For cleansing, I use shu uemura’s cleansing oil, Sephora Coconut Makeup Wipes, and Shiseido makeup remover (as necessary). I use my prescription topicals (Differin, clindamycin), and then I use Kiehl’s Avocado eye cream and Origins Ginzing. Sometimes I use Drunk Elephant’s Hydration Gel.
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I begin by using either Banillo Co oil makeup remover or Tatcha Camellia Oil Makeup remover. These both emulsify and turn into a milky wash that rinses clean and takes off all of my makeup including my waterproof mascara. Depending on what I did that morning I will usually use my Konjac sponge with CeraVe PM cleanser and that makes sure that all traces of makeup are gone. This is probably an unnecessary step but I like something that foams without stripping my skin. For some reason I don’t feel clean without this step even though I have used a Micellar water after the first cleanse and nothing shows up on the swab. It is mental I know. Following the cleansing I use a Pixi Glow Pad which is an acid pad. I follow with a spray of Pixi Milky Moisturizer spray then Laneige day moisturizer and Water Gel Sleeping Mask. I then apply the Smashbox Primer oil and finally the Tatcha moisturizer. I apply the Smashbox Primer at night because it just makes my skin feel better moisturized than any other product and it helps my CPAP mask to make a good connection to my skin without tugging at my skin. This is an issue and concern that I have as a CPAP mask has to be worn snuggly enough to keep air leaks at bay and that is pretty snug. It makes marks in my skin and I worry about the wrinkles and damage that is being done but I can’t go without the mask so I have to deal with it. I have found that an oil keeps the seal tighter without my having to tighten the straps.
“It is mental I know.” My mental understands your mental! Lol.
Simple Foaming Cleanser (everyday)
Clinique Charcoal Mask (Wednesday and Sunday)
Paula Choice Calm Toner for dry skin (everyday)
Paula Choice Liquid BHA 2% (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) or Neutrogena Benzoyl Peroxide Mask (Monday and Friday) or Alpha Skincare 10% AHA Lotion (Wednesday and Sunday)
Paula Choice Niamicide Booster (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)
First Aid Beauty Hydrating Serum (everyday)
First Aid Beauty Gel Moisturizer (everyday)
If I have make-up on, I moisten it with Vichy thermal water while I brush my teeth, then remove with Bioderma micelar water. Cleanse with Avene Cleanance gel (trial – I don’t like it, it dries my skin too much). Sometimes I exfoliate with coffee (dermatologist recommended). Then I use Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep, Clinique All About Eyes Rich, apply an AHA-BHA solution on any spots and Isis Pharma Glyco-A on the nose (trying to clear blackheads and big pores).
Well, you know how my daytime routine is short and sweet? This isn’t.
Remove eye makeup with aloe infused baby oil, cleanse face with coconut oil, follow with Simple Exfoliating Facial Wipe, apply Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic & Retinol Eye Serum to eye area, then PTR 3% Retinol Serum, or the DS Retinol Serum that I usually buy, to the rest of my face and neck, followed with Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster and Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil, then after the serums sink in, I apply Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream, apply a prescription ointment to patches of eczema, and then finally, slather up my lips with Jack Black Lip Balm.
Oh, and always apply Curel Ultra Healing Hand Lotion to my VERY dry hands for overnight!
I like to really pamper my skin in the evenings, doing a double cleanse, then sometimes my prescription retinol or an aha treatment, then serum, moisturizer, eyecream and face oil. And face masks about twice a week.
My routine has some staples, and some things that vary day to day so here is the list be category/order. Also I do a lot because 1) chronic illness makes you look like you’re dying and 2) it’s a good way to wind down/self-care/have a bit of a pamper after another day of plodding on with being ill:
Cleanser/exfoliator: since I shower in the evening I use the FAB Facial Radiance Polish while in there, but if it’s been long enough since then I do a quick cleanse with the FAB Pure Skin Face Cleanser just to get any sweat/oil out of the way for products to sink in.
Serum: Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum (and my local CCO has this now that Estee Lauder owns Origins so I’ve literally never paid full price since then!)
Boosters/additions to my serum: I don’t always use something like this, but if my skin needs a little extra TLC (and in the winter that usually means if it’s been a bit too dry or I’m having the beginnings of a mild hormonal breakout) I might add a few drops of Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate to my serum, or pat it in to my skin beforehand.
