I have had a lot of readers, friends and family ask for my exact skincare routine.  That can be difficult to sum up, considering that it is my self-inflicted duty to be a Green Beauty guinea pig.  However, since having Annabel I’ve been busy and lazy and have streamlined things a bit by default.  I have a cabinet full (really full) of new products that I need to try, so before I do, I figured I’d let you in on what has been working for me for the past six months plus.

Rise and Shine:

I cleanse with Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser.  I feel like it wakes up my skin and gets my circulation going.  I’ve never been a fan of physical exfoliators, as every scrub I’ve ever tried irritates and breaks out my skin.  This cleanser is different.  It is effective, yet gentle and I don’t want to know life without it.

In lieu of eye cream, I’ve been using Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil.  It is fine, light, absorbs quickly and leaves the skin around my eyes supple and hydrated.  It is a great base for my favorite concealer, RMS Uncoverup.

I am in love with Luzern Laboratories Serum Absolut Au Vin.  It is the best at fighting both fine lines and clogged pores with its AHA’s and antioxidants.  Dull complexion be gone!  I saw a difference in my skin within two days of using it.

For day, depending if I want a little coverage, I moisturize with either Luzern Laboratories Bio-Suisse BB Cream SPF 20, which is tinted, or Consonant Skincare 100% Natural Matte Sunscreen SPF 15, which is not, but it’s still awesome.

The Night Shift:

At night, I double cleanse.  First, I use organic coconut oil all over my face, which loosens up makeup and daily grime.  Then, I wipe it off with a muslin cloth and cleanse with Naturopathica Aloe Cleansing Gel.  It gently foams and rinses clean without drying out my skin.

I immediately spray Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence onto my face and neck.  I used to think that hydrosols and toners were an unnecessary step, but I’ve learned that they are SO important if you want your moisturizer to really do it’s job.  This hydrosol smells incredible, locks in moisture and enhances the power of the products I apply afterward.

I love Kahina Giving Beauty Eye Cream.  I’ve read that the area around our eyes ages twice as fast as the rest of our face – yikes.  This eye cream is light and sinks right in but moisturizes like a heavy goopy cream.  It is super gentle and is a great base for makeup as well.

Next, I use Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum.  Just one pump; it’s expensive.  Then, I also use just one pump of Tata Harper Rebuilding Moisturizer.  It is deeply hydrating, but it’s light and leaves a nice matte finish.  These are products that I wouldn’t have bothered with in my twenties, but I’m trying to actively take better care of my skin in my thirties.  I have noticed a real difference in my skin since using these two products.  It is definitely more hydrated and glow-y.

An Extra Boost:

My two favorite masks are Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask and May Lindstrom Skin The Problem Solver.  I use the former, which I constantly rave about, at least twice a week because it dries clear and I can sleep in it.  (Sometimes, laziness pays off.)  It makes my skin glow, it tightens up pores and evens out tone.  The Problem Solver is more of a special weapon.  I use it when my skin is totally out of whack due to travel, hormones or lousy food choices.

Spot Treatment:

If I have a zit, I love Medic8 Betagel.  It works.  Enough said.

Petrol is for cars, not lips:

When I really miss my petroleum-based Smith’s Rosebud Salve (that was a tough one to kick), I use Waxelene.  It is thick and goopy and shiny and wonderful.  Put this on before bed and by morning your lips with be soft and smooth.

Bodywork:

I use Acure’s Cell Stimulating Body Wash and I love Beauty Counter’s Hydrate Body Lotion.  If I feel like giving myself a little TLC, I use Lina Hanson’s Global Body Serum.

This makes me realize that my skincare routine is not streamlined at all, but you asked!  No, really, I try lots and lots of products and all of these are so awesome, I couldn’t stop using them.  I hope it helps someone out there!  Happy Hump Day 🙂

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