A Skincare Routine to Combat Dry Skin

Okay, there is one thing to note before I launch into this post, and that is: I'm kind of a freakazoid about my skincare routine. In general, the more steps there are in my regimen,  the happier I am. I love the ritual of cleansing and moisturizing before bed and starting each day with a fresh face. However, I wasn't always an advocate for a 7-step routine. My interest in skin care began somewhat recently. Last winter was definitely a turning point for me, skincare-wise; It was a constant battle against dry skin. After trying several different facial moisturizers, I added a serum to my (barely there) routine. It made a slight difference by keeping some of the dry skin at bay. But my skin still didn't have the plump, moisturized, healthy look I was searching for. When fall 2012 rolled around and the temperatures started to drop, I didn't plan to wait for dry patches to kick in. I revamped my skin care routine, adding in several steps (products) I hadn't considered in the past and switching out products that were no longer effective for new ones.

I start my routine with a cleanser, such as a hydrating one by CeraVe which contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid (aka makes my skin rejoice). It's basic, unscented and doesn't foam but leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated from day to day. On nights where I might wear eye makeup, I add in a makeup remover such as Bioderma sensibio H2O solution micellaire to make sure it has been removed before going to bed. My preference for using this product lies in the fact that I don't have to pull at the skin around the eye area to remove stubborn eye makeup. I use MAC Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion as a toner after cleansing and before using the Hydraluron serum and a moisturizer. The toner has a slight scent (which I love) and I do not find it to be at all irritating or drying, as I have found with others. On week nights, I rotate between using Olay Regenerist night resurfacing elixir as an AHA exfoliant and Proactiv repairing treatment as a benzoyl peroxide treatment (only on small areas where I'm more prone to break out), and a moisturizer that contains a small amount of retinol, such as Neutrogena healthy skin anti-wrinkle cream. I use a moisturizer with spf every morning. Olay Regenerist one is a current favourite as it layers nicely under makeup.

So you may mock my, ahem, extended routine (*Emily*), however since I began using these products, I haven't had a single dry patch of skin all winter *knocks on wood*. One of the best aspects of this routine is that almost all of these products are from the drug store!

Have you found a routine that works for your skin type?
Xo,
Jess

Products Mentioned:

Bioderma sensibio H2O solution micellaire, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, MAC Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion, Hydraluron, Olay Regenerist night resurfacing elixir, Proactiv repairing treatment, Neutrogena healthy skin anti-wrinkle cream, Olay Regenerist enhancing lotion with UV protection (SPF 15)

Tired Eyes

Waking up early is not fun. Especially when you have to be in public in under an hour. This morning I had an early rise in order to make it to a press conference for work. Because I was going to have to do a bit more than grunt at people and sip my coffee in the corner I had to use a few key skincare products and cosmetics to at least give the impression that I was awake and happy to be up at the crack of dawn!

I started out my morning routine the same as always: Shiseido Facial Wash, Clinique Toner (3) and my Clinique something gel moisturizer. This morning however, I added my Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage (what a mouthful). Basically this is the same idea as the Garnier eyeroller that has been kicking around for a few years. I’m not convinced that this product actually does anything major to defeat my dark circles but the cooling sensation definitely wakes my eyes up a little.

After priming my skin, I move on to foundation (Nars Sheer Glow for that extra deweyness!), a bright pink blush a la Nars Gaiety and my Bobbi Brown corrector and concealer. For eyes, I tend to go quite clean as a smokey eye or heavy eyeliner tend to make my eyes look heavy and not awake. I opt instead for my Mac Paint Pot in Painterly, a healthy dose of mascara compliments of Benefit They’re Real! and highlighting of the brows and inner corners with Mac’s Phloof! To really get that wide awake look I have two surefire tricks. I line my upper lashline with any old black pencil eyeliner and then use my Mac Chromographic pencil in NC15/NW20 to rim my waterline.While effective in giving me that fresh and well rested look, the MAC chromographic is definitely a luxury/splurge-worthy product. Essentially it is just a flesh toned eyeliner, which is a bit tricky to get your hands on. After chatting with Jess though, she mentioned that she recently picked up the Rimmel Scandaleyes Liner in 'Nude' which we think might be a high street dupe! Stayed tuned, we will likely be doing a compare and contrast soon!

Hope this post helped my fellow early risers! And remember if all else fails... copious cups of coffee might do the trick!

xo,

Em