Moisturizer: once again depending on when my skin is telling me I change it up- either the FAB Ultra Repair Cream, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (discontinued “Dry Skin” version which is lighter), or if I need something really heavy duty I go in with the Origin’s Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (which I may just use alone as it packs a punc). Another one I sometimes crack out but have used up is the Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Lightweight Cream (which is not lightweight at all and is a good heavy-duty moisturizer).
Eye Cream: currently it’s been the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye cream, though I find their Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is a really great night eye cream as well.
Bad pain days can mean it’s tough to do all those steps, so I usually do one of three things, either use the Origin’s Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, the FAB Ultra Repair Cream, or the Body Shop Vitamin E Serum-in-Oil and that will do until my pain levels get to a more manageable state.
I’m going to investigate The Body Shop Vitamin E Serum-in-Oil one of these days. You just reminded me.
I hear you, I have Fibro and a few other things so sometimes I I shorten my routine. On those nights I usually just wash, hydrate tone, and then slap on some Fresh Black Tea Sleeping Mask. It works pretty well with just three products for a day or two and I can go back to the full list!
((((Anne)))) I’m sorry you deal with such chronic pain. I understand. It’s heartbreaking to hear. If only I had the power, I’d fix us all right up!
Neutropenia wipe, Sunday Riley Blue Moon cleansing balm, Paula’s Choice Resist cleanser, NIp + Fab Glycolic pad, wait 30 mins, Ole Henriksen Youth activating Oil, wait 20-30 mins, then Philsophy Hope in a Jar night. Sometimes FAB Triple Duty Overnight eye cream, and always Nivea Vanilla Macadamia lip butter. It’s a lot, but it keeps my skin glowing and gorgeous!
Makeup removal – Chanel bi-phase for eyes (all time favorite and forever repurchasing) and Clinique take the day off cleansing balm for face. On days where I had light makeup / feel lazy, I just splash on some Dermalogica Precleanse all over my face and call it a day without second cleansing (maybe a cotton pad with some micellar water just to be sure).
2nd Cleansing – Philosophy purity cleanser + Foreo Luna 2
(Once a week – using a thick layer of Sunday Riley Good Genes as a treatment/mask, applied directly on clean face, leave for half an hour)
Toner – sometimes it’s a toner with AHA, sometimes it’s a traditional watery ph adjusting one, sometimes it’s an essence. (Currently have Elemis Rehydrating Ginseng Toner, Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner, and Shiseido Eudermine on rotation.)
(Sometimes, I’ll do a nourishing mask as well after toner. Could be a sheet mask, could be the typical tub ones.)
Serums – I just ran out of my shiseido ultimune which i quite liked to layer before my Lancôme genifique, but genifique alone doesn’t feel enough for the winter night. So now in trying to decide whether to open a bottle of Clarins double serum or Estée Lauder ANR. (I have stocked up skincare pretty much for a whole year – thank you 30% sales).
Eyes РEst̩e Lauder ANR eye serum + Shiseido Benefiance eye cream
Moisturizer РLanc̫me visionnaire Cream in rich.
Lips – La Mer lip balm
Hands – La Mer hand cream
Cleansing: Julep Love your Face Hydrating Cleansing Oil (with konjac sponge). If I’ve worn makeup, then before that, I use Lancome Bifacil for my eye makeup, then a quick wipe with a micellar water (currently Pacifica but I also use Bioderma), then I use my cleanser. If it’s Sunday, I follow my cleansing routine with a face mask. Currently using the Herbivore Brighten Pineapple Enzyme + Gemstone Instant Glow Mask. Next I use The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%, NIOD FECC, and then The Ordinary Rose Hip Oil.
Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser applied and rubbed in until I see the makeup lift, followed by CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser to get it all off. Trader Joe’s Nourish Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer, and CeraVe Eye Repair Creme follow next. Twice a week I substitute Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask for the Trader Joe’s Moisturizer.
I get the TJ’s one with oil in it! It’s great!
I am thinking of getting the oily one and just using it at night. I was also thinking of trying the serum.
This is hard because I’m not particularly loyal to any products aside from some serums, and I rotate through different products day-to-day. But I’ll try!
1) Cleansing balm (Boots Botanics or Clinique Take the Day Off) and remove with a washcloth.
2) Cleanse with my Clarisonic (I am not loyal to any particular cleanser– right now I’m using the Tonymoly Peach Punch Foam Cleanser but one of my favorites is the Origins Checks and Balances.)
3) Use a face mask, alternating between moisturizing, pore clarifying, exfoliating, etc. depending on what I feel my skin needs (I really enjoy Peter Thomas Roth masks).
4) Sometimes instead of this I’ll use the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads.
