What's your current evening skincare routine?
Clindamycin solution (topical), Biologique Recherche PIGM400, Differin or Good Molecules Niaciamide serum, Mahalo Rare Indigo Balm or Fresh Rose Deep Hydrating Sleeping Mask.
— Christine
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These questions about morning and evening skincare routines are tough for me because they both change according mostly to whim but also based on the products I’m using (some, like Drunk Elephant a-passioni or Ren Wake Wonderful, are only for use 2 or 3 times a week). So this is just general – I guess my most common routine is eye makeup removal (any bi-phase remover) and then washing my face – either Boscia cleanser or YTTP Kale one, sometimes used with my Foreo device – and after that, a facial oil (YTTP or Kiehl’s) or Serum (Vasanti or Pixi) and then a moisturizer (Embryolisse, Kiehl’s, Astral Cream – see what I mean about “whim”) and my night time eye cream from Vasanti. But there are nights when I wear a “sleeping mask” – Shiseido or a d/c’d one from Sephora. So basically no routine!
I remove my makeup using the Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil and the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Then just like the morning routine, I splash on Tatcha’s Essence and the follow up with the Water Cream. Sometimes I’ll use salicylic acid for stray pimples.
It works for me. I like the whole less is more approach. Before I was trying to juggle too many serums, moisturizers, creams, etc. Nah. I’d rather use a few quality products over several others.
Clinique Mild Facial Soap, Clinique Moisture Surge, Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream, Aquaphor Lip Balm. A few months ago I received a sample of Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil and it really made my skin feel incredibly soft and smooth all night long, but I’m just not willing to pay that much money for it.
I used Gurelaine Abeille Oil, not the one you tried, but probably a bit like it, and I loved it. I don’t know why I stopped using it, though, maybe because I moved and now have to order from Sephora, not just walk in and pick stuff up.
It is on the expensive side, as all Guerlaine, but it did sort out a lot of my then problems with my skin.
More simple than AM. Differin (like that better than the Proactiv version. Plus, at Ulta the Proactiv is prestige. (Despite. Being. The. Exact. Same. Formula. Go figure.) Then Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum, then a sleeping moisturizer, currently Belif Aqua Bomb. And always the Calcipotriene ointment, for the death wish inverse psoriasis. If I notice any emergent issues, lots of add ons. Eyes: prefer the Algenist power blah blah to the Volition Helix AM/PM gel. Laneige lip sleeping.
If I wore makeup, I remove it thoroughly. But the rest of my nighttime routine is the same either way! Apply Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid & Retinol Eye Serum to eye area, The Ordinary retinol in squalane to my face and neck. Wait 10 minutes or so, then apply a mixture of Ole Henrikson Truth Serum and The Ordinary Buffet to face and neck, wait another 10 minutes or until I’m done watching something on YT, then apply whatever moisturizer I’m using at that particular time of year. Right now, I’m using Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream Moisturizer because of the humidity. Usually, I use Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream when it’s dry weather. Lastly, I apply Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, spot treatment of any eczema or breakouts, and Aveeno Eczema Therapy for my hands.
As a person who (like me) mixes a lot of high end and cheap skincare, do you think the Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid & Retinol Eye Serum is worth it? I was curious to try it at some point but it’s $69. But as a skincare junkie the formula seems amazing. But also as a skincare junkie, for those money I can get The Ordinary Ferulic Acid, a good retinol and mix them together. 😆
I have previously used the Hyaluronic Marine Dew It All Eye Gel (only $48), which was quite nice as a lightweight eye cream; I still can’t pass the plastic packaging with the writing that rubbed of after a couple of weeks (again, $48, even drugstore has more quality).
I have used Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid & Retinol Eye Serum and I loved it. I think it’s probably the best eye product I’ve tried and I’ll go back to it after finishing the ones I decided I just had to try, because why stay with something I know work? 🙂
The complexity of skincare at nighttime.
My routine was build upon 5-6 years of experimentation and although I alternate products a lot, I have a very specific routine that works great for me. If I change one step, my skin goes crazy.
Step 1: Cleanser (everyday)
Currently I’m rotating between Smartly Unscented Gentle Facial Cleanser and Clinique City Block Purifying Enzyme Powder Cleanser + Exfoliator (only on Sundays and Thursday, for a deeper clean + exfoliation)
Step 2: Masking (twice a week)
I’m currently making my own mask by mixing bentonite clay and activated charcoal, clay masks keep my oiliness, blackheads and pores under control.
Step 3: Toner
Currently I am using Paula’s Choice RESIST Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner, same as morning
Step 4: Exfoliation
I use BHA (2 or 4% usually) 5 times a week and AHA (8-10%) on Sundays and Thursday. Currently I am using the Paula’s Choice Skin perfecting 2% BHA Liquid (I prefer the gel, but I’m using up a gift with purchase) and 8% AHA Gel.
Step 5: Hyaluronic acid booster/treatment (need based)
When I feel extra dry I like to add in my routine a simple hyaluronic acid booster/treatment; currently I am using the The INKEY List Collagen Serum.
