Yes, I said it. I just turned 40. I feel because I look like I’m in my late 20’s/early 30’s (everyone tells me), it makes it easier to say.
I have been getting a lot of questions about what is my skincare routine, skincare secrets or products I’ve been using so I thought this post would be helpful.
Everything I use is linked below on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app. All you have to do is click the link and it will take you directly to the product page on the brands website. If you follow me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app I link lots of other stuff too (makeup, skincare, clothes, my outfits and Olivias outfits). It’s free and super easy to use.
My skincare routine in my 20’s was non existent. I literally didn’t ever take off my makeup before bed, and I rarely used soap on it ….just water.
In my 30’s I started caring more. Buying and trying products, getting facials, Botox, and I tried to get better about taking my makeup off every night.
In February I turned 40 and I kinda felt like I needed to step my game up if I want to keep having nice skin and a youthful look. After trying lots of products out there I finally feel confident that I’ve found what works best for me and my skin.
My skin type:
I’ve never really been officially classified but I feel I’m combination. My t-zone can get a little oily and my cheeks can get dry. Combo skin is hard to find all around products that don’t dry you out or make you break out. In my 20’s and 30’s I suffered from mild rosacea which cleared up after I got pregnant. I felt like a lot of my skin problems were because I was dehydrated and not taking proper care of my skin.
First step to great skin:
Beautiful skin really starts from the inside. I’ve always drank wheatgrass shots but about a year ago I decided to start taking them daily. And I mean daily. I never miss a day (if I can). I used to drink 2 ounces, but a few months ago during cold and flu season I decided to up to the max 4 ounces. Read all about the benefits of wheatgrass here)
There’s so many health benefits to drinking wheatgrass. I’ve seen such an improvement in my skin, overall health, and immune system.
Next is Water. Lots and lots of water. (And lots of peeing too 😂)
I used to never drink hardly any water. I’d have my Starbucks in the morning, soda for lunch-dinner-snacks. A few months ago I decided to cut Starbucks and pretty much all soda. (I allow myself one for lunch sometimes). I mix Crystal Light in with it to make it easier to drink a lot. I also now mix in Collagen Peptides powder in with my water too. I carry around my reusable Starbucks tumbler and constantly refill it. This helps me drink about 60-90 ounces of water a day. I have really noticed an amazing improvement in my skin, hair and nails.
Collagen Peptides Powder $24.99 Target
The unflavored one has no flavor. I can’t taste it at all.
Morning Skin Routine:
I don’t usually wash my face in the morning with cleanser but I do splash with water or wipe with a wet wash cloth to remove some of the oils collected during the night.
Next, I tone. I’m loving and currently using PCA Skin Hydrating Toner with a cotton round.
PCA Skin Hydrating Toner $40 Amazon
PCA Skin Hydrating Toner $40 skinstore.com
Next, I tone again with SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion with a cotton round.
SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, $76 Sephora
Then I use SK-II Facial Treatment Essence by patting on my face using my hands.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, $99-$185 Sephora
SK-II is very pricey but honestly it’s 100% worth the cost. I bought a starter kit (below) for $99 that came with both and a sheet mask.
SK-II first experience set, $99 Sephora
SK-II Sheet Masks, pack of 10, $95 Sephora
Next, I use a hyaluronic acid serum from The Ordinary. I use this Am and Pm. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the air into your skin. It’s very hydrating. Hydration is the best for healthy & glowing natural skin.
The Ordinary HA + B5, $6.80 Ulta
You seriously can’t beat this price. Under $7! I can’t wait to try more products from this line, I’ve heard great things about them. It’s sold out at Sephora but Ulta has it.
Now I apply my moisturizer cream/gel. I’ve been really loving this one from Dr Jart+ but they do t make it anymore. I’ve bought a few off eBay to last me a bit but I also found a good alternative by Laneige that seems similar I’ll try when I run out. It’s lightweight but very hydrating.
Laneige Water Hydro Gel, $38 Sephora
This one has a lot of similar ingredients and texture to the Dr Jart one I love.
Lastly, I spray my whole face with my Caudalie Beauty Elixir Spray. I’ve been using this for years and love it. I use Am & Pm and can be sprayed over makeup as a skin refresher too.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir Spray, $18-$39 Sephora
I then apply my sunscreen and makeup for the day. Most days I just do a tinted moisturizer, blush and lipstick. Ever since I’ve had my eyebrows microbladed I don’t need to do anything with my brows. 🙌🏻
I had my eyebrows microbladed by Casey Loza – Sacred Brows (Newport Beach, California) She is the best I’ve seen and I wouldn’t trust anyone else ever.
Nighttime Skin Routine:
Daily I take my makeup off with a Neutrogena makeup remover wipe.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes, $4.99-$8.99 Target, CVS, Walgreens, Grocery Stores
Then I use a cleanser most nights. A few nights out of the week I’ll use a cleanser and a scrub.
Fresh Soy Cleanser, $38 Sephora
This one is gentle and non drying.
Kate Somerville Exfolikate, $24 Sephora
This scrub is great and you can leave on for 2 minutes for a deep clean.
Several nights out of the week I use a sheet mask. I love to put my sheet masks in the fridge so they are cold. Below is a few of my favorites.
Neutrogena Hydro Sheet Mask, $2.59
SK-II Sheet Masks, $95 package of 10
I use my PCA Skin Hydrating Toner, SK-II Facial Clear Lotion and SK-II Facial Treatment Essence same as my morning routine.
If I have a pimple, I’ll use a more drying mask on it that I’ll leave overnight. I like This one from Origins, $26
I use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid + B5 serum and then my moisturizer, Dr Jart+ Water Hydra gel (Dr Jart is no longer available so I’ve linked a similar one) same as my morning routine.
I spray my Caudalie Beauty Elixir Spray all over my face.
I also use a prescription Retin A cream but only in spurts because it makes my skin peel really bad. But after the peeling and drying goes away my skin always looks and feels younger, tighter and more fresh & glowing. Retin A is a prescription retinol. Many over the counter products contain retinol but you really see best results when using it in a stronger form. I started out with the lowest strength, .05. Then moved to .025 and now I’m on .1%. The other two never made me peel but the .1% made me peel and gave me the best results.
If using Retin A it’s very important to limit sun exposure and always wear sunscreen!
A sunscreen I love is this Neutrogena sheer sunscreen for the face and body. It’s sheer and lightweight, non greasy and has never made me break out. It comes in spf 30-100. I get the 100.
Neutrogena Sheer Sunscreen, $8.99 I use this on my face.
Neutrogena Sheer Sunscreen, $8.99 I use this on my body.
Life With Liv 