5) Tone with the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner.
6) Apply a serum (I alternate between the Sunday Riley Luna oil and Good Genes serum, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, and whatever hydrating serum I have on hand, currently it’s Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful) on my face/neck/decolette.
7) Apply eye cream (currently using Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream) and night cream on face/neck/decollete (currently using Caudalie Vinosource but a favorite is the Origins Night-amins.)
I wash my face with Neutrogena foaming face wash (I won’t splurge on face wash that rinses right off your face and this is a great and gentle but effective cleanser) and my Foreo Luna. I moisturize with Drunk Elephant La La or B Hydra and Mac Lightful C eye cream, I also use Differin (about 4-6 times a week) and I stopped using clindamycin because it just dries out my skin so much but I may need to start again, and a good lip balm. I ran out of my antioxidant serum from First Aid Beauty but I used to used that too.
1st Cleanse: Clinique Take of the Day Cleansing Balm (sometimes I use miceller water to take off heavy mascara, current brand is Boots Botanics 3 in 1)
2nd Cleanse (4 options): CeraVe Cleanser, Josie Marin Cleansing Oil, Nude Perfect Nourishing Cleansing Oil, or REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser
Acid Toner: Clarins Toning Lotion with Chamomile (gentle lactic acid)
Hydrating Toner: Pixi Hydrating Milk Mist (going to try Caudalie Grape Water tonight)
Eye Cream: Eysilix or The Body Shop Vitamin Eye Cream
Serums: Suki Skincare Targeted Bio-Brightening Face Serum (for melasma spot); A mix of oils: The Body Shop Oils of Life (1 drop), Shea Moisture Pure Baobab Oil (1 drop), Pure Flax Seed Oil (1/2 drop), and Pure Monoi Oil (1/2 drop) or I use Sunday Riley Luna instead.
Treatments: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy; May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon (spot treatment if needed for eczema spot and/or the odd pimple)
Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion or FAB Ulta Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream
Skin Type: Dehydration skin with eczema on t-zone and tops of cheeks. Sigh (I rather not use steroid creams)
I wipe off my eye makeup with Almay’s eye remover patches
I take an oval cotton pad and use Equate’s makeup remover and wipe my face with it to remove face makeup
Use my Aveeno foaming face wash to wash my face clean and/or use my Neem Organic soap to wash my face clean – it really js depends on which item is closer to my hands when I’m at the sink lol.
When I’m done I use either my Aveeno moisturizer or Josie Maran Argan Infinity Oil – this depends not on which item is closer as they are both on my vanity next to each other but rather how my face feels. If it’s a bit too dry then I use the Josie, if my skin feels supple, I use the Aveeno.
That’s it.
Evening skincare routine —
Cleanser for Makeup/Sun Protection Removal:
Eye: Shiseido Eye and Lip Remover or Micellular Water (Koh Gen Do or Garnier)
Face: C Rothschild Cleansing Balm + Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish (no scrubbing! a gentle cleanse!)
Cleanser for No Makeup/Sun Protection Removal: Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish (very gentle!)
Toner: Shiseido Benefiance
Serum/Oil: Sunday Riley Flora
Moisturizer: Decleor Marjoline Night Cream
Exfoliate Night: Amore Pacific Enzyme Peel (every five days or so) + Shiseido Benefiance Toner + Decleor Hydra Floral Mask (overnight with no other products)
All are suitable for my dry skin. Prescription cream for flaky patches if needed.
Lips: Vaseline Lip Therapy (cheap and stays on all night)
Hands: O’Keefe’s Working Hands (cheap, non-greasy and wonderful)
I’ll have to try Shiseido Benefiance toner when I’m done with my Shiseido Eudermine one!
If I have makeup on, I first use Bioderma Micellar water soaked cotton pad to wipe down my face. Then I use a cleansing balm (currently using Cllinique one) specifically for my eyes If I don’t have any cleansing balm left, I use the Sheseido eye make up remover (I try not to use this much, as it makes the eye area very dry for me.). I do these first two steps only if I have make up on.
Next, I use my Clarisonic (twice a week) to wash my face with Philosophy’s Purity cleanser . After patting my face dry, I apply the SK II FTE to my face and neck. Once it is completely absorbed, I move onto my eye cream (currently the SK II eye cream) and then moisturizer. Every other day,I include a serum before the moisturizer step.
