Everyday Skin Routine

My “Hands Off” approach has to do with the number one rule in skincare that, even though my mom told me and I heard it everywhere for years, I couldn’t resist- I now am keeping my hands OFF my face. I’ll give periodic updates with the results I find because these products are meant to be used long-term, with many of the benefits revealing themselves with one to three months’ time.

In case you do not want an in-depth review of the products I’m using, I’ll list them here for the Cliff’s Notes version (which, as a teacher, I must say I do not recommend, though there is value in it as a supplemental resource):

Clarisonic Mia 1 Facial Sonic Cleansing System, Pink

Clarisonic face wash (free with purchase)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, 6 oz

The BEST ORGANIC Vitamin C Serum for Face (enter code LINDSAYC at checkout through my link on Amazon for 20% off one bottle of Vitamin C Serum)

Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness 

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, 12 oz.

Rosebud Lip Balm, Minted Rose, .8 Ounce

Clarisonic:

I have been recommended the Clarisonic for years from makeup professionals, my facialist, and a dermatologist. My skin is normal-to-oily with periodic breakouts and some hyperpigmentation from old blemishes. I have the Clarisonic Mia 1 Facial Sonic Cleansing System, Pink, or you can opt for the Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Lavender. This was a big decision for me because I struggled for years with the idea of paying so much for something I thought I could get cheaper. However, Clarisonic ‘alternatives’ do not utilize the same sonic technology and thus won’t deliver the same results. I would rather invest in a product that will actually work and end up saving me money that I would have poured into various cheaper products, looking for results. At the time I started using this, I had a noticeable breakout on my cheek.

Day 1: noticeable smoothness from the exfoliation

Day 2: softer skin, more noticeable impurities arising from exfoliating

Day 4: skin is completely smooth, breakout diminished, still visible spots

Day 7: breakout gone and hyperpigmentation starting to diminish

Now I am three weeks in, and while my skin is nowhere near perfect, I can more comfortably leave the house without any makeup (which is huge) and have changed my everyday makeup routine so it doesn’t include layers of foundation and concealer. I look forward to posting later with (hopefully) more skin-improving updates.

Clarisonic & Neutrogena face wash:

A face wash comes with your Clarisonic purchase, and it’s a little piece of heaven. It’s a clear gel base that lathers nicely and smells like a spa. As an alternative, I use the classic Neutrogena Fragrance Free Liquid, Facial Cleansing Formula.

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

I struggle with uneven skin tone in some areas where I previously had breakouts. Instead of spending so much time watching videos about how to cover this hyperpigmentation, I decided to take action towards treating it. I have never used serums before and always sort of thought they were an unnecessary step and waste of money. This serumcompletely changed my mind. (Enter code LINDSAYC at checkout through my link on Amazon for 20% off one bottle of Vitamin C Serum.) My skin tone has visibly evened out in only a week, and I look forward to seeing the long-term benefits as I continue this routine. I apply a thin layer of this scent-free serum to my face twice a day after the Clarisonic. It glides on smooth and makes my skin feel softer and appear brighter. I don’t always even need to moisturize after, and it absorbs quickly. I’m surprised at how quickly my stubborn dark spots have evened out and will update at a later time after longer use.

Toulon Eye Renewal Therapy:

After the serum dries, I apply my eye cream. When I was searching for an eye cream, I was looking for something specifically for dark circles. Not only does this product have the highest ratings and customer satisfaction, but after only a week of using it, this cream lives up to the raves. I use it in the morning and at night. It’s odorless and leaves your skin feel silky smooth after the first application. I am very picky about my products and was a skeptic going in but am glad this product made its way into my life. It has a rich, creamy texture that glides easily over your skin, and I love that just a small dab on my finger is enough for both eyes. I just put it on now and would describe the feeling as comfortably tightened and hydrated. While I appreciate the 60 day no questions asked guarantee, I know I would never use it.

CeraVe Lotion:

Since I ran out of my last lotion that I loved, the generic version of Aveeno, I decided to try something new. Face lotion can be so expensive, which is part of the reason I love CeraVe– I get 12 ounces for $8- a true steal. I heard this product mentioned by my favorite beauty blogger Lauren Curtis and would pretty much try anything recommended by her. I love that this is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and not greasy at all. Because of my prior steps, I don’t use as much product as I previously had, so this bottle will go a longgggg way- plus I can use it for my body. I’m not overselling it by saying it’s the perfect lotion for all skin types and is easy on your wallet.

Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm:

I would join whatever cult this this cult-classic is from. You may have read in other posts about this product, because my obsession for it runs deep. I like to think of myself as a chapstick connoisseur- at any given time in any purse you’ll find at least 5 different lip products. This is my all-time favorite. From the old-timey feel of the tin packaging to the perfect, unique blend of rose and mint, this lip balm glides so smoothly over your lips, leaving the most natural pink flush. I would bathe in this if I could. Or marry it, if I wasn’t taken.

I feel so adult by finally having a consistent routine to follow- I’m weirdly proud of myself for taking charge with this Hands On Hands-Off routine. I am highly discriminatory when it comes to my skin products. I’m also very self-conscious about my skin, so the fact that I’m finding products that work for me makes me want to scream their praises from the rooftop- but I’ll settle for writing about it on my blog. If you have questions about my skin type or these products, ask away!

What’s on your skincare lineup?