Beauty/Skincare Skincare

Current Skincare Routine: Moisturization 

April 13, 2018

Hello loves! Let’s talk about skincare today! I am sharing with you my daily day and night time skincare routines—which are kinda the same haha. I’ve been on this regimen since the beginning of this year so I’ve had some time to get used to it and see the effects on my skin. I have combination dry skin, which means I have both oily & dry skin, but leaning towards dry. Thus my this routine is mostly centered around hydration and heavier moisturization.

Step 1: Makeup Remover

Removing my makeup is obviously part of my night time routine and is the first step. I’m sure all of you already know how important it is to take off your makeup at the end of the day to ensure better looking skin. I like to use some cotton pads with micellar water to help break all the products down. It’s super quick and easy too! For days I wear waterproof mascara, I will use the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water for waterproof makeup. This stuff is so amazing at taking off eye makeup while being gentle (I’m already on my second bottle). On days I’m not wearing waterproof mascara, I use Simple Cleansing Micellar Water, which is also very gentle and good for all skin types.

Step 2: Cleanser

In the morning, I use a gentle cleanser: Simple Kind to Skin Foaming Cleanser, to get any leftover impurities from the night before. I double cleanse at night because I like to make sure I get all the gunk out from  my skin. First, I use Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, which is also gentle and great for all skin types. I follow up with a stronger cleanser from Murad, the Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. This cleanser is amazing because it has mini-particles that aren’t too harsh on your skin to help polish away dull skin, which makes it perfect for every-day use. I use my Clarisonic for this step. If you don’t own a Clarisonic, I highly recommend getting one. I have seen my skin drastically improve after having mine. The wide range of brushes can suit the needs of every skin type.

Step 3: Exfoliate

I exfoliate every other day or every two days, depending on how my skin feels. Over-exfoliating can actually be bad for your skin! Exfoliation can be great for turning over cells, polishing away dead cells and revitalizing your skin. I like to use different types, all from St. Ives. My favorite has to be the St. Ives blemish Control Face Scrub, which helps with my acne. The other two I’ve been rotating in and out has been St. Ives Even & Bright Face Scrub and St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub. These scrubs just prove that skincare doesn’t have to expensive to be effective. You just need to find products that work for your skin!

Step 4: Toner

This toner is from a Korean skincare brand, Moistfull Collagen, that’s a cult favorite and is very inexpensive. It’s aimed to provide more hydration through small particles of super collagen water and Baobab water. In the beginning I couldn’t see much difference, but after using it consistently for a couple months, it does make your skin very hydrated. Even better, Etude House is having an event where you can get this line on sale!

Step 5: Essence

The next step is essence, which is like toner, but has more nutrients for your skin. While toners usually level out your PH levels, essences are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and organic acids to further boost your skin. Again, this is from Moistfull Collagen and on sale!

Step 6: Emulsion

Emulsions are lighter formulated moisturizers and great for your skin  because of the added moisture. Because this particular one (from Moistfull Collagen) is lighter, I put it on before my serum to let it all soak in and lock in everything I’ve put on before. Because I focus a lot on creating hydrated looking skin, this step is very important to me.

Step 7: Eye Cream

The last item from Moistfull Collagen is this eye cream that is aimed at increasing hydration in the eye area. I apply this with my ring fingers under my eyes. Most people think it’s not important to keep your eye area hydrated and focus on eye creams for wrinkles/dark circles instead. While those are important, hydrating eye creams can help rejuvenate your eye area!

 

Step 8: Serum

I apply serum almost last because of the consistency of the particular ones I have. In the morning, after I do steps 1-7, I use a hydro-boost serum from Elishacoy called Moist Up Super Hyalurone Ampoule Serum. It provides amazing hydration throughout the day! During the night time, I use a brightening treatment from Propolis to create a brighter complexion and to help lighten up my acne scars. It’s actually an essence but I use it as a serum because of how thick it is.

Elishacoy: Moist Up Super Hyalurone Ampoule Serum

Propolis Brightening Essence

Step 9: Moisturizer

I switch between moisturizers based on how my skin is feeling. I’ve used this Ponds moisturizer ever since I was in middle school, when I had drier skin. It’s very thick and might not be for everyone, but for me, it provides amazing hydration. I buy a huge jar of this because it’s VERY inexpensive and I am always using it. On days when I need less hydration, I use my Chanel moisturizers, which smells AMAZING. If you’ve gotten Chanel’s skincare/beauty products, you would know what I am talking about. This also provides a lot of moisture without the thickness that the Ponds one contains.

