This post comes by request from Jeanne, who wanted to know more about my at-home skincare routine- including steps, products and time. My skincare routine is quick, but ritualistic. I rarely change it up, except when I try out new products- which I do every few months. I suppose you could also call my routine slightly neurotic- it’s just that I’ve had problems with blemishes in the past and I have finally gotten my skin under control (and I want to keep it that way).
P.M. Skincare Routine
I’m going to start by telling you my nighttime skincare routine because the night routine is the most important for me. I wear makeup almost every day (not a lot- just my 10 minute le no makeup look) and it is critical that I take all of my makeup off and cleanse properly every single night.
So... I start by removing my eye makeup very gently with Dermalogica’s Eye Makeup Remover and two cotton squares. Then I use my Clarisonic (the best beauty investment I’ve ever made/ my favorite product in the world) paired with a cleanser. Right now I’m using Philosophy’s Purity because it is gentle and safe during pregnancy… in the past I have used cleansers by Epicuren and Dermalogica and have loved those too. The Clarisonic operates for exactly one minute and I spend the whole minute cleansing my face with gentle pressure in small circular movements. After I cleanse, I rinse my face with room temperature to warm water and pat gently with a dry facecloth that I only use for my face. ** I find this detail to be very important. Wherever I go- whether I am at home, staying with family or in a hotel, I always designate a towel just for my face- that way I can ensure that there is no shampoo, conditioner or other residues that could clog my pores**.
After I gently pat my skin dry with my ‘face only’ designated mini towel (I warned you I was neurotic) I rub in a night cream in a gentle, upsweeping motion. Right now I am using L’Occitane’s Ultra Rich Face Cream. Then I gently pat on an eye cream with the ring finger (it’s the weakest digit and therefore the most gentle). My current eye cream is Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. I also apply Korres Guava Lip Butter to keep my lips moisturized. Then I drink a tall glass of warm water with lemon and try to get a good night’s sleep…
A.M. Routine
I still cleanse my face in the morning with the Clarisonic, but this time I only spend 30 seconds on my face and the other 30 seconds cleansing my neck and décolleté. I then apply a face cream with spf. Right now I vacillate between Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar SPF 20 and Korres Wild Rose Moisturizer. Then I lightly apply eye cream and lip balm. After this I am ready to apply makeup.
Body
As far as taking care of the skin on my body, I try to exfoliate every day with a round brush in circular motions. I should probably use a body scrub a couple of times a week but have not done this yet- (I feel like it will just get the shower/ bath horribly dirty). As for moisturizer, in the morning I use Eucerin Calming Cream (I loooove this cream- you can find it in any drugstore- it feels like an expensive cream but is only around $8). In the evening I use Korres Guava Body Butter, which has a lovely scent and is ultra rich and soothing.
There you have my at-home skincare routine. It’s taken me a long time to find what works for me and this is it. I should also note that I get a professional facial every six weeks, drink lots of water, eat my fruits and veggies and exercise regularly- which I also think contributes to healthy looking skin.
Thank you, Jeanne, for your request!
I would love to know… what does your at home skincare routine consist of?
The first picture shows some of the products I mention above including: Eucerin Calming Cream, Philosophy's Purity Cleanser, Korres Guava Body Butter, L'Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream, Hope in a Jar spf 20, Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment, Korres Guava Lip Butter and my beloved pink Clarisonic.
The second picture is a recent photo taken of me, and while my skin is far from perfect, (shine control anyone?) it is in pretty good shape for me…
Thank you Jennifer for posting your skin care routine! Your efforts definitely show.
ReplyDeleteI also designate a "face-only" towel! I too suffer from blemishes from time to time and quite rigourously stick with my routine.
Thanks sharing your products too - I have been looking for a richer eye creme to alternate with my dependable but lighter Cetaphil Creme, you've inspired me to try the Kiehl's.
[My key products are Clinique's Wash Away Gel cleanser, Weleda Skin Food as night creme, Cetaphil creme for the eyes, Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturiser for Day, and the delicious and gentle Ivory Honey Body Wash]
Many thanks,
Jeanne
i love this post. i find this subject fascinating. i definitely want want to try the clairsonic. your skin looks absolutely radiant, you are GORGEOUS! i also love the way you included your diet and exercise routine and the importance of a good nights sleep. all vital to beautiful skin.
ReplyDelete~janet
I'm a first time visitor to your blog and its totally awesome! Great routine and I really need to adapt one very quickly. You are inspiring. I need to invest in the Clarisonic FAST!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely following your blog now :)
Thanks for the info! I've tried a few philosophy products.
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence! I was just thinking about how, after 29 years, I have FINALLY perfected a skin care routine that appears to be working for me. I was hoping to post about it this weekend. I enjoy reading about your opinions on different products. Back when you posted about the Epicuren Volcanic Clay mask, I tried it out and I LOVE IT. I use it once a week now. :)
ReplyDeletei forgot to say one more thing...
ReplyDeleteyou are an estheticians dream. i don't know who she is but i bet she loves you.
~janet
I really must try and get a clarisonic, everyone raves about them- i don't know that we have them here yet but the magic of the internets- and ooh i'm going to America next week actually- woo hoo!
ReplyDeleteI am a big Korres fan too- love the Guava body products and use the butter, lip stuff and shower gel. I have never tried the wild rose but always look at it.
you have beautiful skin!
