Skin Care Routine for the Grown Up Woman (Part 2)
When I initially thought about creating a skin care routine, I imagined myself sitting at a vanity in a luxurious robe meticulously leathering on moisturizer, like Joan Crawford in Mommy Dearest. But, I don’t have a vanity, and on most days, I completely forgot that I was supposed to use all of these products. My self-appointed skin care routine started to feel like a chore, that I had to remind myself about before bed. In short, I needed to see major results or simplify.
There were definitely a few products that I discovered through this process (read part one here), that I liked, and a few that were not worth the splurge. ( If you live with a man, he is probably using ALL of your beauty products too, and while he is secretly super into it, he is not exactly portioning out a dime size amount of the most expensive eye cream you have!) One major item that I didn’t focus enough on, and have now incorporated is sunscreen.
One major item that I didn’t focus enough on, and have now majorly incorporated it into my skin care routine is sunscreen.
Whenever anyone visits Venezuela, Mau’s grandmother asks for skin care products. On top of this list is 100+ SPF. As I was shopping for the items she requested, I realized this woman is 80 years young, and takes better care of her skin than I do.
Living in SoCal and spending lots of time by the ocean is definitely going to impact my skin, and I’m so proud to say that I have not gone to the pool or the beach without a hat this summer. When I take the baby for a walk I also always wear a hat now, as well as sunscreen. As a new mom, a hat is also a great way to hide unwashed hair and look a little more put together. Really, it’s my new miracle product.
I’ve also been wearing sunscreen on my hands. Have you seen what the hands of Bravo’s Housewives look like? Despite all the botox and fillers in their faces, their hands give away their age, every single time. Because I’m holding on to a stroller, my hands are now getting a lot more sun. So, now my sunscreen goes on my face, neck, chest and hands, on the daily.
I use this one, but noticed that it leaves a white tint on my skin. Mau’s skin is darker and he looks gray when he uses it. I figured out that if we both mix the sunscreen with a moisturizer, it blends much better and doesn’t leave a tint. In the morning, I went back to using my favorite moisturizer, it’s lightweight and doesn’t have a strong scent, which I really like. I mix it with the sunscreen
Since I’m nursing, there are anti-aging products that I can’t use, and since sunscreen only protects my skin from getting more damage, I will eventually need to incorporate anti-aging products into the routine. That will be part 3. For now, here is what my simplified, no-fuss skin care routine looks like now:
Day Skin Care Routine
1. I switched from Burt’s Bees Orange Essence Face Cleanser to Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, because I realized I am not a fan of really strong scents, but I do like using a cleanser to create a clean palette for my makeup.
2. I tried Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum, and also Philosophy’s Turbo Booster C Powder. While I did notice my skin was a bit brighter, I’m not quite sure if that was in my head. If I had to choose, I’d go with Mario Badescu’s serum because of the ease of application. The Philosophy booster was a powder that you had to take out with the tiniest spoon in the world, and mix with your moisturizer, which created a hot mess on the counter.
3. I tried the Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream, but I kept forgetting to apply it in the morning, so when I finally used up the jar and didn’t see a major difference, I nixed this step altogether for the am.
4. I tried Cetaphil’s DermaControl oil Control Moisturizer for its matte finish, but ultimately went back to my original moisturizer. At this point, I think it’s just a personal habit and the smell of a familiar product.
5. I still love the Laura Mercier Primer, but it recently dawned on me that my face is generally red, especially my nose. I can’t seem to find a product to combat this properly, so in the meantime, I found this primer, which really seems to help alleviate some of the redness.
Night Skin Care Routine
1. I’m still loving Salma Hayek’s Nuance dual phase makeup remover. It really does a great job at removing my eye makeup and leaves that area well moisturized.
2. I use Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes when wearing heavy makeup. Otherwise, my morning cleanser does a great job, too.
3. Out of everything I learned from my friend at the beginning of this journey, this step was the most valuable. Initially, I tried the YES to Grapefruit Daily Scrub, but once I used it up I decided to give Philosophy’s Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash a try. It’s now my absolute favorite product. First, I really did notice a major difference in my skin once I started to use an exfoliator, but with this wash, I really felt my skin became smooth and tight.
4. I used up the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex II, but didn’t really notice any improvement. To be fair, I also haven’t had a proper night of sleep in 6 months, so it’s probably not the best time to try out under eye cream or expect miracles. [ So for now, this step is on hold.]
5. I liked Clinique’s Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer, but didn’t want to get another jar. Instead, I’m giving Philosophy’s Renewed Hope a try. I guess I’m still expecting a miracle.
Besos,
Alina
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