Step 1, remove makeup: CeraVe makeup removing wipe, or Simple dual-phase eye makeup remover followed by Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water, or Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm, or coconut oil, depending on my mood and how oil/dry my skin is;
Step 2, cleanse: First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
One or two nights a week: exfoliate with Paula’s Choice Resist Weekly Resurfacing Treatment With 10% AHA
then follow with step 5, moisturizing, below.
Other nights:
Step 3, toner: Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore Reducing Toner (niacinamide-based with ceramides)
Step 4, retinol + antioxidants: PC Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum under eyes, then add a little Resist 1% Retinol Booster to it and apply to rest of face; Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment to neck, decollete, arms (sometimes with a little of the booster added)
Step 5, moisturizing: PC Eye Cream, PC Clinical Ultra-Rich Moisturizer
Further into winter, or when my skin feels really dry, will add some hyaluronic acid (with toner) and argan oil (with moisturizer).
Remove makeup with Garnier Micellar (blue)
Wash with Cera Ve
Apply BHA lotion and serum. From various brands like Clinique, Derma E and Play
Facial Mist. Estee Lauder if I need it
Cleansing: I use Chanel Bi-Phase eye makeup remover (efficacious yet gentle) and then Tatcha cleansing oil all over my face, neck, and décollage. I splash it off with warm water and then go over everything with a warm washcloth for a bit of mild exfoliation.
Treatment: I pat on La Mer The Treatment (essence for extra moisture) and follow it with Jack Black Protein Boosting Serum (3 squirts) mixed with Fresh Seaberry Booster Serum (3 drops). Everything goes on face, neck, and décollage. Now, here is where I alternate my skin care. Every other night I mix my prescription strength retinoic acid with an equal amount of Bioderma Sensibio AR and apply it to my face, neck, and décolletage. The Bioderma acts as an anti-inflammatory buffer but it does not “dilute” or interfere with the strength of my retinoid. On the nights I don’t use my retinoid, I use La Mer Intensive Moisture Mask which is like a really super hydrating moisturizer that contains all the goodies for which La Mer is famous. I apply it generously and just let it soak in. The directions say to remove the excess after ten minutes, but I never do that because with my dry skin there isn’t any excess 🙂
You’ll notice I treat my face, neck, and décollage the same. If you are only treating your face, you’re doing yourself a terrible disservice. The neck and chest age as well so take good care of them. As for eye cream or neck cream, my current routine makes them superfluous.
I try to take care of my neck too, but I suffer from chronic itchy and painful neck rashes, so if that’s present, I don’t put anything on that skin. It kills me to do it, but the only thing that helps these rashes are drying products, like calamine or powder. Anything that adds moisture makes it so much worse.
Aveeno make up wipes; Cerave cleanser; if my skin that day is on the oily side Kiehl’s oil free ‘ultra facial’ toner (it’s only ok, am looking forward to others’ comments) and if not, SK-II cellumination mask in lotion; prescription tretinoin; intensive eye lotion like La Prairie cellular eye contour.
Oh — and Almay eye makeup remover.
My skin type: Dehydrated, oily all over, and acne prone to new products! I used to have severe cystic acne (I couldn’t lay on my side It was so bad!) But my dermatologist put me on this routine!
My routine: Makeup removing wipes to take off the bulk of my makeup (I buy 260 wipes at a time for $15 at walmart!)
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright cleansing foam to wash (I like this one, because while it foams it doesn’t make my face feel tight!)
Marcelle Dry Skin Toner (I splash this onto my skin and massage it in)
Garnier Over night Exfoliating Peel (I use one pump of this and pat it all over!)
Tactupump Forte (This is my acne topical treatment. It really keeps my cystic acne undercontrole! But it drys out my skin like NOTHING)
Garnier Skin renew serum. (Hydrates!)
Soap and Glory Make yourself youthful Serum (It’s a super hydrating serum and in airtight, opaque pump tube!)
Belif aqua bomb gel the dry skin one OR Clinique Moisture surge Intense cream (Both are sample sizes But they keep my skin so bouncy and soft!!!)
Physicians Formula Argan Oil OR Bio oil (I pat this ontop of everything to add in more moisture and seal everything in!)
it looks like a lot, but my dermatologist is happy with my routine, and my skin is doing really well right now!!
(HUMBLE BRAG, But my skin is SO clear and glowy!! where a year ago it was COVERED in cystic bumps.)
