Current Nighttime Skincare Routine
So, I am very much a creature of habit. I know what I like and stick to it. This applies to so many aspects of my life - I’ve been going to the same hair stylist for 12+ years (we joke that it’s our longest relationship). I always get the same salad from Mixt Greens. And of course follow the same nightly skin care regimen. You catch my drift here. I like what I like!
My nighttime routine is it’s own little ritual that helps me unwind. I rarely see it as a chore because it’s so relaxing and when you see results it becomes even more addicting.
My Current Nighttime Routine
Double Cleanse. I wrote a whole post here on double cleansing and why you should be doing it. I’ve been using this balm recently and love it. It smells etherial and spa like.
Paula’s Choice BHA Toner OR SkinCeuticals 1% Retinol serum. If you’re using retinol and AHA/BHAs it’s so important that you do not layer them - it must be one or the other. I rotate them each night. While my skin can handle retinol nightly now, I like to mix in the salicylic acid for the breakouts I sometimes get on my chin. If you’re new to retinol make sure to start slow, using 2x weekly before going all in.
This hyaluronic acid serum is probably one of the best things ever. I call it “botox in a bottle” because it plumps up fine lines so nicely and gives your skin that botox-y like glow, you know what I mean?
My holy grail eye cream has helped me in so many ways. It really one of those products that tackles all anti aging concerns, but the most noticeable thing has been how much it helps with puffiness. I remember when I first discovered this at Saks. The SA was raving about it and I didn’t believe the hype till she put some on me…and WOW. This was after a long work day and instantly it helped brighten and smooth my under eye. It’s pricey but worth every penny! I rave more about it here along with some other bougie but amazing products.
Next up is my favorite night cream. When I want a little more glow, I mix into a few drops of this facial tanner. I slather this all over my face, neck and chest too.
Last layer is 4 drops of The Ordinary Rose Hip Oil. I’m constantly trying new oils, and this is the current one in rotation. It’s really nice and the price is hard to beat. I use another 3-4 for my neck and all over my chest, down to the tits.
And for the grand finale, a nice thicc coat of Laneige lip balm. I’ve tried all the scents, but my fave is still the classic formula.
Masks and treatments
Usually 1-2 a week I’ll weave in a mask or treatment based on how my skin’s feeling.
Ole Henrickson Cold Pore Plunge - Cooling mask that improves texture and refines the look of pores. It’s icy cold and feels so good.
Summer Fridays R+R Mask - A gentle exfoliating and moisturizing mask. It has tiny specks of rose petals that gently scrub skin as you rinse off, all while leaving behind a light rose essense on the skin. I could leave this on for hours.
Sheet Masks - When my skin is needing more moisture or some extra love after a long day outside, these sheet masks are the perfect addition. They feel so soothing. I’ll usually wear mine around the house as I’m doing chores or sipping some wine. Multi tasking and multi masking as usual ;)
Aztec Clay Mask - When I'm breaking out, this is the mask I’ll reach for first. It’s a holy grail for me bc it’s super powerful but not drying. I usually mix it with apple cider vinegar which also helps with moisturizing and soothing.
The Ordinary Peeling Solution - I was skeptical of this peel at first, but boyyy was I wrong. It’s a powerful mix of lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids. It’s oh so tingly (you know I like a good tingle from my acids) and leaves my skin super smooth. When I use this peel I’ll skip the retinol for a couple days after - don’t want to over do it.
Teeth whitening pen - Not technically skincare, but use this around the same time sooo throwing it in the mix! Love this pen bc it’s super gentle and has a subtle vanilla mint flavor. After just a couple uses you can see a difference.
Tools and gadgets
If you follow along on stories, you know I am obsessed with my facial steamer. I use this 1x a week, typically with a mask on so my pores are realllyy open. It feels amazing and is so good for your skin. It opens up pores, detoxifies and purifies. The one I use comes with inserts that you can soak with essential oils. My fave is tea tree because it’s known for its cleaning properties and it smells fresh and spa like.
A holy grail tool: the rose quartz gua sha. Of all the steps in my routine, this is the one that gives instant and noticeable results as well as improvement overtime. I breakdown the steps on how to properly gua sha here.