Her's: 33F
Skin concerns: dry skin, anti-aging (face, neck, hands, chest), obvious pores, pigmentation, redness
Skin Goals: bright, hydrated, healthy, glowing, gentle
Routine is still a work in progress but I'm happy with it. I'm sure it can always be better but I'm not actively looking for any adjustments or to add any new products which is rare and was a journey. I use a salicylic acid face wash and that is enough to address breakouts/pimples so I don't take that into consideration in my routine.
Top Shelf- Rotating nightly care or occasional use
Retinol Reface: Use once a week on the whole face after washing and drying thoroughly. Still waiting to get the retinol results breakthrough. I've never committed to a product and made it consistently through 6+ weeks....so here's to hoping
Kiel's Midnight Recovery Concentrate : Use maybe once or twice a month when my dry skin really needs to take a deep drink. This product is a good oil that I don't mind dumping on my face. I usually avoid oils because they clog my pores, and I only use this one infrequently because it would have the potential to clog my pores if used frequently. But when I do use it, I really cover my face in it.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliate: Use once or twice a week when I feel like my skin could use some help with texture. I put it on right after washing face, face sometimes still slightly damp. Has a good impact on texture but does leave my skin feeling...slippery? in a way I don't really like but it's worth the results
Paula's Choice Skin Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment- I use every other day-ish on neck/chest/hands/arms Note: do not make the mistake I made when I first purchased this and thought "oh its a body retinol lotion, it will be really diluted concentration of retinol" I applied daily and after a few days my neck was very red and peeled. It didn't hurt just looked bad. No other parts of my body were affected though. But now that I've reduced my usage, there's no issue.
The Ordinary - Mandelic Acid + HA: I use this pretty much nightly as my go-to moisturizer after washing my face. I apply to clean, dry skin or over retinol (giving as much time as possible between the two). I would consider this a holy grail.
The Ordinary HA: I add this in with the mandalic acid about once a week (drop both in my hand and mix together/apply at same time). Makes my skin extra soft, deeper penetration of the moisturizing then just using the mandalic acid alone. But I no not like using this product alone and it would be too much to do daily.
Drunk Elephant - TLC Sukari Babyfacial - Use once a week or once every two weeks. Weekend refresher that I look forward to. Exfoliates, refreshes, renews, . I leave on for 10-12 minutes but had to work up to that over the course of a year, otherwise my skin would be red. I would consider this a holy grail.
La Roche-Posay Toleraine Ultra Eyes: Use every night under eyes after washing face. I don't know if I've ever felt an eye cream had "great results" for anything, so all I look for in an eye cream is something that moisturizes my skin (lol I guess that's what it's for?) This does that just fine.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: This is a special treat that I will put on after mandalic acid about once a week and in the morning I have the softest, most supple skin. Blows my mind every time. I would use it more but I can tell it would clog my pores.
Drunk Elephant - F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfaction : Use this about once a week when my dry skin needs an extra drink but I want something light (not creamy like The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA) and not oily (like Kiel's Midnight Recovery Concentrate). I'll put this on top of everything else at the end of night as I go to bed.
Bottom Shelf Daily/Morning Routine, listed in the order I use them
Obagi Toner: Use right after washing face, face still a little damp. I only use it maybe a couple times a week when my usually very dry skin feels like oily could be coming on (like I ate a greasy cheeseburger or something) or like I might break out soon, although I don't usually have breakouts . Just my monthly chin period pimple for which I do not believe a solution exists. I usually dump on my hands and then wipe all over. Or if I just need to target a specific area I will use a cotton ball. It can be drying so I avoid overuse.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios HA Mineral Sunscreen: Use on clean, dry face and neck. Rub in thoroughly because it has a white film. Usually need to let it set for 15-20 mins to fully absorb. First Aid Beauty - Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer: Put on daily over sunscreen. Finding a daily moisturizer has probably the most important thing to me because it's fundamental to my routine. If I only do one thing in a day because I'm lazy, it's moisturize. I'm not ready to call this my holy grail because it's still my first bottle but I really like it so far. Good texture, easy to put makeup on over, moisturizes without making greasy, last all day, absorbs well
L'Oreal Lumi Glowtion: technically probably more makeup than skincare but I rub a thin layer on my face like a lotion after my moisturizer fully absorbs. I apply foundation over the Glowtion. It seriously does add an all over glow but I usually only do it for special occasions or when I'm going out.
St. Tropaz Purity Tan Spray: I am not a fan of self tanners, but this is the lightest, most refreshing mist. It does very little in terms of color but gives a little glow, for those with similar pale skin- I feel like it makes me look healthier. If I do use this it would be in the morning or randomly throughout the day as a pick-me-up or at night on a bare face
Mac Fix+ Primer and Setting Spray: I mixed some rosewater in with this which is why it is pink. I use this as-needed for a refresher throughout the day if my skin feels dry, harsh weather drying out my skin. Kind of just a little treat.
Lacome Bi-Facial: eye make up remover
Necessair The Body Serum: Used on neck/upper chest daily, love it
Almost forgot HIS
Deodorant, shaving cream- from Amazon
Bag balm from a feed store for dry, cracked fingers. Also makes a great lip balm and we use as diaper cream (not the same container)
Acqua di Gio Giorgio Armani - I bought this for my husband because it smells sexy