My Skin Care Routine

Skin care is no joke y’all. I remember the days of sleeping in my makeup, makeup removing wipes being my one and only form of cleansing (if I could motivate myself to reach for them before passing out) and thinking of moisturizer as an unnecessary luxury that was exclusive to the 60 and up crowd. Yeah, I was pretty gross. But the fact of the matter is you can’t have flawless makeup if you don’t have flawless skin. The application will be rough, to say the least. I definitely don’t have perfect skin, but after years of perfecting my skin care routine (first step was getting one) I’ve finally found a process that work for me and helps me keep my skin healthy, glowy and a great canvas for any products I want to smear all over it (ew, instantly regretting my choice of words).

Even if you don’t wear a lot of makeup or any at all, skin care is still an important step for everyone to take to keep their skin clean, clear and happy! (wanted to say “under control” but realized I didn’t actually make that one up myself, heh heh).

MORNING ROUTINE

1. CLEANSING

My first step is cleansing my skin in the morning to start out my day right. I do this in the shower and lately have been using the Mario Badescu Orange Cleansing Soap ($12, get it here) along with my Clairisonic ($99, I’m rocking the OG but you can get the newest system here). I’ve only ever replaced my brush head with the normal one for most skin types because that one does the trick for me but there are a bunch of different ones to fit your specific skin type needs ($27, get them here). I switch out my cleanser once I run out of it because I like trying new products but usually stick with ones that are gentle and without exfoliating beads because the Clairisonic already does a great job of exfoliating any of the scum that builds up on my skin overnight (yum). This one has a very faint, pleasant orange scent and has a brightening effect because of the citrus ingredients.

After I cleanse with my Clairisonic I reach for my Caolion Hot & Cool Pore Foam Cleansing Duo ($24, get it here) and use the cooling treatment to soothe my skin after that initial deep cleaning. It tingles and cools the skin which feels amazing and is great for closing up your pores.

2. MOISTURIZING 

After I get out of the shower I use the Clinque Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($26, get it here) to give my skin the nourishment it needs to stay glowy, soft and bright.  I have mentioned before that I have dry skin with the occasional oiliness in my T zone, and this moisturizer is such a lifesaver. My skin feels so soft after I apply this and my foundation glides on my face beautifully when I use it. I highly recommend it!

NIGHTIME ROUTINE

3. MAKEUP REMOVAL 

Before I got to bed my first step is taking off my makeup. Duh (if you sleep in it you’ll die, I promise. Jk). I start by taking my eye makeup off with the Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($6, get them here) that are meant for longwear and waterproof makeup. I LOVE these, they feel really oily but in the best way possible. They gently take even the most smudge proof makeup off and the best part? You get to keep all of your eyelashes. Is there anything sadder than looking down and seeing your innocent lashes just lying there on your makeup removing wipe? Okay fine, there are a lot of things, let’s move on. They’re super gentle on your lids and very nourishing which is pretty rare for this type of product.

Next I tackle my face with regular makeup removing wipes, which to be honest are for the most part usually pretty similar, so I just grab whatever looks the most appealing in the moment when I need to refill. Right now I’m using the Neutrogena Night Calming Cleansing Towelettes ($10, get them here) and I like them fine. I usually go for the ones that are advertised as “gentle” or “soothing” so I don’t upset my skin too much. These will take off some of my makeup but are certainly not a replacement for actually cleansing the skin.

4. CLEANSING (AGAIN)

Because I do my deep cleaning in the morning and because I’m still pretty lazy I don’t reach for my Clairisonic but instead use the heating treatment from the Caolion cleansing duo I mentioned earlier to completely get my makeup off and cleanse my skin. This foaming treatment really heats up your skin. Like, a lot. Like dayum. I won’t lie, after you take it off your skin burns for a bit, but it’s not necessarily painful, just warm to the touch. I use a cool towel to take it off of my skin and that always feels very soothing. This product really pulls any dirt or grime to the surface and helps deep clean pores quickly.

5. EYE CREAM

If you feel like your shadows never go on smoothly over your lids or if you suffer from permanent under eye circles you could benefit from a good eye cream. My favorite is the Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment ($38, get it here) but there are great ones from Benefit and Origins and a million other brands that will fit your needs. This one really has improved the dullness under my eyes and has made my eye makeup look much smoother.

6. MOISTURIZE (AGAIN)

Same deal.

7. SPOT TREATMENT

From the condition of this bottle I think it’s pretty clear this is a favorite. I’ve been using the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17, get it here) for years and I can never find anything that attacks blemishes like this does. This is my last step before I go to bed, and after using a Q-tip to apply it to any problem spots on my face I always wake up with them looking noticeably less red and smaller. It’s a real miracle worker.

WEEKLY TREATMENTS

8. MASKING

Masks are my jam. Love me a good mask. Who doesn’t? I apply a few every Sunday and Wednesday to keep my skin balanced. I usually like to use a deep exfoliating one followed by something soothing and replenishing. I have waaaaay too many but here are my favorites:

The Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask ($26, get it here) is my go to when I’m having a bad skin day (or week) because it clears my pores better than anything else. The charcoal pulls everything to the surface so my skin can breathe again without all of the gunk living in there (again, yum).

This baby is probably my all time, number one fave (doing the praise hand emoji IRL right now). Glamglow has the best masks for literally any skin problem (which is probably why they all cost a million dollars) but the Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment ($69, get it here) is definitely the best one in my opinion. I put this one on if I’m experiencing any dry spots or after I use an exfoliating mask. I do this at night and sleep with it on so when I wake up I feel like a hydrated princess. Seriously, my skin is glowing after I sleep with this on. Worth every penny.

Okay first of all, trying to talk about something called the Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask ($11, get it here) in a somewhat serious context is absurd. But I like it. This is a new favorite that I of course had to try after seeing all of the hilarious pictures and videos of people turning themselves into monsters with this mask. You can use this mask daily because it’s meant for uncleansed skin, so it can break down dirt and deep clean. It’s ridiculous looking and tickles like no body’s biz, but afterwards your skin will feel so refreshed and clean. Plus it’s a good time!

What are your favorite skin care products? Tell me in the comments!

Xoxo,

She