I've been a beauty editor/writer for well over a decade, so trying new products is literally my job. Still, when it comes to skincare, I've always been very guilty of an if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it approach. I haven't had great skin for most of my life, so when I find stuff that doesn't make me break out, it's hard to stray.
But I've made a real push to try more things over the last few months, and I recently realized that my skincare routine is suddently totally different than it was a year ago. And it's good! In fact, I feel like my skin looks and feels better than it has in a long, long time.
In today's post, I wanted to share what's gotten me to this place. So here's what I actually do every day for my A.M. and P.M. skin-care routines. Enjoy!
Morning Routine
Bioeffect Volcanic Exfoliator or (not shown) Aveeno Positively Radiant Scrub - I use one of these exfoliators in the shower a couple of times a week. As I've said before, I'm bad at remembering to scrub, but somehow keeping the tubes in the shower makes me so much more likely to actually use them. Both of these are gel formulas, which I personally like so much better than creams, and both are gentle and effective.
Sunday Riley C.E.O Rapid Flash Brightening Serum - Antioxidants are a must. If you're not using them, you're nuts. And vitamin C is one of the absolute best, especially when you want to battle dull skin, which is pretty much a constant issue for me. Problem is, most vitamin C products are smelly and runny and just kind of awful to use, but this one (which I also mentioned here) couldn't be more pleasant. It's a creamy formula that smells like citrus. And I swear, my skin looked noticeably brighter after just a few weeks of use. I'm obsessed!
Skinceuticals Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50 - This is not the true packaging, FYI; I'm using a lab sample. (I got an early peek at it for a sunscreen story I did for Rachael Ray Every Day magazine, and real packaging wasn't available at the time. It really looks like this.) This is one of those new supersheer formulas that feels and looks totally invisible. It works perfectly under makeup, and I like that it doesn't clog my pores the way many of these ultra-sheer sunscreens tend to do.
Clark's Botanicals Retinol Rescue Eye Serum - I have been using this for several months now and I love it so much!! I really feel like it made a noticeable different in the lines under and around my eyes very quickly, and I'm obsessed with the applicator. It's cold-to-the-touch, so it de-puffs as you apply it. It also works really well under makeup, acting almost like a primer to smooth out lines before you put on concealer.
Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturizer - I wrote about this for a magazine article coming out this fall, and (spoiler alert) I described it as giving you "millennial skin." And it does! It has diamond dust in the formula that gives the most amazing youthful, radiant glow that still shows through when you apply your foundation. And it's natural! This is expensive, but honestly so worth it. It makes your skin look like J.Lo's skin, no highlighter required. (One note: It has a heavy floral scent, which I didn't love the first couple of times I used it. But I got used to it fast. I don't even notice it anymore.)
Evening Routine
Simple Face Wipes - They're not fancy, but they work. They whisk away makeup, and don't leave my skin stripped or oily. They're also one of the only beauty products I actually buy. (I'm lucky enough to get most things for free, but I go through these so quick--and they're so affordable--that I just buy them at the drugstore myself.)
Prescription retinoid - Everyone needs to be using a retinoid. Period. I've used one on and off since my late teens, but I wish I had been consistent earlier. They're one of the only ingredients proven without a doubt to fight lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It's basically a fact that people who regularly use retinoids look younger than people who don't. So, get on it! And, yes, I know they can be irritating. That's the reason I was on and off for so many years. For me, the biggest issue was excessive dryness, which was awful. Start with a low dose because you can always move up. Also, try different kinds if one doesn't work for you. For example, Tazorac--a really strong retinoid that many people I know are absolutely obsessed with--is too strong for me. The best I've found for me is this one: a generic 0.025% tretinoin.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream - Super moisturizing, but not at all greasy. And it's packed with potent-but-gentle anti-agers to work on lines and spots while you sleep. Since using it, my skin is so much softer when I wake up in the morning, and just looks so much plumper and healthier.
Clark's Botanicals Retinol Rescue Eye Serum - I use it again at night. Nothing's better for eyes!
Lanolips Coconutter Hand Cream Intense - I never used to wear hand cream at night, but then I found this. I apply the tiniest dab to my hands and to my dry, rough heels, and let it work overnight. Best part: The smell is absolutely fantastic. A little bit coconut, a little bit spicy-cookie. So good!
Have you guys tried any of these? What other skin-care products are you loving right now?
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