As we ease into a fresh new year, I’m excited to share some tips and products that have become the mainstay of my skincare routine. Let me tell you I haven’t always had clear skin. I struggled back in my modeling days from the ambush of makeup and powder reapplications under hot lights on set. I also dealt with challenges during my first pregnancy (I was not glowing) and postpartum during hormonal shifts. I’m certainly not claiming that I don’t still get the occasional breakouts from stress, hormones, or from flying, but I’ve got a system in place so that I can foresee when a breakout might happen and take the appropriate measures to prevent it. I’m more proactive than reactive. I wish I had known about these products way back when I was seeking help from dermatologists who prescribed retinols and oral antibiotics (so bad for you!). Now as a seasoned sampler of much of the beauty market (a product junkie as they say), my hope is to share this knowledge so that you can find something new that works for you, at whatever stage of life you are in.
I’m a combination of normal/oily skin so if you are the same and have issues with breakouts or just have dull, lifeless skin, you might consider some of these products. Let’s begin with the evening routine, which is more critical since your skin repairs while you sleep. I’ll do a separate post for my morning routine since it’s a lot of information.
When I was 20 years old, the Campbell talent agency brought in skincare expert and aesthetician Renee Rouleau to teach us models how to take care of our skin. This was a huge education for me. To this day, I still use Renee Rouleau’s AHA/BHA Blemish Control Cleanser (very exfoliating) followed by her Balancing Skin Tonic. I apply this toner every morning and night after cleansing with her toning cloths. I love her toning cloths because they are basically thin, square gauze pads that prevent you from wasting too much toner on over-absorbent cotton. I open one up and use half in the morning and the other half in the evening. This toner is fantastic because it’s gentle enough (non astringent) to use over your mouth and eye areas. It’s important to remove any remaining residue from your cleanser or minerals from the tap water, so toning the mouth and eye areas are equally important.
After cleansing and toning, I use a Power Spot pad by M-61, which is the skincare line founded by the owners of BlueMercury. I interviewed Marla Beck upon the opening of BlueMercury in Highland Park village four years ago (you can read that post here), and fell in love with her skincare and makeup. Her products are clean yet effective. Similar to my toner pads, I open these up and cut them in half so they last two nights (there’s a ton of product on them so you don’t need that much). Formulated with salicylic acid, these pads are essential to keeping my skin clear. While these specific ones are intended for spot treatment, I use them all over my face. They also make Power Glow Peel pads if you need a more gentle option that is intended for all over use. I use these at least four nights a week, followed by the most incredible moisturizer called “The Cream” by Augustinus Bader.
“The Cream“, which has received a lot of hype, really works wonders by utilizing stem cell technology to trigger your skin into recovery. Made in Germany after years of research and development, this line only carries two products. Two products that actually work. The other product is called “The Rich” which is just their cream for dry skin in need of more moisture.
On the nights that I don’t use my Power Glow Peel Pads and Augustinus Bader cream, I use Revive Moisturizing Renewal cream.. This night cream is also amazing at keeping your skin glowing and clear because it has glycolic acid. I rarely use it on the nights that I use the pads because it can be a little bit too much acid and exfoliation when combined. It’s $70 cheaper than Augustinus Bader and works well for anti aging, but not as dramatically. I’ve been using it for years.
Next, I apply my eye creams which are m-61 PowerGlow Eye Cream and Skinceuticals Eye Balm. The PowerGlow Eye Cream has glycolic acid (it doesn’t irritate your eyes at all) to smooth lines so I dab it along the under eye area where crows feet form, and then I follow by smoothing Skinceuticals eye balm over the entire eye area and orbital bone.
Next I apply Revitalash to my lash lines to make them grow longer. If you’re new to this, give it a few months. It makes your lashes longer but it takes time.
Specialty products:
In addition to your nightly routine, I recommend using some specialty products and tools at least twice a week. I always commit to doing a mask, under eye mask, and using my BeautyBio Glo Pro Tool on Sunday nights and again mid week. You can also use this tool nightly to help your products penetrate and absorb better.
My favorite mask right now is Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask. This award winning Beta Hydroxy mask goes on clear like a peel, so you can work out or run errands in it. It really makes your skin glow. I love Tata Harper’s line because her products are 100% natural, non-toxic, and cruelty free!
If you haven’t tried the Glo Pro Tool by BeautyBio, I highly recommend it. It’s basically an at home micro-needling treatment (also referred to as skin pin), that stimulates collagen production. It helps with pore size, tightening, and to repair acne scars. I use the prep pads and then roll my face with the tool, followed by “The Nightly” serum. BeautyBio also makes really nice under eye treatment pads. I alternate between those and the gold star ones by KNC.
Lastly, if my skin is feeling dry from too many acids or from change in the climate, I apply 5-6 drops of Vintners Daughter Active Botanical Serum over my face and roll it in an upward motion with my jade roller. Vintners Daughter is another product that has been raved about, because it delivers the best whole botanicals and nutrients in an oil form. I love to use it before I fly so that my skin stays hydrated and balanced. Due to the fact that I am more on the oily side, I have to be careful to use it sparingly or else it will clog my pores. It’s definitely great to have on hand though when I do get dry or need to amp up my glow.
These are my current favorites for my nightly routine… I hope you found something new that might work for you. Stay tuned for some amazing products to get you glowing out the door in the morning!
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