For the past year I have been paying more attention to my skin care routine. I have always had very dry, fairly sensitive skin on my face. I wanted to see what would happen if I spent a few extra minutes taking care of it each day.
It's worked! My skin is now more even, more elastic and after twenty years, the little white dry pores around my nose are no longer visible. I have tried a few different products and after some trial and error, settled on "just" ten items. I use eight of them daily. These work for me but I think a big part of the success has been from keeping up a consistent routine. Spending the time to clean and then moisturize probably matters more than what I am using.
I wanted to write this post though because I love seeing what other people use. I never copy a routine exactly, but I have discovered so many products from round-ups like this.
EVERY NIGHT:
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser - I have been using this for nearly four years. I have taken breaks to try other (more expensive!) options, but I always end up back with this. It's not super foamy or drying but it cleans well. (If you are new to Glossier, you can use this affiliate link to save 10% off your first order.)
Foreo Luna facial cleanser - after reading a rave review on Chris Loves Julia (and finding a sale price), I decided to try a silicone scrubber. It is rechargeable and encourages you to wash your face for 1 minute (it subtly beeps every 15 seconds to remind you to move to another quadrant of your face). AGAIN, I am not sure if it's the product, or if it's the fact that I am spending a full 60 seconds cleansing but I have noticed a huge difference. I have always had small bumps on my forehead and they were gone after four weeks of using this tool. I also feel like my skin is more susceptible to the next few steps of my routine because of it.
Rosewater toner - I added this to my routine just a few months ago when I wondered if there was value in a toner between the face wash and the face moisturizing. I honestly don't know if it matters, but I love the scent and my skin is super happy so I keep doing it. I apply it with a cotton round and I made some reusable ones out of extra fabric scraps (cut two layers of 100% cotton or cotton flannel into circles, serge or sew the edges). They create less waste, of course, (I throw used ones in a lingerie bag and then wash with my laundry) and they don't leave any stray cotton fibers on my face. If you don't want to make some on your own, check etsy!
Rosehip oil - I actually started using this (inconsistently) a few years ago after seeing it mentioned all over the internet. It doesn't smell like roses (I think this is important to note because the scent is different for sure). Just like with the rosewater, I get a larger bottle (less waste! less cost!) and keep it in my fridge and then pour about an ounce into a dark glass bottle with a dropper that I keep in my bathroom. I put this right on my hands and then pat into my skin for about 30 seconds.
Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich - another product I purchased for the first time almost four years ago that I keep returning to. I have tried a bunch of face creams and this one (after the other three steps each night) is my absolute favorite. And yes, my skin is totally coated after the oil AND the moisturizer but when I wake up it feels so light, fresh and smooth.
ONCE A WEEK:
Epicuren Apricot Facial Scrub - I got a facial early in 2019 and the gal recommended this. I keep it in the shower and gently rub on my face in small circles (paying close attention to my nose and avoiding my eyes) once a week at the end of an evening shower. Ideally this is used right after face wash and right before rosewater toner.
Dead Sea mask - about once a week I try to use a face mask (usually while the girls take a bath). Again, I have used a bunch but this is the one I keep coming back to. It's NOT a peel mask (I wash it off after 15 minutes with a wash cloth and warm water) but makes my skin feel clear and soft. I use this after cleansing and before the toner. There is also SO MUCH in this jar. I would totally recommend splitting it with a friend. (Same with the rose water and rose hip oil BTW, if you want to try some new stuff together!)
MORNING:
Image Skincare face oil - the only thing I don't like about this is that ageless is in the name. (I fully plan on aging for a very long time). But I love it on my skin. It smells like oranges and it goes on thick but after a few minutes is weightless. I always let it dry while I get dressed and then add my sunscreen a few minutes later.
Image Skincare sunscreen - I am constantly changing up sunscreens when I run out but currently on this which is a good one. It was recommended at a facial and I like the matte texture so much. The price for how frequently I go through sunscreen though. This is the one item that I am sure I can improve on when I run out of it.
Glossier Stretch Concealer - despite getting pretty good sleep I still have dark circles under my eyes. It could be genetics, or it could be diet (I am curious to try Whole30 again this spring and see if cutting out some different foods makes a difference). In the meantime though, I love this product because it masks them just enough without being heavy makeup on my face.
That's it! I have come to love my nightly routine and even take all of these products (including the scrubber!) with me when I travel. Consistency is key.