Jeanne- Thank you! I love getting requests- it helps especially when I have writer's block :) I'm so glad to hear I am not the only one with a 'face only' towel. It makes sense doesn't it? Blemishes are the absolute worst. There is nothing that can kill my confidence more so I do everything I can to avoid them. This year, with this routine- so far so good!
ReplyDeleteJanet- Thank you! As a professional esthetician, you clearly know what you're talking about. I'd love to read a post of yours on this subject too. I decided to mention the 'non product' aspect of healthy skin (drinking water, eating well, etc.) because I believe that makes up 50% of it. Now that I am pregnant and I'm eating better than ever- my skin is actually better than ever too- it can't just be a coincidence. xo
Fit & Fabulicious- Thank you and welcome to the blog :) I tell everyone I know to go out and get a Clarisonic. I wish I had gotten mine much sooner than I did (I was holding off because of the price). It has transformed my skin xo
Hi Michael! Philosophy has some great products. Their cleanser is really gentle... Hope you're well!
Coastal Chicster- Oh good- I'm really looking forward to reading your post. I love reading about other people's routines. I'm so glad you love the Volcanic Clay Mask- isn't it the best??? You just feel like all of the impurities are being sucked out of your skin. Glad you loved it!
Rose- The people of Britain are getting a disservice if the Clarisonic is not available there. Haha. No joking aside, if you come to America you must visit a Sephora and get one! You can just use a power converter when charging it. (Which, admittedly could be a bit of a pain). I just love mine so much. The Korres Wild Rose Face Cream was given to me in a large sample size and I really like it. I plan on purchasing the full size once my sample runs out. Have fun in America! xo
Thank you for posting your routine (and thank you Jeanne for asking). I took the plunge and bought the Clarisonic, so far I love it. I too have blemish issues as well as oily skin, I will definitely check out the products mentioned. I am particularly interested in the body lotion. I am just loving your posts on eating and taking care of the skin!
ReplyDeleteI have a towel that I use only for my face as well. I really want to try the Clarisonic. I was reading what Jeanne posted: I didn't know Cetaphil had an eye creme! i need to try that.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, you look beautiful and your skin looks wonderful. All those glowy pregnancy hormones too! I love this post. I compress with lavender water which is always good for my skin and lately I've been using a lot of Rosehip oil. I alterate products a lot and prefer serums to creams. I can go from my Rosehip and blends I make myself to Sisley, Lancome, Jurlique, Decleor. I want to try Estee Lauder Night Repair as I have heard a lot of good things about it. I also like facial exercises and the Imadeen tablets which I swear by. Over time I have tended to have a simpler routine. I am badly lacking sleep and water which would help. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for unveiling your "routine" - lots of interesting products there which I can not locate in Germany, unfortunately. This is always like seeing candy and not getting it, smile.
ReplyDeleteMy routine is pretty frugal: Cleanse and de-make-up with Caudalie Cleanser and a microfiber pad, tonifying with the Eau de Beauté (my life saver! no blemishes since I use this one) and a one-for-all-days-cream like Pulpe Vitaminée. Thats all. Body similar : Scrub with the Grape Seed Peeling, cream with the body lotion, yummm...
I started to rely on Caudalie only after finding out that my tendency to a psoriaris here and there vanishes to Zero with this cosmetic line...
Have a sunny day
Rebecca- I'm so glad to hear you like the Clarisonic! Who knew it would be so powerful in clearing blemishes? I guess the ultimate problem is not cleansing enough and that's what it takes care of best. Hope you're well! xo
ReplyDeleteKamani- I didn't know Cetaphil had an eye cream either- thank you Jeanne for letting us know! I bet the price is right xo
Josephine- I love the idea of using serums... and I really want to start exploring them. I just don't really know where to start! I suppose the best person to ask would be my esthetician or dermatologist. Love your choices xo
Chatelaine- I have always wanted to try Caudalie products... their line looks so comprehensive. Thank you for sharing your routine with us! xo
Hello!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, you have gorgeous skin. It's really one of the best accessories a girl can have, no?
ReplyDeleteThe Clarisonic -- oh my. How did we ever excavate the dirt and grime entrenched in our complexions before this wonderful tool?? That and Neutrogena sunscreen are my favorite face savers.
You must be getting close to your due date. When is it?
Marsi
I finally posted my at-home skincare routine on my blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://thecoastalchicster.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-skincare-routine.html
Whew! It took me long enough! Haha.
Hope you're doing well!!
For all of my adult years, I've had a towel designated as a "face towel". When I travel or even stay overnight at a family member's home, I have a hand towel with me that is designated a face towel and I keep it in a gallon size baggie so nothing touches it.
ReplyDeleteAt home - it's in it's designated spot..and I change it out regularly.
I used to have awful skin - because i was trying everything under the sun and discovered I am allergic to alcohol, witch hazel and mineral oil in products.
So now I use proactiv and my skin actually glows. BUT it's not just the proactiv. I use it for a minute at night..sometimes counting out the seconds... to make sure my whole face gets exfoliated. I must look into the clarisonic as I just use a washcloth normally.
Also what helps with my skin is getting 8-9 hours of sleep a night, drinking a ton of water during the day, and avoiding processed foods. When I hear that people have tried taking of their skin but give up (like teens I talk to), I stress exfoliation and also the sleep and water aspects.