Over the summer, I became more serious about following a skincare routine. Prior to that, I viewed washing my face nightly as a chore that I had to do, which just kept me that much longer from the comfort of my bed. Now, I look at my skincare routine as something I get to do, and I actually look forward to my little self-care time nightly. I have Grace Atwood from the blog, The Stripe, to thank for being a big influence for my newfound interest in skincare. Her blog and podcast, Bad on Paper Podcast, are full of inspiration, tips, and tricks on all things beauty and skincare related. (Not to mention great book recommendations).
When it comes to skincare, the product world can become very overwhelming. I decided to adopt my own routine using Clinique branded products. I have been using Clinique since 2007, and find it is the only brand that my sensitive, combination skin responds to positively. I also feel it is important to bring attention to the fact that they are making steps to eliminate animal testing. While they do not condone testing their products on animals, they do have to follow regulations in other countries that mandate it. Honestly, I do have a problem with such testing practices, and feel guilty about it; however, as I previously mentioned, Clinique is the brand that works with my skin. You can review more on Clinique’s laboratory policies here.
Once I committed to following a skincare routine, I realized quickly how overwhelming the whole process is, and researching online just made me feel that much more overwhelmed. I had already been using the Clinique 3-step skincare routine for combination oily-to-oily skin, but I had no idea what to do beyond that. In my research, I discovered that Sephora offers free (yes, free) consultations with a knowledgeable Beauty Advisor. I made an appointment with my local store and went, notebook in hand, with questions. Below is the plan my Beauty Advisor and I developed and what I have been following for the past several months.
Step 1: Remove Makeup
Just as you put care into applying your makeup, I am a firm believer that you should remove your makeup with the same attention to detail, leaving skin prepped and ready for your skincare routine. Here is what I use:
One – Take The Day Off™ Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips
Two – Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm
Step 2: Cleanse
My personal favorite step is the cleansing process. I often do a double cleanse every night, starting with my creamy cleanser first, then followed by my gel cleanser. This way, I am guaranteed that all my makeup is off and my impurities are removed.
Three – Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
Four – Liquid Facial Soap (I use the liquid facial soap for combination oily to oily skin)
Step 3: Exfoliate
It was recommended that I exfoliate one to three times a week. Exfoliating is an important step because it promotes healthy cell turnover by removing dead skin cells, tackles dirt and oil buildup, reduces dullness, and cleans pores.
Five – 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula (Once weekly)
Six – City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub (Twice weekly)
Step 4: Toner
This is the last step in the cleansing process and is often skipped; however, it is a crucial step in balancing your skin’s pH levels, preps your skin for serums and moisturizers, and leaves your complexation looking fresh.
Seven – Clarifying Lotion (I use the clarifying lotion for combination oily-to-oily skin)
Eight – Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (The final step in Clinique’s 3-step)
Step 5: Face Mask
Two times a week I will apply this facial mask leaving it on for five to ten minutes, allowing it to penetrate deep into my skin, hydrating all night long so I wake up to soft, dewy skin.
Nine – Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Step 6: Serum
I view this as the fountain of youth step. Serums visibly improve the major signs of aging in your skin, causing your skin to have a more uniformed tone, refined texture, and diminished fine lines. It’s important to pat serums into your skin rather than slather on top so they can penetrate and absorb. Repeat serums morning and night for maximum results.
Ten – Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum
Eleven – Acne Spot Treatment (Because even as an adult I sometimes get pimples)
Step 7: Moisturizers
Depending on which facial mask or exfoliating treatment I use I change up my nightly moisturizer. Moisturizers are like giving your skin a drink of water, hydrating it to perfection.
Twelve – Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer (I use this on nights I exfoliate or use clay mask)
Thirteen – Clinique Smart Night Custom-Repair Moisturizer (I use this on all other nights)
Step 8: Specialty Creams
The finishing step to my nightly skincare routine is to apply my eye cream and lip treatment. I learned from my Beauty Advisor that the undereye area is the first to show signs of aging, in addition to being the most delicate part of your complexion. She recommended applying eye cream carefully by gently tapping it with your fingers so you do not pull the fragile skin. I wrap up my skincare routine by applying a lip mask, moisturize my neck, and hands, and then I head for bed.
Fourteen – All About Eyes Cream (I use this on nights I exfoliate or mask)
Fifteen – Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream (I use this on all other nights)
Sixteen – Moisture Surge Lip Hydro-Plump Treatment
Seventeen – Clinique Smart Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Age Transformer Resculpt (I use the Resculpt Moisturizer for combination oily to oily skin, applying it to my jawline, neck, and décolletage.)
Tip:
A good piece of advice I have heard over and over again while researching skin care is to remember to always apply formulas with thinner consistencies first, and then apply thicker treatments over them (for example, cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizers, creams).
I know that fourteen steps might seem like a lot, and very time consuming, but I mentioned above I view this as my relaxing self-care time and have the whole process down to about fifteen minutes. I even treat myself by lighting a candle to relax me even more.
I have been following my regimented skincare routine for about eight months and I truly see the difference in my own skin, not to mention the compliments I have received, which is always a plus! The key to any skincare routine is consistency. There are no instant fixes, it takes about six weeks for products to work and for you to notice a difference in your skin. I will share my much more condensed morning skincare routine next month. Time is always of the essence in the morning.