Skincare Routine

next
Navy eyeliner + soft brown eye makeup tutorial

skincare

 

one, two, three, four, five, six

Wow, brand favoritism much?

What can I say, when I find something I like, I go for it all the way.

I try to “KISS” when it comes to my skin care routine. I like trying new beauty products, but I’m always a little leery to change up my skin care routine too much. My skin stays calm and clear when I use these products, so I find that sticking with them is the safest route to go.

My favorite face cream of all time is the fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex. Man it’s good. Hydrating with absolutely no greasy residue, and makes my skin glow. Highly, highly recommend if you are in the market for a new one.

When I was in NYC recently I stumbled upon a stand alone Caudalie store. I heard an angel chorus, approached the front door, and realized it didn’t open for a few more minutes. I stood outside like it was black friday at Best Buy and waited for the doors to open. I shoved my way past the air and sunshine to get inside when it finally opened. I picked up this lip balm and it’s been sitting on my nightstand ever since.

I’ve mentioned this exfoliator TWICE in favorites videos because I love it so much. It has a bit more grit than the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliation Wash I was using prior to buying this one, but still feels gentle on my skin.

Eye cream is a daily-must-use-product for me. If I don’t use it, my under eyes not only look dry, but my makeup settles into fine lines too. Β This gel formula is light, fresh, but super hydrating.

I like to soak two cotton pads with this eye makeup remover and set them on my eyes to really loosen up my eye makeup. It’s great for the entire face too because it doesn’t sting, and doesn’t leave my skin screaming for moisture afterwards.

To take off every last bit of my makeup at the end of the night, I use these Pond’s wet cleansing cloths. I’ve been using them for years, and they are simply fantastic.

You may notice that I didn’t feature a particular daily cleanser on the mix. I go back and forth between using one regularly because sometimes my skin does great without one. In the past I’ve loved this one, and I really like this one too.

So that’s it. Every once in awhile I’ll throw a face mask in there (lately I’ve been loving this one) but it wasn’t regular enough to include in the “routine”.

Like I said before, simple is best for me when it comes to skin care. Do you change up your products a lot, or stick to what you know works?

comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Julie @ Coastal Runner Girl says · 07.22.14

Thanks for sharing!! I haven’t used a face mask in years so I think I’ll try out the one you use πŸ™‚

Reply
Grin says · 07.22.14

I like Lotus products and love the smell. What I don’t understand is why there is no SPF protection??? for the price and reality, they should have at least SPF 30. If they don’t address this, I will stop using it.

Reply
Heather says · 07.22.14

Thanks for sharing – not sure if there is supposed to be a link for the “this” in “and I really like this one too.” in the third to last paragraph but there isn’t one πŸ™‚

Thanks so much for the post! I really liked the kiehls cleanser you raved about awhile back and I’ve been a loyal kiehls user ever since. Love their products.

Reply
Kate says · 07.22.14

Thanks for pointing that out! πŸ™‚

Reply
Julie says · 07.22.14

I just picked up the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream over the weekend after reading your rave reviews about it. I was hesitant. I’m in my early 30’s, have sensitive skin, and hate feeling like I have grimy, greasy junk on my face, so in the past I’ve–yikes–skipped moisturizer more often than I’d like to admit. I cannot say enough about how good this stuff feels on my skin. It’s perfection in a jar. Thank you so much, Kate!

Reply
Kate says · 07.22.14

It’s totally great, isn’ t it? Glad you like it!

Reply
hazel says · 07.22.14

Sadly I dont think that caudalie is available locally! πŸ™

Reply
Stephanie says · 07.22.14

After yesterday’s blog I made my first trip to Sephora and bought the Tarte mascara you recommended. Was so excited to try it this AM and LOVED it! Thanks so much for listing your favorite products, it’s really inspired me to get out of my make-up rut.

Reply
Kate says · 07.22.14

Yay! love to hear this!

Reply
Lisa says · 07.22.14

I don’t think life would be the same for me without those Pond’s Towelettes! I’ve used them for as long as I can remember. As much as I might like to try different products, I have finicky skin that doesn’t like a lot of change, so I tend to keep it simple and stick to the same products… not that you make that easy! πŸ™‚ You have some great favorites here!

Reply
shae says · 07.22.14

I use 100% Mary Kay (I sell it, but I signed up to sell it after I witnessed how great it was for my face!). Prior to using Mary Kay, I used various brands for years but really never found anything that worked for my skin without turning it into a breakout monster. Now it’s under control and I love it!

Reply
Melissa says · 07.22.14

Fellow Mary Kay girl over here! πŸ™‚ It took me a long time to try it because my skin was super freaky and it sounded too good to be true. Well, almost a year on, I’m a believer. My skin has never looked better.

