I take caring for my face very seriously. At the same time, I really don’t want it to be a massive chore, time suck or budget buster. Here’s a rundown of my process and the products I use.
THE HOLY TRINITY: WASH, TONE & MOISTURIZE
If there’s nothing else you do, these three steps will get you firmly on the right path: Wash, Tone and Moisturize. I try to do this twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
These three products are the basis of my skincare regime:
Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser: As my long-time friend and beauty guru Mattie Roberts often preaches, “Don’t spend a ton of money on something that you immediately wash off.” This basic cleanser is inexpensive and can be found at nearly any store.
Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner: I’ve been loyal to the Kiehl’s brand for over 20 years, and most of my skin care regime comes from them (as you’re about to see). This toner, which goes on with either a pad or cotton ball, is about as old school Kiehl’s as you can get. They may now have more advanced formulas and options, but this product hasn’t done me wrong yet!
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer: Once the toner dries, apply this moisturizer all over your face and neck. (Don’t forget the crepe-y area around your collarbones!) Again, like the toner, this is a simple product that does one thing very well. Kiehl’s makes a version with sunscreen, but I don’t care for the smell.
ADD-ONS: SERUMS
Once you’ve gotten into a good routine with the first three steps (let’s say it again, “Wash, Tone & Moisturize”), you can start to work serums into the mix. Serums are like highly concentrated potions that typically tackle one job.
TruSkin Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Apply this after you’ve toned, but before you moisturize. The vitamin C & E give your skin some extra oomph, boosting its appearance and helping repair previous sun damage. The hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the outer layers of skin to give it some extra plumpness that fills in fine lines.
Kiehl’s Vitamin C Eye Serum: I also apply this to my eye area (bags and crow’s feet) between toner and moisturizer to help diminish dark circles and reduce lines.
NIGHTTIME RITUAL
At night, I wash and tone my face and then use the following products, in this order:
Kiehl’s Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate: This is like a mini-acid peel to exfoliate your old skin away. You just put a little in your palm, rub your hands together and then rub all over your face. I’m not going to lie, it stings a little.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye Cream: Want eyes so tight that you can see last Thursday? This is the one for you! I love feeling it work. Just put a little dot on your middle finger and GENTLY dab it under your eyes.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate: If I’m being honest, I don’t actually know what this one does, aside from a general statement that it’s supposed to “replenish your skin as you sleep.” I like the way it feels and the more moisture and vitamins, the better!
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque: Use this as a last step instead of moisturizer at night. I’m going to warn you though, you’re going to feel like a glazed donut. Let it dry a little before laying down.
FOR ZITS
Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment: When zits pop up or if I get an in-grown hair, this little tube is my go-to to heal it quickly. Sometimes it stings a little and sometimes it burns like you’re on fire. I haven’t figured out the rhyme or reason to that, but it always seems to work for me.
SOMETHING ELSE I’M TRYING
Silc Skin Silicon Eye Pads: My friend Emily recommended these to me and I’ve just started trying out these adhesive silicon strips that you stick on for at least an hour. I tried using them once overnight, but the tightness bothered me so I’ve only used them during the day since then. The manufacturer (and my friend Emily) claim they help eliminate bags and wrinkles around the eyes. There are also other variations of the same material for targeted areas like your neck and forehead.
A FEW FINAL NOTES:
- The Process Is More Important Than The Product: These are the products I choose to use, mostly from Kiehl’s, but I’m sure that there are plenty to be found at Target, CVS or wherever you typically buy your toiletries that will work. The process of regularly taking care of your skin is more important than what you put on it.
- Drink Water: Staying hydrated is possibly the most important thing you can do. It’s good for your body, your brain and your skin. I try to drink half my body weight in ounces. Translated, since I weigh about 200 pounds, that’s 100 ounces of water. It sounds like a lot, but once you get used to it, you can feel the difference it makes!
- Wear Sunscreen: I’m not the best at following my own advice here when it comes to daily exposure, but I’m super strict about wearing sunscreen when I know I’ll be outside for awhile. Fortunately/unfortunately, my fair skin lets me know pretty quickly when I’ve gone wrong here. Some moisturizers come with sunscreen in them, but I dislike nearly all of them and choose to use 50 SPF from Coppertone Baby (no tears when I inevitably get it in my eyes!).
- Good Genes Don’t Hurt! I come from a long line of younger-than-normal looking people.
