Sorry I was so quiet on the blog earlier this week! We got back from South Carolina and I got hit with a sinus infection, ear infection, and bronchitis. Woof! But I’m on the mend and today I’m talking about my absolute favorite thing: skincare. I’d rather spend my petty cash on skincare over anything else! I truly have to force myself to have “dry months” at Sephora or Ulta, because there is nothing I love more than testing products for the blog.

I haven’t done a HUGE skincare roundup since last January, so I figured it was time to do an updated one. I didn’t even know what to title this post since I always do skincare posts so I guess I’ll just start cataloging them by season and year. 😉

Now 95% of these products you’ve heard me rave about for quite some time, a few are just updated versions, and the routine is a little different. I used to have a schedule for masks, and now I more so just listen to my skin and try to treat based on what I’m seeing my skin tells me it needs. A few things to keep in mind: my routine is a LOT and I would never suggest you go and have an 11-step routine as well. This is just what I love to use and my hope is that you can find a product or two that you think would help with any issues you are seeing in your skin. Secondly, please don’t also feel like you need to spend this much on your skincare routine! I have discount codes for some of the brands and I’ll share at the bottom of my post for you! I think your skin is a huge investment- invest now and avoid lasers, peels, etc. later! However, I would encourage you to get a skin cancer check from your Dermatologist before I’d ever encourage you to spend a fortune on skincare!

Now that I’m off my soapbox, let’s get to the fun stuff: the routine!

Morning

1. TULA Purifying Cleanser: This is absolute #1 skincare product forever and ever! I’ve used it faithfully for over 4 years. If you think face wash isn’t a game changer, try this, and you’ll see why I keep at least 7 stocked at all times. Heaven forbid they ever run out. I start my morning by always washing my face with this cleanser which starts as a nice gel that turns into a cream. I’m not into foam cleansers as I find it more drying for my skin, but this doesn’t strip and just balances my skin. TULA means “balance” so whether I’m dry or oily, it will balance my skin to a normal state.
2. TULA Pro-Glycolic pH Resurfacing Gel {Toner}: This is TULA’s toner per se, and it’s a pH resurfacing gel that works in conjunction with the cleanser to balance you! But if you use another cleanser, it will still balance your skin, no worries there. 🙂 This is heaven for any texture issues you may have! My makeup artist gives her brides this gel at their consultation and has them use it leading up to their wedding. She says it gives them better results than monthly hydrafacials.
3. Complete Eye Cream: Eye cream is an item that I have to be extremely careful with! My eyes flare up very easily with my eczema and so I like to try natural or gentle products there. I can usually get away with natural and organic lines and then Colleen Rothschilds never hurts my eyes either! This Complete Eye Cream is what I’m currently using. Before that I used a natural one from my Rachel Zoe Box of Style {just finished it on my SC trip!} and before that I used Beautycounter. I have repurchased this CR one about 2 or 3 times and always been happy with it.
4. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic {Vitamin C Serum}: I always recommend you use a Vitamin C serum in the morning so your skin is glowing all day. C E Ferulic is my favorite Vitamin C serum and it is worth every penny. Now the rumors are true, it DOES smell like hot dog water. It’s so funny. But I promise it fades once you press it into your skin. If you want to splurge on a skincare item, try this!
5. MOISTURIZER:
   1. Hyaluronic Facial Cream {Spring Moisturizer}: Right now I have been thoroughly enjoying my Hyaluronic Facial Cream for my morning moisturizer. I did a review here. It smooths and plumps your skin before makeup application, so I feel like I’m starting with a great canvas.
   2. TULA Oil-Free Gel Cream {Summer Moisturizer}: Since we are headed into summer, I thought I’d go ahead and share my summer moisturizer. I love to use the TULA Oil-Free Gel Cream. I reviewed it here. I love that it is oil-free and great for humidity/acne but doesn’t dry your skin. I don’t get flakes through my foundation or anything like that.
   3. Clarins Tan Drops: No matter what time of year or what moisturizer I’m using, I always add 2-3 Clarins Tan Drops every other day or every 4 days into my moisturizer. This doesn’t break me out or affect my eczema! So many self-tanners break my skin out and this is made for your face, so you just control the color with how many drops.
6. TULA Eye Balm: I can’t believe this sold out again! They sold through like 6 or 7 months of product the first go-round, so I’m not 100% sure when it will be back in stock, but I do want to be honest about my routine and not leave out a step. I will use this in the morning before sunscreen and before makeup. Here is my review! Under eye circles be gone!
7. SkinCeuticals Sunscreen: Lastly, here is the sunscreen I put on before my makeup. I could bathe in this stuff. It is lightly tinted and just evens out your complexion so you can skip a primer. On the weekends, I just throw this on with some mascara and lip balm then take Maxi to her Little Gym class. I feel like my skin is fresh and even with just sunscreen. Plus, it’s SkinCeuticals so you know it’s a great brand you can trust!

