February 27, 2013

skin care routine


I have streamlined my morning and evening skincare routine to a few of my all-time favorite products. I'm a product junkie, so you'll see me talk about a variety of different cleansers, moistuirzers, masque's, exfoliators, etc. on the blog, however this is what I've been doing lately.

 First, let me say once again (I already talked about it here) that my skin has never been this clear in my life. And it's all due to the two Arbonne products I use on a daily basis: the primer and the liquid foundation. 

 Since I've been using both of those products, my skin has been blemish free, except for two occasions (that's right, I can actually count how many blemishes I've had since there have been so few). I cannot say enough great things about both products. I love them. 
(my Arbonne consultant is fantastic and can help you if you have any questions about it. Email Katy at katy_ford32 (at) hotmail (dot) com)

 I'd be surprised if I ever switch to anything else.

 So, the morning skincare routine is basic: primer (which acts as my moisturizer) and Benefit It's Potent eye cream. That's it. I don't wash my face in the morning. If I need extra moisture, I'll apply a little bit of coconut oil to the very dry areas.

 Once a week I exfoliate using the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash. It's fantastic. It isn't as gritty as some exfoliators, which is a good thing, but still leaves my skin very smooth and clean.

I use my Clarisonic sometimes when I exfoliate on Saturdays, but not every time. There isn't a method to that other than it just depends on how I feel!
*my review of the Clarisonic Mia 2


 At night, I remove my makeup with a Pond's Cleansing Towelette that I add a bit of warm water to. The more wet it is, the farther it goes. Afterwards, I apply a stroke of Mary Kay Lash Serum to each eyelid, apply Bare Escentuals Firming Cream under my eyes, and finish off with a swipe of Soft Lips in the vanilla flavor. 
Do you have a consistent routine that you stick to for daily skincare? Or do you change it up with new products? 


Labels: , ,

88 comments:

  1. I find myself on the hunt for my perfect skincare routine about every 6-8 months or so. I am almost 30 and after 3 pregnancies find myself breaking out more like a teenager nowadays. So frustrating, I think I have found something, it seems to be working and then for some reason or another my skin starts breaking out little by little. This Arbonne primer sounds like a must try and I really need to start being more diligent with an eye cream morning and night!
    Hailey @ Love, Laughter and Lipstick

    ReplyDelete

  2. I use ProActiv face wash morning and night, and I use mario badescu seaweed night cream MORNING and night - it's so luxe - yet never leaves my skin feeling greasy. I also use his glycolic eye cream, flower face mask, kiwi face scrub and I use Philosophy micro delivery treatment a couple times month.

    I tried using the Clairsonic too but it made my skin breakout the worst I've ever seen - I guess I'm just really sensitive!

    ReplyDelete

  3. I've always struggled with breakouts, not like crazy but I always feel like i have at least one or two all the time. I tried philosophy for a year and loved it but it just seemed to not do it. So i just started to clinique 3 step routine for morning and night. It leaves my face so soft. And I use my mia once a week. I can say this month when flow came to visit I got one blemish. That is it, just one and I haven't had any more. So hopefully I have found the basics. Now to add in some eye cream.

    ReplyDelete

  4. I use Mary Kay's creamy cleanser at night. It's great because it takes off eye makeup too including mascara (non-waterproof). I have issues with eye cream and being in my late 30's, I need ONE! I am a contact lens wearer. Night isn't an issue because I remove them. But mornings, ugh. I can't survive the day with smudgy contacts. Any suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Why are your contacts smudgy?

      Delete

    2. I'm a contact wearer,too and leave mine in overnight and have a problem with smudgy/foggy contacts when I use eye cream too! It drives me to not using it, which isn't good more my future self.

      Delete

    3. I've never had a problem with my contacts getting smudgy when I use eye cream, but only put it around my orbital bone, not too close my eye.

      Delete

  5. How do you find your right color match with the Arbonne products if they aren't sold in stores?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Katy sent me a few samples. Email her and she if she can do the same for you!

      Delete

  6. Mario Bedescu! I just found this stuff and LOVE it. I use the face wash, toner, scrub, mask and moisturizers and my face is clearing up and looking so much brighter and my fine lines look less visible. Its not that expensive either which is a big plus.

    ReplyDelete

  7. I might need to try the lash serum!

    Carly
    www.lipglossandcrayons.com

    ReplyDelete

  8. I wish my skin care regimen was as simple as yours, especially at night. I think my BF wouldn’t complain so much about how long it takes me to get ready for bed!

    In the morning I use Neutrogena Acnes Stress toner, Neutrogena Acne Stress Spot Treatment, Clinique Anti-Gravity Firming Eye Cream, and Mary Kay combination skin moisturizer. I also use Bare Minerals Primer before putting my make-up on (which is mainly Bare Minerals). At night, I use Almay Eye Make-Up Remover pads, Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Acne Scrub, Neutrogena Acne Stress Night Cleansing pads, Neutrogena Acne Stress Spot Ttreatment, and Rimmel Lash Accelerator gel on my eyelashes.

    I have used the Philosophy MicroDelivery Exfoliating Wash before, and have loved it. I like that it's rough, but still gentle on your skin. I switch between that and the Mary Key Exfoliating line every few weeks. I also sometimes just use Philosophy Purity Made Simple at night, if I don't want to use a scrub on my face.

    I struggled with acne for a good amount of years, (it got really bad 5 years ago again for some reason)and can say now that my face has never looked better - and people are amazed when I tell them that I was very prone to break-outs. I just turned 32, and started using the Neutrogena Acne Stress Control line a few years back, and I think that's helped a lot. I mainly use the toner, night cleansing pads, and spot treatment (which they don't sell anymore).

    ReplyDelete

  9. I have the Arbonne makeup primer and LOVE it! But lately I have switched to a BB cream as my moisturizer/protector/foundation go to for the mornings. Love them. I like the idea of just cleansing at night with the towelettes...basic and simple.

    Lauren
    My Polished Side Blog

    ReplyDelete

  10. I might need to try the Arbonne products because my face is blemish heavy lately. I wash it regularly, tone, mask, the whole 9! It is frustrating because I feel I have always taken good care of my skin and I can't get it clear to save my life right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. www.mpienkos.myarbonne you can order directly from. you can also message me at maryellenpienkos@myarbonne.com with any questions. I am an Arbonne Consultant and happy to help you. We have great products that can help you. Thanks!

      Delete

  11. I'm actually shopping around for a new moisturizer -- thanks for sharing this! xo

    http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

  12. I am trying to streamline. I have a few basics that I love, but I am struggling to find an eye cream. I've been thinking about using benefit or trying something form Clinique.

    I just did a review on Rose Water- that I LOVE!

    http://www.jenypenny.com

    ReplyDelete

  13. I recently went through an extreme streamlining process because my skin wasn't responding to the extra work/products anyway. Based on your suggestion, Philosophy Purity has become my cleanser of choice. I use it twice a day, and every other night I throw my Clarisonic in the mix for some exfoliation. I do like a toner because my pores stay very congested, so I use Clinique's Clarifying Lotion. Then I throw on a thin layer of Juice Beauty's Oil-Free Moisturizer. No eye cream because it irritates my blepharits (which I'm still praying will magically clear up one day) and no acne treatments (although I always have a breakout) because I'm pregnant and salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide become no-nos.

    ReplyDelete

  14. How long have you been using the Mary Kay lash serum and have you noticed a difference?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. several months, and yes! stronger lashes as well as a little bit longer!

      Delete

  15. I have streamlined as well and have found the following inexpensive, basic products work the best for my mostly oily, acne-proned complexion: Cleanse at night with CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser applied with my Clarisonic, Pur Minerals Moisture Infusion around my eyes; in the morning I cleanse with the CeraVe again (no Clarisonic), Moisture Infusion around my eyes, then I use a cotton ball and apply Milk of Magnesia all over my face, which absorbes oil ALL DAY. It's amazing and cheap! I smooth over the Milk of Magnesia with NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer and use Pur Minerals pressed powder mineral foundation. This combination has cleared my skin significantly and I have tried EVERYTHING.

