My Nighttime Skincare Routine

I know I don't have wrinkles yet, but prevention is key. 

Now, I know what you're thinking... Anti-aging at 27? Well... Yes!! I don't have wrinkles but I would rather start preventing it now than cry later. So let's start with removing makeup... Many woman don't even realize they are not removing their makeup off properly. Or some are too lazy. I know i know... You've been dancing all night long, had too much to drink and now you're in the taxi and all you can think of is your bed. You get home and just decide to quickly remove your makeup. Really? Imagine all the makeup, oils, dirt, and pollution that collect on your skin during the day! By not removing the makeup (or not even properly) before bed, you're allowing bacteria to get trapped inside of the skin which can lead to clogged pore and breakouts. 

Everyone knows that a healthy lifestyle includes a good nights sleep, but it's also the key to great skin. If you have a good skincare regimen, your skin will be able to breathe and regenerate itself during the whole night while you sleep. 

When it comes time to take off my makeup, I usually follow this routine: 

I really love Neutrogena products. I usually remove all my makeup with wipes and then use a cotton pad for the eyes. Neutrogena Oil-free makeup remover is my favorite. It is amazing at removing waterproof mascara with no effort. 

If you don't know about Clarisonic, go read my review now!! click here. So I use two different cleansers (one gentle and one for more deep cleansing). I interchange them each two weeks (why? I don't want my skin to get used to one product). I really like Purity because it is gentle, fresh, and it cleans really, really well. I use it with my Clarisonic and it really does miracles!

Maybe your skin still feels oily after you wash it, or you wish your skin and pores could be a little tighter? Toning is an important step. After cleansing, what your skin needs is a range of ingredients that restore and repair its surface. This will help balance the PH on your skin and preps for your skincare products. Toners also help to remove the last trace of makeup, dirt and dead cells that your cleanser has left behind. 

I use the Clinique toner 3 and Bioré Triple Action Astrigent. Please note that those products are for my skin type (combination/oily skin). The Clinique toner is strong and smells very much of alcohol. This is a good toner for clearing up acnes, blackheads. It makes my T zone smooth and clear. As for the Bioré toner, it thoroughly cleans your face, taking off all the oil residues, dirt, etc... It also help clear your face and stop pimples.

Okay so what the difference between a serum and a moisturizer? Moisturizers are formulated to keep the skin hydrated and serums are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver key ingredients. 

I received the Elixir 7.9 as a gift - not a big fan of Yves Rocher products but I'm quite surprise with the result. My skin is much smoother and skin complexion more balanced. I use it before my moisturizer and while my skin is still sightly damp from cleansing. I usually use the Biotherm Skin Vivo Serum. It's perfect - it makes my face really soft and for once it is not dry or oily. Love it. 

* Please note that most of the serums are expensive. Expect to pay $40 to $90. 

I absolutely adore this moisturizer!! Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve is an anti-aging face moisturizer. It hydrates, brightens, and firms. The first night I used it, my skin loved it. It adsorbs and it's not greasy at all. It smells vaguely of cucumbers (in a refreshing way). I use it morning and night. I will definitely order this product again and again!

I am just sooo in love with Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with avocado!! This is the best stuff on the market. I can tell a huge difference when I use it. It provides great moisture to my eye area. It absorbs well, and is easy to apply (tapping method). Ah! This is the kind of product you want to tell everyone about. I apply a tiny bit just before bed every night and it's working like a gem! I don't expect wrinkle-reduction powers from eye creams, but hydration is always important in line reduction. I highly recommend this eye cream!

Extra steps. 

St.Ives Mineral Clay Mask - Okay so I'm normally a drugstore product snob. But I bought clay mask and I'm quite impressed (i like the price ~ on sale at $2.99). This is a standard mask for normal to oily skin. It reduces oil and helps to close pores. I use it once a week. 

C&F Cosmetics Cucumber Facial mask sheet - I cannot believe a product this inexpensive would yield such good results. I've used other sheet masks before, but they were very expensive. It's become a routine. Every Sunday night, I relax with a facial mask. They sell this mask in a pouch with 10 sheets for $10. Love this product!