Nighttime Skincare Routine

Skincare routines are deeply personal and individualized. I've found that it is very difficult to really nail down your own 'Holy Grail' routine. It takes time, and lots of trial and error. At least, that's been the case for me. I have extremely sensitive skin. If a cleanser or serum is too strong, I'll immediately get breakouts, or turn extremely red in a matter of minutes. So, you can imagine that I am always wary when it comes to trying out new, buzzy products. What works for my friends, may not work for me, and vice versa. But that is commonplace for everyone; regardless of whether or not you have picky skin like Ido, or not. But throughout my skincare journey, I have been able to figure out some ingredients that agree with my skin, and some that I now know to avoid. And there are a few tricks I have picked up along the way; from makeup artists and my own imagination alike.

One thing that I learned along the way has been that as far as my skin is concerned, less is more. With my frequent flare ups, and uneven skin tone running wild, I decided to cut down on the amount of products, and simplify the formulas I was using. And that has been a huge game-changer for my skin. With that in mind, lets jump into the products.

Keep scrolling to read my current nighttime skincare routine, the products I use, and the many ways I use each one.

1. Cleansing: Dove Sensitive Skin Soap ($4)

I know, I know. Most people balk at the fact that I only use a bar of soap as my cleanser/makeup remover. And I used to do the same when I saw others doing it, oh, like a year and a half ago. But, as my skin was at a place where it needed help, and something soothing to give it a break from the harsh cleanser I was using at the time, I opted for a simple, classic bar of soap. And my life has never been the same. This formula is designed to be calming and gentle on stubborn skin, while being tough on the dirt and grime that builds up throughout the day. It is also unscented which is a major bonus; unnecessary scents added into soaps and cleansers wreak havoc on sensitive skin. I use this soap with my Clarisonic Mia 2 spin brush and it leaves my skin feeling soft, clean, and bright.

2. Prep: Mario Badescu Herbal Rose Water Spray ($7)

I learned that in order for your skincare products to properly sink in and work effectively, the skin needs to be damp when they're applied. And I'll tell you, this is a very true statement. I noticed the authenticity of this tip when I started implementing it into my routine. It aids in the plumping and hydration of your skin, two things everyone needs. So, after I have washed and dried my face, I spray a generous amount of this facial spray to my face and neck. It's a very calming step in the routine, and helps me wind down from the day and prepare for bed.

3. Toner: Theyers Rose Toner with Witch Hazel ($10)

If you have been following me for a while, you may remember my post on this toner. It is organic, and gentle. But this is the product that I associate with my clear skin. It has antibacterial properties, thanks by the witch hazel extract. It restores the pH balance of your skin, evens skin tone, and sweeps away any remaining dirt or makeup that may be on your skin. I take a cotton round, pour some toner on it, and then swipe it across my skin, feeling refreshed and ready to procede.

4. Eye Cream: Mario Badescu Hyalouronic Acid Eye Cream ($20)

While this is the most expensive product in my lineup, I use this one product three ways. First and foremost, I apply it to the delicate skin around my eyes, smoothing it out along the curves of my orbital bones. I also take what's left over on my ring finger and swipe it across my eyelid. (This promotes smoother eyeshadow application for the next day) The second way I use this beautiful, silky cream is by applying it to the backs of my hands. Our hands are the first to show signs of aging, so it is important to remember them in your skincare regimen so that you can have youthful-looking hands for as long as possible. And the third use is something I learned from Beyoncé's makeup artist, Sir John. He says to put your eye cream on your lips. Our delicate skin of our eyes are identical to that of our lips, so by applying a deeply nourishing and moisturizing cream to our lips is crucial. I take the tiniest amount onto my pinky, and lightly dab it on my mouth, making sure it starts to soak in. I then seal it with chapstick, locking in the moisture all night long. And let me tell you, my lips have made a complete change. They are ultra soft, supple and look so much smoother since I started doing this. Even through it seems a little weird, try it for one week, and you'll see a difference!

5. Moisturizer: Organic Virgin Coconut Oil ($7)

I used to think that I had really oily skin, so I would use a tone of mattifying products. But they never seemed to work, and I would remain extremely oily and shiny. Then I read once that oily skin actually tends to mean that your skin is deeply dehydrated, so it overproduces oils and sebum to try and rectify the situation. My world shook; my oily skin really means that I'm dry???? So, I took that advice, reached for my deeply nourishing and moisturizing coconut oil (something I never dared applied to my face because I thought oil and oil would not mix) and my complexion transformed before my very eyes. Choosing hydrating products specifically for 'dry skin types' created this beautifully dewy and healthy glow to my skin that I never had before. It's as if I have a completely different face, and I couldn't be more grateful. I take a dime-sized amount of the coconut oil, warm it up in between my hands, and massage it into my skin. I'm left feeling hydrated, and as an aded bonus, I smell like summer vacation. It's truly a win-win.

Well, there we have it. This is my full skincare routine, minus a few face masks every once in a while. Later on, I can make a post listing some of my favorite masks to use, for different results.

What do you think about my vanity lineup? Comment down below your thoughts on these products, and let me know some of your holy grail skincare items!!

See y'all next time!

-Emily