Evening Routine Beauty Staples
In an effort to act like an adult and treat my skin better, I feel like I’m on a perpetual quest to be consistent with my skincare routine, particularly my evening routine. Most of these products I’ve mentioned in the past, but there are a few I haven’t mentioned previously. I’m strive for an 80/20 balance in my skincare in terms of clean products versus mainstream.
Cleansers
If I need a double cleanse, I love using Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm followed by Acure Brilliantly Brightening Cleansing Gel. But honestly most nights I am proud of myself for just swiping my face a few times with Bioderma Sensibio Miscaller Cleansing Water which I started using after my trip to Paris last summer. Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser is also another that is occasionally brought into the rotation.
Toners
My tried and true toner has been Thayers Witch Hazel - Rose Petal. But lately, I’ve really liked Indie Lee’s COQ10 Toner. I suspect I’m not always getting my face super clean when I wash it, so I like to use a toner before adding any other moisturizers or treatments.
Masks and Scrubs
I’m always down to try new products, but I tend to be a loyalist so my mask rotation remains pretty consistent: I use Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask, Origin’s Drink-up Intensive Overnight Mask, or Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. For scrubs, I like Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator, Kaike Marshmallow Mask + Scrub, or Acure Brightening Facial Scrub.
Creams
I honestly forget about eye cream most of the time, but when I do remember it, I use Vow Beauty’s Eye Gel or La Roche Posay’s Hydraphase Intense Eyes. During the colder months when I need a layer of moisturizer I’ll use Weleda Skin Food or Avene Cicalfate. I try to stick to clean products for the most part, but there’s something about using French drug store products that really transport me to my trips to Paris (and don’t quote me on this, but Ive been under the impression that European mainstream products tend to be less toxic than American mainstream products).
Oils and Serums
Argan Oil and Rosehip Oil have become my staples when I feel like I need a layer of oil to lock in moisture. Since I am over 30, a few times a week I also use this retinol product mainly because it’s budget friendly, but I’m still ruminating on which one I’ll switch to when I finish it up (here are some options: 100 Percent Retinol Pure Restorative Overnight Balm, Drunk Elephant Retinol, Origins Plantscription Night Retinol Moisturizer). I want to explore serums so I may start testing a few on my next trip to Follain- Bethesda Row, Take Care Shop or Ivy Wild Beauty (all clean beauty shops in the DC area).
Bath Items
When it comes to bath products, I may occasionally treat myself to fancy bath salts, but I often just get a bag of Epsom salts from the closest drug store. I don’t really do bubble baths but will add in some Lavender Dr. Bronners Liquid Soap for its light fragrance. I do sometime mix my own oils or body butters, but do enjoy using Everyday Oil as an after bath moisturizer. I rarely purchase body butters, but the Follain Body Butter looks nice too, I might treat myself to that soon. I really like candles but use them sparingly these candles are my go-to ones. I also use battery operated candles for those times when I want nice lighting, but don’t want to bother with having to remember to blow out a candle.
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