We talk about beauty products all the time over on our YouTube channel, but it’s been awhile since we mentioned anything on the blog. Over the past couple of months, I’ve completely revamped my nightly skincare routine. I use a lot of products, and it may seem slightly overwhelming for a skincare novice, but I thought I’d walk you through the products I’ve been using in the order I use them.
Bioderma Miceller Water
I picked up this product in Paris, and have been using it ever since to take off my makeup. It’s very gentle, great for sensitive skin, and removes all traces of makeup with ease. This one is also great. I just squirt a little on a cotton pad, and swipe it all over my face. even if I’m not wearing any makeup that day, I still use it to remove the dirt and oil build up from the day.
Banilo Co Clean It Zero
This is a newer product to my skincare arsenal, but I already love it. It’s an oil based cleanser, which is great because so much makeup is oil based, it works to dissolve it better as opposed to water based cleansers. This product has rave reviews, and I see why after using it for a few weeks. A little goes a long way. I use the tiny spoon it comes with to put about a dime size amount in my hand, rub it all over my face, and gently wipe away with a warm washcloth.
Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine
I only exfoliate my skin 2-3 times a week, and I’m obsessed with these pads. Who wouldn’t love a wine scented exfoliating wipe?! To be honest, these smell more like a grape snow cone than wine, but that’s just as delicious! These pads are double sided, and I use the rougher side first to gently exfoliate, followed by the smoother side.
Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel
Toner helps to prep the skin for the remainder of your skincare routine. Look for a toner that is alcohol free, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. I like this one in the rose petal scent, but it comes in others (Shelby has it in lavender). I swipe a cotton pad soaked in this all over my face and neck just after my nightly cleansing.
MISSHA Treatment Essence
The essence step in skin care is new to me, but it’s a vital part of the infamous 10-step Korean skincare routine, so I thought I’d give it a try. And I might be a convert! Essences are traditionally more lightweight and less concentrated than serums, and are to be used after a toner to add another layer of hydration before you apply serum. I typically shake several drops of this into my hand, rub my hands together, and pat all over my face. This is a great dupe for the famous SK-II facial treatment essence.
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Concentrate
I apply a retinol cream 1-2 times a week. While there are many good ones out there, I love this one I picked up in Paris. I squeeze about a nickel size onto my palm, and then smooth it all over my face and neck, concentrating on the area around my eyes, my forehead, and around my mouth (i.e. the areas most prone to wrinkles).
Olay Regenerist Mico Sculpting Serum
I’ve been using this serum for about 6 months now and I really like it. I use it both morning and night. It’s hydrating without being too thick. Make sure you get the fragrance free version though. The regular one is heavily scented.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye Concentrate
The next step in my routine is one that I never miss. The area around your eyes is the most sensitive and thin layer of skin on your body. Keep those wrinkles at bay by being very diligent with a good eye cream. I’m obsessed with this one by Kiehl’s. Apply under each eye, and use your ring finger to gently pat the cream under and around your eye.
NUXE Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse; Farmaesthetics Nutrient Dense Fine Facial Oil; Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Oil
This is probably my favorite part of my nightly skincare routine. I apply at least one of these oils nightly, but sometimes I layer on a couple. The Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Oil is my favorite. It smells amazing! I apply about 6 drops to my palm, rub my hands together, stick my hands up to my nose and inhale several times before applying to my face. It’s packed full of essential oils, including lavender, which is great for relaxing you before bed. I also really like the NUXE oil, and will sometimes layer that on. The Farmaesthetics oil is great, and has some different oils from the other two. It’s a little heavier, so I typically only use it if my skin is feeling really dry.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
You’re probably thinking, how can I put anything else on my face?! But we are not done. Sometimes I do stop with the oils, especially during the warmer months, but my skin is very dry and sucks up every little bit of moisture I give it. This is a great, thick moisturizer that really does the trick.
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
If you’ve never heard of a sleeping mask, it’s like a cross between a face mask and a night time moisturizer. It’s meant to hydrate your face throughout the night, but don’t worry, it doesn’t come off on your pillow. You only need to do this 1-2 times per week. This also comes with a little spoon, and a little goes a long way- especially if you’ve already applied everything else I’ve mentioned. Like a moisturizer, it’s absorbed into the skin. It’s meant to be washed off in the morning, but to be honest I rarely do. I spray a little of this on my face right when I wake up, and then pat my face with a towel.
Everyone Lotion in Mint + Coconut
Nightly skin routines are not just reserved for your face. Remember, your skin is your body’s largest organ. Before bed, I have gotten into the routine of rubbing lotion all over my body. I really love this one. It’s got a nice scent, without being to overpowering, and I like how the mint gently tingles while the coconut soothes and makes me dream of being back in the Bahamas.
NUXE Rêve de Miel Lip Balm
Don’t forget your lips too! I LOVE this lip balm from NUXE. It’s super hydrating. I’ve also used this one and love it too, although it’s not quite as hydrating.
I know this is a lot of steps, and everyone doesn’t have the time to take to do all of this, so the above photo shows the five things I ALWAYS do no matter what- remove my makeup, tone, eye cream, face oil, and moisturizer.
What products are a part of your nightly skincare routine? I’d love to know!
-Ash xx