When it comes to makeup products, I wear anything, but when it comes to cleansing, moisturizing, and treatments, (as well as foundation) in other words, anything that stays on my skin for hours, or is intended to cleanse or be absorbed, I use only products with natural ingredients. I apply coconut oil to loosen makeup and rosewater to remove it. Does the job. It’s cheap. Currently, I am using a Mirenesse serum, eye cream and night cream. But I switch out between different natural and organic brands. I switch that out with a dark circle cream and a skin tightening skin by SkinRenu. I also use products by Eminence Organics, 100% Pure and other natural brands. Apart from anti-aging and dark circles, I don’t have any skin issues.
1. Acure Argan Wipes if I’m wearing makeup
2. Fresh Sea Berry Cleansing oil ( I’ll use this alone sometime/first even if I’m not wearing makeup because I love it)
3. One of three cleansers: Glossier Milky Jelly, Pixi Mud Cleanser, SR Ceramic Slip
4. Potentially acid tone with Pixi Glow tonic. If I plan on using acids elsewhere or I used the mud cleanser, I will skip.
5. Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Infusion; the only step that’s ever the same
5.5 if I’m going to use Tidal I wet my face with Gabriel Organics Sea Tonic
6.Oil or Treatment: SR Luna, Sibu Seabuckthorn, SR UFO, SR Tidal, Fresh Seaberry Oil or a test product.
7. SR Good Genes or Caudalie Premier Cru or Fresh Black Tea Sleeping Mask or Trader Joes moisturizer
8. Subq Eye Serum or whatever eye cream I’m testing
9. Hand Retin Oil or Organic Herbal Choice Mari Oil all over my neck, chest, and hands.
I’ve been sliding on my masks or deep exfoliants lately but normally I do a mask a day or every other day. My current rotation is: Caudalie mud mask, Caudalie Moisture, Caudalie exfoliating mask, Caudalie Moisture or a sheet mask that moisturizes, and then PTR UnWrinkle. Then I start the cycle over. I change it up too depending on my skins needs, lately it’s been more moisturizing masks due to the heater being on 24/7!
I forgot to add in I often use Ole Henriksen’s Truth Oil and Vitamin C Truth Serum. If my face is really throwing a fit I’ll just use seabuckthorn and Derma E or the TJ’s moisturizer for a night until things calm down. After the PTR is when I usually just layer it up with seabuckthorn or the OH stuff.
Depends a bit on my needs at the moment/what I used the night before as I like to switch up my actives but here goes! I’ll break it into categories in case anyone is actually curious and reads this for ease haha. Obviously I don’t use these all at once but I’m including alternate routines that I regularly use since there isn’t just one.
Physical Exfoliation: I rarely physically exfoliate as I prefer chemical but for the occasions I need to I like Laura Mercier’s face scrub as its very gentle. Or I’ll just use my Clarisonic on occasion.
Cleansing: If I’m wearing makeup I use the no-longer-available-in-the-US NUDE cleansing balm or Clinique’s fabulous Take off the Day cleansing balm to clear that off. Then I cleanse with either Paula’s Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced or Hydralight cleansers (or a mix of both). If my skin is dry I might use CeraVe instead. Sometimes I’ll use my Clarisonic but not most nights.
Toning: I switch between Paula’s Choice Resist Repairing (my favorite) and Pore Reducing. Or I use my Clarin’s Calming Lotion. Depends on skin need. Toning is really helpful for me though I know it’s not necessary for everyone.
Chemical Exfoliation: Depending on need I switch between my main one which is Paula’s Choice Resist 2% BHA, the Resist 4% BHA foam (gets more use with summer oil increases), Paula’s Choice 5% Daily Smoothing AHA, or the Paula’s Choice 10% AHA. My skin REALLY likes chemical exfoliants. I use BHA on nights with retinol treatments and AHA on nights with Vit C treatments. Occasionally I’ll use PC’s BHA 9% as a spot treatment.
Treaments 1 (Retinol Nights): Again there are regular products I switch between depending on need. If it’s a retinol night then I also incorporate niacinamide. I’ll use either the Paula’s Choice Retinol Booster or the Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic+Retinol serum mixed with Paula’s Choice niacinamide booster. Then I’ll add Peter Thomas Roth’s Retinol PM to either PC’s Clinical 1% retinol or Algenist’s Lifting and Firming Lotion. I’ll finish with adding PC’s hyaluronic acid booster into either her Brightening serum or Ultra-Light Antioxidant Serum.
Treatments 2 (Vitamin C Night): If it’s an AHA/Vit C night, I skip niacinamide since they may not react well together. Instead I start with mixing PC’s 15% Vit C booster with Algenist’s Genius vit-C serum. If needed I’ll spot-treat with PC’s 25% Vit-C spot treatment.
