Hi friends!
Being that it’s winter (i.e. the worst time of year for skin full-stop), and that it’s been a year since I last spoke about my skincare routine, I thought today we could talk about what I’m currently using to keep my skin as hydrated and supple as possible this season. My new and improved (P.M.) winter skincare routine! If you did not catch the 2019 edition of this, then I’ll link that here for you.
Now, things have definitely changed since last year’s routine. I’m using more products for sure (whoops). I’m definitely not exfoliating as much (don’t come for me). I’m really upping my game in the categories of cleansing, moisturizing and eye cream (woohoo). However, I’m still keeping it to 4 simple steps (success!). Despite everything, I’m still lazy and I want to get into bed at night as quickly as possible. No time for messing around with tons of skincare steps; I’m not trying to give myself a spa experience every time I apply my skincare!
My winter skincare routine product line-up
(REFERENCE: my skin is as dry as the Sahara all year long, which is my main pain point. I’ve also just hit the bottom threshold of my late 30’s. Currently my skin doesn’t exhibit too many signs of age, nor do I have much hyperpigmentation or texture.)
So enough chatter, let’s get into the steps and products now. Wherever I’ve done more in-depth reviews and posts on any particular product, I will definitely link those along the way in case you want more info.
STEP ONE – CLEANSE
I’ve definitely gotten more into cleansing in the past year. I think I just needed to find the right product that was easy to use and didn’t irritate or sting my sometimes sensitive skin.
Before I hop into the shower, I apply a generous dollop of my new favorite – the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser – all over my face and gently massage it in with lukewarm water. I don’t spend too much time here but just enough to get most of the makeup (including mascara) off my face. I then take a slightly damp towel and remove the residue. This cleanser is extremely gentle but effective at the same time (and not much money) – a total win!
After I come out of the shower, I’m ready to do the rest of my routine. Sometimes mascara can be such a bitch, and after cleansing and showering I still have some flakes or bits clinging to my lashes for dear life. This is when I get out a cotton pad and a bit of the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, and gently run over the entirety of my face to get those last little bits off.
Read more here: Gentle. Affordable. Let’s talk CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
STEP TWO – SERUM
I just started using this serum from Neutrogena a few weeks ago, and I’m really enjoying it so far. It’s called the Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum, and its key ingredient is hyaluronic acid. It’s got quite a thin, runny consistency and it’s extremely smooth, just gliding across the skin with very little effort. I’d say it absorbs rather quickly into the skin, but certainly leaves behind a hydrated and smoothed (is that a word?) feel.
I’m happy to report that it hasn’t broken me out or done anything funky to my skin, but I’ve had pretty good luck with Neutrogena products in the past (either skincare or makeup). The only drawback with this product is the presence of fragrance, which sits at about the middle of the ingredient list. If you tend to get irritated or have philosophical issues with the inclusion of fragrance, I would steer clear of this product.
STEP THREE – MOISTURIZER AND OIL
For a lot of people, moisturizer and oil are two different steps. But like I said earlier, I’m lazy and I want this all to be quick, so I combine both together. I’ve talked about my love for The Ordinary Virgin Chia Seed Oil on here before, but to bring you up to speed if you’re not a regular reader – it’s a beautiful lightweight, but still hydrating facial oil. I’m nearly out of my bottle and would 100% repurchase it!
So this is what I do. I squeeze out two drops of the Chia Seed Oil into a very generous few dollops of the La Mer Moisturizing Cream and mix on the back of my hand. I then just dot the concoction all over my face and massage it in.
Now, let’s talk about the La Mer cream. Ugh, this is not for the faint of heart. I’m using a 15 mL sample size that I got in a gift bag at an event last year…but I’m honestly thinking of buying the larger 30 mL size when I’m finished! I know, it’s crazy – that’s $180.00 after all! What am I thinking?? But it’s so luxuriously thick and creamy, and perfect for really dry winter skin I tell you! The combination of the Chia Seed Oil and the La Mer gives my skin that just-had-a-facial-glow unlike any other moisturizer I’ve used.
I know there’s a lot of people out there who can’t stand this product because of the price, and the fact that it contains both mineral oil and petroleum. Personally I’m not an ingredient crusader, but I don’t begrudge you if you are. I’m more concerned with how a product makes my skin feel and look, and how efficacious it is for me personally.
Read this: Quick thoughts! The Ordinary Chia Seed Oil
STEP FOUR – EYE CREAM
Lastly, eye cream. Since I wear contacts and makeup almost every day, I like to make sure my eye area gets really hydrated and nourished at night. First I start with a really generous amount of the Lancôme Advanced Genifique Yeux Light Pearl, a thick serum that’s delivered via a cooling metal applicator. I pat it in very gently with my middle finger until it’s absorbed (it takes a good minute), and then I move onto the Lancôme Renergie Lift Multi-Action Eye Cream. I started using this cream a few months ago, and on top of the Advanced Genifique these two products work beautifully together! It’s of moderate thickness and it absorbs fairly quickly into the skin but leaves such a wonderfully moisturized feeling behind.
Read this: Quick thoughts! Lancome Advanced Yeux Light Pearl
What’s in your current winter skincare routine? I’d love to know!
xo, Erica
PIN IT!
