My night time skincare routine is either utterly relaxing in the bathroom, with Bossa Nova playing in the background, or a hot mess because I’m scrambling to take my makeup off when I’m half asleep. Either way, I’ve found that the easiest way to handle my skincare is to have a routine.

First things first, removing my makeup. I’m currently using the Farmacy Green Clean cleansing balm. I absolutely love how this product leaves my skin moisturized after cleansing, I can’t stand products that make my face feel tight and squeaky. It’s also filled with cleaned ingredients (on Sephora’s clean beauty list) but still effectively melts all of my makeup away.  After using this balm I’ll finish off with a micellar water, to gently remove the rest of my eye makeup and anything else my cleanser might have missed. I’m not too fussy with brands, I’m currently using the Yes to Cucumbers one my husband picked up awhile back. Anything that’s calm or soothing is typically up my alley .

A good rule of thumb I’ve found with skincare is to apply my products from thinnest to thickest, which brings me to serum. I have  two serums that I’m currently switching between on a nightly basis. If my skin is feeling normal/oily, I’ve been reaching for The Ordinary’s Advanced Retinoid 2% (recently renamed to Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion). I’ve been making an effort to use this more consistently, but found that using it every night can be a little drying on my skin, so I’m currently using it every other day. On my off day, I’ll use my Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Skin Refining Oil. I know this is technically an oil, however I find the consistency more like a serum. This has quite a few acids in it which helps with brightening but definitely helps with hydration too. This would be a great “oil” for those who are a little scared of a thicker oil. I’m  running pretty low on this product and decided to change it up so I just ordered the Kiehls Midnight recovery concentrate to replace it. I’ve heard such good things about this product and one of my girlfriends keeps raving about it so I’m excited to test it out soon.

Next, and probably my favorite step, facial oil. I really only got on the oil train about a year ago, and now I can’t look back! I love how hydrating and nourishing they are, perfect for those with dryer skin, but equally great for those with oilier skin as they can help combat excess oil production. Beware that first time users will likely go through a week or two transition period where your skin is getting use to the all of the nourishing oils - but don’t let this stop you. Oils have really kicked up my skincare routine in the best way possible. I use the Kora Organics Noni Glow facial oil. I was happy to find that they had a travel size option so I could test the oil out before committing to the full size (I love that more brands are offering travel sizes now). This product is so rich and nourishing, but never feels heavy on my face which I absolutely love. This has quickly become one of my all time favorite skincare products.

Last but not least, moisturizer. I really look for  product that will lock in all the good stuff I just put on my face. Lately I’ve found myself reaching again and again for the Weleda Skin Food in the evenings. I squeeze a little in my hand and warm it up and apply it to my face. It seals in my serums and oils and leaves my face feeling perfectly hydrated.

And that’s a wrap on my five step night time routine. Like I said before, most days I find this process to be soothing and relaxing, a time for me to focus on myself - love a good self care moment.