    ReplyDelete

  16. You don't use any type of moisturizer at night?

    ReplyDelete

  17. I am a Philosophy junkie. I use Purity with Clarisonic every morning, Purity at night, and Hope in a Jar moisturizer morning and night, along with the Benefit eye cream that you use. Occassionally I use a moisturizer with Retinol at night to even out my skin tone. I'm in my early 30's and my skin has really improved since using Philosophy products. Yay!!

    ReplyDelete

  18. I use NeriumAD at night! It's an age-defying night cream, but it also helps with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, sun spots, and fine lines. I LOVE it! My make up goes on so much smoother and it just makes my skin feel so fresh.

    www.defineyourbeauty.theneriumlook.com
    www.amylynnwentz.com

    ReplyDelete

  19. As far as skin care goes I am in love with Dermalogica. I was introduced to the products when I was studying esthetics at TSPA and can't get enough of it. Because I have acne I use the mediBac line, LOVE IT! I also love their Precleanse. It's good to cleanse your face twice to really get all the dirt out of your follicles, and precleanse smells sooo good. And of course their Sponge Cloth is a must have! It dries stiff, but the minute you put it under water it softens up. It dries stiff so that it won't hold any bacteria, amazing!

    ReplyDelete

  20. Agree with the above! Dermalogica has been my favourite for years , especially the precleanse. I also love the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser.

    ReplyDelete

  21. I'm such a product junkie myself so I'm always switching up new products. I have found my favorite basics though: Philosophy's Hope in a Jar Moisturizer (I don't know if I'll ever use another moisturizer). Other than that it's try anything.

    ReplyDelete

  22. Do the towelettes take off your eye make up as well?

    ReplyDelete

  23. A question about Clarisonic - why don¨ t you use it daily anymore?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. I just kind of stopped. No real method to my madness :)

      Delete

  24. Love your blog Kate! It's become one of my daily must-read blogs. All your hair and makeup tutorials are amazing. Thanks for sharing your current fave products. I was wondering, have you ever checked out Beautypedia? If you love cosmetics you'd probably enjoy this website. I look up product information on this site all the time. They used to have a a really great app as well but it seems to have been discontinued.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. I haven't, but I'll check it out!

      Delete

  25. Did you struggle with breakouts before using this regimen? I have hormonal acne at certain times every month and have been trying everything I can to find a skin care plan that helps.

    ReplyDelete

  26. These sounds nice and simple! I find that the less products I use the better my skin is.
    I am also intrigued by this lash serum. Do you find it works well? Do you like it?

    http://www.makingitsparkle.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete

  27. Have you heard of/tried the Oil Cleansing Method? I'm looking into trying it myself, as it is a more natural way to cleanse your skin (apparently it works wonders too, based on the hoards of blogs/comments/articles I've seen online). Basically...the concept is that regular products strip the natural oil from our skin, so our skin produces more of it. Oil dissolves oil, so it's better to use a combination of castor oil, olive oil, and others to cleanse the skin and remove the impurities (it sounds crazy, I know). Full details here: http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. I use the OCM. It's fabulous!! I do it in the evenings and nothing the next morning other than a small amount of coconut oil in any dry spots, followed with my primer. Highly recommended! Good luck

      Delete

    2. i read a lot about this a few months ago and heard it was great even for oily acne prone skin. i also have bad flaking from my RX acne topical. i was terrified to put more oil on my skin but i tried it for a few weeks in a smaller area in case it did give me even worse breakouts. but i honestly didnt notice a difference. so. gave it up. went to sephora and they recommendes "first aid beauty brightening toner pads" and "clinique moisture surge intense". they have workes great for me so far.