Occasional Treatments: If a rare hormonal cyst starts to feel like it’s popping up, I’ll use Mario Badescu’s Buffering Lotion in tiny amounts since it can be drying but really works. If there’s a little pimple anywhere, I use PC’s BP everyday treatment on it for a couple days.
Moisturizer/Eyes: PC’s hyaluronic acid booster+CeraVe (classic, white and dark blue bottle). For eye cream I’ll use Clarin’s Super Restorative Concentrate when my dark circles are really, truly gnarly (it’s expensive but the only thing I found that makes a difference for me, even with occasional use) or most nights it’s Paula’s Choice eye cream.
Two best parts of the day — putting makeup on and then taking it off!
Evening is for taking my time. Most of it mimics the morning routine, just more leisurely.
Oil Wash
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Oil Wash
Foamy Wash
Kiehl’s Calendula Wash
Toner
Kiehl’s Calendula Toner
Evian Mineral Water Spritz
Essence
Mizon Cosmetics Water Volume Ex First Essence (First few days adding in this product to see if it helps my skin in the Boston winters and to combat the dryness from the pool as I swim a number of days a week.)
Serum
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery
*Exfoliate or Mask*
1-2x week either the Kiehl’s microdermabrasion exfoliate or Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque
*Hydrating Sheet Mask*
I don’t usually do this step, but I want to add a hydrating mask 1x week for the winter at this step in the process. Any suggestions of sheet masks you like?
Kiehl’s Rose Arctica light cream
Kiehl’s Rose Arctica eye cream or Midnight Recovery Eye (this is quite good, I think)
‘When’ Travelmate sheet mask is really good, I’m 39 and the first time I used it my fiancé said I looked different (in a good way!) My wrinkles were smoother and more relaxed and my skin was fresher. The second time the effect wasn’t as dramatic but it still had an effect. Worth a try anyway!
Thanks, Claire! That one has been on my radar. I think it’s because you had mentioned it here before? Anyway, I will definitely give it a try.
I mask 1-2x per week, and rotate a variety of masks from e.g. TBS, Lush, Mary Kay, EL, etc.
To cleanse — Clinique Liquid Facial Soap for oily skin, or pHisoderm cream cleanser for sensitive skin, or Dermalogica cleanser for sensitive skin.
If I wore mascara — EL eye makeup remover or olive oil to get the rest of the mascara off.
I rotate nighttime moisturizers among: Lancôme Energie de Vie Sleeping Mask, Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, BellaVita vitamin C serum, or Clinique Dramatically Different Moisture Lotion (which is also my daytime moisturizer).
For an eye cream (day or night) — Clinique Smart night cream for dry-combo skin.
Dr. Lewinn’s Cleansing Milk, Serum and Night time moisturiser, Elizabeth Arden’s eye cream.
Before bed – Physicians Formula Argon Oil.
I take my make-up off with coconut oil. i do it twice and to moisturize I use anything organic and natural and rose hip seed oil. I try not to use chemicals!
I start with Neutrogena makeup remover wipes (for face) but not around my eyes. I remove all eye makeup with Sephora eye make up remover or Maybelline Express Clean makeup remover. I then use The Body Shop’s Camomile Cleansing Butter or Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm to continue with removing any residual makeup.
I finish off with Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm for the final cleanse.
I follow up with RetinA, Vitamin C Serum and Matrixyl Serum around my eyes, neck and forehead.
I finish off with moisture cream of choice (working through a few things right now) but am finishing the Olay Regenerist Sculpture Cream.
I use Kiehl’s Avacado Eye treatment and then Careprost eye lash serum.
I use either FAB Milk Oil Cleansing Conditioner or Garnier Micellar Water to remove makeup, cleanse with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, then Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner. For serums, I rotate between Mad Hippie Vitamin A and MH Exfoliating. Then Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum followed by Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel and Shiseido Benefiance Eye Cream.
A couple times a week, I’ll use either PTR Peeling Gel Exfoliant or Algenist Detoxifying Exfoliator.
Hi Christine. I’m wondering, which Shu cleanser do you use and how did you pick it? Thanks!
I’ve liked all the ones I’ve tried, but I use the orange one – I think it’s their basic/regular version.
I wash my face/take off my makeup with Olay Cleansing Cloths in Sensitive. I then mix Paula’s Choice Ultralight Antioxidant Serum with Timeless Vitamin C and put on my Clindamycin gel and allow everything to dry. Finally, I use Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol topped with Cerave PM Lotion and Paula’s Choice Eye Cream.
