Hey everyone! Not so long ago (about a year) I was into makeup but so not into skincare. I mean, I would moisturize in the morning but that was it. The thought of wasting time (because that’s how I saw it) on washing my skin and using creams was just so annoying. But now I’ll be heading home from work and the first thing on my mind is washing off my makeup and getting to my night-time prep. It is so refreshing and nice, feels like my skin is breathing again, aaaaandd to be 100% honest, my skin is so much softer?
I want to share my personal night-time skin care routine with you. Obviously everyone’s skincare needs are different, so take what I say with the tiniest grain of salt and be sure to adjust to what you need for your skin. Also, in my books, “night-time” just means when I’m done wearing makeup, so this can be at five in the afternoon or midnight. I’ve done this in the morning on days I know I’m not going out. I don’t see any harm and really no difference? Now let’s get into it!
- Remove makeup. Currently I use makeup removal wipes because this, for me, is fastest. (My environmental side is annoyed at this choice, because it’s wasteful, so if you have a favourite liquid cleanser that is cruelty-free, please recommend). I like any removal wipe with “exfoliating beads” because they really dig into the makeup and get everything off fast.
- Wash face with water. This ensures that all my makeup is off and the cleanser soap is cleaned from my face. Afterwards I pat my face dry (just pat, not wipe) with a face cloth.
- Apply night cream. Right now I’m using the Marcelle Multi-Defense Cream. This cream is labelled a day cream, but it was cheaper than their night cream … so I bought it? From what I’ve read, the worst that can happen from doing this is you won’t get the full range of anti-aging benefits. As is, I really like this cream. It has made my skin softer, reduced redness, and helped with pimples. (The cream contains hyaluronic acid). I don’t have a lot of pimples, to be clear, so I can’t speak to whether the cream is a miracle maker, but I’ve seen a drastic reduction since I started using Marcelle. (And it’s cruelty-free).
- Apply eye cream. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was sold on the idea of eye cream. I asked a lot of questions: how is it different from normal cream? Why is it so expensive for such a tiny pot (haha)? Will I notice a difference? Finally I decided to jump on the bandwagon and test it out with BareMinerals Vital Power Eye Gel Cream. Do I notice a major difference? No. My eyes have always had dark circles and if dark circles are hereditary, then eye cream will not help. But the circles are not as bad, so I am no longer as addicted to concealer. After wearing eye makeup all day, the eye cream is also very refreshing. So I don’t know if it’s a must buy, I don’t know if I will repurchase, but the one bottle I bought in January looks like I never used it — even though I use it every night. Because that is how little you need. So the price kind of balances out.
- Apply lip balm (exfoliate if needed). I use whichever lipbalm I have handy, so I have none to recommend. For exfoliatant, you can DIY (I often do with brown sugar and olive oil) or purchase one. I like the E.L.F. cosmetics Lip Exfoliator because it comes in a little lipstick tube and tastes so good I almost want to eat it.
- Spray Face with Face Mist. I always close off with a face mist because, well, it’s just really refreshing? Also hydrating but also really refreshing. I’m addicted to the E.L.F. Hydrating Coconut Mist for its smell and how good it makes my skin feel (and nevermind how good the price is) but their Soothing Aloe is equally great.
That’s it for my night-time skincare routine! I know some beauty gurus have about twenty steps for their night-time care, but I like to focus on the essentials and keep it quick. If I have too many, I’ll just abandon hope and go to bed.
Even if you don’t want to go out and buy eye creams and face mists, make sure to wash your face every night (make up or no, polluted air is no good on the skin!) and apply some moisturizer. Good skin isn’t just about beauty, it’s about being healthy!
As usual, everything in my makeup list is cruelty-free!
Book Princess Reviews 
My skin is oily, so I’ve always needed to wash my face before going to bed. I don’t usually wear makeup, as I’m a stay-at-home mom. I have started washing my face in the morning and in the evening, as my skin was still breaking out. I’ve moved away from commercial products and have been using black soap, which is a completely natural soap that has many benefits, clearing acne being just one. It’s amazing! I then use a half apple cider vinegar and half water solution as a toner. I apply a cruelty-free moisturizer during the day (E.L.F. is very affordable and is cruelty-free) and a night cream at night (E.L.F.). I apply Burt’s Bees lip balm at night as well and sometimes eye cream when I remember. This has all helped improve my skin tremendously. I sometimes have to use a 20% salicylic acid solution on my face in the evenings after washing it (when breakouts get back) and/or a sulfur mask. These are also cruelty-free brands. I use Vanity Planet’s scrub/exfoliating rotating brush when I wash. This is great for getting all the dirt and oil out. Someone once told me it’s important to wash for at least a minute, too. Lots of info, I know, but maybe someone with oily skin will benefit from reading this!
http://www.cynthiahilston.com
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Hey Cyndi! Thanks so much for sharing these tips, I already know I have to pass on the black soap idea to my sister (she struggles way more with acne and loves more natural options). E.F.F. is honestly the best, being cruelty-free and *so* affordable.
I never considered the length of time for face washing, but I’ll definitely try going for a solid minute.
This is a great collection of info! I appreciate you sharing! 😀
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