Evening Skincare Routine

By popular request I have been asked to detail my evening skincare routine. This is a follow on from my recent Morning Skincare and Makeup Routine. Please note I have oily, dehydrated skin with fine lines and textural issues. I have a little rosacea (redness), but no melasma/hyperpigmentation or acne.

Freshly cleansed and makeup free

The products I have chosen suit my skin type but may not suit yours. It goes without saying but all products should extend down the neck and onto the décolletage.

Removing eye makeup

It's important to thoroughly but gently remove your eye makeup. That can be rather tricky if you use liquid liner and waterproof mascara. I find that Micellar water does the trick. I sprinkle a few drops on a cotton pad and rub gently back and forth for a few seconds to remove my eye makeup. It takes a few goes to remove it all but be gentle with your eyes.

Bioderma Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution – purchased from Priceline $39.99

Or:
Garnier Micellar All-in-One Cleansing Water – purchased from Priceline $12.99

Removing the remaining makeup – First cleanse

This step is focusing on removing makeup, that is any remaining eye makeup, the foundation, the blush etc. I apply the product to a dry face and rub until it starts to slip, take your time and massage the product in. Remove with a warm, damp face washer. Again as per my morning routine post, my suggestion would be to totally avoid anything foaming as the sulphates are harsh and stripping on the skin.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm – purchased from David Jones $55

Or:
The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter – purchased from The Body Shop $22.95
The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil – purchased from The Body Shop $22.95

Cleansing the skin – Second cleanse

This step is focusing on cleansing the skin and getting it super clean for the following skincare steps. I apply the product to a dry face and rub until it starts to slip, take your time and massage the product in. Remove with a warm, damp face washer.

First Aid Beauty Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser – purchased from Beauty Bay $29.70 (imported from the UK)

Or:
La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser – purchased from Priceline for $25.99

Exfoliation

This step is all about removing dead skin cells and exposing newer cells. There are a couple of ways to do this – abrasive agents (like scrubs) or chemical agents (acids). Because my skin is in the aging-phase I’m not a fan of scrubs because I find they are too harsh and stripping. Acids may sound scary but trust me they aren’t. There are various types of acids and exfoliating ingredients and they work on different things:

• Lactic Acid (AHA) – resurfacing, great for dehydrated and dry skin, great for exfoliation to reveal fresh, brighter skin
• Glycolic Acid (AHA) – stimulating for better collagen production, resurfacing, great for exfoliation to reveal fresh, brighter skin
• Malic Acid (AHA) – resurfacing, good for boosting collagen production
• Salicylic Acid (BHA) – best for spots/acne, surprisingly gentle, clearing blackheads, keeping spotty skin clear
• Poly Hydroxy Acid (PHA) – best for those in need of hydration and deep penetration of product afterwards
• Hyaluronic Acid – potent moisturisers
• Vitamin C – help to protect the skin again things like UV damage and pollution

I exfoliate daily (at night) and use a variety of different products in rotation. For me this is the step that makes the most difference to my skin. Here’s how I use them.

First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads – purchased from Beauty Bay $38.10 (imported from the UK) – pre-moistened pads containing lactic and glycolic acids, make sure you include your neck and décolletage, follow with serum and moisturiser (I use these on nights I’m not using the following products below, normally every second/other night)

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50V – purchased from Laguna Day Spa, Sydney $34 for 50ml, $82.50 for 150ml & $132 for 250ml – liquid niacinamide acid and malic acid applied to a cotton pad and applied to the face, tingles on contact, has a vinegar smell, follow with serum and moisturiser (I use this one or twice a week)

Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightening Toner – purchased from David Jones $48 – contains glycerine, glycolic, salicylic and tartaric acid, applied to a cotton pad and swipe across the face, follow with serum and moisturiser (I use this once a week)

Alpha-H Liquid Gold – purchased from Beauty Bay $47.15 (online) – contains glycolic acid, tingles on contact, followed with nothing, just leave it as it is i.e. don’t follow with a serum and moisturiser, it works on balancing the skin’s pH (I use this once a week). The next morning following this treatment my skin is smooth and my pores appear much smaller.

Eye cream

As per my previous post you don’t need to buy a separate eye cream if you don’t want to but I like to add this extra step so my eyes are well hydrated and plumped. If you don’t want to use an eye cream, just extend your serum and moisturiser onto the eye area.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm Eye Cream – purchased from David Jones $72

Or:
Indeed Labs Eysilix Instant Eye Rescue – purchased from Priceline $29.69

Retinol/Vitamin A

Retinol is the best product to fight the signs of aging and encourage skin to turnover. It also unclogs and minimises the appearance of pores, boosts collagen production, evens out discolouration and smooths and softens skin. It works at a deeper layer of the skin. Apply the product sparingly and start using it only once a week and then increase to twice or three times a week. It should be used next to the skin right after exfoliation. I only use it at night as it makes my skin more susceptible to sunburn. Always wear a sunscreen anyway.

Indeed Labs Retinol Reface – purchased from Priceline $34.99

Or:
La Roche Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Dermatological Treatment Intensive – purchased from Priceline $59.99

Serum

Serums are designed to address specific skin concerns or conditions and should be used morning and night. I focus on serums that target anti-aging and hydration but there are others that reduce redness, work on hyper-pigmentation or deeply moisturise. For evening I often choose something that is a little heavier than my daytime serum.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil – purchased from The Body Shop $34.95
Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Serum – purchase from Priceline $34.99
L’Oreal Revitalift Laserx3 Anti-Aging Power Serum – purchased from Target $49.99
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler [HA] Serum – purchased from Priceline $34.99

Moisturiser

Moisturiser is like the outer coat of your skincare routine and is designed to lock other products in.

Kate Somerville Nourish Daily Moisturiser Oil-Free – purchased from Mecca Maxima $86.00

Or:
Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator – purchased from David Jones $60

Masks

I don’t really use them that regularly but sometimes I might do a clay mask or a hydrating mask.  I do it more as a treat or if I have some spare time rather than it being something my skin desperately needs.

Origins Clear Improvement Mask – purchased from Mecca Maxima $37
Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque - purchased from Cosmetics Now $58.95
Avène Soothing Moisture Mask – purchased from Priceline $43.99The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-in Moisture Mask – purchased from The Body Shop $26.95

And that is it.  Time for bed!

Until next time xx