Step 10: Face Oil/Face Mist

I finish off with a face mist in the morning and a face oil at night. The face mist I use is another cult favorite, the Mario Badescu Rose Water spray. It’s so refreshing and also adds another layer of moisture, which I am always down for. The oil I use at night is Josie Maran’s Argan Oil, which is amazing. I use this every other night because of how nourishing it is. At this point, my skin is glowing!

Step 11: Sunscreen

Lastly, during the daytime, I use sunscreen after all of that every single day. It’s so important to remember to wear sunscreen (even when the sun isn’t out) because UV damage can happen to anyone! It also helps with acne scarring and dark spots, which is something I struggle with. I use one from Neutrogena’s, which has 100+ SPF — I picked it up from Nordstrom Rack fro $8 and it has lasted so long. When I was there last week, I saw that they still carried it so make sure to pick up a bottle.

~~~~~~~~~~

WOW, I am finally done! I never realized how extensive my skincare routine is because well, it’s my routine and I am so used to it. It seems like a lot, but I promise that it is worth every step after your skin is glowing and plump! While I try to stay on my routine, I always make sure to listen to my skin and what it needs. Sometimes, overloading it with products can actually have the opposite effect, so get to know your skin. It took me a long time to figure out which products complemented each other, which is crucial to seeing desired outcomes. I still struggle with a lot of skin issues so I’m very open to trying new products. Let me know your favorite skincare products!

A million and one thanks for reading — until my next lil’ thought then!

xx Jen

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69 Comments

  • Reply Maivue April 13, 2018 at 6:00 pm

    I love reading about other’s skin care routine and seeing if I can add in an extra step into mine.

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 16, 2018 at 12:44 pm

      girl I am the same way! I hope this gave you some good recs!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Prachi Maulingker Naik April 14, 2018 at 7:34 am

    Off lately I have also started following all these steps but the products I use are from a korean brand called Innisfree and I can swear by them ❤
    Works well with my skin 😁

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 16, 2018 at 12:45 pm

      omg I have heard so much about innisfree and want to try when I run out of my current products!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Chloe April 15, 2018 at 8:54 am

    Skincare is so important! Thanks for sharing your routine, I always love seeing what products other people are using! The St Ives scrub is one of my ride or die products, and I love the Mario Badescu face mist!

    Chloe x
    http://www.softoctobernight.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 16, 2018 at 12:45 pm

      Yesss I totally agree! those two products are my holy grail! Thanks for reading!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Jessica April 15, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    This looks like a wonderful skincare routine!

    http://www.jessicabroyles.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 16, 2018 at 12:46 pm

      thank you Jessica! It took so long to solidfy it!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Andreea Bîrsan April 15, 2018 at 12:37 pm

    Great skin care routine! Got me curious about that Korean brand, wish we had it in here too! Have a nice day! xx

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 16, 2018 at 12:47 pm

      Thank you so much! And I highly recommend you trying it out–korean skincare is my go-to!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Celeste Knight April 15, 2018 at 7:47 pm

    Really liked this post! I have recently started getting more serious about my skin care regimen. I love the st.ives scrubs they are so good!

    xox
    Celeste

    http://www.doseofdetails.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 16, 2018 at 12:47 pm

      Thanks so much! And yes! I love that product so much–this is actually my 3rd or 4th bottle!
      xx Jen

  • Reply bonjourchiara April 16, 2018 at 4:34 am

    I also use the garner miscellaneous water but the oil version! so good for a drug store product! xx
    http://www.bonjourchiara.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 16, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      Yesss I totally agree-it’s amazing and so affordable!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Jessica April 16, 2018 at 10:20 am

    This is quite a good routine you have here dear, thanks for the tips!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 16, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      haha it is quite extensive!thanks for reading!
      xx Jen

  • Reply lesley-kim April 17, 2018 at 12:15 am

    I love my clarisonic too!

    Lesley-Kim
    Instagram

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 17, 2018 at 7:07 pm

      It’s the best!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Demilade April 17, 2018 at 10:11 am

    I used to be such a huge fan of the St Ives scrubs but I haven’t used one in ages! I love how you explained what each product does, I found that really helpful as this is my first time reading about ’emulsions’. Great post! 🙂

    Coco Bella Blog

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 17, 2018 at 7:08 pm

