My nighttime skincare routine is one of my favorite parts of the day. As much as I love wearing makeup, I love taking it off even more! Following a consistent routine every night helps me unwind before I go to sleep, and I just find the whole process very relaxing.
However, I fully recognize that getting yourself to the bathroom to wash your face can sometimes feel like an impossible chore after a long day. I find that using products I’m excited about and that give me visible results helps me stay motivated to stick to a consistent routine. My number one skincare rule is that I have to take my makeup off before I go to sleep, so to avoid getting too tired or falling asleep before I can get it done, I always wash my face and apply my skincare before I sit down to relax or get in bed.
My evening skincare routine differs slightly from my morning skincare routine, which you can read about here. It’s good to use different products in your morning and evening routines because your skin isn’t exposed to the same things at night that it is during the day. For example, I use SPF in the mornings to prevent sun damage to my skin, but I can swap that out at night for ingredients that will treat and repair my skin while I sleep.
Here’s what I’m using in my current nighttime skincare routine:
// EVENING ROUTINE //
Step 1 / Cleanser
Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser
The first step in my p.m. skincare routine is taking off my makeup. Sleeping in your makeup causes breakouts, premature aging, and a dull complexion, so I never skip this step! I’ve been using this cleanser every night for years – it’s my all-time favorite makeup remover. Nothing else I’ve tried removes my makeup as effectively, and I love that it’s a makeup remover and cleanser in one. It’s even gentle enough to use around my eyes, so it removes stubborn mascara and waterproof eyeliner without leaving any trace of raccoon eyes. And the best part is that you can find it at the drugstore! One pump is typically enough to clean my entire face, but since it’s so inexpensive, I don’t feel guilty about using multiple pumps if I have a full face of heavy makeup to remove.
Step 2 / Toner
Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
Next, I apply toner. I love this toner because it’s gentle on my skin and smells just like roses (it also comes in other scents, including cucumber, lavender, lemon, and unscented). I like that it’s not too strong of a formula, since the serum that I follow it with is pretty intense. Plus, this does a good job of removing any makeup I might have missed while cleansing, especially along my hairline and on my neck.
Step 3 / Serum
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
This product is a bit of a splurge, but it’s SO good. I use half a pump after my toner, and I can just feel it getting to work lifting away all the dead skin cells on my face. This serum contains glycolic acid, which is a chemical exfoliant, so I feel a bit of a tingling sensation for a few seconds when I apply it. It also claims to help other products absorb better since it’s clearing the way for them to sink right into your skin, which is especially helpful during the dry winter months when you want your moisturizer to be its most effective. Since I’ve started using this, my skin looks so much brighter when I wake up in the morning.
Step 4 / Moisturizer
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex
After my serum comes my moisturizer. I love everything about this moisturizer: the scent (it smells like cucumbers!), the thick consistency, the way it immediately absorbs into my skin – it’s a 10/10. It makes my skin feel so soft and smooth and makes me feel like I’m at a spa every time I open the jar. I’ve been using it every night for over two years and I still love it as much as when I first tried it!
Step 5 / Eye Cream
Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream
Next I apply a hydrating eye cream. This one is super moisturizing and has helped the fine lines under my eyes appear less noticeable. I slather it on both my under eye area and my eyelids to give my entire eye area some extra hydration, and hopefully ward off any crow’s feet!
Step 6 / Oil
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
This oil is the last step in my skincare routine and helps my skin feel incredibly moisturized. After applying all my other skincare, I put 2-3 drops of oil onto my fingertips and tap it onto my face (you can also mix it in with your moisturizer and apply them together if you prefer). If I have any excess left on my hands, I apply it to my neck and chest. A little of this product goes a long way, so even though it’s a pricier item, it lasts a long time.
// FACE MASKS //
I love face masks, and I try to use one a few nights a week after I remove my makeup and before I apply my skincare. Here are the ones in my current rotation:
L’Oreal Pure Clay Mask Clear & Comfort
This is my go-to weeknight mask. It’s easy to apply, doesn’t get tight and itchy as it dries, and leaves my skin softer and brighter. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, which is always a plus.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, so I use this when I’m broken out to help clear up and calm my skin.
Herbivore Brighten Pineapple Enzyme + Gemstone Instant Glow Mask
I usually save this brightening mask for weekends or before special events – it makes my skin glow and leaves it feeling super smooth.
Indian Healing Clay Mask
I like to use this one when my pores are feeling extra clogged and my skin feels like it needs a detox. This helps bring any breakouts I have to a head, so if I have an event or special occasion coming up, I use this the week before to give my skin plenty of time to clear up. I also like to mix this with apple cider vinegar to maximize its benefits.
Sephora Collection Pearl Sheet Mask
This is my favorite sheet mask. I use it anytime my skin is looking dull and just needs a bit of a boost – it instantly brightens my complexion and improves the look of my skin. I actually love to use this one when I’m broken out; not necessarily because it helps clear up my skin, but because it distracts from any blemishes by giving my entire face a really nice glow.
SEE MY MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE!