My skincare routine changes at least every 2 to 3 months because I am either testing a single product or changing my entire routine. As a skincare therapist you have to be knowledgeable of products and ingredients, their efficacy and contraindications in order to recommend products to clients. Personally, I like to take it a step further and explain how it feels, smells and my experience with the product. Other reasons for changing my routine are seasonal changes, hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or diet, and climate change (like when I travel to Nigeria where the climate is humid).
P.M Routine
CLEANSE
I am a believer of double cleansing; always starting with a cleansing balm or oil cleanser. I usually alternate between Tatcha camelia oil or Emma Hardie cleansing balm. I’m currently using Egg mousse soap for my second cleanse.
Egg mousse soap $20 Sephora
This is from the brand “Too Cool for School”. It is a gentle mousse cleanser that is formulated with eggs; the egg white for excessive oil and egg yolk to nourish the skin.
Active ingredients: Egg yolk Extract, Egg white, Milk Protein Extract
Verdict
I have been using this product for a little over two months and I am not a fan. I have combination/sensitive skin so I thought it would complement my skin. Unfortunately, it leaves my skin feeling too dry and I do not like the fragrance. Every time I use it, I feel like I am using shaving cream on my face. The positive is it’s formulated without parabens, sulfates and phlates.
I personally would not repurchase.
TONE
Beauty water $30
Beauty water is a cleansing liquid made from natural plant extracts that gently cleans and moisturizes to deliver smooth revitalized and hydrated skin. It can be used in multiple ways: as a toner after double cleansing, to take off make up, and as a refresher during the course of the day. To use, moisten a cotton pad and gently sweep across your face.
Active ingredients: Natural ingredients derived from coconut, corn potato, wheat, lavender water, rose flower water and orange fruit extract.
Verdict
It’s one of my new addictions. It delivered on everything and more. I will go more in depth in an individual review of this product but the bottom line is this will be a staple in my routine.
TREATMENT
Missha time revolution first treatment essence $45
Highly concentrated essential essence for the first step of skincare, to recover the balance and make skin healthy radiant by increasing the emotional level. It soothes, balances sebum level, moisturizers, improves skin tone, firms and repairs wrinkles.
Active Ingredients: fermented yeast Extract 80percent
Verdict
I just started testing it out (it’s only been 2 weeks) but so far no adverse effect on my skin. I typically like to test a little longer so I will write an updated review in 6 weeks.
Sunday Riley Good genes all in one lactic treatment $105
This is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) serum by Sunday Riley. It should be used to brighten the skin, exfoliate, plump fine lines, even hyperpigmentation and increase circulation for instant radiance.
Active ingredients- Lactic Acid
Verdict
I love this serum! I use it three times a week at night. Although it says on the package it can be used daily for my skin type, I know that would be too much. I apply and pat it in gently until it is fully absorbed. I have used it for over six months now and I like the results. I will give a more detail review in the coming weeks.
MOISTURIZE
Clinique turnaround overnight revitalizing moisturizer $39.50
A night moisturizer that should tone, get rid of sun damage, plump and revive your skin while you rest through the night.
Active Ingredients :There are no ingredients written on the jar of the cream and I could not find it anywhere online. All that is written is the fact that it is 100% fragrance free, but states no active ingredient which is a red flag to me. I do not remember seeing any list on the pack it came in (which I unfortunately I have thrown out). I will need to investigate and when I do I will add an update.
Verdict
It is a good moisturizer. It is oil free, lightweight and very hydrating. It has not made a ton of difference to my skin but I think it is a good moisturizer and will compliment other treatments.
A.M Routine
CLEANSE
Cleanse with the same cleansing balm used in the morning using a face cloth.
TONE
Beauty water
TREATMENT
Missha time revolution first treatment essence
Hylamide booster C25 $33
Hylamide booster is a stable and concentrated 25% vitamin c serum that brightens the skin, giving you a healthy and radiant skin tone. I apply it every morning by patting it into the skin until it is absorbed.
Active ingredients: Ethyl ascorbic acid 25%, Pre-solubilized Resorcinol Complex
Verdict
Vitamin c is a staple in my skincare routine. I am always looking for a staple form of vitamin c that delivers. I have had good experiences with this brand, but I have just been using this product for only a couple weeks so the verdict is still out.
MOISTURIZE
Sunday riley brightening enzyme water cream $65
A daily moisturizer that delivers intense water infused with two forms of hyaluronic acid and tamarind extract. it hydrates and brightens with arbutin and exotic floral extracts that eradicates hyperpigmentation and illuminates from within.
Active ingredients: Alpha arbutin 1%, papain, two forms of hyaluronic extract, tamarind extract
Verdict
This is a new product from the Sunday Riley brand. It just launched a little over a month ago so it’s still new to me. I love the way it feels when I apply it on my face, I believe it has potential. I will use it a little longer and give a more in depth review in time.
PROTECT
Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 $28
Ultralight and hydrating sunscreen for everyday protection against broad spectrum UVA/UVB damage.
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, octinoxate, Alguronic Acid, Vitamin E and green tea, bearberry and licorice root extract.
Verdict
I have been using this product for years. It’s a holy grail product that I will always use and recommend to clients. I have tried others but not found anyone that works as well as this for my skin. It looks good under makeup and works well in most climates.
If anyone has used any of the products mentioned above, let me know what you think. If you have any suggestions on other products that I should consider using, I would love to hear about them. Also, if you have any feedback for me concerning my blog, please share. I look forward to hearing from you. Please leave a comment below.
I will keep you posted on my progress … fingers crossed….