Eek I can’t believe I’m writing this, but here goes nothing!
I started to become obsessed with skincare a few months back when a bunch of bloggers were raving about the miracle worker that is Biologique Recherche Lotion P50. I bought it and almost used it all, but to be honest (not a popular opinion) I didn’t notice a big change in my skin. So, I decided I’d go on a hunt for a routine that worked for me, as everyone’s skin is different.
To give you a little background, I have clogged, large pores and am acne-prone (it was a lot worse when I was younger, but lately it’s only an occasional breakout). Additionally, now that I’m almost 30, I’ve also started to worry about wrinkles and wanted to add in some anti-aging products. But with SO many skincare products out there, it’s hard to not get a bit obsessed and overwhelmed – there also seems to be a new product launching every day that offers to do the most amazing things for your skin. Wonder product this and wonder product that – it’s so confusing!
I’ve spent countless hours talking to brand experts about their products, but since they are only trained on their specific brand, if you don’t use the full line of their products it’s hard to know how to put together a routine with a mix of different brands that work the best for you.
Now, I am by NO means a dermatologist and whenever you try something new on your skin I recommend consulting one. I’ve just spent so much time and energy into researching and testing products that I thought I’d share some of my findings and my personal routine with all of you!
Morning Routine
Cleanse – Normally I just use water in the mornings
Toner – Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore Reducing Toner
Exfoliate – Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (I recently bought Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA as I was told BHA’s are better for clogged pores than AHAs. So I decided to swap out my Biologique in favor of this one) AND First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pad
Vitamin C – Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Moisturizer – Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Sunscreen – Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Night Routine
Makeup Removal – Garnier Micellar Water
Cleanse – I alternate between cleansers – Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser, Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, Dr Dennis Gross Pore Perfecting Cleanser
Toner – Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore Reducing Toner
Exfoliate – Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Booster – Paula’s Choice 10% niacinamide booster
Retinol – Drunk Elephant Retinol Cream
Serum – Drunk Elephant TLC Night Serum
Moisturizer – Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
(Drunk Elephant recommends you mix these all together, which I normally do)
On alternate nights I skip the exfoliator and retinol and instead use Dr. Dennis Gross Peels + Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream.
Twice a week I like to deeply exfoliate with Kate Sommerville Exfolikate
Masks I’m Loving Right Now:
Drunk Elephant Baby Facial
Kate Sommerville Foam Mask
Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Mask
Other Products I use:
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion or COSrx Pimple Master Match for those pesky zits!
First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream – just started using this product in the AM
Patchology Eye Patches – you really can’t go wrong with ANY of them – they are fantastic and super fun to use.
Do you have any skincare products you swear by? I’d love to hear!
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