Monday, January 22, 2018

10-Step Skincare for the Lazy Mom: A Check-In

I had an email request to say more about my 10-step skincare process that I talked about in my New Year's resolutions post, and I was like OMG THANK YOU for giving me an idea for a post.

I LOVE this routine because the steps are specific, but the products are not-- you can use anything you want.  My problem usually is that I will buy an expensive product, not want to refill it, and then just stop using it.  I didn't use eye cream for like a decade and now look at me.

Step 1: Oil cleanser.  I use Ponds, a classic, only $6, and it gets a 4 on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database.  4 is my toxicity limit, but I have decided that anything 4 or under I will not even worry about for a second, which is why I am not searching for an affordable 3 or something like that.

Step 2: Foam cleaner:  I use Aveeno Ultra-Calming which is the only thing I have found to fix my red skin.  LOVE it.  And it's cheap.  And a 3!

Step 3:  Exfoliator:  Gotta go with the classic St. Ives apricot scrub that I have been using since I was a teenager.  Even though it might kill me.  I love the smell and how smooth it makes my face and my heels.  Wait-- maybe that's not awesome.

Step 4: Toner.  Neutrogena for me.  Only $6.  (But it's toxic).

Step 5:  Essence.  Right now, I am using Lancome because it came in my huge Christmas make up set.  When it runs out, I will go much cheaper.

Step 6:  Serum: (I think serum and essence are THE SAME FREAKING THING, especially since if I had to pick one thing to infuse my skin with it would be youth), so I use Aveeno for this one, to.  But I could mix up 5 and 6 with no change.

Step 7: Mask:  I bought a cheapie from Target that turns my face red but does clean out my pores.  Open for cheap recs on this category.  I would go as high as $30 because I NEVER use it and imagine I would not have to replace it very often.

Step 8:  Eye cream:  I am using Lancome Renergie right now, but when it runs out, I think  will go with L'Oreal.

Step 9: Moisturize.  For the day, I love Aveeno Ultra-Calming. At night, I use Aveeno Absolutely Radiant or Absolutely Ageless depending on Target sales.  I AM SO GLAMOROUS.

Step 10: Sunscreen:  In my moisturizer.  Boom!

Most mornings, I do steps 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.  Sometimes I start with 1 if last night's eye makeup is still lying around.

Nights I do 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9.

I try to exfoliate 3 times a week and I probably only mask a couple times a month.  It used to be weekly, but I sort of lost interest.

My routine has not changed much since I first wrote about this, but I love that I HAVE a skincare routine, that I almost always wash my face before I go to bed, and that none of my products break that bank.

I made a bunch of online announcements for my adjunct class, and the screen grabs are always the most awkward facial expressions ever, but check out my fairly not wrinkled skin!  All I need is some botox and some bangs, and I can totally pass for 38.


5 comments:

  1. Oh, I wish I had your dedication! Have you looked at Origins for masks? They have a nice selection of reasonably priced ones, and they are great quality. If you only do that step a few times a month, you will not have to replace often at all! You might try applying the mask with a brush . . . it's very spa-like, helps to ensure an even application, and a thinner application (which may cut down on redness).

    My suggestion for a post: I'd love to know how you find out about the books you read! You are so up on the latest books. Where are you getting your ideas for your next read? Also, have you ever considered the PopSugar Reading Challenge? This is my second year doing it.

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  2. https://www.ulta.com/clear-improvement-active-charcoal-mask-clear-pores?productId=xlsImpprod15071355&sku=2307166&CPMID=CSBING&CAWELAID=330000200000947174&catargetid=330000200000991960&CADEVICE=c

    This one!

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  3. After you posted about this I decided to give myself the 10 step facial as my 40th birthday gift 😂 I found a website that allowed me to input my skin type and made recommendations of actual Korean skin care products that have super great ingredients (also, they smell amazing!) and are super reasonably priced... Love it!

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  4. Anonymous10:45 PM

    I swear by the Acure Organics line!

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  5. You are freaking adorable and I have very expensive skin care products but I major FAIL at using them daily.

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