So the last post left us off with a review of skin care products I received from Skin Actives—some of which have become part of my existing skin care program.
Now before I begin, I want to make one thing clear. I use a “cocktail” of assorted brands and products during the morning and in the evening. Just as I have many distinct brands of cosmetics, I don’t stick to only one brand of skincare. You really need to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t.
A melange of the skin care products I use on a regular and rotating basis. It’s crazy–right? No. It’s all good because I’m a big believer in using a variation of products that work for you.
My routine runs the gamut. Presently, I have a Target brand moisturizer because I was unable to get old-school Olay when I needed it. The Target brand works just as well. From time to time I also like to use Witch Hazel as a toner. It is gentle and refreshing.
Now that the Skin Actives has replaced the Peter Thomas Roth Moisturizer, I’ll be rotating between these two–with the Target for days when I’m indoors!
I’m also testing the waters of a few skincare items from Deciem—from The Ordinary and NIOD. But I want to touch base in explaining to you what works for me in my daily skin care routines. Both AM and PM. So, grab that cup of cawfee or tea and come along with me while I get ready!
Wednesday, October 11, 2017. 7:57 AM
It’s almost 8:00 AM. I enjoyed a leisurely coffee in bed because I’m a lazy slob. Actually, it’s a rainy morning and I’m just taking it easy today.
Here I am. No makeup. Barefaced but not bare-assed. Ready to get ready.
No makeup. Just me and my wrinkles! Good Morning!
Since my evening routine consists of applying quite a bit of product, I go lighter during the day. First off, my skin is clean. And the serums and creams I applied last night have worked their magic so I rinse with warm water. I do not use soap or cleansers in the morning.
H2O is my morning cleanser! I use tepid water. WTF? How did that spot of toothpaste get on the sink? I thought I cleaned everything!
Every now and then, if the previous nights’ weather is humid or if it’s really hot, I’ll put a bit of toner onto a cotton pad and wipe on my face. Usually Witch Hazel.
After patting my face dry with a towel, I spritzed the Hylamide Water that Deciem sent me. I’m out of the micellar water I got at City Pharma last year so I’m subbing with this.
I’ve been spraying this on my face like crazy!! Keeps my skin hydrated!
Next. I’ll apply a light serum. Today I’m using Caudalie’s. VinoPerfect. (Not to be ingested like vino) I like the fact that this serum is a liquid and not a gel.
A perfect reason why rotating products is a good thing. I bought the Caudalie serum at …my favorite store–CityPharma in Paris last year. If I didn’t rotate, it would have been empty a long time ago. And I paid less than half the price this serum goes for here in the States! Notice the many serums I rotate!
I’ve been applying this NIOD Neck Elasticity Catalyst (review to come) on my neck, morning and evening for a week now. I’m praying it helps to tighten that turkey neck of mine.
A very thick substance that spreads quite easily when you massage into the neck. I hope it works!!
Following that, a drop or two of Vivant Skincare Derm-A-Renew. This is a Peptide and is applied with a dropper. It’s very similar to the Caudalie’s serum in texture but is just a bit thicker.
I’ll tell you, I dig that Derm-A-Renew. It’s great stuff. The Vivant “Three Musketeers” of skin care over here!
Now—there’s a reason that I go with the lighter textured serums/products. It’s because if I use a gel on my face in the morning or a heavier serum, the primers that I use tend to bead up or peel on my face. I’ve learned through trial and error what products to use under my makeup.
Let me add, during the winter when it’s really dry, I put either Nuxe or Bi-Oil on my face. I don’t use it in the summer at all –only in the dead of winter!
When I have a “no-makeup” or bare face day, I’ll slather on the heavier serums— but when I wear foundation, I stick to those in the evening.
Since I’m not leaving the house today, and the weather sucks (I have to wait for someone from the water company to come today and check our meter so I want to look as human as possible), I’ll forego the sunscreen and save a few pennies. I’m using the inexpensive moisturizer from Target.
I think I paid four dollars for this. I’m not linking Target’s website because it sucks!
A little swipe of Wink from Vivant Skincare today, since I used the Skin Actives Bright I-Cream yesterday (I rotate), and now I can get ready to do my face.
This is my second tube of Wink. A little goes a long way and I apply all over the eye, not just underneath. Again, this is a great product for those with sensitive eyes.
Face done and later this evening I’ll go over my evening routine!
Skin care products on. Makeup on. Hair on.
I interrupt this post to give you a public service message. This Mascara. I’ts crazy good. I picked it up at Target for less than five dollars and now I see it is n the Essence site for $1.12. I gotta go order some! Essence Forbidden Volume Mascara.