      Haha can you tell I love st. ives products — and so glad to hear this post was helpful! I had a hard time figuring out my skincare routine so I tried to be as detailed as possible. Thanks for reading!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Sheleen Johnson April 17, 2018 at 8:29 pm

    I really need to spend more time on my skin care! I just find It such a task. I have never tried some of these brand they aren’t always available in the UK. I have used the Neutrogena range though its awesome.

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 12:42 am

      Skincare is so important in making sure we don’t age! I totally recommend looking at some Korean skincare lines because they are amazing at targeting every issue! Thanks for reading!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Amber April 17, 2018 at 8:58 pm

    I need to start having a better skincare routine! I really don’t have one, and I should! I’ll have to pick some of these up for sure.

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 12:42 am

      Yesss, I totally suggest these products and to spend more time looking after your skin–promise you won’t ever regret it! Thanks so much for reading!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Brittany April 17, 2018 at 11:25 pm

    I love St. Ives for an exfoliator!!! Smells amazing and feels so good on my face. These are some great products! Thanks for sharing all of them. I’ll have to try some!

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 12:43 am

      Same!! They’re such amazing products at even better price points! Thanks for reading!
      xx jen

  • Reply alieneating April 18, 2018 at 2:50 am

    I have combination-dry skin as well so this was super helpful to me. I’ve always wanted to try the Simple line but I haven’t gotten the chance yet. How do you find the Etude House Moistful Collagen line? I used to use the same eye cream that you’ve shown about. It was super moisturizing but I didn’t think it did anything besides that for my skin. I used i for almost six months and didn’t really see any difference. I ended up using it as a heavy night-time moisturizer haha.

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      I definitely recommend the Simple line because it is so gentle on the skin! I had the same issue with the eye cream from the line — the entire line moisturizes my skin, which is what I needed, but other than that, I use other things to fix other issues I have. The brightening serum I mentioned is great at lightening up dark spots and for acne, I use acne pads! Let me know if you want to know more products and we can further this conversation!
      xx jen

      • Reply alieneating April 18, 2018 at 7:00 pm

        I would definitely love to know some more products. My acne is so frustrating! I try so many things but nothing seems to work. I have cystic acne so as soon as I think I have my skin under control, another painful demon comes back

        • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 19, 2018 at 6:46 pm

          same girl–I have the same issues and have been trying to combat it –if you let me know your email address, i can send you some suggestions!
          xx Jen

          • alieneating April 19, 2018 at 7:50 pm

            My email is p.mohile9@gmail.com

            I just recently went for a chemical peel and laser treatment and it was helpful for a while. But it’s so EXPENSIVE. I can’t keep going for that all the time to save my skin. Definitely need some alternative. I’m using a lot of CosRx products right now, and Klairs serums.

          • lilthoughtswithjen April 23, 2018 at 10:56 am

            I am going to send you an email with my favorite acne treatment products!! I have never tried those methods before but it seems so expensive!
            xx Jen

          • alieneating April 24, 2018 at 12:34 pm

            Ahh thank you so much! Lol it was but I got it on a month’s special.

  • Reply Katya April 18, 2018 at 5:08 am

    This seems to be just a simple process we normally do daily. Well, it is nice to be reminded time after time. Looks like great products to try by the way.

    StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 5:22 pm

      Yesss it only takes a few minutes every day to look after our skin! Thanks so much for reading!
      xx Jen

  • Reply ninalehan21 April 18, 2018 at 6:37 am

    i never really paid attention to my skin. however these products are essential for healthy skin. thank you sharing this great and simple skincare routine

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      i definitely recommend you spending some time to get to know your skin better! It’s so crucial to keep our skin feeling happy — thanks for stopping by!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Louise April 18, 2018 at 9:02 am

    Wow, this is a full skincare routine – I’m not sure I would have time to do this every day. However, I think I do around 5 or 6 of the steps you have so not doing too badly 😉 I like the way you detail every step too, it’s a great introduction as to how we should be doing it!

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 5:26 pm

      Haha my skincare routine is pretty intensive but it is also time for me to unwind at the end of the day so I never mind it. Cutting out some steps will definitely be easier! Thanks so much for reading!
      xx Jen

  • Reply R. Roy April 18, 2018 at 11:55 am