      Delete

  28. I am an Arbonne Independent Consultant and I am thrilled to see you love the Makeup Primer and the foundation. I use the RE9 Anti Aging Line in the morning and at night. These products are Ph correct which means they don't strip the skin of it's natural protective layer,which causes oily T zones, dry patches and acne flare ups. It corrects the Ph level of your skin, thus correcting the condition and look of your skin. My skin has never looked or felt so great, I too suffered from hormonal breakouts, not any more. I simply use the RE9 line, apply the primer, bronzer and mascara (maybe 5mins) and out the door I go. If anyone has any questions regarding Arbonne products, I would be happy to answer them. We are Vegan approved, no chemical dyes or fragrances, hypoallergenic, have no parabens or pthalates, no mineral oil and are Ph correct. check out www.arbonne.com for more info as well.

    ReplyDelete

  29. I love trying new beauty products, too, and I especially love it when my sample drawer under my bathroom sink is full and I can rifle through it and find new things to try every week. Right now, my skin's saving grace has been REN cosmetics. I wish they weren't so expensive, but they have made my skin so clear and nearly blemish-free. Now, I only break out around that time of the month. After having acne all the time, I can deal with that!

    ReplyDelete

  30. I'd love to know if you've used the Arbonne RE9 Anti Aging line and your thoughs on it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    2. Hi Heidi, I use the RE9 Line (everything) and my face/skin has never been BETTER! I also have neighbor and friends who use it and can't get enough of it. It also last 4-6 months! I can send you samples or you can order from this webpage www.mpienkos.myarbonne.com would be glad to help in any way. or message me at maryellenpienkos@myarbonne.com

      Delete

  31. I wash my face before bed with water, then use old school Pond's cold cream to remove my eye makeup. That also moisturizes, but I do use an Avon Renew cream for my eyes. In the morning, I rinse my face with water, then use a day lotion with SPF... I have a few I use! My makeup is Bare Minerals. I have pale, reddish skin and the Bare Minerals completely covers without making me look like I have makeup caked on. I started using it a few years ago and never went back to liquid foundation. The mineral makeup evens out my skintone, doesn't give me makeup lines around my forehead/hairline (no matter how much I blended the liquid kind) and makes my skin look fresh and natural. LOVE it.

    ReplyDelete

  32. At age 36, I'm finally taking my skin seriously. It's in the worst shape it's ever been. I blame make-up. I had clear skin in my teens and never touched make-up. Oh youth.

    At night I have been trying my best to religiously take off my make-up and put lotion on my face and balm on my lips. So far so good. I have noticed a slight difference in my skin. More so I've noticed that I am able to get in and out of the shower quicker knocking down face washing time. I do a quick sweep in the shower w/ light soap since all the make-up is gone.

    Thanks for the product recommendations and tips!

    ReplyDelete

  33. Ugh! Older and in need of new products, but unable to afford them.

    ReplyDelete

  34. I use the oil cleansing method. I use castor oil mixed with grape seed oil every night to help take off the make-up. I just splash my face with water in the mornings and exfoliate once a week. I only use a tinted moisturizer as make-up.

    ReplyDelete

  35. I swear by Dermalogica products! They have improved my skin so much!

    ReplyDelete

  36. I need blemish free skin a-sap, so I will be trying out this arbonne foundation.

    xoxo
    Mags
    http://magsmind22.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

  37. About 6 months ago my friend introduced me to Paula's choice products. www.paulaschoice.com, and they are amazing. My husband and I have both used them for acne and combination skin. They leave your skin feeling amazing and not dried out like many products. She has different lines to pick from depending on your skin type and they are very reasonably priced. I tell everyone I know about these great products!