Wednesday, October 11, 7:45 PM
Dinner is finished. Bonaparte is going upstairs to watch CNN. (I can’t because I get too upset with orange man). I’ll go to take my makeup off and proceed with my evening skincare routine.
The ONLY product I use to remove makeup. I had to substitute with Crisco once and from then on always have a back up of this.
There is only one makeup remover that I swear by. Albolene. It literally melts the makeup off my face. I gently rub it over the face, eyes included because this stuff is epic for removing mascara. In fact, I’m almost at the bottom of the jar and I have another one in waiting. I’m obsessive over this stuff.
BWAAAAAHHHH!! Would I lie to you? Look how great Albolene melts that eye makeup away!
After wiping this off my face, I wash. Tonight, I’m using the Vivant Skin Care Mandelic Acid Cleanser. I need to be stingy with this because I’m getting to the bottom of the barrel. My backup bottle is itching to be opened! This is a clear liquid with a very light gel consistency. It has a slightly pink/orange hue to it. It lathers up nicely, cleanses very well and feels great. Does not leave your face feeling taut or dry at all. This product is a Holy Grail for me!
No Desert Salt Scrub or Dove Soap (yes. I rotate and wash my face with Dove too) tonight. I’m washing my face with Vivant’s 3-in-1 Mandelic Acid Wash!
This is all I use of the wash. It was about a dime size but it spreak when I took this photo.
Works up into a nice lather!
After rinsing and patting my face dry, it’s toner time. I’ll use Vivant’s Mandelic Acid toner. I love this stuff. I have a backup because I’m also running low on this. Again, this does not leave my face feeling dry. I like to rotate between this toner and the Eau de Fleur d’Oranger water that I got at City Pharma in Paris. I loaded up on this Orange Blossom water because I love the scent. This is my last bottle. I’m freaking out.
The Eau De Fleur Oranger was dirt cheap at CityPharma in Paris. I loaded up and am at the bottom of my stash. The 3-in-1 Toner is another HG product for me and I have my backup at the ready!
And toner always manages to pick up the leftover grime near the hairline!
Now it’s back to the Neck stuff. I’m really hoping this works.
Back to the Neck Elasticity Catalyst!
Serum time. I’ll be using the Skin Actives Collagen Serum and The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% serum tonight.
I used the last of the old bottle. Now, THIS is my last bottle. I gotta order me some more after I write this post!
And a little bit of the Hyaluronic Acid serum from the Ordinary. I feel like a bartender for the face–my cocktails for skin!! Instead of Gin & Tonic maybe tomorrow evening I’ll have a Gin & Serum!
An evening application of more Wink around the eyes and finishing off with a run downstairs to the fridge to get the Skin Brightening Cream! I’m using this tonight.
I was instructed to keep this in the fridge. Fine by me because it is nice and cold!
And that is both my morning and evening skin care routine! I’m happy to say that I picked up a bottle of Micellar water at TJ Maxx today for $2.99—9.1 fluid ounces. Not too bad! A good tip—when you are at Marshall’s or TJ Maxx, always check out the beauty section because you can find good deals. Sometimes you can find duds too, but for the most part, there are some good deals!
I’m getting excercise running up and down the stairs! This is the Micellar water I picked up at TJ Maxx today. I may put this is the fridge too!
As we age we really need to start taking care of our skin. I swear up and down that your makeup won’t work if your skin isn’t prepped. It may take a bit longer these days than when we were younger—on the other hand, we don’t have kids to bathe or put to bed so it evens out! And as with my wardrobe, I like to use lower-end skin care products with higher-end.
That’s it! Good night!
I love to let those products go to work while I dream of winning the lottery!
Good Night My Loves! Mommy is standing beside you!!
LOVE the Albolene pic! I am going to have to get some of that. I’m looking forward to hearing how you like the product for your neck—-I took my eye off the ball for a while while I concentrated on other matters and by the time I got around to noticing my neck again—well, it wasn’t pretty! Found this post very informative AND entertaining, as always! thanks so much!
Deborah. That photo is quite the iconic beauty photo–is it not? It’ll go down in blogger history for being the most horrifically real photo..LOL!! I’m hoping that product works. Ugh. My neck is so awful–why didn’t I listen to my mother!!!!! Glad you are entertained!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Holy cow! That’s a lot of stuff! I switch my products around as well. Currently I’m just using micellar water to cleanse, eye, neck and regular and SPF 30 moisturizer. It’s amazing what we have to go through!
