As a follow up to my Morning Skincare Diary here's a look at a week's worth of nighttime routines. They are a little more complicated than the day time ones with more cleansers, a variety of acid exfoliators and even a masking session.
Read on for a look at how I mixed up twenty two skin care products during a recent week.
Monday.
Read on for a look at how I mixed up twenty two skin care products during a recent week.
Monday.
Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Make Up Remover:
I have to remove eye make up separately I hate it when you remove it with a cleanser and it smears down your face. I also find that using a separate remover helps ensure that you get rid of every last trace because, let's face it, there are plenty of cleansers that are wonderfully effective on your face but aren't all that proficient at getting rid of waterproof mascara. This may well be my favourite eye make up remover ever. It's creamy rather than oily and a blob of this on a cotton pad swipes away everything with no tugging or pulling, stinging or irritation, and it never leaves a greasy filmy residue. Did I mention that a bottle of this lasts forever as well?
Lierac Cream Cleansing Milk:
I have to remove eye make up separately I hate it when you remove it with a cleanser and it smears down your face. I also find that using a separate remover helps ensure that you get rid of every last trace because, let's face it, there are plenty of cleansers that are wonderfully effective on your face but aren't all that proficient at getting rid of waterproof mascara. This may well be my favourite eye make up remover ever. It's creamy rather than oily and a blob of this on a cotton pad swipes away everything with no tugging or pulling, stinging or irritation, and it never leaves a greasy filmy residue. Did I mention that a bottle of this lasts forever as well?
Lierac Cream Cleansing Milk:
Double Cleanse.
I'm a huge fan of Lierac, a French pharmacy brand that seems to have been eclipsed by other French brands such as Vichy. This cleanser is actually more of a cream than a milk. Not only does it effectively remove make up, it's a lovely consistency for facial massage and leaves my skin feeling softened and calmed.
I'm a huge fan of Lierac, a French pharmacy brand that seems to have been eclipsed by other French brands such as Vichy. This cleanser is actually more of a cream than a milk. Not only does it effectively remove make up, it's a lovely consistency for facial massage and leaves my skin feeling softened and calmed.
Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask:
Mask night! I don't have a set night for masking so when I do have time to fit a sesh into an evening I usually go for it and make it a three mask event. This mask is perfection, it deep cleanses without leaving skin dried or shrivelled and it rinses off easily with no mess. My skin tone looks more even when I use this and it helps balance out my t-zone. It's hideously expensive for a mud/clay mask but after trying out numerous samples I bit the bullet and splurged on a full sized jar and it has been one of my favourite beauty purchases.
Mask night! I don't have a set night for masking so when I do have time to fit a sesh into an evening I usually go for it and make it a three mask event. This mask is perfection, it deep cleanses without leaving skin dried or shrivelled and it rinses off easily with no mess. My skin tone looks more even when I use this and it helps balance out my t-zone. It's hideously expensive for a mud/clay mask but after trying out numerous samples I bit the bullet and splurged on a full sized jar and it has been one of my favourite beauty purchases.
Chantecaille Flower and Fruit Acids Mask:
This is a super quick brightening mask. It has a little bit of a tingle on application but I find it is pretty gentle compared to a lot of similar products. My skin miraculously looks a little brighter after a only a few minutes of wearing this and it makes a nice change to have an exfoliating mask that smells of flowers rather than apricots or citrus fruits!
This is a super quick brightening mask. It has a little bit of a tingle on application but I find it is pretty gentle compared to a lot of similar products. My skin miraculously looks a little brighter after a only a few minutes of wearing this and it makes a nice change to have an exfoliating mask that smells of flowers rather than apricots or citrus fruits!
REN Evercalm Mask:
This thick white mask is simply wonderful to use after any type of treatment. It really does feel comforting and calming!
This thick white mask is simply wonderful to use after any type of treatment. It really does feel comforting and calming!
La Roche Posay Eau Thermal:
I'm still all about hydration in the evenings. As my night time products tend to be more active or I'm using some form of acid I like to keep my toner/spritz simple so nine times out of ten it's some sort of mineral water in a tin such as this that I reach for.