I’ll do my skincare routine, then do my hair/rollers so my face can absorb the products, and then do my makeup.

Evening

1. Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm: I always double cleanse in the evening! You want to do one cleanse to remove all your makeup and a second to deep clean. If I didn’t wear makeup that day or didn’t do much, I’ll just cleanse once. For my double cleanse, I like to start with Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm. This balm is what made me fall in love with her line about 3 years ago. It melts in your hands and onto your skin {some balms kind of ball up and feels like candle wax!}. A little goes a long way, so a jar could last you 6 months. It’s also my secret weapon if I sleep in my makeup on accident. If I use this balm in the morning to double cleanse and go makeup free the next day, I can avoid clogged pores. This balm is different than other cleansing balms because it is meant to maintain your skin’s flexibility which is the key to avoiding damage!
   1. Clinique Take The Day Off Wipes: I’m not one to swear by makeup wipes, but I think they are necessary for your skincare arsenal. I use these for travel or when I’m too tired/sick to wash my face. I like these because they have micellar water in them so they do actually clean your face, as opposed to an oily wipe just smearing your makeup around. I normally stock up on these when Ulta has a sale or I get a 20% off coupon.
2. TULA Purifying Cleanser: Just like my morning routine, I deep cleanse with my TULA Purifying Cleanser.
3. TULA Pro-Glycolic pH Resurfacing Gel {Toner}: Next up, I take a cotton ball and my pH Gel to act as my toner.
4. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence: If you use an essence or facial spritz, now is the time to do so in your routine. I use SK-II {and have for a year now!} after my toner in the evening. This essence helps your pores appear smaller, smooths texture and skin tone. I go through about 2 {sometimes 3} bottles a year, but they usually go on sale around Nordstrom Anniversary Sale/they have major Christmas gift deals. So I got one for Christmas that is HUGE and will last me until August- at least. I gave it to my friend Diana for Christmas too, so be sure to always watch the sales. I splash a little bit on my fingers and press into my face. When I first started using this and wanted to fix some tone issues I had from pregnancy, I did morning and night. But now that those issues have evened out, I just use it in my night routine. To see my full review and explain what it is, read more here.
5. Glopro: If any of my friends are pregnant and nursing and come to me complaining they can’t use any products to help with wrinkles, I send them to get a Glopro! You can read all about the at-home microneedling tool here, but let me give you the Cliff Notes. This product teaches your skin to rebuild collagen and continually heal! Meaning, you are training your skin to reverse aging WITHOUT any products. Even if you just wanted to use face wash and that was it, your skin will still be smooth by using this. Now I use a ceramide serum after because this product allows your serums to penetrate further and work better, but you don’t have to. I use this a few times a week for 60 seconds.
