I’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding skincare lately so I paid attention and rounded up my most used products.  I’ll be covering my standard skincare routine for morning and night as well as the masks and treatments I try to use once a week.  While this list is not all-inclusive, as I my routine differs when I travel, it is full of products that I keep going back to time and time again.  I am ‘VIB Rouge’ level Sephora addict but I am not a licensed dermatologist, so please consult your specialist before adopting this routine.  I have combination/dry skin and what works for my skin may not work for yours.

Truth be told I overlooked having a skincare routine for a long time.  In high school I struggled with my mom over the use of sunscreen, I hated drinking water, and I gave up being well rested for texting on my Sidekick.  It wasn’t until I got a little older and started lurking the cosmetics counters at the mall that I became truly interested.  If you’re still not taking proper care of your skin I advise changing the way you view skincare from being a trivial task into being a small, daily luxury.  Spoil yourself and take care of your skin.  Fast-forward to today when I’m obsessed with skincare and trying new products…

Some long time favorites with my Yoshitomo Nara jumbo tray

Please note that no matter what products you’re using, nothing is as important as nourishing your skin from within.  Get enough rest every night, and drink water consistently throughout the day.  Wearing sunscreen every day is also very important for lifelong skin health.

In the Morning

Cleanser- I swear by Murad Essential-C Cleanser and my Clarisonic Mia2.  Always start with warm water to open your pores, and rinse off with cold water to close your pores.  Never rub your face dry; use gentle patting motions instead.

Toner- Toner is important to balance back the natural oils in your face after everything is stripped from cleansing.  I actually didn’t use one until this year because I thought they were all so harsh, then I was introduced to ZO Medical 02d Balatone Calming Toner.  It’s the only toner I’ll use.

Eye cream- Chanel Beaute Initiale Eye has been working on my dark under eye circles for years.  Arcona Eye Dew looks really nice under thick concealers and fills in lines well.

Moisturizer- I tend to go for a thicker moisturizer just because of how dry my skin gets in Las Vegas.  In the daytime it is really important to use a formula with SPF.  I love Kiehls Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF30 and Bliss Anti-Aging Moisture Lotion SPF30 and alternate between the two.  I’m only 23, “but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” as far as anti-aging products are concerned.  If I’m forgoing makeup for the day then I’ll use my favorite BB Cream, Dior Hydra Life BB Creme SPF30.  I love how balmy it is, and with just the right amount of color (bonus: half BB Creme + half MAC Strobe Cream= fresh, dewy no makeup look).  The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 is also pretty great, but I prefer the Dior formula.  If you are using moisturizer during the day with no SPF in it but you’re obsessed and won’t consider an alternative, then choose a foundation primer with coverage like Smashbox Photo Finish SPF20.

Lips– My all time favorite for lipcare is Vaseline Rosy Lips.  I have the standard size jar of the Original formula for my house, and the tiny .25oz Rosy Lips formula for on the go.  Vaseline is actually one of my favorite beauty products of any ‘genre’.  The Original makes for a great eyebrow gel or a dewy highlight for the inner corners of your eyes, your cheeks.  It’s good for your nail beds, and even to tame flyways.  As a fancier alternative, Chanel Hydramax + Active Precision Lip Care is amazing (but Rosy Lips holds my heart).

At Night

Cleanser- Same as morning.  Murad removes stubborn eye makeup really well, but if I went crazy that day I’ll use Burts Bees Exfoliating Towelettes first.  If you’re absolutely in a pinch (can’t see straight drunk), then using the exfoliating towelettes before bed is better than not washing your face at all.  But only in a pinch.

Moisturizer- Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturizer Enriched doesn’t get greasy while I sleep and has a nice, soothing scent.

Face Oil/Serum- Since sunscreen isn’t an issue at night I sometimes allow really nutrient rich oils to soak in as I sleep.  Korres Black Pine Serum is made of magic.  You’re going to wake up and be obsessed with your skin.  Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil smells really nice as an alternative… but it’s not made of magic.  I use a serum or oil in the place of moisturizer.

Masks, Treatments, etc.

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask hydrates, firms, helps defends against wrinkles, boosts collagen, and smells ahhhmazing.  Use this if you want baby soft skin.  Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Mask is to suck everything out of my pores and make them appear smaller.  Sephora Fiber Mask (green tea is mattifying & anti-blemish, my favorite) reminds me of the ghost looking face masks at Don Quijote, but slightly fancier.  Kiehls Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is my favorite hand creme.  Its heavy duty, rich, and scentless.  Keep your hands moisturized– you don’t want them to age you.  Lotions and cremes with scents are okay for at home, but I don’t like to wear anything fragrant besides perfume outside of the house.  Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel is my go-to for acne spot treatment if I’m breaking out.  Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel is a great pick-me-up facial you can do at home.  Jurlique Arnica Cream is the best remedy for bruises, if you’re clumsy and iron-deficient like I am.  Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream because your limbs need love, too.  AmorePacific Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Mist & Evian Facial Spray are in a tie for best mist.  Mists are great for refreshing your look and keeping your cake face from looking … cakey.