I used to simply wash my face with cleanser, but as I’ve gotten into my early/mid-twenties, I’ve really started leaning into a multi-step skincare routine. That means exfoliating, toning, applying serums and eye creams – the whole shebang! Because as much as I love creating a makeup look, I thoroughly enjoy taking it all off at the end of day. Follow along as I take you through my nighttime skincare routine, which consists of eight steps…and maybe a few bonus steps for those nights when my skin needs some extra love!
Step One: Wash My Face
I never go to bed without washing my face. Even if I’ve had one too many glasses of wine and just feel like crashing, I at least use a face wipe and eye makeup remover. Tip: always have makeup wipes handy for those lazy nights! After throwing my hair into a ponytail or messy bun, I use a makeup melting balm like Farmacy’s Green Clean. After wiping my face with a warm washcloth, I go in with an oil-free eye makeup remover to take off any leftover stubborn waterproof mascara.
Step Two: Double-Cleanse
After washing my face, I double-cleanse with Purpose’s Gentle Cleansing Wash. This stuff is amazing and I’ve been using it for years. I’ve really found that less is more with cleansers and this fragrance-free, soap-free one works for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. You can find it at most drugstores or Target.
Step Three: Tone
I like to go back in with a toner to calm my skin. I’m not too particular about my toner but have been using Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel and like it.
Optional Step: Exfoliate
I don’t do this every night, but a few nights a week I use an exfoliator, like Bliss’s Micro Magic Skin-Renewing Microdermabrasion Scrub; it smells minty! It leaves my skin refreshed, polished, and very clean.
Optional Step: Do A Facial Peel
Similar to exfoliating, a facial peel gives you radiant, smooth skin. This one by Dr. Dennis Gross is great for dullness, anti-aging, acne, uneven texture and pores. It’s a two-step process that is easy and mess-free.
Optional Step: Apply a Face Mask
I’m a big fan of masks – sheet, peel-off, clay, mud, you name it! I won’t use one every night, but when my skin needs a little extra TLC, I reach for one of these. Bliss’s Mighty Marshmallow Whipped Mask is a pale pink color and revives “blah” skin, leaving skin radiant and baby smooth. Also, Origin’s Hello Calm Mask is a new discovery for me and I’m already loving it. It has Cannabis Sativa seed oil in it, which helps irritated skin calm almost instantly. I figured it was just a trendy, marketing strategy with the cannabis addition; however, it’s great for acne-prone and/or sensitive skin.
Step Four: Address Blemishes/Skin Issues
I have oily skin, which makes me acne-prone. While my acne days have lessened as I get older, I still get occasional hormonal acne and suffer from hyper-pigmentation. To get rid of a blemish fast, I dab a cotton ball soaked with apple cider vinegar on the pimple; it dries it out faster than any other spot treatment I’ve ever used.
For fading post-pimple marks, I love Obagi Skin Brightening Cream. The results aren’t instant, but you’ll really notice an incredible difference in a few weeks. I’ve tried dozens of fading creams, but I’ve found that this has been the best at getting the job done.
Step Five: Apply Moisturizer and an Eye Cream
I like to be proactive about aging. It’s part of the reason I try and stay out of the sun; I want to look young well into my later years. I like Belif’s True Cream in the cream formula rather than the gel; their packaging looks similar, but I’ve found I like the feeling of the cream more. Another favorite face cream of mine is Fresh’s Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer, which smells like cucumber and is amazing. Either of these can be used in the morning, too.
For eye cream, I like Caudalie’s Premier Cru Eye Cream because it’s not only anti-aging, but helps to de-puff and brighten under eyes as well. I’ve never been too faithful to one eye cream and like testing travel-size ones, but so far I’ve been enjoying Caudalie’s.
Step Six: Slather on a Serum or Face Oil
I bought Acure Seriously Soothing Blue Tansy Night Oil at Whole Foods on a whim and it’s quickly become a nighttime essential. It soothes my skin and leaves it so soft; you’ll notice a difference in the morning. I like its price point, too, especially since there’s another similar product out there that’s a whopping $72.
Step Seven: Spritz on a Face Mist
I like to mist my face with Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir. I know most people use it to set makeup, but it’s great for rehydrating the face and locking in all the products you’ve used. It smells like the spa in a bottle!
Step Eight: Finish with Lip Balm
I especially try not to miss this step during the dry, winter months. I personally like the tube version of Smith’s Rosebud Salve because unlike its original cute pot of balm, you won’t get your fingers messy!
