Current Daily Skincare Routine

About 6 months ago I had a major paradigm shift about skincare. Typically being one to stick to the basics of cleansing and moisturizing, I never really gave proper skin upkeep a thought. It was only when I came across Caroline Hirons' (the skincare mogul of the blogging world) blog that I really started to pay my skin more attention. They say the best remedy is preventative, so instead of waiting for my skin to age, break out, burn, sag and then scrambling to fix it, it was high time I started thinking about ways to preserve my skin and keep it in the best shape possible. I'm in my late 20's at the moment, fyi. (Just realized that this is the last year I'll be able to say that phrase... dun dun dunnnn). Just kidding, I really don't care. Aging is a natural process and I'd love to at least try to age as gracefully as I can. Enter skincare routine :)



I'm actually going to list my night time routine first since my daytime routine involves a couple of less steps but many of the same products.

For Night time...


Step 1: Remove Face Makeup

I like to use the Bioderma Sensible H20 for this step. Just apply some on a cotton pad and swipe it all over the face. I know Caroline Hirons is not the biggest fan of micellar waters in general, but I just seem to find that it's the easiest fuss-free way to get rid of makeup. Some may find that this will work well to remove eye makeup. But I prefer to use something a little more effective, which brings me to my next step...




Step 2: Remove Eye Makeup

To make sure I'm really getting all of that eye makeup off, I try to make sure to use something specifically for that purpose. For this, I like to use the Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover . And actually, I prefer to use this sans cotton pad. I know, strange, but bear with me. I just give the bottle a good shake (as you can see from the picture on the left, it does tend to separate) then apply it directly on to my fingers, rub them together then gently pat them on the eyes and eye lashes, really making sure to get in between the lashes.  I warn you, you will look like death after this step, but at least all the product has loosened off your eyes and is ready to be washed away...








Step 3: Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse

If you have not tried this product, I urge you to go out and get some. Alternatively, you could purchase this online. The Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm is just that, a cleansing balm. There are a few of these in the market such as those by Eve Lom and Chanel, to name a couple. But the Emma Hardie version is just a dream to use. Feels absolutely luxurious and smells insanely good.  You'll need just a pea size amount for your whole face. Make sure to work it in between your fingers to liquify the texture and then go to town on your face. I take this opportunity to really massage my skin to really get my blood circulation going...also, cause it just feels so dang good.







Step 4: Tone

Toner is one of those steps that people just seem to skip out on. Granted, it may not be direly necessary but if you're really looking for the best penetration of any skin lotions and potions you use after cleansing, then you may want to start toning your skin. Other benefits include balancing and some toners even have exfoliating properties these days. The one I reach for is the Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile . Again, I just get a few drops on a cotton pad and swipe it all over my face. And yes, I'm aware that my bottle is pretty much almost empty...










Step 5: Serum

As with most folks out there, I have a problem with dehydrated skin. It seems like my skin is always calling out for more hydration and no matter what I did in the past (thick moisturizers, masks, you name it), it just was never enough. Hydraluron is a serum by Indeed Labs that contains Hyaluronic acid and marine algae to really help with hydration and getting that moisture into the skin. Coupled with a good hyaluronic based moisturizer and you've hit the jack pot as far as intense hydration goes. Which leads me to...












Step 6: Moisturize

This is a no brainer. Moisturizing the skin will really help it look plump, fresh and healthy. It also seems to slow down the aging process of the skin so doing this step is key if you want to look younger and fresher. I've been using the Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator for this step. I really like it for night time as it is quite rich. (I should mention that Clinique does sell a lighter version of this moisutrizer for those who feel this is too rich). The consistency is more gel-like which is exactly what I look for in a moisturizer because I feel like it absorbs better on my skin and feels so deliciously cool when applied. Wait, you're not done yet...

Step 7: Eyes

Yep, dark circles and early signs of wrinkles are both on my top list of complaints when it comes to my under eye area. I've been using the Eysilix eye serum by Indeed Labs which is supposed to tend to these concerns. So far, I'm not wowed but waiting to use this up until I come across the ravings of another under eye dark circle treatment.






In the morning...

My morning skincare routine contains many of the same products listed above but I don't carry out the same number of steps because I'm usually pressed for time but still manage to get the basics in there.

Step 1: Cleanse

(Here I use my Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm  listed above)

Step 2: Tone

(I use the same Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile toner as I do for my night time routine)

Step 3: Moisturize and makeup prep

 (I use the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, reviewed here)






Step 4: Eyes

I use a de-puffing eye roll-on treatment in the morning (such as the Clinique All About Eyes Depuffing Gel) to make sure Im looking bright eyed and fresh. This really feels amazingly cool in the morning around the eyes.















Step 5: Upkeep

Throughout the day, if Im feeling drab or need a little extra freshness, I like to spray on a couple of spritzes of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir on top of my makeup. It's easy to go crazy with this stuff so make sure to keep it to a minimum or you may end up looking like an oil slick by the end of the day. Stunning product and smells just like you've walked into a spa.








And that's about it! Day time and Morning skin care. Done.