This is something that I have been tweaking since I started to care about what my skin looked like, and I've recently made some new adjustments these past couple of months and I thought I would share them with all of you.
I believe the best way to start is to explain the type of skin I have (weird, but necessary). I have combination skin that leans towards the dryer side. My t-zone and the areas by the sides of my nose generally get a little shiny, but that's something I can usually remedy with face powder. During the winter months especially, I get dry patches on my cheeks, typically in the areas that I would apply blush (which looks absolutely awful on days that I decide to wear it).
I'm typically a morning shower-er, I find it easiest to do my hair when it's wet and not slept on, so I have a morning/daytime routine and a nighttime routine.
Daytime Routine
This is what I do in the shower:
I wash my face with either St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub or Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Cleanser, depending on which day of the week it is. I just recently purchased the Clean and Clear cleanser because I was using the apricot scrub everyday, and I thought that could possibly be the reasoning behind the dryness on my cheeks (apparently deep exfoliating every day is a no-no). I exfoliate three days a week now and I've only been using the cleanser for about a week, so it's hard saying whether it's a great product or not, but I haven't had any adverse affects from it. I'll keep you posted.
After the shower:
I apply the Clean and Clear Advantage Spot Treatment on any troublesome areas. This product seems to work really well at preventing spots breaking through the surface, and works reasonably well when treating existing breakouts. I've been using this for over a year and see no reason to try another treatment.
After I let my spot treatment dry for a minute or two, I apply the Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15. This is a new product to me. I've been using it for about a month and let me tell you, I am NOT impressed. As I mentioned before, my t-zone gets mildly oily throughout the day, but as soon as I put this on my forehead is an oil-slick within half an hour. I have to use blotting sheets and reapply my powder multiple times a day. I don't mind the occasional touch up, but when it disrupts my day and makes my bangs greasy I ain't about it. It even claims to be oil free, and was almost $10. That's a lot of money for me to spend on just one product. I tend to be very frugal when it comes to my beauty supplies, and I'm really disappointed I wasted that money. I intend to finish the bottle so it isn't a total waste, but I definitely intend to try a different moisturizer once I finish this one.
Nighttime Routine
Here's what I do after I take off my makeup:
I wash my face in the sink with Simple Foaming Facial Cleanser. The only thing I don't like about this product is that there isn't any acne fighting additives in it, but it does leave my skin feeling very fresh and soft after use.
I purchased a toner to use after cleansing my face, another Simple product. And again, it doesn't seem to do what it claims. I've been using this product since late December and there has been no difference in my skin. It has a feeling of dryness as it is drying and I don't care for it. Another Simple product I don't plan on repurchasing.
After I wash my face I apply the spot treatment again as needed, and then apply Yes To Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream. I apply it under my eyes and work the excess up and around my orbital bone. The product feels and smells nice, although I'm not sure if it's really making a difference. I don't have very noticeable under eye circles, but it does seem to lighten them up a bit at the end of the night. It was also another pricey purchase for me, at about $16, but it's lasted me about three months so far and still going strong. I'll most likely repurchase once I run out, if I ever do.
After I let the products I've already applied soak in a bit, I use Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Control Moisturizer. I absolutely love this product. I've used it for years and it helps keep acne at bay and treat the occasional breakthrough. I don't suffer from acne very often, but I credit that to the Clean and Clear moisturizer and spot treatment. I only opted for the Simple moisturizer because it contained SPF and the Clean and Clear does not. I plan to look into some Clean and Clear moisturizers containing SPF once I finish the disappointment of the Simple one.
There you have it, that's what I do to try to make my skin feel and look beautiful. I've experienced many disappointments in this new product trying phase I'm in right now, but I guess that means I just need to try some more.
If you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear from you!
xoxo,
Caitlin.
