I don’t talk about skin care enough, considering how much time and money I actually invest into it. And I actually get lots of compliments on my skin too! But before I found a regimen that worked, I had a very bad case of cystic acne that would flare up over and over again, like clockwork. The same areas would break out, heal, then break out again.
My current nighttime routine helps keep my skin happy, and now my skin is pretty much blemish-free…except for at this very moment, of course, because the Universe is a funny place. But generally these days I only need to focus on healing the damaged skin (can still look red and raw), exfoliating, and moisturizing.
Skin Prep: The Cleanse
The most important part of my nighttime routine involves removing every stitch of makeup before I go to bed. I won’t go too into detail, but I double cleanse, either using a makeup wipe + cleanser or cleansing water + cleansing oil, and I also always remove my eye makeup separately with a bi-phase product. Sunscreen and waterproof eyeliner remove easier with separate, targeted products, but your skin care products won’t do a thing for you if there’s still makeup sitting on your skin throughout the night.
Layer, Layer, Layer
These next few products are the exfoliants and serums I layer under the moisturizer…
Exfoliants have done THE most for my skin. Instead of using a physical scrub, I obsess over my Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion ($14). It’s super gentle but also super effective, and it somehow keeps my skin clear with just a thin layer. If I feel like my skin needs a little boost, I’ll use the Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Clay Mask ($25).
I’m partial to the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum ($92) and Advanced Night Repair Eye Serums ($65), which I’ve seen my mom use, and I always come back to them. I’ve always lived in an “Estee” house, and I have no complaints so far!
Helloooo Hydration
Because I layer a few products before my moisturizer, I feel like I can get away with very lightweight moisturizers, and I’ve been enjoying this new one by Caudalie Vinosource ($39).
There are a few to choose from in the line, but the Vinosource Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid is perfect for very oily-skinned girls. It will definitely be my go-to in summer. The rest of the time I like the Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet. It’s a gel-cream formulation (looks and feels kind of like yogurt) that never feels too heavy or too light!
Overall, I have oily-normal skin (except in summer, when it’s oilier), but I will pat the Vinosource Moisture Recovery Cream onto the tops of my cheeks, nose, and forehead — the areas that tend to get the driest for me. This one is my favorite of the bunch, even though I don’t need it all over my face.
My one complaint about these moisturizers is the heavy fragrance. They have an unnatural floral, “herb” smell — like they were trying to smell fragrance-free. It’s a shame, especially for a skin care line, but it isn’t a deal breaker for me.
Hope you enjoyed this little look into my bathroom vanity!
What skin care have you been using lately?
See you in the next,
Anna
I’m glad to see skincare posts, because for me, that’s where the big bucks are invested. I’ve tried a number of Caudelie products, also finding the scents used in some of them overpowering (Premier Cru: I’m talking to you) But a few are in semi-permanent rotation: Gentle Cleansing Milk, Micellar water for eye makeup removal, Hand & Nail Cream (a Bargain at $15) and the Body Butter. All have wonderful light, natural scents.
I’ve been using Algenist for moisturizing. It’s a great natural up-scale line and MOST of the products are scent-free. But not cheap.
Thanks Kris! I’ve been seeing Algenist more and more, my friend loves their eye cream in particular!!! I’m also really into Drunk Elephant products. They are extremely highly rated AND are more natural than most!
Fellow very oily skinned girl here! Will have to look into that moisturizer.
My skin has been acting crazy and I just got back from a pampering salon session. Wish I had access to this brand.
I’m happy to see one of my ride-or-dies in your post, Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion! Kid you not, I’ve lost track of how many bottles I’ve gone through in the last nine (eek!) years.
Skincare is the most important step, I couldnt agree more.
Every Caudalie product I have tried had this strange smell, and to me it is a deal breaker. If perfume in my skincare, then at least pleasant one!
When it comes time for winter again, see if you get some of their Grand Cru cream, just a little patted over my normal routine helps. Though I didn’t have SR Tidal last winter, so who knows.