My Simple Skincare Routine

I used to invest a lot of money in complex skincare products from Sephora. I was a big believer in the more expensive a product is, the better quality it’ll be, and the better my skin will be. Turns out, that’s not always the case. I was spending more money than I could afford on these products, and my skin seemed to keep breaking out. It didn’t matter what I did, my skin wouldn’t clear up.

Someone recommended to me that I strip back my skincare routine and really simplify it. They recommended some drugstore skincare products, and I was so skeptical. I figured that if the higher end products didn’t work for my skin, there was no way some drugstore products would. But I followed their recommendations, and I’m so glad I did. My skin has been so much happier ever since I simplified my skincare routine.

I’m definitely no expert, certainly not a dermatologist, but this worked for me, and it might work for you too!

Mornings:

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

I get a really oily t-zone, and I find this helps it a lot. This can be found at any drugstore, I buy mine from Shoppers or Rexall usually!

Origins Ginzing Eye Cream

I’m not sure if I’ll be repurchasing this particular eye cream. It leaves some kind of film under my eyes to create the brightening effect, which I’m not a fan of. I find an eye cream to be beneficial since the skin around the eyes is quite delicate. For me, this area tends to get drier than the rest of my face, so it’s nice having extra layer during the day.

Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Control Moisturizer

This moisturizer is nice and lightweight, and it doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily or greasy. And it’s got SPF, which is what you want in a moisturizer! Just like the Cetaphil face wash, you can find this moisturizer at any drug store.

Nights:

I start off using the same Cetaphil face wash I used in the morning.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I actually picked this product up after it was recommended to me at a spa facial. It is unfortunately a bit more on the expensive side, but it lasts such a long time. I only use it every second day, and you only need a small amount each use. I’ve had this for over a year now, so I think it’s worth the price in the long run! It keeps my skin feeling nice and smooth, and helps out with blackheads as well.

Benefit Cosmetics Total Moisture Facial Cream

I got this in a kit as part of a Christmas gift, and I’m in love with it! I use it at night since it is a heavier moisturizer, and I feel like it soaks in better when I’m sleeping. It has made such a big difference for my skin this winter. My skin is always so tight and dry during the winter even though I moisturize every day. Since I started using this at night, my skin no longer has that tight, dry feeling.

1-2 Times a Week:

I usually like to use a face mask once or twice a week. I only ever have one face mask on the go at a time, and I like to wait until I finish one before purchasing a new one. When I do buy a new mask, I usually just buy one based on whatever area of my skin I want to improve at that moment.

The mask I currently have on the go is the Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask

This mask leaves my skin feeling so smooth and hydrated. As soon as I wash it off, my skin looks bright, glowy, and refreshed!

Tips and Tricks:

Here are some tips and tricks I’ve picked up along my skincare journey:

• If you’ve got peach fuzz on your face (don’t worry, most of us do), then it’s best to go against the growth of it when washing your face. This way, it’ll lift up the small hairs and can clean away any oils or dirt trapped beneath it. Some people also find that shaving or waxing the hairs away tends to help improve their acne.
• When it comes to exfoliators, choose a chemical exfoliator. When I received a spa facial, I was told that chemical exfoliators remove dead skin more gently, whereas physical exfoliators (like scrubs or ones that contain beads) can create tears and ultimately damage your skin.
• Apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This allows the moisturizer to glide smoothly onto your skin rather than pulling at your skin, which can result in premature wrinkling (this applies to your entire body, too!)
• Pat your face dry with a towel, do not rub .
• Wash your jaw and neckline like you wash your face. We sweat there, too, and often blend our foundation down our jawline and onto our neck, so you’ll want to make sure you’re properly cleansing and washing any dirt, oil, or makeup away from there as well!
• Apply your moisturizer to your underchin/neck area. I’ve heard this is one of the easier areas for us to develop wrinkles, and is often a neglected area when it comes to applying moisturizer. You don’t want a young looking face with an old lady neck!

I hope this post has helped anyone in search of guidance for a new skincare routine, or has reaffirmed for you that sometimes it’s better for your skin to keep things simple!

Let me know what your favourite products are in the comments below. If you have any tips or tricks, I’d love to hear them!

See ya later!
-Nadine