MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE

All of the products I use – some for several months and some for several years! Just a note – if you have followed me for awhile, you may know that I tend to stick to drugstore products as much as possible when it comes to makeup, but I have almost always splurged on skincare since the longevity of naturally healthy and youthful skin is so important to me!

1. benzoyl peroxide wash: My dermatologist prescribed this for me because I had really bad acne after giving birth to Logan. It is available over the counter by your typical drugstore brands. You simply apply all over face with fingers and let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing. This is typically when I will brush my teeth and respond to IG comments, haha. It is a life-saver, and I rarely have acne anymore!
2. hydrating facial spray by Mario Badescu: TBH I just started using this product, but I had to incude it because, one, it is a part of the SEPHORA SALE, and two, because my skin feels so refreshed and hydrated before I begin my day. I love it.
3. serum: I typically switch between this Lifting and Filling Serum and this Youth Activating Melon Serum, both of which are from Cindy Crawford’s Meaningful Beauty line. I’ve used her line for years. You can read each of their descriptions, but apparently they do a LOT, and I defs notice my skin is more vibrant and glowy with use!
4. eye cream (on sale!): Currently loving this one. I often use this one as well if you prefer no retinol.
5. rose quartz roller: I started face rolling about a month ago, and I love it! After dotting my face with both my serum and eye cream, I use the roller to blend in the product, while simultaneously enjoying a wonderful face massage! I tend to hold a ton of tension in my face and jaw (hi fellow TMJ-ers), and it really helps to relax and massage those muscles, plus it is supposed to help with circulation, flatten out fine lines, and drain lymphatic fluid that builds up beneath our tissues (ew?) AKA contour your face by reducing inflammation AKA puffiness! Yes, please! It has quickly become the part of my routine I look forward to, most :).
6. clindamycin: This was also prescribed to me via my dermo, and I do believe you need a prescription for it. Use as spot treatment for problem areas.
7. first aid beauty’s cucmber eye stick (on sale!): Gently apply to under eyes. Bye-bye puffiness!
8. sunscreen moisturizer: I love how light this one is and how a very small amount goes a long way, but I do normally prefer one with a bit more SPF. I highly recommend this one as well. I seriously never burn even the slightest bit when I wear it to the pool, on vaca, etc, and it has brightening properties!

NIGHTTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE

Everything is pretty much the same as my morning routine, but for a few steps!

1. remove makeup: with a Neutrogena face wipe. I have a recurring subscription for these on amazon prime, lol.
2. cleanse: Wash face with Neutrogena’s Foaming Cleanser. Sometimes I skip step one and do this step twice. Like, I will lather and rinse and then lather and rinse again, ha – so important to get ALL makeup and grime from the day off.
3. benzoyl peroxide wash: let sit for 5 mins., rinse.
4. eye makeup remover: Neutrogena is the only (drugstore) brand that doesn’t burn my eyes? Anywho, probably nothing new, as I’m sure you are very famil. Just started buying it in bulk here.
5. serum x eye cream x rose quartz roller
6. spot treatment (Clyndamycin)
7. nightly repairing moisturizer: In love with this night cream. In fact I always order two in my Meaningful Beauty subscription box because I hate running out. Really helps clear up fine lines and makes my skin seem plumper when I wake in the AM.
8. vitamins: Because not all skincare is topical! I take them at night because it is less likely that I’ll be taking them on an empty stomach. While I take a lot of vitamins, I’ll just touch on my Hair, Skin, & Nails by Douglas Labs since this is a skincare post. Can’t live without them. My mom is a dietician so she has done a lot of research, and the Douglas Labs brand is one of the best for making vitamins that absorb efficiently into the body. A lot of times vitamins go right through us! Anyway, I make sure I have some in stock before big events or photo shoots. Haha, not kidding. I can tell a difference! Brighter skin + my nails and hair grow more quickly and thicker, etc etc.

In honor of the SEPHORA SALE, I decided to include a sliding widget of all of the products I regularly buy from them below, plus the things I bought and want to try! Despite what I said at the beginning of this post, the sale may or may not have influenced me to try some of the makeup products I’ve heard wonderful things about but have yet to treat myself to! Thinking at this point in my life, I may finally deserve to have good quality makeup? IDK?