My evening skincare routine is definitely more complex than my morning one. What I use depends on a number of things. First, I try to alternate products throughout the week so that my skin stays balanced—I don’t want it to get too used to or dependent on any one product or type of product. Second, my skin sometimes freaks out and needs more of one thing than the other, like more moisture or more exfoliation, etc. Here, in order of how they’re applied, is a list of products I’d use throughout the week to cleanse, treat and moisturize.
Makeup Remover
I've recently transitioned from using makeup wipes or cotton pads for more eco-friendly makeup-removing towels. I purchased this pack of two from Ulta, and so far they work really well for daily makeup removal, when I’ve been wearing minimal makeup and nothing heavy on the eyes. For heavier makeup days, I like the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm or the Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter from
Cleanser
I alternate between three. (I know, I know.) Dermadoctor Ain’t Misbehavin Medicated Acne Cleanser has salicylic acid and is too strong/drying for my skin type to use more than a few nights a week, but is really good at keeping acne at bay. I also like the First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser. It gives a deep clean but doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped. Finally, I recently added the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser to my routine, in an effort to both help brighten my skin and use more natural products when possible. Occasionally, I will use an exfoliating cleanser. My favorite is the Amore Pacific Enzyme Cleanser, which is a powder that turns to a liquid-y foam when mixed with water. It’s gentle but my skin always feels baby smooth after using. The other one I like is the Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Scrub with Vitamin A and Glycolic Acid, which actually has granules in it along with glycolic acid. This can be a little harsher on the skin, but I genuinely believe that my skin needs a good manual exfoliation every now and then, and this does the trick really well. I actually keep the tube in my shower, and will use it scrub my elbows and chest area sometimes.
Toner
These are the same as the ones mentioned in my morning skincare routine—Andalou Naturals, Thayer’s, or Ole Henriksen. All work well, but for different reasons and in different ways. But I’m definitely pro-toner. I find them refreshing and soothing. And in the case of the Ole Henriksen one, a great way to gently exfoliate and remove any remaining bits of makeup.
Treatments & Serums
I recently started using the Tatcha Essence. The jury is still out, to be honest. After a few weeks, I’m not convinced that it’s worth the hefty price tag, but it feels nice on the skin. Occasionally, when my skin is irritated, I’ll use a layer or aloe vera gel as a serum. It’s soothing, calming and hydrating. Any high percentage aloe gel will work. Every other night, I use a retinol serum on top of the Tatcha essence. For the last year, I’ve used the Peter Thomas Roth Retinal Fusion and it’s amazing. It has 1.5% retinol, but never causes my skin to dry or peal. And I started seeing results immediately—smoother skin and the disappearance of a few breakouts that had been recurring in the same spot over and over. I recently bought a mini of the famed Drunk Elephant Glycolic Night Serum. I'll use it once or twice a week, on nights when I don't use my retinal. It does a good job at smoothing out my skin texture, but I suspect I have to use it more often to see real results. Again, the full size of this is pricey, so I'm not quite sure it's worth the splurge. (And I've noticed recently that there are some similar products hitting the market for lower prices.)
Moisturizer & Facial Oil
I alternate between three moisturizers. My tried and true is the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. It never fails me, is simple, hydrating and soothing. I will keep a jar of this in my cabinet for the rest of my life. If my skin is really parched, the Juice Beauty Nutrient Moisturizer is another favorite. This stuff is THICK and doesn’t absorb into the skin fully. So, when I wake up in the morning, I can sometimes see a layer of oil on my skin. This sounds gross but I actually like it. As someone with dry skin, I know that a moisturizer is super hydrating if even my skin doesn’t drink it all up. Recently, I purchased the Andalou Naturals Q10 Night Repair Cream, to add more firming ingredients into my routine. It’s light and fluffy, but a good moisturizer for the summer and early fall, when my skin is less on the dry side. Because I don’t use it every night, I don’t think I can judge its firming abilities, but I still like it as a moisturizer. The smell is not my favorite, but it doesn’t linger too long. Finally, if I want to lock in hydration or add more moisture, I’ll layer a face oil over my moisturizer. Currently, I'm using the Organic Treatment Oil from Juice Beauty. I prefer organic or natural oils, and this one is very hydrating.
There are a ton of products mentioned in this post, I realize. But that's the thing about being skin care obsessed, isn't it? I'm always on the hunt for a miracle product and the perfect routine. I've recently added a couple of items to my wishlist, so one or some of those will be feature here soon. If you made it through this post, thank you!