I'm still all about hydration in the evenings. As my night time products tend to be more active or I'm using some form of acid I like to keep my toner/spritz simple so nine times out of ten it's some sort of mineral water in a tin such as this that I reach for.
The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Serum:
This blend of face oils has the most uplifting (and delicious) fruity fragrance. I applied a few drops mid evening when my face felt that it needed a little hydration.
Darphin Stimuskin Plus Eye:
Similarly I dabbed on a little of this. I've currently been using this both day and night as my eye cream.
This blend of face oils has the most uplifting (and delicious) fruity fragrance. I applied a few drops mid evening when my face felt that it needed a little hydration.
Darphin Stimuskin Plus Eye:
Similarly I dabbed on a little of this. I've currently been using this both day and night as my eye cream.
Darphin Hydraskin Essential:
I put on a nice layer of this hydrating cream before bedtime to 'seal everything in' after my treatments.
I put on a nice layer of this hydrating cream before bedtime to 'seal everything in' after my treatments.
.....
Tuesday.
Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Make Up Remover.
Lierac Cream Cleansing Milk:
Double cleanse.
Double cleanse.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%Toning Solution.
This certainly packs a bit of power at 7%. I like to used some sort of acid exfoliator most evenings (twice a day feels too much for me) and this bumper budget priced bottle is my current favourite.
Evan Healey Lavender Hydrosol:
Normally I'll opt for some sort of plain water spritz but tonight I felt like mixing it up a bit so I reached for this instead of a trusty old mineral water in a tin. The spray on this bottle delivers a light mist and the smell is relaxing.
This certainly packs a bit of power at 7%. I like to used some sort of acid exfoliator most evenings (twice a day feels too much for me) and this bumper budget priced bottle is my current favourite.
Evan Healey Lavender Hydrosol:
Normally I'll opt for some sort of plain water spritz but tonight I felt like mixing it up a bit so I reached for this instead of a trusty old mineral water in a tin. The spray on this bottle delivers a light mist and the smell is relaxing.
Sunday Riley Good Genes:
I use this lactic acid treatment as my night time serum. I find that it suits my skin so well and it leaves my face looking clear and glowing. This is probably my most loved skincare product and the quality of my skin always takes a nosedive whenever I'm without it for any extended period of time.
I use this lactic acid treatment as my night time serum. I find that it suits my skin so well and it leaves my face looking clear and glowing. This is probably my most loved skincare product and the quality of my skin always takes a nosedive whenever I'm without it for any extended period of time.
Darphin Stimulskin Plus Eye:
Caudalie Overnight Recovery Oil:
I bought this a little while ago after having had a facial at a Caudalie store and I used it a few times before setting it aside as I wasn't all that impressed with it. A couple of weeks ago I decided to try it again and this time around I liked the feel of it and the fact that when I looked in the mirror the morning after I had used it my skin was radiant. Second time around I'm enjoying this greatly as either a nighttime final moisturising treatment or as a layer between serum and cream
I bought this a little while ago after having had a facial at a Caudalie store and I used it a few times before setting it aside as I wasn't all that impressed with it. A couple of weeks ago I decided to try it again and this time around I liked the feel of it and the fact that when I looked in the mirror the morning after I had used it my skin was radiant. Second time around I'm enjoying this greatly as either a nighttime final moisturising treatment or as a layer between serum and cream
.....
Wednesday
Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Make Up Remover.
Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel:
Double Cleanse.
I was feeling particularly hot and grimy today and a double cleanse with this left my skin feeling cleaned and cooled. It also has the benefits of a gentle fruit acid exfoliation so I skipped using a Glycolic product tonight.
Double Cleanse.
I was feeling particularly hot and grimy today and a double cleanse with this left my skin feeling cleaned and cooled. It also has the benefits of a gentle fruit acid exfoliation so I skipped using a Glycolic product tonight.
Evan Healey Lavender Hydrosol.
La Roche Posay Eau Thermal.
