The last few years, my skincare routine has become a bit of an obsession for me. I’ve always been a diligent face washer/moisturizer but until a couple of years ago, that was it. I’ve never been a heavy makeup wearer (I love makeup but prefer it to be light), I would rather focus on having my skin be healthy and nourished rather than cover it up. That being said, I do still wear light makeup most days and have skin issues that lead me to feel a bit insecure at times (i.e. mild rosacea and hormonal blemishes every month – two areas I’d like to target in the next year).
Also, it’s worth noting that I use primarily medical-grade skin-care products (which are pricey) and have found my skin responds best to those but a lot of the products can also be found in drugstore versions if you would rather go that route. I was introduced to Skinceuticals products a couple of years ago (I was actually gifted a bunch to try and then fell in love with them) and since then, have slowly collected a skincare routine that consists mostly of their stuff. In my opinion, it can’t be beat.
I’ve listed the products in the order that I use them in the am/pm. I realize this is a bit extensive but honestly, it’s a daily ritual I love both in the morning and before bed.
AM SKINCARE ROUTINE
I have tried many face washes over the years and this one is my absolute favourite. I love the texture, the lather, and the bottle. I also love that it’s unscented and leaves my skin feeling so clean. A bottle of this stuff lasts me at least 6 months.
Skinceuticals Equalizing Toner
A toner is one of my most recent additions to the daily routine and I love it. I’ve been told that using toners is great to even out skin tone and it also helps your skin deeply absorb other products. I always swipe this on with a cotton pad right after washing my face.
This product is the holy grail of Skinceuticals products. Oh man is it expensive but it’s also so good. This is a vitamin C serum which I’ve been told by a dermatologist is something everyone should be using. I use this stuff every other day as your skin holds onto it for 48 hours (and it makes it last longer). I do think I may dabble in a cheaper Vitamin C option after this bottle is done to see how it works. But I can’t recommend this stuff enough.
Vivier Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
I have only been diligent about sunscreen for the last few years but I never ever miss a day now that I realize the importance. Sunscreen is the #1 anti-aging product to use and if you’re a human, you should be wearing it on your face. I love this stuff from Vivier – it’s light weight, does not feel greasy whatsoever, and makeup layers on top of it no problem.
Collagen in Coffee
This isn’t a topical product but it is something that I think falls into the category of skincare. I mix a tbsp into my coffee every morning and it is supposed to help your skin, nails, and hair. I purchase this from Costco and really like it. The kind I use has no taste and dissolves into my coffee.
PM SKINCARE ROUTINE
Same as above except in the evenings I always double cleanse. I don’t use makeup remover, so that first cleanse removes the makeup and then the second cleanse leaves me squeaky clean.
Skinceuticals Equalizing Toner
Same as above.
Skinceuticals Retinol (every other night)
Dermatologists say that retinol is second only to sunscreen when it comes to aging so this is something that I added to my routine about a year ago. You have to ease into the use of retinol as it can be a bit harsh on your skin at the start. I started with twice a week and now use every other night. Retinol helps you skin turn over which aids in the production of collagen.
Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifier
This one is a serum that amplifies the skin’s hyaluronic acid. I use this every night and the bottle lasts forever. You barely need any and I actually mix a tiny drop with water in my hand and then rub all over my face. This is a product where I can see a visible difference the next morning on the nights I use. My skin looks more even and glowy.
Skinceuticals Daily Moisturize
Another favourite is the moisturizer. I have combination skin and found that drugstore moisturizers weren’t penetrating deep enough and my face would get really oily before noon. This stuff is great and is the perfect every day moisturizer. In the summer, I only use it at night but in the winter I use in the morning and evening.
Eau Thermale Avène Soothing Eye Colour Cream
I usually just pick this stuff up at a drugstore but just discovered you can buy on Amazon too – so that’s a win (linked for you!). This stuff seems to get the job done and I typically just dab a tiny drop under my eyes after moisturizing.
I picked this stuff up at the last Sephora sale and it was my favourite find. It’s a really thick lip chap that you put on before going to sleep and you wake up with plump and hydrated lips – I haven’t had any chapped lips since I started using. This stuff will also last forever – at least a year for sure.
Bonus: Masks
Those are my am/pm products but there are also a couple of face masks that I use quite consistently.
Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Mask
I use this stuff about once a week – it’s a great reset when my skin is looking a bit dull. I also just recently started using this as a spot treatment for blemishes. I dab a bit onto any blemishes starting to form and then go to bed – in the morning it’s dried right up!
Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Mask
I really enjoy this mask and have actually been sleeping with it on about once a week. It’s not like a typical mask that shows, it just blends into my skin. It has an interesting smell, almost medicinal but I actually like that.
