Skincare Series: Becky’s Routine

As Sarah mentioned yesterday, we’re spending the next couple of weeks talking about skin care routines and makeup lines. Reader Andrea wrote in mentioning that she’s fed up with her cleaning routing and makeup – and we’re here to help!

My skin has its good days and bad. Some days oily, some days dry, some days clear, some days broke out. I guess you could say I have classic combination skin! I do find that it behaves best when I put the time and effort into maintaining it – which, with a 2-year old, doesn’t always happen. But when it does? Here’s what I use:

Step 1: Wash

I use Olay Total Effects Anti-Blemish Daily Cleanser twice a day. With a coupon, I can usually get it for around $5 at Target. A tube lasts quite a long time, because you only need to use about a dime-sized dollop to get the job done.

Step 2: Moisturize

Once again, I stick with Olay. I got hooked on Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Moisturizer several years ago, and even when I try something else temporarily, I always come back to it. It’s light enough that I don’t feel greasy, yet strong enough that my skin is smooth and flake-free. It’s a mid-priced product, and I usually have a coupon, so it ends up being about $15.

Step 3: Treatments

I’m not one to use lots of serums and whatnot to “reverse the signs of aging” or whatever, but I do use an eye cream. My favorite is Clinique All About Eyes, $28.50 at department stores. It leaves my under-eye area smooth and I suppose wrinkle-free, and I find that when I use it on my eyelids the shadow generally stays on longer. Weird side effect, but I’ll take it!

When I have a breakout, I use Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment twice a day. It’s the BEST. Go get some right now. Unless you’re pregnant, in which case… I have no advice for you. This contains salicylic acid, which is on the “do-not-use-unless-you-want-your-kid-to-have-three-arms” list. (Same with the face wash, actually) When I was pregnant, I was seriously bumming. I couldn’t use ANY of my favorite skincare products because of it!

Now. Let’s talk about what I would use if money were no object!

Image from MaryKay.com - crush on products, solely mine

The Timewise Miracle Set from Mary Kay truly was a miracle for me. My skin was AMAZING when I used it. However… at $90 per set, it was a little out of my price range. The day and night serums lasted a good while – maybe around six months – but I found I was going through the cleanser ($18) every month or so. The price and lack of convenience (my consultant, though a dear friend, was always very busy and it was hard to meet up to replenish my stash) was a major downside for me.

Much more convenient, but equally as expensive, are Estee Lauder products. I received a free facial at the Estee Lauder counter once, and was sent home with sample size products of Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refresher ($46.50-$120), Advanced Night Repair ($47.50-$120) and Daywear Plus Moisturizer ($39.50). I quickly fell in love, because the products really did lead to some kick-ass skin, if I must say so myself. I do occasionally splurge and get one of the gift sets – usually a full-size Daywear and deluxe sample sizes of Idealist and Advanced Night Repair. They’re usually available around holiday time, so I’m going to start saving my pennies now!

Because I’ve already rambled on long enough, I won’t get into my makeup routine and products – but, you can take a look at what’s in my makeup bag for a peek at what I use on a daily basis.

The bottom line is this: You can spend as much or as little as you like on your skin, but finding the right combination of products will make you look and feel like a million bucks.