Forgot to add that I always use Glossier Balm dotcom every night as well. Love the stuff!
I’ve been taking my makeup off with Pixi Makeup Melting wipes then cleansing with either Emma Hardie cleansing balm or Decleor AromaCleanse followed by Decleor toner. Then I use either Decleor Neroli light moisturiser or Barefoot SOS Replenishing and Restoring cream.
I use serious vitamin c wash with my clairisonic and then use the Paula’s choice radiance kit. I then use serious pm eye cream that makes your lashes grow.
First of all, I have very dry, sensitive skin. I have a regular evening routine with the exception of a few differences such as replacing the nightly moisturizer with Skin Inc Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask, Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, or Pixi Sleeping Mask a couple of times a week. I also like incorporating sheet or hydrating clay masks at least once a week.
1. Cleanse – Clinique Take the Day Off Balm
2. Tone – Origins Make a Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Treatment Lotion
3. Essence – Missha Time Revolution
4. Oil – Sunday Riley Flora (1-2 drops)
5. Serum – Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II
6. Moisturize – Belif Aqua Bomb
7. Eye – Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream
8. Oils II – Fresh Seaberry and Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil (1-2 drops each)
9. Lips – Bite Agave Lip Mask
10. Mist – Pixi Milky Mist
I use Neutrogenas makeup wipes to get everything off. Then (when I’m not too lazy) I use Ambi face wash and exfoliating wash to wash my face. I’ve begun using Trader Joe’s lotion to moisturize. And since I work nights and it’s cold I make sure to wear some chap stick before I leave the house. My morning routine is pretty much he same…
Christine, did you hear that Differin is available OTC now? I just saw it at Target.
So, I’m not always so great about washing my face at night, unless I take a shower (I usually shower in the morning) or I’m wearing makeup. If I wore makeup, then I absolutely take it off and wash my face, the whole shebang.
1. Wash face with Tony Moly Banana Cream Cleanser.
2. If there is any residual eye makeup (usually the eyeliner is stubborn), I will hold a cotton pad soaked in Lancome Effacil eye makeup remover on my eye to dissolve it. I try to remember not to rub my eyes because they are really sensitive but I also really like to get every last bit off so I can’t help myself sometimes. I get little annoying stys if I leave eye makeup on overnight.
3. Splash face with water to get Effacil out of my eyes because even that burns a little.
4. Lately I’ve been using Paula’s Choice BHA treatment, but I also like L’Oreal Bright Reveal pads and Olay
ProX Anti-Aging Nightly Purifying Micro-Peel.
5. Moisturize. I’m partial to Pacifica Dream Youth Face Cream. I also really Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream but it’s expensive and I forgot to get any during all the sales! A lot of the time though I’ll just use a moisturizer sample if I have one. I like to squirt a drop or two of Odacité Papaya-Geranium Hyperpigmentation Facial Serum or CaR Wild Carrot Vital Glow Serum in the moisturizer before I put it on. The geranium serum smells really good.
I did! I think official release is January, but I haven’t seen it in stores yet myself. I’m really happy with for the world at large, though my price has tripled, LOL!
1. Clinique Cleansing Oil
2. Cerave foaming facial cleanser
3. Paulas choice Clinical redness relief (for acne as needed)
4. Paulas Choice 1% retinol booster
5. Paulas Choice 5% benzoyl peroxide (spot treatment as needed)
6. Paulas Choice BHA 9 (on acne)
7. Paulas Choice Radiance Renewal Mask (on eyelids too )
Currently I use Clinique Take the Day Oft Balm for removing makeup and then follow up with Murad Blemish Control cleanser or Glamglow Super mud daily cleanser. I then use Clinique Turnaround Serum (or Peter Thomas Roth 3% Retinoid Oil, but I’m running low and it’s expensive, but I love it). If I’m feeling dry, I will use Clinique Moisture Surge Gel Moisturizer and the overnight face mask to match. Otherwise, I just use one of the products. I can’t use eye cream right now sure to complications with Lasik, but prior to that, I used Cauldalie eye cream (the one in a little pink tube). I had just found a different eye cream that I lived through Birchbox that is literally 1/3 of the price by Dr Jart. It sounds like I got suckered in at a Clinique counter, but these are tried and true products for me that I have come back to after trying a multitude of more expensive products. Paulas Choice is Palin my interest now, though.
Oh, and then for lips, my favorite Nuxe lip balm that I will never be without!