6. Complete Eye Cream: After my Glopro, I will apply eye cream. I use this about Complete Eye Cream 3 nights a week.
   1. Retinol Supreme Eye Serum: I mentioned before I have to be very careful with eye creams and this is one anti-aging eye cream that doesn’t bother me whatsoever! Colleen Rothschild makes her retinol products so gentle and still effective. I love her for it! This product is one of my favorite retinol items she sells and ALL my girlfriends ask me for extra bottles. You can read my full review here on retinol.
7. SERUMS: You want to use a serum after your Glopro to really reap the benefits! Now don’t use anything too harsh as you have just microneedled your skin. I use these three on rotation- always work up to what you are using.
   1. TULA Acne Gel: I use this about 2-3 times a week to help avoid hormonal blemishes. I started off using it nightly to really get the effects and now I’m in more of the maintenance phase. It is sold out {boo!} but if you are curious, you can read my review here. {number 7 on chart}
   2. Beautycounter Overnight Peel: If you’ve never tried a Beautycounter product, let this be it! When I first ordered it, I kind of assumed it would be a super-charged exfoliator. It’s not! Let’s call it a magic eraser for the face. It erases fine lines, texture issues, acne scars and gives you that, “I got a spray tan last night and rinsed it off” glow. I used this about 2-3 times a week and each time I wake up thrilled with the results. I truly have never used an overnight product and seen a greater result. {I’m linking to the consultant I buy from as I just want to be up-front and share where I get mine. However, I buy it myself/don’t work with her.} {number 8 on the chart}
   3. Colleen Rothschild Retinol Treatment Complex: I use this as my retinol about twice a week! It just depends on the above two serums/treatments. I really play around with it and if my skin is acting up more, I’ll use the retinol 3 times as opposed to 2, etc. You can read why I think retinol is great and why this is my favorite here. {number 9 on the chart}
8. MOISTURIZE:
   1. Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Soft Cream: This is my current facial moisturizer {and I have another on backup!} that turns into a serum texture. I love that because you all know I really like to layer my products on, so having a cream that isn’t too heavy is a dream. I reviewed it here if you are curious!
   2. TULA Day & Night Hydrating Cream: This is the night cream I have used the most consistently the past few years. I wake up with “baby” skin in the morning when I use it, hence why it’s always on my rotation.
9.  Colleen Rothschild Retinol Supreme Night Oil: This is one of my favorite night oils to use with my jade roller! It’s a sleeping elixir that gives you a stabilized retinol which encourages healthy skin renewal without making your skin peel. It has nine plant-based oils to prevent that irritation that normally goes hand-in-hand with retinol. I always recommend this to girls starting out with retinol or if you just had a baby and are ready to use the product again. It’s gentle but effective!

