Updated Skin Care Routine

It’s about time I gave an update on my skin care routine, because it’s changed quite significantly since my last skin care video (July, 2009). Watch the updated video here or below. Enjoy!

A.M. Cleanser: Philosophy “the microdelivery micro-massage exfoliating wash”
Super gentle, but effective, exfoliating wash. I like to use it once per day in the morning — leaves me feeling fresh for a great start to the day! Has helped improve the smoothness/softness of my facial skin as well as my skin tone overall.

P.M. Cleanser: Philosophy “purity made simple one-step facial cleanser”
Gentle cleanser that takes off everything…including any leftover makeup your remover might not have taken off. Gentle for the eyes too, so I am comfortable washing under my waterline with it.Love love LOVE both the Philosophy products!

Toner: The Body Shop “Seaweed Clarifying Toner”
Great product for combination skin. Gentle, not chemical-ly, and actually has a pretty pleasant smell. Leaves skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

Moisturizer (now mostly retired from my routine): The Body Shop “Vitamin E Moisture Cream”
I was using this moisturizer for a while, and quite enjoyed it! It was a bit more liquid-y in the container than I expected, and felt thinner than expected upon application as well, but did a decent job at moisturizing. Due to my combination skin, sometimes this moisturizer still left me with slightly dry spots (e.g. around my nose). Nevertheless, I still have gone through 2-3 containers of this already, and still occasionally use this on less dry days. Might be more appropriate for summer than winter, since it’s so dry out right now.

Moisturizer (new every day favourite!): The Body Shop “Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream”
Freakin LOVE this moisturizer. I never really consider myself to fall under the category of “Very Dry Skin”, but even though this moisturizer is super thick in the jar, and is pretty intense like the name says, it absorbs very quickly and isn’t sticky at all. Leaves no residue. Moisturizes my whole face perfectly — even the tricky dry spots!

Eye cream, blemish treatment, face masks, etc.: NONE
I like to keep things simple and low maintenance. I’ve found a routine that has proven to be very effective in improving and maintaining the health of my facial skin! It’s the same every day…and when I get blemishes (cuz you can bet your bottom I do once in a while), I just drink lots of water and hope for it to pass. Getting a pimple is perfectly natural, people!

Being smart with your dollars:

For the Philosophy products, I first tried a value set from Sephora during their F&F sale. After being so impressed by these two in particular, I waited for a Philosophy F&F sale and ordered the bulk 32 fl. oz. sizes from their website.

For The Body Shop products, I always try to take advantage of their “Buy 2 Get 1″ or “Buy 3 Get 2″ promotions to keep costs low. Sometimes, they’ll even have in store coupons for 20%-50% off your purchase or one item.