Oh–I have so much stuff it’s ridiculous! But I use it all! I will try anything and everything. I’m working on a new post and I’ll be touching base about the price of micellar water!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Yeah!
Jesus! That’s a lot of product Cathe, your bathroom cabinet much be wardrobe-sized!
What a brilliant, informative post. As I’m pretty much a primer virgin I was pleased to hear about the moisturizer ‘trials’. I used my new elf primer a couple of days ago and the pores on my nose vanished but at the end of my shift, my foundation looked cakey at the sides and I saw peeling. Perhaps my moisturiser is too heavy…I use a creamy serum? Does oil work well with the elf primer? Sometimes I’ll use olive/almond or Roger & Gallet fig oil on my face, neck and hair too.
Yes the Albolene shot is a scream…I’m impressed that you make up for the meter man! Xxx
Hi Fiona! Yup!!! It certainly is! The key to a happy marriage. I have my own bathroom because Bonaparte can’t stand all that stuff around! Definitely go with a lighter moisturizer and with a liquid serum rather than the gel kind. This way the primer will “stay” and the foundation won’t slide off or peel. That’s how I found out! Well, I didn’t want to scare the poor guy so I figured I had better make myself look decent!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Old school Oil of Olay is the THE BEST!
I have a make up remover cloth I bought at Sephora ages ago, I use water and no product now to remove my make up, I feel like I am helping the environment in some way by using it. I just throw it in the washing machine once a week and it comes clean again.
Hi Q. And Walmart’s Equate brand is a perfect dupe. The cost of drugstore items has risen to the point that I’m working on a post about it as soon as I get organized here!
I have a washcloth that has one side as rough as a loofah and the other soft. I exfoliate my entire body with it and my face when I’m in the shower!! I never looked at it as helping the environment. Good call!!!!XOXOXOXO!!!
Oh and in case you were interested, in Australia, albolene is called Sorbolene.
Q.D, thanks for mentioning Sorbolene, I had no idea what Albolene
was
Hello Catherine,
If you are looking for Eau de fleur d’oranger or any good hydrosol (like witch hazel or others) do try to visit this Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/JamilahAromatherapy. Located in the USA, hydrosols are organic, of really good quality and rather cheap. Only caveat would be the volume as, I don’t know why, bottles are way smaller than the one you would find and buy in Europe. But you can ask her for higher volume. I did order from this shop but, due to Custom, prefer to order from France or, at least, Europe. By the way, there are also a lot very good cosmetic stuff on Etsy, I can give you some names.
Anyway, thank you for this review and your routine. I am counting on your review on the neck stuff from Niod. Heck what is the picture with the new wig!It looks quite … different from what you use to wear.
My routine is more or less like your’s, especially on the mornings as I do not wash but spritz some mineral water (Avene, La Roche Posay or whatever I can find cheaper in my supermarket) and also some hydrosol, which I pat dry with a cotton pad. And then I apply a mix of serum: hyaluronic, squalane, vitamin C plus several drops of prickly pear and borage oils as I have dehydrated and dry skin. Then I apply a moisturising cream, depending of the state of my skin, the season and if I am staying home or not. I don’t use make up but some lipstick and mascara/eye liner.
On the evenings I have a special eye make up remover which I use also on the lips, even if my lipstick has faded: it is very important to clean the lips otherwise they are going to be too dry. And I do not wash but use a thick cleansing milk to which I add several drops of hydrosol to make it more liquid and easier to apply on my face neck and back of the neck (sorry what is the proper word for this part) with my hands. I spritz water on my face to add liquid to the cleansing milk then rince with a cotton pad, repeat water, rinse/clean as long as I feel there is still some milk on my face. Then hydrosol again. Pat dry and apply again a mix of serum and oils, adding retinol for the night. Some nights I change the oils using a stuff from Darphin. Then I apply some cream (whatever I fancy at the moment) and apply on my lines on the forehead, around mouth and lips, some balm made with coco oil. This stuff is very moisturising and effective. I wash my face with cleansing oil only when I am going to Paris or when I feel I need it or during summer. All of this I apply on my face, neck, back neck and decolletage and I’ve done it for as long as I can remember. Plus a mask when I need it (or I remember to do some), a scrub/peeling every 2 weeks (or more) if I feel i need it. I have dry skin so nothing harsh for me. Of course this will not make me look like a 20 years girl but I don’t care (and anyway, I would not like to look like 20 again) but it helps me feel good.