Reply
Elizabeth says · 07.22.14

I have been using DCL products (search for them on dermstore.com) for about 15 years. My dermatologist got me hooked when I had bad acne as a teenager. The wash off cleansing lotion is perfection especially for sensitive skin, it’s super gentle yet does not skimp on getting your skin clean, even removing make up. For anyone with sensitive skin, I would highly, highly recommend checking it out! (And no, I do not work for them, just a very happy customer)

Reply
Ashley M. says · 07.22.14

I love love love the Freah Lotus face cream too. It is a staple in my everyday skin care and with extremely dry skin, it does a great job leaving my skin feeling hydrated and soft.

I just purchased the Philosopy Time in a Bottle for eyes and am loving it as a serum too!

mommaofthreeblog.blogspot.com

Reply
Sara says · 07.22.14

Always fun to see what someone else loves! Can’t wait to give some of these a try! Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Katie says · 07.22.14

Thanks, I was looking to change up my skin care routine, so I needed a post like this!

Have you ever tried using facial oil? I recently started using Josie Maran’s Argan Oil as a daily moisturizer and my skin completely changed after the first few uses. I’ve noticed less fine lines, more supple skin, my roscea has calmed down, and even the tiny bumps on my face have disappeared. I was worried that it would make my skin extra oily and cause breakouts but since using it I’ve had ZERO breakouts and my skin is less oily than before. Such an amazing skin care find!

Reply
Melissa says · 07.22.14

I recently bought a value set of the Fresh Lotus skincare at Sephora and I. LOVE. IT. I cannot say enough good things about it. I’ve been using it a little less than a week (I know – that’s not a lot of time to give it an honest review) but my face is already WAY more hydrated than it used to be when I would use Benefit’s skincare line. When I go outside, instead of sweating, I can actually feel the moisture settling on my skin and its like it continuously soaks into my skin providing constant hydration. I went back and bought the eye gel too and I love it so far. The guy at Sephora recommended the Black Tea eye cream if this one doesn’t perform well for me, so I guess I will see!

Reply
Leigh says · 07.22.14

I always have a routine I stick to, and I tend to show brand favoritism too! I tend to get a bit obsessive. πŸ˜‰ I have really been loving Dermalogica’s line of cleansing products and Origins for moisturizing. I have always wanted to try Caulalie’s line and JUST purchased the Divine Oil which I can’t get enough of. SO GOOD!

Reply
KristineD says · 07.22.14

I love the Fresh Black Tea eye cream. It’s got more anti-aging goodness for me!! It’s great at night, so maybe I’ll try the Lotus eye el for daytime since it’s lighter… I searched for the perfect lip balm for 10+ years before trying Sugar Advanced Lip Treatment. It’s the one in the white tube and it’s not tinted. It’s meant to be more of a treatment than a gloss/balm. I put it on before bed and again after showering while I’m get in ready. It completely stopped all cracking and peeling that I used to get during cold winters and hot,dry desert summer too! It’s a must-have for me!!

Reply
Patricia says · 07.22.14

I have been using the same routine for years and it works well for me, but… do you think it is good to mix up a bunch of brands you like, or stick with a full regime from one vendor? I am primarily a Clinique user, but on occasion, I add things from other companies that interest me. Also, I need a serious wrinkle cream for my mid-forties. What do you suggest?

Reply
Angela says · 07.22.14

I have been using a lot of Philosophy products for the last little while. I like them,but I have been eyeing these two companies for a while now. Once my products run out I might give these a try. Fresh offers some great gift sets.

http://palsywalsyblog.blogspot.ca/

Reply
Susan says · 07.22.14

I know this will sound like an odd/judgmental question, but it’s not intended that way, I promise. πŸ™‚ How do you justify the cost of these and the other high end products that you use? Maybe I’m just too cheap for my own good, but so many of these products are $20-40/each and I just can’t bring myself to pay that much for beauty products (or much of anything, really! HA!)

BTW – you totally do a great job of spot-lighting a wide price range of products…I’m just curious about this because I know you really like some of the higher end brands. πŸ™‚

Reply
Kate says · 07.22.14

I guess when it comes to skin care, I’m willing to pay for quality that doesn’t negatively affect my skin. Same goes for foundation. I’m willing to pay a bit more for high end, quality products that touch my skin. I use drug store mascara, have several drug store lip products I like too! And usually mid-range to low-end makeup brushes.

Reply
Stephanie says · 07.22.14

Kate,
Quick question…do you use these products in the morning before your make-up, or in the evening when you have taken all make-up off? Or both? Thanks!!

