Lifestyle
My Nighttime Skincare Routine
10 • 02 • 2014
I’m very flattered to get requests about my nighttime skincare routine! As my husband likes to say, my “getting ready for bed” process has more steps than a Japanese tea ceremony. Moving into my mid-thirties (!), I find myself changing my focus from makeup to skincare obsession. I’m constantly changing my routine, but I’ve recently discovered some drugstore gems as well as some splurges that are worth your coin! Read on to learn about my current nighttime skincare routine:
Step 1: I’ve been using cheapo Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser for years because it removes makeup and also cleanses your skin in one step. If you close your eyes and use it on your lashes, it removes any non-waterproof mascara with ease, so I never have to use a separate eye makeup remover. Since I’m currently sporting fab eyelash extensions (post to follow!) and I can’t scrub my eyelashes like usual, I first use Neutrogena Hydrating Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes so I can carefully get around my eyes and remove all my concealer and eyeshadow, and then I follow up with the Fresh Foaming Cleanser.
Step 2: Your next step should be a toner, especially if you have oily skin. Forget that stinky yellow Seabreeze astringent of yore; you should be using an alcohol-free toner. I don’t use a toner every night, but one facialist told me that toner is necessary because it takes the pH of the skin back to normal. Apparently the pH of tap water is bad for your skin, and you need a toner afterward. This lady was also probably trying to sell me some toner. Regardless, when I use a toner, I use SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion.
Step 3: Retinol. Retinol is a MUST to keep fine lines at bay and even your skin tone. I have been using a prescription retinoid consistently (except when pregnant) since I was 14. Just make sure you use a zinc oxide SPF during the day because retinoids make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Right now I use a generic prescription, Adapalene Cream .1%.
Step 4: Apply an essence. Is essence the same thing as a serum, you say? Nope, essence is a stinky water that you press into your skin BEFORE your serum. This step is taken from the Korean skincare playbook, and is my newest Holy Grail product that has completely changed my skin! I’ve been using SK-II Facial Treatment Essence for the past month, and after five days I could tell it is worth every dollar. The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence deserves a post all on its own. Somehow it shrinks pores, evens skin tone, and creates a “lit from within” quality that I have never seen with another product. It is also appropriate for all skin types, since it a watery consistency with a high concentration of patented Pitera essence, and is neither moisturizing nor drying. I love you, SK-II Facial Treatment Essence:
See that applicator stick floating around in the bottle? That’s not supposed to be there. My son dropped it down the hole and I can’t figure out how to get it out. Oh well.
Also note: do not apply the Essence with a cotton pad–that will just soak up and waste precious product. I carefully sprinkle a little Essence out on the back of my left hand, and then pat it on my face with my other hand. This is how I avoid wasting the product on the palm of my hand, and I swear the skin on my left hand looks better than my right now! I heard Cate Blanchett decants her Essence into a spray bottle, and then [has her people] mist her face with it. Many ways to skin a cat! Just get an essence in your routine somehow.
Step 5: Apply eye serum. For the past year or so I’ve been using Target brand Up & Up Eye Lifting Serum (compare to Oil of Olay!). It is cheap and seems to prevent crows feet as well as more expensive eye serums I’ve tried.
Step 6: I then layer eye cream on top of my eye serum. Again I go the cheap route– Loreal Revitalift Eye Cream. I’ve tried many more expensive eye creams, and they either cause redness and irritation on my delicate under eye area, or they ball up when I apply makeup on top. I keep coming back to the Loreal, but by all means let me know if you have some miracle eye cream you are using!
Step 7: Apply a face serum. These are super pricey, so I have been using whatever samples I have on hand. Right now I’m using Valmont Serum Precieux Votre Visage (available at Saks). It works well for me because it totally absorbs into skin and doesn’t break me out, but I would need a bigger supply to testify to its corrective effects. (Editor’s Note: OMG when I went to link to the product I found out this serum is $570. Whoa.)
Step 8: Face cream- I’ve been using La Prairie Ice Crystal Cream. I did a whole post about it here, and if you can spring for the $300 jar, it really does work well. It contains hyaluronic acid to plump up fine lines, yet it does not break me out like other super-moisturizing creams.
Step 9: I apply Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm. It has a creamy, balm-like texture and matte finish, and seems to moisturize throughout the night better than other lip balms I’ve tried. Oh, and lots of models use it on their pouty puckers, if you care about that kind of thing.
Are you still reading this?? Yes, I realize that was nine, time-consuming steps! Even though I head upstairs at night WAY in advance of my husband, he inevitably comes into the bathroom with “You’re STILL getting ready for bed??” All in the name of research for the BeautyNow Blog! Love you guys. Thanks for reading my blog.
xoxo,
@beautynowapp
I like your article
but can you see :
worm out of boy eye 2015
After purchasing the CC cream you posted, I started looking through your blog and found this post! I have been looking for a good night time routine.. but nine steps is probably not realistic for me. If you only had to only pick a few of these products, which ones do you think are the most crucial for someone in their 20’s? Thank you!
Hannah– thank you so much for saying that! Yes, I agree 9 steps is pretty ridiculous, LOL. In your twenties I would (cleanse first, obviously), then retinol then night cream. Those are the most important. Although I really like that SK-II essence so if you can add one more step, do the SK-II in between the retinol and the night cream. Hope that helps!
Try shiseido Benefiance eye cream. I have dry, sensitive skin and have to go to great lengths to find any product that works but won’t irritate.
I also like Skinceuticals hyralaunic acid serum and CE ferulic serum. Everything else is Obagi. I also use Obagi blend cream mixed with my retinol cream. Otherwise, the retinol is too much for me. I tried so many products that either did nothing or irritated my skin. I will try the SK II serum and see how it goes.
Jaime– These are great tips! I will have to try that eye cream next, I’ve heard it is so good. I have been using the C E Ferulic during the day since May and I LOVE! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Jaime– These are great tips! I will have to try that eye cream next, I’ve heard it is so good. I have been using the C E Ferulic during the day since May and I LOVE! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Ooh, great tips, Jaime! I will definitely try that eye cream next!
love your routine- I recently received a sample of the SK-II essence and may have to purchase. I have noticed such a difference in my skin!! xoxo
That is great to hear, Surleen! I’m so obsessed with the SK-II essence….
It seems that your journey to find best skin care product may end up well. You have great list of products there! With so many products out there, reading more reviews from anyone had ever using certain product is really beneficial. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks, Mario!
Hello Kathleen,
I love your night routine, and have been trying to make one of my own. I have a question for you. I have freckles and small sun spots so I use Peter Thomas Roth De-spot skin brightening corrector, and i was wondering where in your routine you would use this type of product. Would it be after the essence? After the eye cream maybe? or simply replace one of your steps? Thanks in advance for the help.
Great post! I love getting to know other bloggers by reading their morning or night routines. I wrote a similar post if you have time to check it out.
http://wherefitnessmeetsbeauty.net/night-time-routine/
xo!
Great article, I like this article. Recently posted related article please look and give some suggestion http://trabeauli.com/top-6-essential-skin-care-products/
Thanks,
I have heard really great things about La Prairie, but do you really think it’s worth the steep price tag? Thanks!! XO http://www.moisturizers.com