As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become wiser and more in-tuned with how to take care of my skin. It’s virtually impossible to try every product on the market, nor do I want to spend that kind of money, but through some trial and error I have made some good progress towards finding what works for my skin. I tend to change a couple products according to the time of year (summer vs winter), but the ones listed below are the ones I keep going back to even after trying others.
My Routine
One major thing I’ve learned is that your morning routine and your evening routine uses different products. Some lucky people can get away with same thing morning and night, but I’m not one of those.
AM
Vitamin C Serum
Under Eye Moisturizer
Full Face Moisturizer
PM
Face Oil/Serum
Under Eye Moisturizer
Full Face Moisture
Vitamin C Serums (AM Routine)
Kiehls Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate 12.5% Vitamin C
This is my go-to Vitamin C serum. It’s technically more like a lightweight moisturizer, but it goes on so well and absorbs wonderfully. I can tell this makes my face’s skin tone look brighter and more even, plus it works on my fine lines.
Drunk Elephant C-Firm Vitamin C Day Serum
This is another great Vitamin C serum. The brand is cruelty free and always winning Allure Beauty Awards. It is on the pricier side and I don’t love the smell of it, but it lasts forever!
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Sunday Riley has some amazing products and this is one of my favorites from the brand. It brightens and smooths the look of your skin and absorbs really well.
Eye Moisturizers
Origins GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff (AM)
This stuff is amazing. I put it on every morning after I’ve let my Vitamin C serum absorb. It helps brighten and depuff my tired eyes, all while giving that delicate area good dose of moisturizer.
Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocaodo (PM)
This cream is so thick and creamy. I love it. I’m not currently using it, but most likely will switch back to it. My skin just soaks it up.
Kiehls Powerful Winkle Reducing Eye Cream (PM)
This is what I’m currently using in the evening before bed and while I do really like it, I’m not sure I see results of reducing fine lines. It’s great as a stand alone moisturizer though.
Currently Trying: Beautycounter Rejuvenating Eye Cream (AM/PM)
I literally just opened this product to start trying, so the jury is still out. It is nice and creamy and absorbs well. This could be used AM or PM, so we’ll see!
Face Oil/Serum (PM)
Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil
For me, this stuff is worth its weight in gold. It’s pricey, but I absolutely love it and think it’s worth the investment. After discovering this, it’s pretty much the only face oil I’ve used. Note: This oil is not pregnancy safe!
Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate
This is another great PM serum that absorbs well and really helps with my skin’s tone.
Currently Trying: Beautycounter Plumping Facial Oil (AM/PM)
This is another product I’ve recently started using. It makes my skin feel smooth and it feels nice but I don’t think I’m seeing any type of plumping effect from it.
Moisturizers
Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream (AM/PM)
This is my ride or die moisturizer. If I had to pick one cream to use–morning and night–this would be the one. It’s great for all skin types. Adding SPF for daytime use is always recommended!
Kiehls Super Multi-Corrective Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (AM/PM)
This is what I’m currently using in the morning. It’s a pretty thick and creamy moisturizer, which is what my skin craves during these dry winter months.
Acure Organics Brightening Day Cream (AM)
I discovered Acure Organics several years go and have had success with basically every product I’ve every tried, and this cream is probably one of my favorite products from the brand. During warm summers months, I want a lightweight moisturizer that still gets the job done and this cream is it. There is no SPF in it, so be sure to add it!
Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial (PM)
I’m currently using this moisturizer at night. It’s rich and creamy feeling and absorbs really well for me. There’s nothing too special about this cream, but it is a great overall moisturizer.
—m.