I’ve broken down a nightly skincare routine that focuses on the essential steps for a healthy complexion.
Let’s talk evening skincare routine. Skincare routines can be overwhelming when you throw various masks and treatments into the mix. It’s also confusing when it comes to layering the right products for maximum effectiveness. Keep reading to learn how to layer your evening skincare, plus my product recommendations for dry, sensitive skin types.
Step 1: Makeup Remover
First and foremost, let me state the obvious: never ever go to bed with makeup on. Removing makeup feels like a hassle when you’re tired (I get it) but I’ve found the quickest solution is a few organic cotton pads and Micellar cleansing water. I use the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water because it costs less than $7. There’s no rinsing required and will effectively remove any eye or face makeup, including waterproof mascara.
Step 2: Cleanser
The double cleanse is essential to any nightly routine, especially if you wore makeup that day. After removing makeup, use a water-based cleanser that will remove any sweat/dirt/grime.
I keep Milky Jelly Cleanser in my bathroom because it’s gentle and effective and my sensitive skin. Occasionally I’ll swap it out for Cleanser Concentrate when I want a more deep, pore-level clean.
Step 2: Toner
While I personally don’t use toner every single night, toners are great for oily skin types because it will gently refresh skin without stripping of its natural moisture. It will also help prepare your skin to absorb oils and serums more effectively.
The toner I keep on my vanity is this one from Indie Lee – it’s an alcohol-free toner that will keep skin hydrated and works great for all skin types.
Step 3: Serums:
This is a customizable step in your evening skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid, retinol and resurfacing serums are all options to use at night but it really depends on your skin concerns.
Right now, I have a couple of serums that I use including:
Maelove Stargaze Retinol (I use this a 2-3 times per week). I’ve dealt with side effects from other retinols I’ve tried like dry skin and breakouts whereas this one is gentle for those with sensitive skin (formulated with 0.25% retinol concentration) but potent enough to see results.
Farmacy Filling Good has become my go-to hydrating serum that gives my complexion life. It’s a skin-plumping and micro-filling serum with vegan collagen and hyaluronic acid. There are a lot of complaints online about the smell but it personally doesn’t bother me. I plan on repurchasing when I hit empty.
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow is the best, overnight resurfacing serum I’ve tried that that gently exfoliates skin and gives me a brighter, glowy complexion when I wake up in the morning.
Step 4: Eye Cream
I’ve read conflicting articles out there that eye cream doesn’t matter, that all you need is a good moisturizer and to just be mindful about rubbing your eyes. I disagree. I think eye cream is crucial and it’s important to give your delicate under eye area extra TLC.
I’ve been using Bubblewrap for almost two years now and haven’t had any issues with it. It’s lightweight, hydrating and pairs well under other skincare products and makeup.
Step 5: Face Oil
Using overnight oil will enable the skin to combat the overproduction of sebum. This is a must if you have especially dry or sensitive skin.
Lately I’ve been using the Love 31 Facial Oil, which is infused with 31 botanical extracts and vitamins. I only need to use 2-3 drops and I like that it absorbs quickly.
Step 6: Facial Massage and/or Gua Sha
I recently started using a Gua Sha stone at night and while I haven’t seen noticeable results yet, it does give my skin a naturally dewy complexion. The action of gently massaging your face with a Gua Sha will help improve circulation and relieves tension in the face. I try to do this at least 2-3 times per week. My rose quartz Gua Sha is from Mount Lai, which is an AAPI-owned business. I highly encourage you to check out their website to learn more.
Another option is giving yourself a facial massage at home. This YouTube video provides several techniques to help reduce puffiness, relieve tension and aim for glowing skin.
Step 7: Night Cream
This is the final step in a quick 10-minute nightly skincare routine and perhaps it’s the most important (other than the double cleanse). Using a thick night cream will help seal the effects of all the previous steps.
Despite the fact that my favorite night cream by Weleda has “light” in the product name, it’s actually a pretty thick cream.
Step 8: Lip Mask
Often neglected in the nighttime routine, make sure you always apply a hydrating lip treatment before bed. The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask has been a reliable overnight treatment. It stays on through the night and I never have to deal when dry, chapped lip when I wake up.
You can shop my nightly skincare routine below. To shop my go-to Glossier skincare products, click here.
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