My Skincare Routine

I don’t think a lot of people realize how important skincare really is. Metaphorically speaking, its like building a house without a good foundation (I’m talking about concrete here, don’t go telling people I think homes are built using MAC Studio Fix). I am even shocked to hear that a lot of people don’t wear sunscreen daily – yes, the sun is STILL strong in the winter, don’t let the face-hurting wind make you think otherwise.

My Night Time Routine

To start off, I am going to share my night time routine as it is the longest – 6 steps to be exact (Sometimes 7 or 8 on days that I exfoliate and use a mask). Before you lose your shit, please note that this routine has completely changed my skin for the better and leaves it glowing and healthy so it is 100% worth it to take the extra time.

Step 1: Cleansing Oil 

I first heard about double cleansing from a Buzzfeed article and I decided to give it a try. Basically you apply the oil cleanser to your dry skin and work it in. I personally love the warming sensation this causes and seeing all my makeup melt off before I rinse it all away with water. I use the “Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil” from Origins for this step, it smells like a spa and is really hydrating.

Step 2: Cleanser

Oh awks, you didn’t click on the “double cleansing” link and thought you were done washing your face for the night? Sorry girl, keep that Netflix on pause because now that your makeup is off its time to wash your face once more. Use whatever cleanser suits your skin’s needs for this step. I recently purchased the “Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash” from Origins and I absolutely love this stuff. You only need a tiny drop of it and it lathers like crazy, so luxurious!

Step 3: Hyaluronic Acid

If you’re not already using this stuff you are seriously missing out. Quite honestly, this is my favourite part of my skincare routine – I use it every night and every morning. It is insane how hydrating it is and feels like tiny water droplets exploding on your skin when you apply it. I use a pretty generous amount but a few drops will do. Also, all my serums are from The Ordinary because overpaying for skincare and having less money for shoes has been cool since never.

Step 4: Retinoid

Start using this in your mid to late twenties and you maybe, probably won’t need Botox when you’re 35. I use this one from The Ordinary to ensure I wake up wrinkle free.

Step 5: Argan Oil

I generally just apply this to my eye area, lashes and eyebrows but sometimes my whole face if I need the extra moisture boost. I also use it on my neck and chest. This one from Acure comes in a few amazing scents, but coconut is my favourite.

Step 6: Moisturizer

The last step is a good moisturizer. I like to use a thicker cream at night to make sure my skin stays hydrated throughout and I alternate between Origins “High Potency Night-A-Mins” – side note: best cream ever, I even use it in the morning some days – and “Drink Up Intensive” a leave on mask that I use in seriously generous amounts – it even plumps my lips.

 

 

My Morning Routine

I am NOT a morning person (I make it a goal to become one every year – A for effort!) so I keep my routine as simple as possible. I do not use a cleanser in the morning so I don’t over-dry my skin and simply splash some cold water on my face to help me wake up. Once I’m done this, I apply my hyaluronic acid mentioned above and then the rest of my serums, a moisturizer and sunscreen.

Step 3 (In case you lost count up there): Ascorbyl Glucoside (a Vitamin C Derivative) Serum, Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid

I know that sounds like a mouthful – or rather, a face-ful (get your mind out of the gutter, or don’t – whatever entices you to continue reading this long-ass post). I use these two together as they work extremely well as a team to give my skin a dewy look – thank you anti-oxidants! A few drops of each will do.

Step 4: Moisturizer and Sunscreen

I recently started using “Ginzing Energy Boosting Gel Moisturizer” from Origins and I am obsessed. Not only does the smell wake you up but it feels so nice on your skin and keeps it hydrated all day! I add a little bit of this all-natural sunscreen to it from Derma- E to protect my face.

 

Step 5: Eye Cream

Ok fine, my morning routine is almost as complex as my night-time one – sue me for wanting to look 12 when I’m 60. I usually just use the “Banana Eye Cream” from Ole Henriksen but I sometimes layer the “Caffeine Serum” from The Ordinary underneath if I look extra tired.

I know it seems like a lot of work, but think of it as your twice a day “me time.” I promise its worth it, and your skin will thank you for putting in the extra care.