Beauty 101: My Fall 2022 Nighttime Skincare Routine

As I've gotten older I've gotten more and more into my skincare routine. I always took good care of my skin but now it's even more important to me. I think what helps is that the beauty industry is also moving more toward skincare vs makeup and there is so much education around skincare. 

Skincare is so much fun and I take great pride in an elaborate, yet relaxing and fun routine. Also, skincare is something that stays pretty regular; yes, there are trends and moments where ingredients are buzzier than others but a skincare routine and the products you use tend to stay more consistent.

You can use the best, most expensive makeup in the world but if your skin is not healthy it won't make a difference.

Every few months (or weeks for that matter), I try a new product and disrupt my routine. However, I have been trying to keep the same (or similar) products in rotation for the past few months and I think it's working. My skin has never been clearer, smoother or more hydrated so what better time to share my latest and greatest skincare routine.

*My morning skincare routine is nonexistent, it's usually just sunscreen and moisturizer so I'm going to focus on my night routine.

Cleanser 

I've been using Cetaphil for the past few months after a disastrous eczema flare up on my eyes that lasted months. I finally listened to my dermatologist and decided to just stop experimenting with cleansers. Cetaphil is the best for my sensitive skin; it doesn't dry it out, gives me a nice deep cleanse and doesn't leave me with any bad reactions or residue. I haven't had a flare up since.

Essences

Ever since starting at Estée Lauder I've been really into using essences on my skin after cleansing. An essence is like a toner but not. It hydrates and protects the skin while promoting a healthier barrier and overall look and feel for your complexion. I love the way it makes my skin feel after cleansing; it's refreshing and luxurious. I love the Estée Lauder Micro Essence and the La Mer Treatment Lotion. 

The La Mer is definitely a little thicker in consistency while I feel the Micro Essence is a true essence (hence the names) but both leave my skin feeling more hydrated and looking healthier and brighter. 

Retinol

On nights where I'm using a Retinol (which is about 2-3x per week), I've been loving the Maelove Moonlight Super Serum. The yellow color of the serum is incredibly jarring but it gets the job done. My skin feels renewed while also looking smoother and healthier after using this consistently and it's probably one of the best products I've tried from Maelove. This particular Retinol is formulated with Vitamin A and is said to be 20x stronger than regular Retinol but does not irritate the skin which is all I want out of a skincare product.

AHA/BHA/Acids

On days where I'm not using retinol or not letting my skin rest a la skin cycling, I usually try to use some type of acid. I rotate between my Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Serum. I've been using this product for over a year and it's a heavy duty serum that purifies the skin, clears out pores, and smoothes wrinkles and fine lines. Whenever my skin is acting out, needs a little smoothing and healing, this is what I use. It gets the job done.

I've also started using the Elemis Resurfacing Facial Pads after hearing so many people online talk about them. I purchased them during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty and have been using them on and off since. These are formulated with lactic acid and a tri-enzyme technology that slogs away dead skin cells and gently exfoliates skin. I don't think this is as strong the Farmacy so I am more comfortable using this daily to keep my skin consistently looking good. 

Hydration/Hyaluronic Acid 

I will always follow up Retinol or an acid serum with a hydrating agent and on the days where I'm not using any acids on my skin, I will use a hydrating agent. I have been obsessed with the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum since starting my job and it is a cult favorite for a reason. It's hydrating, firming, brightening... it does everything and when I do not use it, I notice it. It gives me skin so much moisture plus so many other incredible benefits. It gives my skin an instant radiance and the results are noticeable. 

If I don't use the Advanced Night Repair serum, I will probably use a more straightforward hyaluronic acid such as the Summer Fridays Dream Oasis serum or the Maelove's The Hydrator, both which add an intense shot of moisture to my dry skin. 

Eye Cream

As I've mentioned, my skin is incredibly sensitive and the one area of the skin that responds the worst to change is my under-eyes. For this reason, I have stopped experimenting with eye creams and use the ones that I know work and don't cause an allergic reaction. The two eye creams that I love are the belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb that is ultra thick and provides the nicest hydrating layer to the delicate eye area. I use this when my skin needs a little extra TLC. 

My daily eye cream has been the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Supercharged Gel Creme. It protects against pollution and blue light (which I always love incorporating into my skincare) as well as hydrates and reduces the look of dark circles. I don't know if I've seen an improvement in my intense, hereditary dark circles but it definitely leaves my eye area smoother and more hydrated. 

Moisturizer

After all of that, I come to the final step... moisturizer. I tend to use thick moisturizers all year round (I cannot be bothered with a gel-creme during the warm weather months) and my current favorites are: Fresh Floral Recovery Mask, Glossier After Baume, Creme de la Mer and Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Youth Power Creme.

I've discussed Glossier before, but both La Mer and Estée are new. La Mer has the same consistency (though a little thicker) than Glossier but leaves my skin feeling incredibly protected and moisturized.

The Revitalizing Supreme moisturizer is the thinner of the four but still feels luxurious and nourishing on my skin. I use this when my skin doesn't feel like it needs a lot or I want to give it a break from the thicker moisturizers. It leaves my skin nourished without feeling like I have a lot of product on my face.

However, and I will do a separate post on this, the Fresh Floral Recovery Mask is unlike anything I've ever tried. While I use it as a night moisturizer, it's really an overnight mask that is said to help redness and uneven skin tone. I tried a sample of this and overnight, my skin was completely different. Dark spots had gone away, discoloration was more even and my skin looked brand new. It was like magic. I bought the full size during the Sephora sale and cannot wait to use it more.

Occasionally, I will follow up with a facial oil, use my gua sha and spritzing my Caudalie Beauty Elixir before getting into bed.

What is your nighttime skincare routine this fall?

xoxo

B