Before I turned 35 I didn’t really put much thought into my skin. I usually washed my face and applied moisturizer before bed (although sometimes I didn’t), and I almost never wore sunscreen.
When I turned 35, I looked in the mirror and started to notice that my skin had gotten dry and dull and new wrinkles were forming around my eyes and in my forehead. Although I know wrinkles and signs of aging are a part of life (and truly, a privilege), I didn’t want aging to happen prematurely due to my laziness.
I started doing research into skincare products, and I quickly found that many are very expensive! I really can’t afford to pay $100 (or even $50) for a skincare product.
After some time, I discovered a few affordable brands that fit my budget, and today, I’m sharing my skincare routine with you. I’d like to point out that I am in no way in expert in skincare, and this routine is just what works for me!
I also should mention that although this seems like a lot of steps, it really only takes about 10 to 15 minutes at night and about 5 in the morning. I also wait a few minutes between steps to allow the product to absorb into my skin. During this time, I’m usually doing other things like brushing my teeth.
Morning Routine
Step One: Cleanse with Bioderma Micellar Water
I love French beauty products (they really have skincare down to an art over there), and this cleanser is gentle and effective.
Step Two: Versed Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum
I LOVE this Vitamin C serum. It’s very affordable, and it can be purchased at Target (huge selling point for me!). My skin in the Fall gets dry, dull, and slightly red. This product works to brighten and even out skin tone.
Step Three: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Have you heard of The Ordinary? Its a beauty brand based in Canada that sells simple formulations of products at very affordable prices. I use many of their products. Hyaluronic acid is a nice product to add to your skincare routine during this time of year because its very hydrating.
Step Four: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre + Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
I mix my moisturizer with some self tanning drops and apply all over my face and neck. This moisturizer is another French beauty product that I love. It’s light, but effective and smells absolutely luxurious.
I’ve been using these self tanning drops for about 6 months and I love the subtle glow it gives my skin. I mix in three drops of the medium shade into my moisturizer. I will probably reduce to two drops once winter is here.
Step 5: Supergoop Unseen Suncreen
I only apply this sunscreen when I’m not planning on wearing makeup because my foundation has SPF in it. This product is a little pricey, especially for it’s size, but it works well.
Evening Routine
Step One: Cleanse with Bioderma Micellar Water.
Step Two: Acid Exfoliator – Rotate between The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA and Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
I only use these products every other night, and I rotate between the two. Some people are sensitive to these products so do your research.
Step Three: The Ordinary Buffet Serum
Next, I apply this anti-aging serum. I’ve been using this for a couple months and can really notice a difference in the appearance of my skin.
Step Four: Spend five minutes with a facial roller
I only do this step three to four times a week. The practice of facial rolling is supposed to stimulate lymphatic flow and produce radiant skin. It also helps to work in the serum I had just applied.
Step Five: The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
If you’re looking to reduce or mitigate signs of aging, you should definitely think about adding a retinol product to your skincare routine. It has been proven to be very effective. I like this simple affordable one (again) from The Ordinary.
If you’re not familiar with retinol, there is some information you should know. Experts say to start gradually with this product. I started out with The Ordinary Retinol 5% in Squalane which I applied every other day. After a few weeks, I began to apply everyday. Once a few weeks had passed with no skin irritation, I began using the 1% retinol product. Again, you’ll want to look in this for yourself; its also no recommended during pregnancy.
Step Five: Moisture with Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre