800/month and that just seemed obscene. Instead, I've worked out a pretty good system incorporating some over the counter but yet extremely effective products.
MORNING
Cleanse // Lately I've been using this Acure creme cleanser because it's formulated for dry skin (my skin is the most dry in the morning) plus it feels creamy and gentle. In the morning, I'm less concerned with "clean" skin. I just want to refresh my face. If I'm showering, I'll use this Acure brightening scrub which I really like and I'm on my second bottle which is really saying something for me. On a really lazy day (let's be honest, most days...) I'll just give my face a swipe with these Acure face wipes. Sensing a trend here...I'm loving Acure products for several reasons: natural, affordable, easy to find (Target!), effective, pretty packaging!
Tone // Because my skin is craving a little extra attention these days, I've been loving using a spray toner (vs. swiping with a cotton round). This green tea one from Poor & Pretty is just the ticket. The tea is very soothing while the witch hazel refreshes my skin and preps it for the day. I added a bit of jojoba oil to the mix (just shake before using) to add some extra moisture.
Moisturize // I had been searching for a day time moisturizer non-stop for quite some time. I tried a lot of samples but couldn't find something that fit the bill. I fell in LOVE with the Pai Rebalancing moisturizer but it was $60 and I just couldn't justify it. I finally ordered a sample of this one from Paula's Choice after hearing Ashley rave about it (it helped that we have a similar skin type). It was seriously love at first sight (swipe?). It's super lightweight but still moisturizing without being greasy at all. The sheer tint prevents any white cast from the mineral sunscreen and does a great job evening out my skin. It's amazing how it leaves a matte finish but doesn't look flakey. To add a little extra hydration and coverage, I've actually been mixing in a bit of this Josie Maran tinted moisturizer as well which is normally too heavy for me on its own but mixed together, it's perfection.
EVENING
Cleanse // I'm totally on the oil cleansing bandwagon. It removes any trace of makeup so easily and leaves my skin feeling so soft. I just finished up my bottle of the Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Vitamin B cleansing oil but though I absolutely loved it (amazing pineapple scent!) I just felt like I couldn't justify the $42. I purchased my first bottle through a promo so I was able to get it for a little less. Maybe I'll invest again down the road. Instead, I've just started using the new Burt's Bees cleansing oil which I think is working just fine. It doesn't leave a film, has a pleasant smell, and it's effective.
Treat // This is the big new step in my routine that is making such a difference. Though I've always used a toner, I wasn't convinced it was doing anything. Instead, I recently added this liquid, leave-on exfoliant from Paula's Choice to my nighttime routine and I'm seeing immediate results. My skin has been much clearer, more even, less bumpy, less red, and just generally awesome. This product is worth the hype.
Moisturize // I've been really liking using oils to moisturize my skin at night. I feel like they hold up better while I'm sleeping and lately, my skin could benefit from a little extra moisture at night. I'm not too picky with oils though. Acure's argan oil is great - simple, pure, and affordable. I'm also liking this neroli oil from Stark. It's a bit more of a luxury item but I received it in a beauty deal box. I'm not sure I would repurchase mainly because I think there are plenty of great, less expensive options. Sometimes I will also apply a layer of Origins Drink Up Overnight mask which is awesome. For eye cream, I'm still loving the Elizabeth Dehn for OLO one. It's expensive but lasts forever. Eye cream is one of those things that I can never tell a difference when I'm using but hopefully in 10 years I'll be happy I did.
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