My Skincare Routine

Skincare is one of those things that just cannot be left behind. I'm very thankful for my relatively healthy skin (just wait, I'll wake up looking like the Phantom of the Opera tomorrow), and I think that our skincare routines really help with that. I know some people who will spend hundreds of dollars and makeup, and then skip skincare or pay the bare minimum. I don't like spending tons of money on anything, but I think skincare is one thing in particular where it pays off. No matter how expensive or amazing your makeup products are, your makeup isn't going to looks its best unless you're putting it onto the best base you can.

My skincare routine isn't ridiculously long. Some people may in fact think that it's not enough. but I think that moderation with everything is key, especially when you're putting products on your face. I try not to wear a full face of makeup often for the same reason.

I will do masks and exfoliate every so often, but I'm talking about my everyday, ride or die routine that I hardly ever stray from.

At night, the first thing I do is take off any eye makeup with my Philosophy Makeup Remover. I used to just scrub it off with my cleanser, which I knew wasn't really good for me, but I really started to notice fine lines and that the skin around my eyes would be red and sensitive. I'm too young for that! Now I always use makeup remover and gently remove any stubborn eye products.

The Philosophy Purity facial cleanser is my favorite cleanser in the whole world. I started using this about a year and a half ago, and I can never go back. I have pretty sensitive skin, but this cleanser is so relaxing and gentle while taking off every little bit of dirt and makeup. I even use this to clean my makeup brushes because it's that good at getting everything out. I use this both in the morning and at night. Some recommend using a lighter cleanser in the morning, but this cleanser helps me feel better about my skin and what I'm putting makeup over as well as removing any overnight blemish products that may be left over.

After I wash my face, I apply Clean & Clear's Deep Cleansing Astringent for sensitive skin. I like applying some type of astringent or toner to balance out my skin and it makes me feel so refreshed. It really helps even out my color and prevent any build up, especially around my T-zone. This astringent is so cheap! I have been using it off and on probably since I was around 14, and I keep coming back to it.

Moisturizer is so vital to me. Although I don't have really dry skin, moisturizing is such an important step to help me feel comfortable. Without it, my skin will feel tight, and my makeup will go on patchy, even if I've used a primer. Moisturizing also helps your skin's elasticity to prevent wrinkles. Some people don't think of this, but I even moisturize my neck! Nobody wants a saggy, wrinkly neck, and prevention needs to start early!

I have used a drugstore moisturizer before, my I remember my face would feel greasy rather than moisturized and with foundation over it, I would have breakouts. My favorite moisturizer is the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. There's a lotion for dryer skin types, and a gel for more oily skin types. I will actually use both and use whichever one I feel like I need depending a lot on the weather. It's not oily feeling and keeps my skin feel moisturized and comfortable all day. If you haven't tried it before, I highly recommend you giving it a go.

The last thing I do at night, is apply a spot treatment to any blemishes I may have. I love Clean & Clear's Advantage Acne Spot treatment because it's oil-free and contains salicylic acid. I will say though that there is another similarly packaged product for blemishes by Clean & Clear that caused a rash when I went out in the sun. So if you have very sensitive skin, be careful when picking this guy up at the drugstore! I try not to use this every night, because sometimes with these kind of products, depending on the ingredients, your skin can actually build up a tolerance/dependence kind of deal where you have to use it in order to not break out and if you do have a blemish, it may not do the job anymore. Plus, you never want to put more products and chemicals on your skin than you absolutely have to. I only use this because I have not yet found a home remedy for blemishes that works for me. If you have found one, please share it with me in the comments!

Again, I cannot stress more how important it is to have your own skincare routine. Female or male, young or old, it's important to take care of your skin! Who doesn't want to look healthy and feel great?

What are some of your favorite skincare products? Let me know in the comments so I can try some of them out!

#skincare #routine #beauty