I used to be a soap and water type of girl. I felt that a good wash would get the job done. That routine worked for the most part but after seeing so many products on the market and other woman taking care of their skin, I wanted to have a more intentional routine.
I researched different products for the value they added to keeping faces hydrated and healthy. In addition, I spoke with friends in the beauty field for honest and trusted feedback. Getting advice from people you trust will help you try more products. The routine I currently use works for day or night on a fresh face or a full face of make-up. Enjoy!
The Routine:
To get started, I like to get all of my products out and ready. Having everything in front of me just gets me in the zone but is totally personal preference. I then wet my washcloth and set it right next to the sink; this is key. Once my face is full of cleanser, I can't see anything and don't have the time to be running into stuff looking for it. I then put on my handy dandy DS Autumn Green Headband from Dirrty Store to keep my hair out the way and edges dry.
The band is currently sold out on www.dirrtystore.com but please shop other items from their amazing collection.
Next, I wet my face and begin cleansing with an aloe vera and rose facial foam cleanser by BeautySkin Cosmetics. When cleansing, I switch between using my hands and my Clarisonic, vibrating, cleansing brush.
I purchased this cleanser from TJ Maxx (in-store), but it can also be purchased at www.amazon.com.
The official Clarisonic brand closed in September 2020, however, these brushes can still be purchased from retailers such as Sephora (www.sephora.com), Ulta (www.ulta.com), Target (www.target.com), or Amazon (www.amazon.com).
I don't have a time limit for how long I cleanse; just scrub until you feel clean. I then take my, close by, washcloth and remove any remaining water or cleanser from my face. Now, this next step is something I had never tried before. I take a cotton ball or two and wipe down my face with a toner. Mine is a mix of rosewater and witch hazel by Pearlessence.
I purchased this item from TJ Maxx (in-store), but it can also be purchased at www.amazon.com.
Toner is great for evening out your skin complexion by removing dark marks, controlling oil, tightening pores, and removing excess dirt. I will advise that if you have drier skin, you might not want to tone every day. Finding the right balance is something you'll have to experiment with. I have oily skin and only use my toner about 2-3 times a week to be safe. Once I remove my toner with another dry cotton ball, I splash more water on my face to make sure it's off.
We are now at the point of my routine that can go either way. If it's a self care-day and you have more time to spare, it's time for a face mask or scrub. My go to is a blackhead clearing, green tea scrub by St. Ives.
This item can be purchased at www.target.com.
I love feeling the grainy texture on my face, I just know the product is in there putting in work! While you're having a good time with your scrub, please be careful of your eyes; I've learned the hard way and it's not cute. In addition, I have read many mixed reviews on the use of face scrubs. I suggest doing research of your own to ensure this is the best course for your desired results. Once I have removed my scrub, with a towel that is different than the one I use every day for my face, I will apply a mask. I use a clay mask with avocado and oatmeal by Freeman.
This item can be purchased from www.bedbathandbeyond.com or other retailers such as Meijer (www.meijer.com), Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), and Amazon (www.amazon.com).
I apply it to my entire face and let it dry completely. After it hardens, I rise my face with warm water until it feels squeaky clean. If you didn't have time for the scrub or mask, that's okay, your skin will still look bomb with the remaining steps.
Another new addition my routine is a Vitamin C Glow Day Serum by Provence. I take 3-4 droplets and apply it to my semi-dry face. I massage it in until it is dry and usually rub it into my neck as well.
I purchased this serum from TJ Maxx (in-store), but it can also be purchased from the company site at www.provencebeauty.com.
We are almost at the finish line now. It's time for the moisturizer!! My lifesaving cream is by Eucerin. This product is safe for any skin type. It is a thick, fragrance free, lotion for dry, compromised, or sensitive skin. I use it on my entire body. I take a "healthy" glob of it and work it into my face and neck. Note, I don't always rub it all the way in as it will soak in overtime.
This item can be purchased at www.target.com or many other convenience stores.
The final key to making all of the hard work worth it is the facial spray. I finish my face with a spray by Mario Badescu Skin Care which includes aloe, herbs, and rosewater. I let the midst fall all over my face to lock in my moisturizer.
I purchased this item from Ulta Beauty (in-store), but it can also be purchased at www.mariobadescu.com.
The only thing left to do is bless your lips with a rose lip balm by Mario Badescu Skin Care, brush your eyebrows, and look at how good you look in the mirror! You should be glowing at this point and ready to either take on the day or sleep like a baby!
I purchased this item at Ulta Beauty (in-store), but it can be purchased at www.mariobadescu.com.
This routine of mine is always under construction and will continue to evolve. As I learn more about my face and what helps protect my glow, I'll be sure to share! I hope this helps and you feel your best after washing your face with Nova!
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