Reply
Kate says · 07.22.14

I exfoliate in the shower, so that would be a morning thing, and the makeup removers are for the evening. The face cream and eye cream are for the morning!

Reply
Jennine says · 07.22.14

This is what I was wondering too! Do you use a moisturiser at night? If so, is it the same as what you use in the morning? Thank you!

Reply
Shaina says · 07.22.14

I was just wondering how long these products typically last for you? I like to invest in some nicer skincare products but I can justify spending that much on a monthly basis. Thanks!

Reply
Kate says · 07.22.14

The ponds cloths last about a month since 30 come in a pack. Face + eye cream last for a few months, maybe 3-4? The exfoliator lasts about 3 months, and the makeup remover lasts awhile!

Reply
Shaina says · 07.24.14

Awesome! Thanks so much for the reply and info!!

Reply
Cora Hamm says · 07.22.14

Have you ever had acne/blemish problems? I am 20 years old and quite often I will get red spots or acne on my cheeks, chin, and around my nose. It is not a lot, just enough to bug me. I thought by now that I would be done with the puberty pimples:P Do you have any products that you would recommend?

Reply
Lisa Hays says · 07.22.14

I am also a Mary Kay user. But like you Kate, I tend to stick with what I know works with my skin. Even at 57 I’m oily but find the repair regimen that MK has works well for me. I work with mostly 20 somethings who don’t believe my age so maybe it works for me – ha! I will admit I’m lusting after Tarte Sweet Peony lipstick, though πŸ™‚

Reply
Melanie says · 07.22.14

I love reading your blog, but I have to mention after reading this post that reading “this one” or “these” no less than 7 times in one post is beyond annoying. Could you not just mention the product rather than encouraging the reader to click on an affiliate link? I found myself stopping halfway and moving on to another blog.

-M

Reply
Erin says · 07.22.14

I’ve never worn a moisturizer before but this post has me intrigued. Do you have a tutorial on how to apply a moisturizer including how much to use?

Thanks!

Reply
Rebecca Hooper says · 07.22.14

In the past few months I have gotten into Nerium. Have you heard of it? It is anti-aging, skin tightening creams. I use the Day, Night and Firm and have seen dramatic results in the quality of my skin. In the past, I have never been a big believer in skin creams, but this has completely changed me! I even have my husband using it! Check it out. http://www.rhooper.nerium.com

Reply
Cat says · 07.22.14

As someone who has struggled with acne her whole life, I truly believe in the power of skincare products! Good ones can make a world of difference. I’ll definitely be trying the lotus face cream from Fresh. I’m almost done with a jar of night cream from Origins and found it to be nothing special, so it’s time to change things up!

Cat
http://oddlylovely.com

Reply
Rachelle says · 07.22.14

Do you use a daily sunscreen product you would recommend? I just use a moisturizer with SPF, but am considering switching to something a bit more hydrating and using a facial sunscreen on top.

Reply
Ashley @ Sweet Carolina Belle says · 07.22.14

I really need to be more consistent with my daily skincare routine. Thanks so much for the recommendations!

Reply
Brenda says · 07.22.14

Great post! I love Fresh products, but I haven’t tried their Lotus cream. Do you know if its good for sensitive skin?

Best,
Brenda

http://www.brendybeauty.com

Reply
Tracy says · 07.22.14

My mother and I started using Cetaphil, roughly $10 (walmart makes their own, called Equate, which is a bit cheaper) since I was in high school. I’m 45 now, and the love affair continues. It’s very gentle, my mom has very fair, sensitive skin. I’m really oily, and I just use it at night to take off my makeup. It doesn’t strip my skin, and if it gets in my eyes it doesn’t sting either. Just a suggestion for a daily cleanser.

Reply
Rachael says · 07.22.14

What lovely products! I need to try more Caudalie products. I have heard good things about the Fresh products. I am the same way about under eye moisturizer, it is a must have!

http://aglossylife.wordpress.com

Also, how do you create the photo box for this post? Thanks!

Reply
melody says · 07.23.14

I love using Ponds makeup remover wipes too! I as well have been using this over the counter product for years as they really get all of the makeup off my face without wiping too hard where it hurts my eyes.

For a cleanser I use Cetaphil as well as someone else has mentioned in the comments section. It is the only thing that does not irritate my face as I tend to have a breakout of rosacea if I am not careful about what I apply on my face. I am weary about changing to different products too when I have been using something for a long time that works well for me.