Kate Somerville Dermaquench Liquid Lift + Retinol:
I'm trying to incorporate a retinol product into my routine on a regular(ish) basis. This creamy mousse contains oxygen and my old friend Hyaluronic Acid in addition to retinol. It feels a little gimmicky with its fire extinguisher nozzle like applicator and the fizz of the oxygen but it feels gentle and is a fun product to use. I've been applying this to totally dry skin and then waiting a while before layering on my next product. I've not used this enough times to notice its effects but it does get exemplary reviews...
I'm trying to incorporate a retinol product into my routine on a regular(ish) basis. This creamy mousse contains oxygen and my old friend Hyaluronic Acid in addition to retinol. It feels a little gimmicky with its fire extinguisher nozzle like applicator and the fizz of the oxygen but it feels gentle and is a fun product to use. I've been applying this to totally dry skin and then waiting a while before layering on my next product. I've not used this enough times to notice its effects but it does get exemplary reviews...
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5:
A plain hydrating serum to give a boost of moisture after the retinol. I don't want to use a serum that is too active as I'm relying on the retinol to do all the work tonight!
A plain hydrating serum to give a boost of moisture after the retinol. I don't want to use a serum that is too active as I'm relying on the retinol to do all the work tonight!
Darphin Stimulskin Plus Eye:
Darphin Exquisage Cream:
I love Darphin as a rule and while there's nothing wrong with this range it doesn't appear to be doing anything for me other than adding moisture. It does however feel very indulgent: rich and creamy with a powdery fragrance that brings to mind an old fashioned beauty product. I appreciate that this doesn't feel too heavy to use during the day and that it also packs enough of a punch I can also use it at night as my sealing layer.
I love Darphin as a rule and while there's nothing wrong with this range it doesn't appear to be doing anything for me other than adding moisture. It does however feel very indulgent: rich and creamy with a powdery fragrance that brings to mind an old fashioned beauty product. I appreciate that this doesn't feel too heavy to use during the day and that it also packs enough of a punch I can also use it at night as my sealing layer.
.....
Thursday
Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Make Up Remover.
Andalou Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk:
Double cleanse.
This smells wonderful - very refreshing and uplifting, it's fragrance is a hit of pure apricot fruitiness that is clean rather than sickly. Texture wise it is a little more runny than I would ideally like but it does a good job of cleansing my skin, melting make up easily away and it is thick enough that you can do a little massage with it. I will certainly consider getting a full sized version of this next time I need to buy a cleanser as I like it a lot.
Biologique Recherche P50 1970.
I've only recently bought my first bottle of this, but it is something that I have been wanting to try for a long, long time. After much consideration and research I went for the original hardcore version, P50 1970 and it is strong - but not as strong as I had feared! Using this a couple of evenings a week backs up my heavier duty weekly peels and means that I have become less reliant on Good Genes for giving me an evenness and radiance that I do notice the next day. The rest of my routine whenever I use this is very simple, it's all about hydration as you can see from the remaining products in tonight's routine.
Double cleanse.
This smells wonderful - very refreshing and uplifting, it's fragrance is a hit of pure apricot fruitiness that is clean rather than sickly. Texture wise it is a little more runny than I would ideally like but it does a good job of cleansing my skin, melting make up easily away and it is thick enough that you can do a little massage with it. I will certainly consider getting a full sized version of this next time I need to buy a cleanser as I like it a lot.
Biologique Recherche P50 1970.
I've only recently bought my first bottle of this, but it is something that I have been wanting to try for a long, long time. After much consideration and research I went for the original hardcore version, P50 1970 and it is strong - but not as strong as I had feared! Using this a couple of evenings a week backs up my heavier duty weekly peels and means that I have become less reliant on Good Genes for giving me an evenness and radiance that I do notice the next day. The rest of my routine whenever I use this is very simple, it's all about hydration as you can see from the remaining products in tonight's routine.
La Roche Posay Eau Thermal.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5.
Darphin Stimulskin Plus Eye.
Darphin Hydroskin Essential.
.....
Friday
Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Make Up Remover.
