Tuesday, April 21, 2020

my AM & PM skin care routines!

I've always loved a good morning and evening skincare routine, it always seems like such a nice way to start and end the day. Now that I am well into my 40's my skincare routine is also a necessity! My skin doesn't bounce back from a bad night of sleep, a glass of wine, stress or sun exposure like it used to when I was younger. I need all the help I can get!

Today I am outlining each step and even though it looks like a lot, I promise it's quick! I love to do a ton of steps, but if you aren't into a lot of steps or you are just establishing a morning and evening routine I also did a "quick" routine for morning and night. These would be the products I love the most or that do the most... so there is a lot of bang for your buck here. And of course, some days I cheat and do a shortened version too.

I am passionate about using clean products on my skin. There are so many nasty ingredients in the marketplace since the beauty industry is largely unregulated.  It's important to me to put quality and SAFE ingredients on my skin. But it's equally important that those products actually WORK. I need solutions for my skin while being safe and I've found it can be difficult to strike that perfect balance.

If you are looking to add any products to your daily routine I recommend ALL of these. I have used them for a while (minus the vitamin c - which is new, but I love it already!) and I'm super particular about what I put on my skin since my skin is prone to acne and I'm working to combat aging as well. If there is a product you are running low on consider a swap!  


Morning Routine (above):
Countercontrol Face Wash - I love this wash for acne prone skin. It smells amazing and exfoliates without being harsh. 
Lotion p50 - this is a toner (even though it's called a lotion) that is super exfoliating. It's a little pricey and you can only see the price to buy behind an email sign up, I know it's annoying. But it's French and people swear by it, including me for keeping acne away, helping with aging and keeping the skin feeling ultra fresh. I just ordered this in it's place as a more clean option, but I haven't tried it yet -will report back! 
Vitamin C Serum - this just launched today and I am SO excited to share it with you all. It's been a great replacement for my very expensive Vitamin C serum. This is 10% potency and works to brighten skin, reduce the look of dark spots and even skin tone. I've used it for a little over a week and I love it! I've used a Vit C serum for years and swear by them. They are pricey and usually smell weird. This one is a great price point and smells citrusy!
Countertime Serum - this gives super glowy vibes with a retinol alternative (Bakuchiol) that even skin tones and works to fight the signs of aging.
Eye Cream - I'm obsessed with this. I call it 'better than Botox' since it helps relax the skin by the eyes so well. I quit Botox on my crows feet after using this, I still have wrinkles there but they aren't so pronounced. (for my full post on botox, see here!)
Sunscreen or Bronzer - if I will be outside I go for the the sunscreen and if it's the dead of winter or I won't be outside I go for the bronzer. I like to mix the bronzer with a touch of face oil but you can use it on it's own too.
Face Oil - I've used this product for years and years. Just a drop or two seals in all the products and feels so luxurious. It doesn't make my skin feel oily at all and remember you just need the tiniest amount!


Simple Morning Routine (above):
Counterstart Face Wash - this new face wash is simple and effective. Removes makeup and leaves your skin feeling fresh but not dry and tight.
Vitamin C Serum - this just launched today and I am SO excited to share it with you all. It's been a great replacement for my very expensive Vitamin C serum. This is 10% potency and works to brighten skin, reduce the look of dark spots and even skin tone. I've used it for a little over a week and I love it! I've used a Vit C serum for years and swear by them. They are pricey and usually smell weird. This one is a great price point and smells citrusy!
Eye Cream - I'm obsessed with this. I call it 'better than Botox' since it helps relax the skin by the eyes so well. I quit Botox on my crows feet after using this, I still have wrinkles there but they aren't so pronounced. (for my full post on botox, see here!)
Sunscreen - I love this safe sunscreen. It's slightly tinted so it works great on it's own or layered with makeup. It doesn't feel sticky or melt off easy. This is my go-to for outdoor tennis in the summer. Works well with sweat (or without - wink, wink!).


Evening Routine (above):
Countermatch Face Wash - this is another new product and I just LOVE it. It foams and removes makeup and smells great too. If you are looking for a new face wash I highly recommend this one!
Countertime Essence - this is like a toner that you pat into your skin. It smells amazing and feels great on the skin. 
Overnight Peel - I swear by this and use it about 4-5 times a week. It leaves my skin instantly soft and over time it helps with acne, signs of aging and general skin tone. This my all time favorite beauty product.
Countertime Serum - this gives super glowy vibes with a retinol alternative (Bakuchiol) that even skin tones and works to fight the signs of aging.
Eye Cream - I'm obsessed with this. I call it 'better than Botox' since it helps relax the skin by the eyes so well. I quit Botox on my crows feet after using this, I still have wrinkles there but they aren't so pronounced. (for my full post on botox, see here!)
Supreme Cream or Face Oil - the supreme cream is so luxurious but my skin doesn't need it every night. I usually use it about 2-3x a week when my skin feels dry and blah. It's been compared to La Mer but at a way lower price point.


Simple Evening Routine (above):
Counterstart Face Wash - this is another new product and I just LOVE it. It foams and removes makeup and smells great too. If you are looking for a new face wash I highly recommend this one!
Overnight Peel -  I swear by this and use it about 4-5 times a week. It leaves my skin instantly soft and over time it helps with acne, signs of aging and general skin tone. This my all time favorite beauty product.
Eye Cream - I'm obsessed with this. I call it 'better than Botox' since it helps relax the skin by the eyes so well. I quit Botox on my crows feet after using this, I still have wrinkles there but they aren't so pronounced. (for my full post on botox, see here!)
Face Oil - I've used this product for years and years. Just a drop or two seals in all the products and feels so luxurious. It doesn't make my skin feel oily at all and remember you just need the tiniest amount!


 

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