Reply
Jessie says · 07.23.14

My favorite brand is clinique, and I will stick to it for a long time in future

Reply
Carmen says · 07.24.14

Thanks so much for sharing! You NEED to try the Mary Kay eye make-up remover. It’s the only Mary Kay product I use but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It is so gentle and works amazingly! My roommate tried mine and said she had to check in the mirror to make sure she still had an eye because she couldn’t believe how much it took off. I also leaves your skin silky soft. Seriously you will not be disappointed!

Reply
Just Tilly says · 07.24.14

Brilliant and informative skin care routine! And I totally agree, I get very attached to my favourite brands. Also, just blogged my everyday skin care routine if anyone would like to give it a read? Many thanks and keep up the amazing work!

Tilly x

Reply
Just Tilly says · 07.24.14

Brilliant and informative skin care routine! And I totally agree, I get very attached to my favourite brands. Also, just blogged my everyday skin care routine if anyone would like to give it a read? Many thanks and keep up the amazing work!

Tilly x
http://justtilly.blogspot.co.uk/

Reply
Just Tilly says · 07.24.14

Sorry! Didn’t mean to upload twice! πŸ™‚

Reply
Maggie says · 07.25.14

You said in previous blogs that you loved the clarisonic and I was wondering if you still use it because I was thinking of buying one?

Reply
Maggie says · 07.26.14

Ladies have you heard of Nerium? It’s an amazing anti aging skin cream that helps with dicoloration, tightens pores, and helps with fine lines. If you want to find out more about this awesome cream check out magmarjen.nerium.com.

Reply
Alex says · 07.28.14

Hi Kate,
I just purchased the Fresh face cream and the Lotus eye cream. The girl at sephora that helped me said to use the eye cream at night because it didn’t look good under makeup. Is this true for you?

Reply
Alex says · 07.28.14

Also do you use them the moisturizer and eye cream day and night?

Reply
Jessica says · 08.08.14

Hi Kate,

Do you continue to use these products during pregnancy? I get a bit overwhelmed when looking through all of the ingredients and really don’t know what I’m looking for or what they all mean.

Thank you!!

Reply
drug alcohol rehab says · 10.03.14

Talking about any of it is okay and nice nonetheless
it will not allow you to get anywhere. Finding the total amount of what a parent have to do is often times extremely tricky.
Child sexual abuse means: An adult employing a child for erotic purposes.

Reply
facts on drug abuse says · 10.03.14

The guidance abuse guidance provides its patients with counseling from educated experts
who are employed for specific therapy to people that have substance abuse issues.
These habits are therefore commonplace in modern society that popular T.
Louis Because the area and drug abuse in the Key-Words research window.

Reply
Brittney says · 10.21.14

Thanks for sharing these tips. It is always hard for me to find the right skin care products that are best for me. I should give these a try and see how they work out.

Reply
cilt bakimi bilgileri says · 11.17.14

Do you continue to use these products during pregnancy? I get a bit overwhelmed when looking through all of the ingredients and really don’t know what I’m looking for or what they all mean.

Thank you!!

http://pratikciltbakimi.blogspot.com

Reply
Christy says · 01.02.15

I just wanted to send you a Blog Hug! I often refer to your blog when I am in need of new products. You are my go to for hair, skin and makeup advise (your reviews are spot on). I know balancing your family, blog, and LIFE must be a ton of work…I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you AND ALL YOUR ENERGY THAT GOES INTO YOUR BLOG. I’m trying this face routine…excited! Thank you:)

Reply
Kate says · 01.03.15

Thanks Christy!

Reply
Beth says · 01.18.16

Hey Kate, I’m new to your blog. Looking for a new do, which led me to you. I would love to see you review Rodan + Fields. I had great results from the Reverse line ( I like the original one with hydroquinone). It will kick the Clinque dark spot correctors butt. Seriously.

Reply
Always fabulous says · 01.04.17

DeVita is a great cleanser that takes all the make up off even mascara and it doesn’t irritate my eyes it’s foamy and gentle

Reply
Stacey says · 05.12.17

I tried essential oils from Basilica Botanica and I love them! I’m an avid user but once I found these oils I have not switched brands ever since. Trust me on this one. I got mine via Amazon Prime, so convenient!

Reply
Amber says · 08.20.17

Can anyone recommend a line for oily, acne prone skin?

Reply
Ola says · 09.11.17

I totally agree with KISS. It is better to use one or two products but with high quality than putting tons of them… Could you give me your fav face mask name? the link isn’t working.

Reply
jessieroy says · 05.09.18

Moisturize your skin with the best quality products of parisianspure.Find our beauty and anti aging products here https://parisianspure.com

Reply
Jayce Senter says · 10.22.18

Your link for your eye makeup remover doesn’t work anymore. Can you tell us what it is?

Reply