    Of late, my wife has been having problems with her skin getting rough. Your tips seem to be different than those of many others. Something inside me tells they will work for her. Thanks.

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 5:26 pm

      thanks so much for reading–I hope these products will help her!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Fely April 18, 2018 at 1:00 pm

    You have a great routine here. I rarely put on sunscreen, I just forget. But I do use a primer with sunscreen

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 5:31 pm

      Thank yo so much for reading! I use to never wear sunscreen but it helps s much with acne scars lightening up! If there is sunscreen in your primer, I think you’re good!
      xx Jen

  • Reply annemerrill April 18, 2018 at 1:01 pm

    I applaud your dedication to skincare SO MUCH!!! I literally try so hard to keep up with a good routine but with a crazy college schedule it’s been so hard to lockdown a routine and stick with it! I always, always use Micellar water and love the Garnier one, too! Major skincare inspo for me rn!

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 5:32 pm

      Aw thanks girl!! I am in college too and find time for it hard but I always carve out time because it is also my time to unwind and relax. It doesn’t take me more than 10-15 minutes so I try to focus on bettering my skin! Thank you for reading!
      xx jen

  • Reply Food Opium April 18, 2018 at 1:08 pm

    I would share with wife and daugther, they would love it….they are such great products and routine..thanks for sharing.

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 5:33 pm

      thanks so much!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Sarah Bailey April 18, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    I absolutely LOVE reading other peoples skincare routine as mine needs some upping so it’s great to get ideas. I do love St Ives and of course Murad!

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 18, 2018 at 5:33 pm

      Haha i am the same way–I get so intrigued when i see what others are using and yess love those products!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Samuel frodo April 18, 2018 at 6:44 pm

    When it comes to beauty products, its all about choosing what works for you.. Most times what works for someone may not work for another.. But nothing beats an honest review…

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 19, 2018 at 6:45 pm

      I totally agree!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Liv ToFulfill April 19, 2018 at 7:55 am

    Thank you sharing less expensive alternative products Wearing sunscreen is so important and most people forget about it! It’s key to protecting your skin against the sun and thus preventing wrinkles.

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 19, 2018 at 6:47 pm

      Yesss I love my inexpensive but effect products! Thanks so much for reading!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Jessica Taylor April 19, 2018 at 9:45 am

    I currently use St Ives Apricot scrub, but I have been needing a new daily cleanser. Thanks for the suggestion!

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 19, 2018 at 6:48 pm

      I love St. Ives!! And hope it was helpful — thanks so much for reading!!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Angela Milnes April 19, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    I really love the results on your skin! These are some very useful products!

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 19, 2018 at 6:50 pm

      Thanks Angela!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Aashima April 19, 2018 at 9:22 pm

    Those are some great products. I particularly love st ives scrubs a lot.

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 23, 2018 at 10:57 am

      Yess they are the best products for so inexpensive!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Terri Beavers April 19, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    I usually moisturize with ponds but I have been noticing I have really bad black circles under my eyes. Now I know I need to look for a good under eye cream to keep my eyes hydrated.

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 23, 2018 at 10:57 am

      I have to admit that finding the right eye cream can be so hard–I bet there are a lot of creams to combat dark circles!
      xx Jen

  • Reply notjessfashion1 April 20, 2018 at 8:06 am

    I love Garnier, but I haven’t actually tried the Micellar cleansing water. Sounds really interesting. Thanks for your review dear, will have to check this out.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 23, 2018 at 11:11 am

      It’s an amazing product!! Thanks for reading!
      xx Jen

  • Reply Bea April 27, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    Loving your style! You are so chic. Would you like to follow for follow on Bloglovin? 🙂

    Xx,

    http://beatricebalaj.com/

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen April 29, 2018 at 1:42 am

      Thank you so much! and of course!
      xx Jen

  • Reply NatandNuts May 5, 2018 at 8:40 am

    Love your blog style!
    This blog post is informative and helpful. I’m also a fan of the Garnier Micellar cleansing water, it removes the make up so quickly.

    ✨❤️
    Natalie

    http://www.NatandNuts.com

    • Reply lilthoughtswithjen May 13, 2018 at 11:18 pm

      thanks so much for your kind words! and yes it is so amazing!
      xx Jen

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