My Daily Skincare Routine // Morning + Night

It has been a while since I’ve shared an update on the skincare products I am using and loving.  I think what I have going on right now is a really great combo for me because even though I’m not getting as much sleep as I’d like (#newbornlife) and I am dealing with postpartum hormones, my skin has stayed pretty steady and I’m liking how it is looking overall.

I’ve been doing something for years that apparently is a real thing: skin cycling.  Essentially you split up the days when you use an exfoliating product and give your skin a day off every couple of days.  I wasn’t doing it intentionally but it certainly has been working, and the bonus of it is that it helps extend the life of your product since you aren’t using it every single day…thus saving you money and further justifying investing in quality skincare. You can read more here and find the right balance for you!  Since I’m breastfeeding, I don’t use a retinol but do use products below with Bakuchiol in them, which is plant-based, safe for pregnancy + breastfeeding (always ask your doctor though!), & produces results similar to retinol.

I also like to use products that are non-toxic whenever possible.  Our skin is our biggest organ and so I am mindful of what I put on it.

Another quick note…one of my personal skincare goals is to be able to be bare-faced (to me that means no foundation) and wear minimal makeup and still feel confident.  The key to that is feeling good about how your skin looks.  So, with that being said, I’m sharing my daily skincare routine for both day + night below!

My Daily Skincare Routine

Morning

1. Gentle cleanse with Micellar Water + cotton pad (or, if I’ve worked out in the morning I will cleanse with this foaming cleanser):  Micellar water is great for sensitive skin because it helps get out all impurities and makeup without disrupting your skin’s moisture barrier.  If I’m not showering I like to use this because it’s easier for me to apply to a cotton pad rather than wash my face at the sink.
2. Vitamin C Toner: I only use this every 2-3 days depending on when I’ve worked out.  I personally really like using it in combination with the Vitamin C serum but don’t use it daily like I do the serum since it is more of an exfoliator.  Helps clear out your pores (thus preventing breakouts) and shrink them, as well as brightening the skin.  This bottle is also HUGE and I feel like is going to last me at least a year if not longer!
3. Vitamin C serum: My second runner up to the Overnight Peel as my favorite product.  It also did wonders for brightening my skin and evening out the tone of my skin.  It also proactively helps protect against damage from environmental stressors so it’s important to put this on each morning!
4. Moisturizer:  I use this day and night.  I think it works just fine under makeup and I love the plump it gives my skin…legit makes me look a little younger and I am much appreciative of THAT!  1-2 pumps is all I need.  This product has Bakuchiol in it.
5. Eye cream:  I like to use this kind in the morning because of the added benefit of the caffeine to help de-puff 😉 And since I’m up twice a night nursing right now, I need all the help I can get!
6. SPF + Tinted Moisturizer: I have been using this for over a year now and I LOVE IT.  And one bottle lasted me legitimately almost an entire year.  I wear most days and a little goes a long way in my opinion. Love that it has hyaluronic acid as well as SPF.  It gives a super light coverage that is the perfect amount to blur any imperfections without at all feeling like actual foundation.  My skin still feels like it can breathe and I know it’s getting skincare while I wear it from the hyaluronic acid, which helps boost moisture-retention and give a more youthful appearance.  Yes plz.

Night

1. Cleanser: I use this whenever I shower, which these days is usually at night.  It’s also great for sensitive skin but clears pores and gets off makeup.  I’ve used it for years and don’t see myself ever turning back.  I don’t need more than a squeeze the size of a blueberry to cleanse my entire face, so a little goes a long way.
2. Overnight Resurfacing Peel:  HIGHLY recommend this product.  I mean, I love all the products in this post but this one was my OG fave and the one that changed my skin for the better.  It gave me hope that there are actually skincare products out there that WORK.  If your skin feels dull & lifeless, this will bring it back to life.  I usually use this every other night or every 3 nights if I have used the toner on day 2.
3. Moisturizer:  Same one as in the morning.
4. Eye Cream: I use this one at night.  I know having 2 eye creams seems excessive…if I had to pick one I would pick this one.  A lot of the ingredients are actually the same including the one that helps with fine lines & wrinkles.  This product has Bakuchiol in it as well.
5. Hydrating Lip Mask:  I can’t go to sleep without putting this on!  I’ve tried LOTS of lip masks and other products that are supposed to hydrate the lips, and nothing comes close to this product.  It actually is still on my lips in the morning when I wake up!  But somehow doesn’t feel sticky.  I love it and will be very sad if it ever gets discontinued…which reminds me to order some more right now.

Note: If you’re going to purchase any of the Beautycounter products, you can get 20% off when you select “Bess Carter” as your consultant and use code CLEANFORALL20 at checkout.

xo,

Bess