Step 6a: Retinol
I use a retinol serum on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. I have very high tolerance to retinol and I usually love formulas with 1% retinol. Currently I am using Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment Anti Aging, but I don’t like it that much.
Step 6b: Vitamin C
I use a Vitamin C treatment at night all over the face on Sunday, Monday and Thursday; I use it to spot treat stubborn dark spots when needed otherwise. Currently I am using the The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%), which is not that great for spot treatments.
Step 7a: Moisturizer
I use a moisturizer on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, usually a lightweight gel in the summer and a thicker cream in winter. Currently I’m using up a mini of the Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, I’m just trying to finish a gift with purchase; it’s OK, but not something I would purchase.
Step 7b: Oil
On Sundays and Thursday I use either an oil or a blend of oils, I prefer personally squalane, my skin tolerates it very well. Currently I have The Ordinary Squalane Oil which is OK, but not outstanding.
Step 8: Benzoyl Peroxide
I am using a Benzoyl Peroxide all over the face on Monday and as a spot treatment anytime a have a major breakout. I’m currently using my favorite, Paula’s Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide.
I just have to ask what retinols you like to use. I’m trying Dermalogica 1% but I’m not sure it does much for me that The Ordinary 1% in Squalane does and it costs a LOT more.
I don’t think I can get the prescription retinol here, I did ask my then doctor and he said the weren’t allowed to prescribe it, nothing I’ve researched though.
Any recommendations are very welcome!
My all time favorite retinol is Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, nothing else impressed me better. Even other retinol product from the brand are too low in concentration to be effective for me (bot others love), and I didn’t liked the Retinol 1% Booster.
One retinol I kind of liked was the First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum, but the 0.25% concentration is not enough for me to see great results… it’s more like a `maintenance` mode serum.
Thank you!
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm, Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water, Bosnia Detoxifying Black Cleanser or Sekkisei White Powder Wash, Curology 0.01% tretinoin + Azelaic Acid 2% + Niacinamide 4%, Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum, Timeless Matrixyl 3000 and Synthe 6 serums, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cannibis & Oat Dry Oil, Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips, Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm. On Sunday nights I skip the Curology and use REN Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial.
If I wore makeup then I start with a bi-phase cleanse. I use Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil followed by either MiBA Calcium Ion Cleanser or the Nuxe Reve de Miel Cleanser. I usually use the Boscia Konjac Hydrating Sponge to use the Miba or the Nuxe. I rinse thoroughly. Most nights I follow up with Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti Aging Bi-Phase Peel. I leave this on for anywhere from 5-10 minutes, although I worked up to this frequency and time. After washing this off I apply Missha First Essence Mist, Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum, Kiehl’s Vit C Lotion and then depending on the time of year either an aqua balm type moisturizer or a heavier moisturizer for the winter time. I am currently using the Fresh Rose Hydration Sleeping Mask. I finish with an oil if my skin needs it. I am currently using YTTP but am going to try the Lord Jones Royal Oil which has 1000 mgs. of pure CBD oil. I have been curious about it and then saw Tara started using it so that has me wanting to try it. Supposedly it smells terrible or to some it just smell like cannabis. It only has two ingredients, the CBD and Grape Seed Extract. I cracked up at some of the comments under the product on Sephora as some of them tout it’s use for mellowing out by putting it under the tongue. Since it contains no THC at all, it would have zero effect to mellow anyone out! For around my eyes I use Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic and Retinol patted on and then after I complete the rest of my skincare I apply the Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream. For my lips I use Algenist Genius Collagen Lip Treatment which I am trying to use up and Nuxe Reve de Miel which lasts amazingly on me since I use a CPAP machine at night and that normally really dries out my mucous membranes. I have been planning on dropping the Collagen lip treatment since I haven’t personally seen any benefit and I am likely still going to do that but my daughter thinks that she sees some improvement in the lip lines so I may revisit that decision as I near the end. One thing is for certain, it lasts a long time. I have had this since November and I use it twice a day.
I use additional masks during the week but they vary between masks I just want to try and masks that are directed at a particular problem my skin may be experiencing.
I am curious about derma-rolling and wonder if anyone here on Temptalia does that and if so how it is going? I am a little chicken about micro-needling! Not the pain as I have a good pain tolerance and I doubt it hurts that much but more about any lasting damage done, although at my age I wouldn’t likely see it before end of life! Vice versa, would I see any benefit before end of life?
Also, jade rolling?
Hi Deborah,
I am dying to try micro needling . I have 2 indented scars on my face . One between my eye brows and other on my nose . ? ?
I had read how great it is for that kind of scaring. I really would love to see how well it is for plumping up my skin.
Me too I would to hear about what results that they achieved from it .
I use micellar water or makeup remover on my eyes, if necessary. Then I wash my face with NuSkin Nu Skin 180° Face Wash, then put on Volition Strawberry-C Serum and let that absorb. Next is L’oreal Revitalift Triple Power Intensive Anti-Aging Day Cream Moisturizer. I apply a more oily lip balm to my lips, as opposed to the waxier ones I wear during the day.
About 2 years I post that my cousin works for a dermatologist, and she (the dermatologist) recommends CeraVe Face Moisturizer lotion for Nightime over any high-end moisturizer. I hope this helps.
