I’m nearing 30 (only a few months away) and feeling every single year in this skin. I’m so grateful for every second of the last 30 years, but could kick myself in the butt for ever getting in a tanning bed or choosing not to wear sunscreen. Anyone else in the same boat? The good news is that it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin. I’ve always had some sort of skincare routine (since I was 12 – thanks to mom) but I’ve recently switched things up. A bit of research and trial and error and this is what I’ve come up with. I’m no professional, nor do I claim to know ANYTHING about skincare, but this has been working well for me. I encourage you to consult a doctor or skincare professional before switching things up! But If you’re wondering what I’ve been using, here it is!
AM ROUTINE
- R&F Reverse Cleanser: A good cleanser is always step one. I LOVE my Rodan & Fields Cleanser. My mom sold R&F for a while and got me hooked. I could take or leave most of the other things, but this cleanser is GOLD for my skin. If you have a cleanser you like already, awesome! If not, I highly suggest this one. I also love this Glycolic Acid one from Amazon. I keep it around just in case!
- Vitamin C Serum: An important step in any skincare routine involved vitamin C. It promotes collagen production and can even protect your skin from UV damage. Youthful skin. That’s the goal. And Vitamin C Serum is a big help in that area. I love this Tru Skin Set from Amazon that has Vitamin C and Retinol. Super affordable and very effective.
- Sunday Riley Auto Correct: You’ve reached the most expensive item in my regimen. But worth it. i’m on my 3rd bottle (lasts about a month – 1.5 months for me). This is my holy grail under eye cream. Brightens, Depuffs, Firms. All the things I want to happen under my eyes. I have tried several eye creams, and unfortunately, this one is SO MUCH better than the cheaper versions, in my opinion. One splurge item I think is worth it!
- Waleda Skin Food: My favorite moisturizer EVER. It’s so good. Don’t make the mistake of getting the regular, though. The ‘light’ is where it’s at! I’m typically not putting on makeup immediately when I wake up and do my skincare routine. It’s usually an hour or so later, so I technically double moisturize (you’ll see). But this lays super well under makeup. My bestie and the best makeup artist I know, uses it on her clients. I also mix this with foundation or CC Cream to thin it out a bit.
- EltaMD SPF: SPF is a MUST have for any routine. Even if you’re not going out in the sun, put it on. It’s always better to be safe. I’ve tried a ton of these as well and this one is the BOMB. SO good under makeup and it’s basically a moisturizer. I can’t recommend this one enough. If I’m doing my makeup immediately when I get up, I’ll use just this instead of the Waleda.
PM ROUTINE
- R&F Reverse Cleanser: Again with the cleanser. I double cleanse at night. Once to take off makeup, the second time to really deep cleanse. BONUS: Once a week, I’ll use this mask after cleansing and before any other skincare steps. Its my favorite mask ever!
- Retinol Serum: The undeniable key to youthful skin is Retinol. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles and promotes that collagen production that we need so much. Like I mentioned above, this set from Amazon is fantastic and affordable. The Ordinary also makes a retinol that gets great reviews.
- Sunday Riley Auto Correct: Another round of eye cream at night to really drive it home that I’m not interested in puffy eyes, ya know. Love this stuff!
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension: This cream focuses in on brightening your skin. Addressing dark spots and even helping to fight acne and blemishes! We say ‘no way’ to dull skin and ‘heck yes’ to affordable skincare options like this one.
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: A deep, heavy moisturizer that doesn’t leave my skin oily! I love this as a nighttime moisturizer. Great for dry skin and great for your pocketbook!
BONUS: ACNE FIGHTERS
When I see a pimple coming on (or feel it) I immediately grab my tried and true 2-step solution.
Step 1. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I use a Q-Tip to apply. You’ll feel it working immediately and a slight burn if you’re blemish is open at all. but it’ll dry it right up. After a few minutes, I wipe it off and head to
Step 2. Mighty Patches. The king of pimple patches. Pop one on overnight and you’ll be amazed at how much gunk comes out of your face. Most pimples only take one night of patches but every once in a while, I’ll get a stubborn on that takes 2-3 nights. Either way, I love that my patches are working while I sleep.