Lierac Cream Cleansing Milk:
Double Cleanse.
Double Cleanse.
La Roche Posay Eau Thermal.
Dr Dennis GrossAlpha Beta MediSpa Peel Pads.
I have been the biggest fan of the original Alpha Beta pads for many years so of course I wanted to try out this version of them. It's a stronger formula that you use weekly (I used to use the other ones two or three times a week). I've been trying to use these each Friday - I find having a set day each week for special routines helps me to be more diligent about using them - so I hopefully look refreshed for the weekend. These are strong enough that they do make my skin purge occasionally but they don't feel uncomfortable to use or burn. The pads are thick and so saturated with product that I usually end up rubbing the remainder on elbows, heels etc. They are good but I'm not sure that I prefer them to DDG's regular Alpha Beta pads and I'm not certain at this point that I would repurchase these as they are quite expensive.
I have been the biggest fan of the original Alpha Beta pads for many years so of course I wanted to try out this version of them. It's a stronger formula that you use weekly (I used to use the other ones two or three times a week). I've been trying to use these each Friday - I find having a set day each week for special routines helps me to be more diligent about using them - so I hopefully look refreshed for the weekend. These are strong enough that they do make my skin purge occasionally but they don't feel uncomfortable to use or burn. The pads are thick and so saturated with product that I usually end up rubbing the remainder on elbows, heels etc. They are good but I'm not sure that I prefer them to DDG's regular Alpha Beta pads and I'm not certain at this point that I would repurchase these as they are quite expensive.
Dr Dennis Gross Firming Peptide Milk.
This comes in a kit with the peel pads but I'm happy to see that you can now purchase it by itself from the DDG website because it is phenomenal! It's very liquid and light weight, the name 'milk' is very apt for this product and along with peptides it contains collagen, arnica, retinol, resveratrol, fruit extracts, coconut water, glycerine - the list of skincare goodies really does goes on and on with this one! I find this is such a good moisturiser for my oily/combo skin, it has a noticeable firming effect and feels amazingly soothing after the peel. While I may not be rushing out to get the Medi Spa Pads, a full sized one of these is top of my shopping list.
This comes in a kit with the peel pads but I'm happy to see that you can now purchase it by itself from the DDG website because it is phenomenal! It's very liquid and light weight, the name 'milk' is very apt for this product and along with peptides it contains collagen, arnica, retinol, resveratrol, fruit extracts, coconut water, glycerine - the list of skincare goodies really does goes on and on with this one! I find this is such a good moisturiser for my oily/combo skin, it has a noticeable firming effect and feels amazingly soothing after the peel. While I may not be rushing out to get the Medi Spa Pads, a full sized one of these is top of my shopping list.
Darphin Stimulskin Plus Eye.
Caudalie Overnight Recovery Oil.
I applied this as bedtime skin sealing hydration boost and awoke with a clear, glowing and baby soft complexion.
I applied this as bedtime skin sealing hydration boost and awoke with a clear, glowing and baby soft complexion.
....
Saturday
Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Make Up Remover.
Lierac Cream Cleansing Milk.
Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser.
I tend to use this mostly as a morning cleanser but it also works wonderfully as an aromatic skin freshening pick me up at the end of a long day!
I tend to use this mostly as a morning cleanser but it also works wonderfully as an aromatic skin freshening pick me up at the end of a long day!
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5.
La Roche Posay Eau Thermal.
Sunday Riley Good Genes.
After last night's acid peel this is about as aggresive as I want to get with my skincare today. Tonight it's all about moisturising.
After last night's acid peel this is about as aggresive as I want to get with my skincare today. Tonight it's all about moisturising.
The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Serum.
Darphin Stimulskin Plus Eye.
Darphin Hydroskin Essential.
.....
Sunday
Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Make Up Remover.
Lierac Cream Cleansing Milk.
Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser.
Bioloque Recherche P50 1970.
La Roche Posay Eau Thermal.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%+ B5.
Darphin Stimulskin Plus Eye.
Darphin Exquisage Cream.