Before you buy any high-end products, go watch Dr. Ray on Youtube, she has very informative videos about skin-care.?
I’ll have to check that out. I love Lab Muffin Beauty Science, she has a great blog and videos.
I’ve heard that too. I love Cerave products. Their ointment that comes in a large jar is the only thing that works on my hands during winter. Working in a hospital required me to wash more often than most people do and my hands would peel and crack. Now I work from home, but still love Cerave. JAMBEAUTY89 on YT did a great overview of several Cerave products recently if anyone is interested. She not the usual over the top YTUBER. She is really down to earth….just like Christine ?
I remove makeup/sunscreen using an oil cleanser. I like Clinique Take the Day Off Balm, but this has plastic in it so I’m trying just to use up what I have then get something else. I’m also testing out Boscia MakeUp BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil, and that has been working out for me. I then wash my face with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser. After, I apply the Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, then COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (using it up, switching to the cream version). Once a week I swap out the retinoid for an AHA: COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid. I then use moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer (another bottle I am trying to use up, I prefer Stratia Liquid Gold). I then apply a sleeping pack, either COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask or COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask. I haven’t decided which one of those I like better yet. I also use a lip mask at night, Bite Agave+ Nighttime Lip Therapy. I used to use plain lanolin, but I think the Bite mask is hydrating as well as occlusive.
Remove my makeup with Ponds Cold Cream.
Wash face with La Roche Posay Toleriane cleanser.
Alternate nightly between The Ordinary 2% Retinoid and The Ordinary 10% Lactic Acid.
CeraVe moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid.
Laneige lip sleeping mask.
If I’m really feeling the need, add CosRx Rice Sleeping Mask for extra moisture.
– Washing my face – either with Surreal Skincare’s Mister Everyday or Purity
– Toning – either with Thayers Witch Hazel (non alcohol) or Surreal’s Tighty McTightface (which has been interesting)
– Essence – Fresh Black Tea
– Serum – Acne Assassin (my hg) or just using the blue cartridge in my Clinique moisturizer lol
– Moisturizer – a mix of Clinique with the cartridge, Aveeno eczema and Surreal’s Regenerator for my scars lol.
– MASKS – either Cool Napalm (the best resurfacer EVER) or PTR pumpkin mask to get rid of dead skin lol
Lightweight Summer night routine for my dry/combo mature skin: NIVEA Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Lotion to clean my face, removed with Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Then I pat in Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion. Then I apply a few drops of squalane topped off with Missha’s Time Revolution cream.
What I use changes a lot, but basically I remove makeup and sunscreen with a cleansing balm, like Clinique Take the Day Off, then I cleanse using either a test I got from Babour or a cleanser from Dr Dennis Gross.
I use Dermalogica Retinol 1% and at the moment an eye cream from Origins, in an orange jar.
If my skin feels dry I use a little of the buffrer cream that comes with the retinol.
One night a week, or when I feel the need I use a hyaloronic acid, just finished the one from Good Molecules and a night mask.
It seems I have more questions than a good routine 🙂
I used to use a lot of different serums from The Ordinary and it worked really well, but then I got curious and wanted to try new things, I just hope curiosity won’t kill my skin 😀 Right now I have a few spots, and can’t figure out what’s causing them.
Fun questions and fun reading all the answers!
Ah the joys of combo skin. The actual products I use may vary depending on what I’ve received lately in a beauty box, but here goes:
1. Use Vaseline to remove eye makeup and if there’s a stubborn lip staining color, that too.
2. Cleanser. The current one is from Paris Hilton’s pro DNA line.
3. Lip Balm
4. Retinol serum on my forehead and between my eyes.
5. Hylauronic Acid Serum on my cheeks.
6. This great eye cream I found whose name escapes me that helps itchy irritate lids.
7. Eyebrow/lash growth serum on my brows
8. Acne medicine, preferably salicylic acid, on and under my chin, around my nose, and the tiniest bit in my brows where I tend to sprout small blackheads & whiteheads (clogged follicles probably).
9. Body Lotion (currently Hempz) on my arms, wrists, and especially elbows
10. Moisturizer (currently Sunday Riley) on my forehead and cheeks
My morning routine is MUCH simpler.
Changes by season, time, and hormones. Makeup remover wipes after work while watching tv with hubby nights. Soap, dr gross ceramide serum with whatever treatment is needed. Whatever the latest oil mixed with Kiehl’s midnight oil. Then whatever is my latest moisturizer. Love CeraVe for the in betweens.
I’ve also used the derma micro needle. Just not very patient to keep up with this stuff…BUT, when I was doing it and not doing a six month facial with it included …it was great. HUGE tip, get tooth numbing cream and spread first. Otherwise, bonier areas hurt (forehead, the eleven, nose area). I still roll the fattier areas f my face when I remember. I’m about to be 50 and am lucky to look at most 35…mostly genes. But one thing that has helped is throwing some tanner drops in with my oils. It is amazing how easy and what that color does. I don’t even use foundation, just tinted moisturizer/sunscreen daily now.