Hi MB!! I checked out that link you added and the seller is in Jamaica NY, close to where I used to live at one point. I’m going to check that little company out. You know–I’ve been reading about cleansing milk lately and I’m intrigued. I like your routines!! See–you take care of everything down to the decolletage! Ugh. We are never taught that!!! I’m learning a lot from you girlfriend!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Wow! This is a really thorough review with a lot of products and tips, that’s awesome! I enjoy your blog, just started following a few weeks ago.
If you’ve never tried Rodan + Fields and would be at all interested, I’d be happy to seen you a free
Give it a Glow facial sample pack 🙂
Nerdzilla. I love your name. It’s so great!!! Thank you so much for following and for enjoying!!! I’m only familiar with the self-tanning mousse and like it a lot!!!! What is the “Give it a Glow”? Listening!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Ooooh the Give it a Glow is a sample pack that has three of our Redefine products in it. The cleansing mask, Night Renewing Serum, and Lip Renewing Serum. It’s so wonderful, you use before bed and wake up feeling delightful 🙂 and thank you! What started as a nickname I was given in grad school has grown into my own personal brand! I’m in a season of reinvention as I’ve been unable to work my day job since 6/20 due to spinal issues.
Ohhhhh. My little Nerdzilla! I hope your spinal issues clear up!! I love that it’s your personal brand!!! XXOXOXO!!!
Thanks so much! You’re so sweet! And you just feel free to message me if you’d ever like to take me up on the free sample! Xoxo
Love the Alboline photo. Doesn’t look like you’re wearing that much makeup. I love Cliniques, makeup remover Blam. It’s probably a lot like Alboline. I must remember to buy Albolene again. I also love Fresh’s Black Tea toner. It misturizers the skin while still beng a toner. Have not found my holy grail of cleaners yet. Give me time. I’m only 76,
Hey Sandra! You take all the time in the world to find the right cleanser! The Albolene is lard for my face. It never looks like I’m wearing makeup until that stuff starts to melt everything off! It’s amazing! Ummmm. I used to have a scent from Fresh that I loved because it was very orange blossomy and the discontinued it! What else is new in the world of things I love–but I think Fresh has some excellent products!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I swear by my prescription retin a. It has made the biggest change in my skin since I began using it on my face, neck, chest and the back of my hands. It is expensive but it is the only product (along with sunscreen) that has been proven to be effective according to medical study after medical study. I spend my money on that and buy the rest (mostly cerave products) at the drugstore.
Hi Jane! Even with the script and insurance it’s still pricey? I used to get a script for Latisse but insurance didn’t pick it . Cerave used to be dirt cheap. My derm told me to use it–and I liked it too. I stopped using it and I don’t know why–oh yes I do. It bothered my eyes!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I pay $50.00 for a tube of generic retin a. Compared to Cerave, that’s expensive!!
Jane. Yikes! It is expensive!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
A tube does last me at least 6 months though.
I am loving this post – some of the products I haven’t come across, but others – Nuxe! Oh doesnt that smell divine, I love it. Seriously lots to read and yes, I rotate various products and leaqrning what works for you is great advice. I do have a suggestion – next time you go to Paris, let us all know well in advance and you can be our pharmacy tour guide through the streets of Paris – maybe we can (as many as possible) have a meet up and as we have loads in common (you! for instance) I bet we would have a blast (this is because I was thinking about your empowering women blog post), yep seriously – you have great potential as our tour guide!!!!!
OK that sounds like I am a stalker – I promise to stay in a separate hotel! But yeah – a meet up, lets show those people out there some older women power, pah!
LOL! Juliet. We are so much alike! I’ve “stalked” the streets of Paris searching for Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa because she and her husband have an apartment, which I believe is in the 6th!! I’m not kidding when I tell you that with each trip, I’m on the lookout for her. Oh man, I would LOVE to be your tour guide–and hotel? Girl, we will rent an apartment!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Good Post.
Have a nice day! On my list
Amanda || http://www.organicisbeautiful.com“
Thank you Amanda!!!! XOOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Lovely post! Would love for you to check out my blog too! ❤️
Niamh–How could I NOT check out a blog written by a woman named Niamh? My daughter’s name is Oona!!!! XOXOXOXO
I bought these with the intent to use them and throw them away fairly often as loofahs in general do not have good ratings on germs and long term use. The first one fell apart on the second shower. I tried to loop it back through, I tried tying the string tighter and before it had made it a week it completely disintegrated into a loofah string. I threw it away. All of them appear to look as it they will have the same level of success and fall apart quickly. Back to the search for loofahs but I think I will stay with stores where I can see and feel if they are put together good.
Thank you very much