skincare routine

My skincare routine is always evolving.  My skin type is combination ...oily throughout my t-zone and dry along my jawline, but it changes slightly depending on the time of year.  I received a series of facials during the months leading up to our wedding and my esthetician shared many tips that I've incorporated into my current routine.  It has been a while since I've updated you on the products I'm using and loving, so I figured I'd share!  

To remove makeup, I've been using the same two products for the longest time.  Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser lasts forever because you only need the tiniest bit to slough off all of the makeup on your skin.  It's extremely gentle and soothing.  If there happens to be any mascara or eyeliner left on my face after that, I am religious to my Bioderma Crealine H20.  It's better than any liquid makeup remover I've ever tried.  After work sometimes, the first thing I will do after walking in my door is go straight to my bathroom and put Bioderma on a cotton pad.  I'll just wipe off all of my makeup with that... it leaves my face feeling so fresh until I wash my face before bed hours later.

After removing my makeup, I alternate between three Skinceuticals cleansers.  If my skin is needing a good exfoliation, which I like to do at least once a week, I'll reach for the Micro-Exfoliating Scrub.  It's pretty coarse, but not overly abrasive, which could damage the skin.  In the mornings and evenings, I alternate between the Clarifying Cleanser, which has very light exfoliating particles, and the LHA Cleansing Gel.  Every few days, I'll use the LHA cleanser with my Clarisonic.

One of my sorority sisters from college got me into the Rodan + Fields Redefine regimen, which I'll explain more below.

After cleansing, I always tone my skin.  In the mornings I use Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3, which helps to clear out pores and reduce excess oil.  At night, I use Rodan + Fields Pore Minimizing Toner, which is also pore-refining, but very gentle and soothing.

For my morning moisturizer, I have been alternating between Rodan + Fields Triple Defense Treatment SPF 30 and Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Day Cream SPF 20, which contains retinol and hyaluronic acid.  

At night, I will use prescription Retin-A every few days.  After that, I use Rodan + Fields Overnight Restorative Cream, which combats the dryness I get from the retinol.  It's like a giant splash of water for your face and helps to prevent moisture loss with hyaluronic acid and plenty of antioxidants. 

I rarely stray from my favorite eye cream, Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream, which I use morning and night.  It has a pearl-like appearance that really helps to brighten the under eye area.

As for masks, the Rodan + Fields Daily Cleansing Mask is a very gentle way of drawing out impurities in two minutes without stripping the skin.  This can be used as a daily cleanser, but I like to use this mask just when my skin is feeling clogged and aggravated. 

The REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask is absolutely life changing.  As for the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque... why NOT own it?  It's under $4 and works like a charm at clearing out pores and making your skin feel ultra-smooth. 

Three sprays that I always keep on hand...

MAC Fix+ for making my skin look hydrated after applying powders.  I also spray this on my face immediately before applying foundation... it helps the product blend better and look more natural.  

Murad Hydrating Toner is great for neutralizing your skin after using a face mask.  It's also a go to for an afternoon pick-me-up.

  Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist is used for the same reason, but it's my absolute favorite because my esthetician uses it and it reminds me of the spa ...a nice indulgence!