    ReplyDelete

  38. Great stuff. I am also a beauty junkie and I'm a guy! I use the best facial masks every 4 days, generally a clay / mud-based one, and an exfoliating peel mask. I can recommend the Hey Honey, Take It Off mask - as an exfoliating mask it works great. My preferred moisturizer is Faiza Cosmetiques anti-age rich cream. It is really moisturizing, supple, and nourishing.

    http://www.beautifulfacial.com

    ReplyDelete

  39. I used to use Philosophy peel but have since switched over to AHA's Brazilian Peel and it works wonders for fighting acne and you get a mini facial at the same time! Check it out :)

    Andrea
    anakalui blog

    ReplyDelete

  40. Hi, Kate! When you order the Arbonne products, do you have to set a frequency to reorder every X amount of days? I was a little confused by the website and ordering process. Any insight you can offer would be great. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Nope, you can order whatever you want, whenever

      Delete

    2. Karly, I can help you order your Arbonne...(if you haven't already?). And I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have. Also willing to mail samples out to you. my website (you can order directly from it whenever you need products/takes about 3 days to arrive) is www.mpienkos.myarbonne.com or message me at maryellenpienkos@myarbonne.com

      Delete

  41. Do you not use face wash anymore? I'm using philosophy's purity and didn't know if saw a difference between using a face wash and just using pond's wipes

    ReplyDelete

  42. The pictures simplify it so much... thank you!!! This really encourages me to take better care of my skin... yours looks beautiful... thanks for sharing :)

    www.chicwallart.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete

  43. I love Arbonne's products!
    I have been using them for 5 years now.
    Wonderful to hear your review.
    I am a consultant in Canada and the weather can do a number on our skin here!
    I use the Arbonne R E-9'skincare line exclusively
    Love the results!
    The primer & foundation are our best selling cosmetics! Nice choice :-)
    I follow your blog and love your tutorials, keep me coming!
    www.rhodatalbot.myarbonne.ca

    ReplyDelete

  44. I use to have really oily skin/blemish prone. After my hysterectomy 2 yrs ago (I am now 42) My skin is soooo dry and my pores are large. Any suggestions?? I need to get back on a daily regimen! I am OVERDUE!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. i really like the clinique pore perfection primer stuff...dont know if thats the exact name but something like that. it just kind if fills in pores and diffuses everything. i love it.

      Delete

    2. Arbonne primer is the BEST! www.mpienkos.myarbonne.com message me and I can save you 20-35% off this week.

      Delete

  45. Thank you for sheering this information. I like this blog.
    Skin Care Clinic in Chandigarh

    ReplyDelete

  46. I am 36 and still get breakouts from time to time and tend to have an oily t-zone. I haven't worn foundation in over a year and have been using a BB cream but I'd be interested in trying a foundation. I'm going to email your consultant :) I've been using Proactiv for a little over a year now and it seems to be the best at keeping my skin clear. I'm going to get the Benefit eye cream though, I need that!

    ReplyDelete

  47. Never use soap for my face. Just warm water and face lotion, night and day. Every Sunday a good scrubbing and double the amount of face lotion. An easy way to remove mascara I found by wetting my hands with warm water then gently rub my eyelashes in between my index fingers and my thumbs. I repeat this a few times then use the towelette for my entire face, including over my leads and lashes.

    ReplyDelete

  48. Definitely going now to check out those Arbonne products.

    Sheree
    The Hartungs Blog
    thehartungs.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. I'm an Arbonne Consultant and more than happy to help you with any Arbonne questions. Can also mail samples out to you. you can order directly from www.mpienkos.myarbonne.com or message me at maryellenpienkos@myarbonne.com
      Hope I can help you with your Arbonne needs.
      Thanks!

      Delete

  49. I use the same products everyday! Once I found what works best I have stuck to a routine!

    ReplyDelete

  50. I don't normally follow any rules to use them. Okay, I shall follow your instruction to make me more beautiful and pretty.

    Anyone can visit cheap color contacts

    ReplyDelete

  51. I have been very regimented about taking care of my skin for years. Have tried many brands and my daily routine pretty much consists of:

    a.m.- Philosophy's Purity Made Simple face wash. The BEST fash wash I have every used. EVER. I have the super size bottle, and it has lasted me for over a year!
    AdvoCare's Definite Difference day creme. Tons of moisture - don't need a primer at all as my make-up stays on perfectly.
    p.m.- Purity Made Simple face wash. AdvoCare's Vitamin C Serum (around my eyes/lips) and Definite Difference night creme. My skin feels so amazing at night.
    When I shower, typically every other day, I do have a super-size bottle of Philosophy's Microdermabrasion that I used to wash my face. So my skin gets buffed 3-4x/wk.

