I am very serious when it comes to skin care.  I have actually recently just switched up my nighttime routine from Clinique’s 3-Step System to Kiehl’s, with a Clarisonic Mia thrown in the mix.  This is my typical nighttime routine, however, I do switch it up.  For example, I don’t use my Clarisonic everyday because I don’t want to overdo it, I tend to use it every second day.

Step 1: Remove eye makeup

To remove my eye makeup I will grab an all-purpose wipe with some makeup remover on it and wipe away any eyeshadow or mascara I have on my eyes.  I bought my wipes at Wal-Mart and they can be found in the baby aisle.  I would recommend picking up the makeup-removing wipes so you don’t have to put an additional makeup remover on it.  The ones I recommend are by ELF- the Studio Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths, they are only $3 at Target.

Step 2: Cleanse

I have been using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser since fall and have been liking it a lot.  I have not broken out at all and it works great with the Clarisonic Mia. I will squeeze my cleanser in a ring on the Clarisonic head and then, in round motions, scrub my face with the Mia until it turns off.

I picked up my Mia during Sephora’s 20 per cent off for VIB members a month back and have been really enjoying it thus far. I will go a full post on it soon, but I just want to note that I only use the Clarisonic every second day.  Since I read that it may break you out when you start using it, I didn’t want to overuse it initially, so I have been cleansing my face with it every second day.  On the days I don’t use it, I just use my cleanser and water.

Step 3: Toner

Once my face is washed, I always use a toner.  I still love the feeling of the Clinique Clarifying Lotion so I have been still using that one. With a cotton round, I use two pumps of the product and wipe it all over my face.  Clinique toner just makes your face feel so fresh; it gives you a tingling sensation.

I also have the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner, which I mostly use during the day.  I actually keep this product in my gym bag for when I shower at the gym.  It is also a good toner, however, it doesn’t give you that tingling sensation that the Clinique one does.  I like when my face feels clean.

Step 4: Eye cream

I always use an eye cream after I wash my face, whether it is at night or in the morning.  Right now I have been using Clinique’s All About Eyes, which I have really been liking. I have also used Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream on in the past, which was good as well.  I take a small drop of it on my ring finger and pat it under my eyes up to my brow bone.  The reason you use your ring finger is because it is the softest one with the most padding, which is good for the delicate skin underneath your eyes.

Step 5: Moisturize

Almost done! To finish up my routine, I will slap on some moisturizer.  I have currently been using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer and a little definitely goes a long way with this!  You only need a nickel-sized amount to cover your whole face and neck.

A couple times a week I will actually skip out on moisturizer at night and apply Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate instead.  The serum is just so relaxing to apply at night and leaves my face feeling soft and supple the next morning.

Step 6: Lip balm

I like keeping my lips moisturized at all times, but especially at night.  I have a few different lip balms but my favourite is Smith’s Rosebud Salve.  This is a multi-use product, which is not only great for keeping your lids hydrated, but if I have a pimple, I will apply this over my breakout before bed, and in a few days, that pesky pimple will be gone. I have also been applying this to my cuticles at night to keep them moisturized.

Step 7: Time for bed!

I have really been enjoying my nighttime skin care routine. My daytime one is basically the same except I don’t use my Clarisonic.

As for the products I have been using, I did receive all my Kiehl’s products for free (my mom won a contest when our local store opened, and we got a whole skin care regime for free).  I have really been liking the Kiehl’s products, however, I am not sure if I will be repurchasing them.  I find it’s better bang for your buck with Clinique (as you can buy all three products for a set price), whereas, with Kiehl’s you have to buy them separately.  Also, Clinique often has gift with purchase, so I try to stock up then.  If you are looking for a new skincare regime, I would give either brands a try, they have both worked great for my skin (normal, I tend to get dry patches occasionally, but not often).

What is your skincare routine?

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