Botox! Jk (kinda). I’ve tested many products throughout the years, and these are the ones I repurchase and see results from. A few years ago I deep dove through articles (and lots of Reddit posts) on anti aging and ingredients to help with the texture of my face. I have oily skin, large pores, and used to have closed comedones that I was able to eliminate.
I use products that have ingredients that actually benefit the skin, rather than just smelling good or having a smoothing silicone feel. My goal is to constantly get rid of dead skin, regenerate fresh layers, clear out pores, while protecting and hydrating my skin barrier.
MORNING:
Cleanser
I rotate between cleansers based on what my skin needs for the day. I pick one of these for my morning shower:
Holy grail: Cerave SA
Clears breakouts: Panoxyl 10%
Doubles as a mask: Jack Black Glycolic cleanser
Intense but effective: No7 Micro Exfoliant
Face Mist
I am obsessed with how refreshed and hydrated my skin feels with a mist, so I do it morning and night. I mist my face before serum, and again after sunscreen.
Serum
Learned this tip on a podcast from the creator of Drunk Elephant: Instead of applying serum as a separate step, I put drops in my hand, add my moisturizer, and apply it together.
MUST HAVE: Retinol Oil
ANOTHER MUST: Matrixyl
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Moisturizer
Don’t be afraid to use an intense intense moisturizer if you have oily skin like me. I have tried a few high end ones from Sephora and they do not compare to these in my opinion. “Wet paper can never crease” – Kristin Cavallari, which is what I live by to avoid wrinkles. I rotate between these in the morning.
Cerave SA
Love this under makeup: Cerave Night Cream
Staple for years: Ponds Dry Skin Cream
If you have dry skin you need this: Wella Skin Food
Sunscreen
I’m 30 now, and have tested out a few new sunscreens this year. Here are the ones I recommend and actually enjoy wearing every day:
Jergens Natural Glow Face
Supergoop Glow Screen
La Roche-Posay SPF 60
NIGHT:
Makeup Removal
If I wore makeup that day, I start off with washing my face twice to remove it all. These makeup removing cleansers wash off all face and eye makeup so that I do not have to use a separate makeup remover.
Purity Philosophy
SkinFix Foaming Oil Cleanser
Great drugstore option: Cerave Cream to Foam
Double Cleanse
After my makeup is washed off, I cleanse again. For this step I use one of the morning cleansers I mentioned above.
Tone
When I get lazy about toning, I notice my skin looks textured. I swear by these facial toning pads and I just rotate between them day by day. I use these pads three to four times per week. These clear out pores by sloughing off any dead skin and product residue.
Serum
On nights that I tone with the salicylic or glycolic pads, I use a hydrating serum rather than a more intense one.
Retinol Stick
Moisturize
Morning moisturizer can definitely be repurposed as a nighttime moisturizer, but I like to make sure it is extremely hydrating. If I am using a simple moisturizer like Cerave Daily, I add a couple drops of Bio Oil into it. Here are the moisturizers I like to use for night that are more heavy duty:
I literally wake up with a glow when I use this: Egyptian Magic
Extras
Mask
The more active ingredients and intense treatments I use, the less I feel the need to do a mask. I have a couple I love when I remember to set aside the time for it though.
Pumpkin Enzyme
Lips / I’m obsessed with both of these and also bought a bunch as stocking stuffers for friends and family this year.
Gua Sha / Make sure to use an oil with this to glide across the skin.
Dermaplane / You’ll be amazed at how much dead skin comes off. Makeup applies like a dream after dermaplaning.
Pillowcase / Change twice a week.
Water / I aim to drink 2 gallons of water per day.
Supplements
Mint has amazing skin care benefits: Spearmint
Eliminates recurring deep zits: L-Lysine
Fish Oil
Tan / Add to moisturizer (night) or sunscreen (morning) for a light glow.
I hope this benefits someone trying to put together a skincare routine. Last tip: STOP FURROWING your brow. I always make an effort to keep my forehead relaxed rather than creasing it.
P.S.: I have a new makeup Youtube video up! I’d love for you to watch and subscribe to my channel. https://youtu.be/3yx4ez62qZ4
– Kim
@Kimandmakeup