    ReplyDelete

  52. Does the foundation have a dewy finish or matte?

    ReplyDelete

  53. Treatment For Dry Skin - Get the Fairness enhancing power of Vitamins, the Protection from harmful UVA, UVA II and UVB sun rays and the nourishment from Milk Proteins in Elmore Fairness Cream.

    ReplyDelete

  54. Just before this month I gt in touch with an website named rawforbeauty.com and then I came to know about what good for skin, what are the good skin care products, what are the good raw foods for health etc. I got some more information from the above blog also. Thats the benefit of reading blogs in regular basis

    ReplyDelete

  55. Great article and it's good to find a site on skin care. Who knows more about microdermabrasion federal way that can help out? It's great for the skin. Keep up the good posts. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

  56. I really love reading how other people take care of their skin. I spend a great deal of time on my skin, myself, so I'm always on the lookout for a product that may work better. Right now, I'm in L-O-V-E with my Murad Acne Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF20 PA from http://www.astonishingskincare.com/murad.html. Since turning 40 last year, it seems my face doesn't know what to do with itself and I suffer from acne and the beginnings of wrinkles. It's terribly frustrating, hence the constant online search for the fountain of youth. lol Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

  57. Hi, love your blogs and LOVE that you LOVE Arbonne. I'm an Arbonne Consultant and everything I use is Arbonne. I would be glad to send samples to anyone and would love to answer any questions that anyone has. The primer and foundation is AMAZING and leaves your skin velvety feeling.Saw where someone asked about the RE9 Anti Aging skin care line...I cannot say enough great things about this product line. You will not regret purchasing any of the products and they last 4-6 months! you can contact me at maryellenpienkos@myarbonne.com or shop online to view the products at www.mpienkos.myarbonne.com. This week I have 20-35% off on all products.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  58. You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about an hour. I am a newbie and your success is very much an inspiration for me.
    Plastic Surgery Abroad

    ReplyDelete

  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

  60. Does anyone get sun protection products in their other products aside from sunscreen? I’m often worried about the effects of UV and gamma rays, and was wondering if any of those products work. Most are SPF 15… is that enough for a big difference?

    ReplyDelete

  62. I have gone through the Blog. This is an amazing Blog of Beauty tips. I really like this post. As a Skin care professional with www.igetadeal.com, I suggest these products. At Igetadeal one can acquire Obagi Discount up to 30 % on varied Obagi skincare products.

    ReplyDelete

  63. This is a nice Blog of beauty tips. I am very pleased to watch this post. As being estheticians by profession, I suggest to use the above products. Having 10 years long experience as being skin care specialist I also suggest people to use best skin care products like obagi professional-c serum.

    ReplyDelete

  64. Earthtopia cosmetics is a new line that is completly paraben free and fantastic skincare.Right now you can get $100 worth of Earthtopia for $50 so its a great time to try them.
    wwww.everydaybeautiful.org

    ReplyDelete

  65. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

  66. These products seems good by reading about them.. but using artificial things to get good results for your skin is not the answer! here (http://worldtruth.tv/foods-that-protect-skin-from-the-sun%E2%80%8F/) are some facts and food that will make your skin look good! Go for permanent results..Not temporary satisfaction!

    ReplyDelete

  67. These a great beauty tips. It's so important to preserve and take care of your skin.

    Tattoo Removal Studio in Chicago

    ReplyDelete

  68. These a great beauty tips. It's so important to preserve and take care of your skin.

    Tattoo Removal Studio in Chicago

    ReplyDelete

  69. Nice post about beauty tips, thanks for sharing with us nice post really helpful and valuable post. you can also visit:- skindirect.com

    City Lips Original Formula Lip Plumping Treatment

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)