It happened one day. I saw a picture posted on Facebook that someone had taken of me at a party. I was clearly happy – laughing, relaxed, carefree. It was a great picture.

I looked….my age.

It was the first time that I noticed how old I looked. It is not a bad thing because I’ve lived a pretty awesome life so far and I look pretty darn good for my age if I do say so myself.

However, it was a good kick in the ol’ backside that I should probably start paying attention to a real, targeted skin care regime. The days of relying on Glossybox samples, gifts with purchase and the recommendations in whatever magazine I was reading.

So I did my research – literally digging down through the beauty marketing to the science and the user reviews. I went to different aestheticians. I bought a lot of products to test. And now I have a routine to which I am, mostly, faithful.

So here is what I do to feed my skin –

Daily Morning Routine:

I use a gentler cleanser in the morning – I just need something to wash off the sleep. Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser

Honestly, I am still not convinced about the usefulness of toner but it feels good and at $3.99 it is little luxury I can afford. Trader Joe’s Rose Water Facial Toner (whole face)

Strivectin Tightening Face Serum (whole face)

I know this is probably overkill but I am convinced it works wonders on my droopy eyelid skin. Olay Regenerist Regenerating Eye Lifting Serum (eyelids only)

Strivectin 360 Tightening Eye Serum (under eye)

Clinique Moisture Surge 72-hour Auto-replenishing Hydrator (whole face)

I am a bit obsessed with not having a visibly aging neck. Right now I am concerned with tightening and reducing crepiness. Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream+ (neck only)

Daily Night Time Routine:

At night I use a cleanser that has the ability to remove my make-up and the grime of the day.  Tatcha The Deep Cleanser

Trader Joe’s Rose Water Facial Toner (whole face)

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Eye Lifting Serum (eyelids only)

Dr. Brandt 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream (under eye)

Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream+ (neck only)

4 NIGHTS A WEEK – Strivectin Tightening Face Serum (whole face) / Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream (whole face)

3 NIGHTS A WEEK – Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum (whole face) [maybe my hands down fave product] / Clinique Moisture Surge 72-hour Auto-replenishing Hydrator (whole face)

Sunday Night Facial: 

Prep: Not the best analogy but when you re-paint a room, you scrape down the old layers of paint so the new paint goes on smoothly – professional derma planing does the trick or there are tools to do it yourself – motor powered or non-motor powered (I use the motor one but I’m giving you options)

Cleanse: Tatcha The Deep Cleanser

 Exfoliate: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate or Peter Thomas Roth Firm Peeling Gel (depending on the state/sensitivity of my skin)

Mask: Environ Skin EssentiA Hydrating Clay Mask

Pores: Clinique Blackhead Solutions Self-Heating Extractor

And the funny thing is, this is where the attention to detail ends – if I’m lucky I get out of the house with mascara on! Check out my Instagram to see for yourself!