Treat

I used to have a schedule of treatments, but as mentioned above, I really like to just listen to my skin now! I probably do a mask 2- 3 times a week. Sometimes I’ll do it in the morning if I’m not wearing makeup for the day, sometimes I’ll do it in the evening after my Glopro. Some of these products below are used daily at different points of my routine, so here’s the whole slew!

1. Colleen Rothschild Clarifying Detox Mask: This is my “WHY AM I BREAKING OUT?!” mask. I use it as a spot treatment, I use it as an all-over mask. This is great for any hormonal times and I’m convinced it shortens a breakout by at least 2-3 days!
2. Rose Quartz Roller: I did an entire blog post on rollers here, but it is something I crave daily! I look forward to reading a book and using my jade/rose quarts roller as part of my evening routine. It helps with tension headaches so, so much- too! Always apply an oil before you roll {after you moisturize! oils don’t hydrate your skin, they deliver nutrients!} , you don’t want to cause too much friction on your face. When I mention oils like my retinol oil or my rose hip oil, that’s what I use before.
3. TULA Dual-Phase Skin Reviving Treatment Pad: You can’t forget exfoliating- which the lack of can contribute to blemishes and fine lines. This is my exfoliator I use once a week or once every two weeks. It’s a duo pad so you rub once side and then the next. You’ll see white flakes coming off and that’s from the pad getting off your dead skin! It’s the coolest treatment, which also gives you “post-hydrafacial skin.” This product was developed to be an at-home facial, which I love since this is so much more cost/time effective.
4. Colleen Rothschild Intense Hydrating Mask: This mask sells out like a Barbie Dream House on Black Friday, so when you see it in stock you buy 2. There was a point a few months ago where I was getting at least 17 DMs a day asking if this had restocked yet, it’s that good! I use this as an overnight mask if my skin is particularly dry/parched/peeling and I wake up and it’s like that never happened.
5. TULA Exfoliating Treatment Mask: This mask is another exfoliating tool I use. I also will put a tiny dot of this on a blemish under my foundation and concealer and it dries up a pimple during the day!
6. Colleen Rothschild Brightening Mask: This is a newer product to me, but doesn’t disappoint! I’ve actually been using this on Friday mornings and then my skin feels really bright and glowing for the weekend. The first time I used it on Friday I went makeup-free all Saturday, as well, and even after a shower in between I could still see a difference in my skin. If you wanted to try a few of her masks for less, try the kit here!
7. Sephora Pearl Face Mask: I did a blog post on sheet masks here, and while my TULA one was limited edition, this is one I have loved for quite some time from Sephora! I haven’t tried them all {this one, the pineapple, watermelon, pomegranate} but so far it is my favorite! I think I’ve gone through at least a dozen of these! They make great gifts with a little coffee mug, too. I always use my roller over my sheet masks.
8. Rose Hip Oil: If you’ve read my skincare routine posts throughout the years, you are no stranger to rose hip oil. Rose hip oil is probably my favorite face oil of all face oils and I think it shows a bigger difference than $280 face oils. Because yes, you know I’ve tried that for the blog! The Ordinary is a brand at Sephora that I actually was sent a package of while I was pregnant with Maxi so I couldn’t use most of their products. It’s really affordable and I’d always heard great things, so I tried their rose hip oil and adored it as I thought! But honestly, from Amazon to Sephora, I’ve never tried a facial rose hip oil and NOT liked it.
9. Acne Pimple Master Patch: This is great to have as an emergency for a deep, cystic blemish! Now your blemish must be lanced and then you can use this overnight. But I always recommend having these on hand- why do those cystic blemishes always happen right before a big event?!
10. LIP TREATMENTS:
    1. Dr. Brandt 3-D Lip PlumpFix: This is a product I use in the morning before I do my lipstick {reviewed it here} to get full lips! It dries more matte so it’s not going to be glossy and break down the pigmentation of your lipstick. The other end is a conditioner that can be used mid-day or in the evening.
    2. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: Such a good lip treatment at night if you have really chapped lips! It’s a thick mask and you wake up with buttery, soft lips. I truly haven’t ever heard a negative review of this product!
11. Dr. Brandt Needles No More Wrinkle Smoother: This is a treatment I’ll use in the morning before I put on makeup! It’s a wrinkle filler that you can apply before you do your makeup {before or after sunscreen, whatever you find works best for you!}. It acts as a primer to fill the wrinkle, but also as serious skincare to help soften it! I shared it in this post.

You may be wondering the best way to store your routine! I recommend a clear lazy susan! I also want to note, this is an older photo where I was testing some different products. So I’m not endorsing all the products in this photo. In fact, one featured had my eczema flared up! But this is my favorite way to store skincare. You can kind of see, I have the cleanser section with the wipes and Purifying Wash and my Cleansing Balm is on the other side. Then I use serums in another section and moisturizers in another, etc. I do also always get questions on our shelf liner and this is the brand. Exact print is sold out! 🙁

Discount Codes

Because skincare is something I splurge on, I like to share discount codes I have for readers!

TULA: code is “Katey” for 20% off at checkout

Colleen Rothschild: code is “COF20” for 20% off at checkout

These codes do not work on already discounted items. I was given these codes after I used these products for quite some time! 

Whew! I think that about covers it! If I missed anything, feel free to leave a comment below and I’m happy to share other blog posts if that explains something in more detail for you! As always, thank you so much for reading!