Wash my face with Olay Regenerist cleanser (in the big red tube) in the shower. If I’ve worn makeup I sometimes pre-cleanse with either jojoba oil or coconut oil or RVB cream cleanser (was a gift, I would never pay this much) or The Body Shop Aloe cream cleanser. But usually I don’t bother and in the shower i first apply some Olay cleanser mostly to my eyes to start dissolving eye makeup and once I’ve finished with the rest of my body I put the same cleanser on a sponge and do a thorough second cleansing of my face.
Then I either use Neutrogena retinol serum with Olay Total effects moisturizer on top or Clinique Mild clarifying lotion (with BHA) and Eucerin Replenishing Face Cream with Urea. My Neutrogena serum is almost finished so I’m planning to buy the Retinol night cream from Neutrogena to cut out a step and just use one product instead of two.
I often use coconut oil on my neck, as recently it’s been very itchy and coconut oil seems to not aggravate it, in fact it’s been hardly ever itchy since I started using it.
I forgot to say that I used to have combo skin, now that I’m on the pill again (Yaz) it’s mostly normal with dry cheeks.
First, as soon as I get home, I take off my eye makeup with Vaseline. My eyes are really sensitive and easily irritated, and leaving makeup on too long is asking for major (long-lasting) trouble. I really don’t stray from the Vaseline because it’s non -irritating. I keep a small one in my purse in case something happens that irritates my eyes, like being exposed to an allergen or getting something in my eye.
Later, I wash my face, usually with a creamy cleanser. I try a lot of them from subscription boxes. The current one is Unami Milky cleanser. Rinse with warm water, then apply warm compresses to my eyelids to clean out my eyes, and wipe the lids down. Eyelid hygiene is super-important to people who suffer blepharitis (a chronic swelling/irritation of the eyelids from multiple causes). If this is you, and you’re frustrated, try these things. They have helped me tremendously, and my last bout lasted 6 weeks before I learned these tips. That’s 6 weeks of no eye makeup, even to a wedding.
Sorry for that tangent, on to the rest of my skin care at night. Lip balm, always. Right now it’s Chapstick Pink Bubbly LE. And moisturizer. Again, I often use trial sizes procured from my many subscription boxes and bags. I try not to layer on too many things, so just a moisturizer or a serum or some other product. My favorite is Olay (or a store brand dupe) firming cream.
Skincare is probably my biggest beauty passion. (Lipstick is a close second.:)) Just yesterday I revamped my skincare routine to take care of pigmentation issues. So, as of last night:
remove makeup with coconut oil.
Wash with Cetaphil (or alternately a physical exfoliating scrub).
Serum: Alpha skincare dual action Lightening Serum (alternate with Andalou Naturals Enlighten Serum)
Moisturize with Olay Regenerist Night Renewing Serum
Wipe off makeup with Clinique makeup remover (if needed), wash with water, or twice a week with mild cleanser, Estee Lauder Night serum, Clinque Repairwear Night.
My skin has always been dry and sensitive. Retinols are a no-go for me. (Neutrogena RWR Serum had my skin peeling off, lierally.) I’m aging out of Clinique, but haven’t set on a new routine yet. I’m in a remote, small city, so EL, Shiseido and Mario Badescu are what I can buy in person. I am interested in Elizabeth Arden, but would have to buy online, and it’s pricey enough to need sample testing first.
Garnier micellar makeup remover , Loreal eye makeup remover for stubborn makeup Cleanse with CeraVe foaming face wash, Paulas choice resist toner, PC 1% calm BHA lotion, PC Calm serum mix with Vit C booster, alternating days I use (9% bha or 1 % retinol booster , ending with PC Calm moisturizer for oily skinand Cerave eye cream Twice a week I use PC overnight mask In summer I may use a clay mask once a week
I double cleanse – makeup/sunscreen comes off with Albolene, then I wash with CeraVe hydrating and sometimes (if I have done a LOT of liner) I’ll use some MAC Pro on the eyes. A couple drops of Jojoba oil and I wait about an hour before using Curology’s retinol/niacinimine/c (right now I buffer it with CeraVe in the tub but that’s because I just increased strength.) If I remember I put some Mizon around my eyes and if I’m extra dry I’ll top with a sleeping peel and/or Aquaphor. The last thing I do is a sometimes lipscrub and a Bite lipmask.
On Wednesdays I skip the Curology and do a mandelic acid peel followed by Jojoba and MAC Complete Comfort Creme. Sometimes I’ll shove a lotion mask on my face but I’ve slacked off a little re: that.