Today I’m sharing my real life winter skincare routine. Don’t hate me when I say this, but sometimes, I think I won the genetic lottery with my skin. It’s pretty dang good. Well, let me rephrase that. My skin WAS winning genetic lottery good up until now. Up until I turned…
40!!
Now, it’s still pretty good for an old gal like myself but I have noticed some things happened that are requiring me to take better care of said skin. Like, crows feet. Yup. They pretty much crept up overnight. And I’ve always had large pores on my schnoz but my goodness, can they get any bigger? Don’t answer that. Oh, and my sad hooded right eye. It just gets worse and worse each day, ha!
I really haven’t obsessed over my face/skin much in the mirror since I was a teenager so finally taking stock of this 40 year old skin is, let’s say, eye opening. Not enough for my hooded eye, but still eye opening.
I’ve only had 1 professional facial, ever, and I loved it but I go the DIY at-home facial route. I haven’t had botox or fillers (yet). I doubt I will anytime soon because 1} I’m too cheap to spend that much money and 2} I’m not at all against aging gracefully. With that said, do you boo and maybe when I’m 45 or 50 I’ll be singing a different tune but for now, no needles in my face. I will add a disclaimer that if someone gifted me lip fillers or a spot of the ‘Tox to lift my sad eye, I would accept that in a heart beat. And that is why I do not judge anyone else even though I haven’t had anything done to my face. To each his own, right?
So in lieu of medical procedures and pain, here is my current Winter skincare regimen and some products that I can’t live without these days.
Morning routine and products:
1} I gently wipe my face with hot water using a regular washcloth, no soap. I just don’t think my face needs washing after sleeping. Like how dirty can it get?
2} Then, I dab on my eye cream. For day, I’m using L’Oreal Miracle Blur Eye Smoother. I like the cooling metal applicator to help depuff my morning bags but you can always just keep your eye cream in the fridge for the same benefit.
3} Next up is a lightweight moisturizer w/ SPF. Currently, I’m loving Aveeno Positively Radiant Sheer Daily Moisturizer. It also has a lovely smell that is not overpowering. I use Aveeno products for my toddler with eczema. If it’s good enough for him, it’s certainly good enough for this mug and for my winter skincare routine.
That’s it folks. I only wear makeup if I’m doing something more than running errands or for photo shoots and special occasions.
Now for my nighttime routine:
1} I wash with warm water and Kiehl’s (I love Kiehl’s) Ultra Facial Cleanser.
2} It may seem like overkill but after cleansing, I use Simple Micellar Water. I just use it with a cotton ball and wipe all over my face and neck. It just has extra cleansing and moisturizing elements that make my skin feel really good after washing.
3} Next, I follow with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, which is my favorite workhorse moisturizer. The last time I bought it, my husband proceeded to use it all in a matter of 2 months. Normally, it will last quite a long time. But don’t worry, he bought me some more moisturizer. It was a generic brand from Dollar General because, you know, same. Anyway, I keep my newest jar hidden!
4} My eye cream is… you guessed it, also from Kiehl’s and it’s so good. It’s their Midnight Recovery Eye cream. I am so bad and until now, didn’t use it every night (probably why the crows feet snuck up on me). Now – ladies and gentlemen – we use it every night and by we, I just mean me.
Specialty products:
My #1 favorite product I use is Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I use it about twice a week and it is truly amazing. In the morning my skin is glowing and I don’t feel so drab. I wish I could use it every night but it is a special product, if you know what I mean – aka $$. I’m still using a sample I received but will 100% buy it when it runs out. I only use about 4 drops on my face and one on my neck so hopefully the sample will last a while yet. I also want to start using a jade roller to apply this. This one is on my wish list.
Another very special treatment I use is RéVive Glycolic Renewal Peel Duo. I only use this once a month and I warn you it is pricey. I was lucky enough to receive the 5 sample treatment pack (which also ain’t cheap) as a gift and I have 3 left. Buying the full size duo costs way less than getting multiple chemical peels as there are 30 treatments and one chemical peel can cost upwards of $200 a pop.
I keep cleansing wipes on hand for wiping off makeup before I actually begin my normal cleansing routine. My favorite brand is Simple but I have used Neutrogena as well and like them.
I also love a sheet mask as in I’m borderline obsessed with them. I’ll use a different one each week so I don’t really have a favorite. I just love the whole process of using sheet masks. You look so incredibly funny with it on and have to be all still so it doesn’t slide off your face. But your skin always feels so good and refreshed after using one.
To sum this up, I’m really just trying to care for my skin in a way I haven’t previously done. I’m not scared of aging and I don’t mind looking my age (I guess) but I don’t want to look bad!
I hope you guys try some of these and let me know how you like them. Of course, I’d love to hear what your favorite skincare products are and why you love them. Do you have a special winter skincare routine, especially if you’re in my age range? Please tell me in the comments.