I need some help with a beauty routine.
I don't look like myself in the mirror lately. I am working on my sleep schedule and working out. But also, I need to do more than soap and lotion with SPF (and hats when I'm out). That's all I do now.
What do you think of facials vs peels?
How did you come up with your current beauty routine and what do you recommend to a total newbie?
Thank you!
pomelo / 5573 posts
I would go to Sephora and tell them what you want. Do you want to look a bit more polished? Do you want to be able to do it in 5 minutes? I’m not a lot of help because all I wear is mascara, eyeliner, and blush, lipstick if I remember, powder if I’m really trying to impress somebody or am, like, going to a wedding.
cantaloupe / 6146 posts
@erinbaderin: I mean, all I do is lotion.
I want something that when I put it on, even if it's not doing anything, I can imagine that it's making me look rejuvenated. Haha. I don't even know what that means in terms of a product(s).
I'll check out the mall this week at some point and ask what to do. 
Thanks!
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
I think you can look to products that are dual purpose, there are foundations with serums, powders with highlighters, that kind of thing. The idea is to make you look lit from within.
I realized as I got older that I needed different products. For skin care, I keep it very simple, I do an oil to cleanse, followed by an essence and then sealed with a moisturizer. I do a scrub in the shower a couple of times a week and then at night I treat with either beta hydroxy peel pad or an acne treatment pad, depending on what I think my skin needs.
For makeup, I found i could use an apricot toned corrector under my concealer and it brightened my eyes. My foundation is a serum formula from Bobbi Brown and I top that off with the Bare skin powder that has some highlighter in it. I also need a lip color now that my natural color is fading a bit, plus I need to fill in my brows, which is something I never thought I would have to do.
kiwi / 598 posts
First, what is your skin type? And secondly, what is it exactly that you don’t like when you look in the mirror?
In your situation i would first look at making sure that the “soap” you are using is right for your skin and next at getting a scrub. After covering those basics I would start looking at other products targeted for the results I want.
honeydew / 7463 posts
@Raspberry: yes agree. Start with the right cleanser and a good scrub a couple times a week (if you aren’t sensitive I swear by Exfolikate by Kate Somerville). Also the right moisturizer is key. I use two that I alternate based on my needs at the time - basically a thick heavy one and a lighter one. Then you can start to work things like masques, serums, targeted treatments, etc into your routine.
Agree starting at a place like Sephora is good BUT make sure you are with a general sales associate. I’ve gone in and not realized I was talking to someone from a specific brand so that’s all they recommended. I’d want to talk to someone who isn’t biased.
Another good place to start is a great facial. Do a little research and a great aesthetician can assess your face and tell you what you need (it’s dry, oily, etc). They also usually make product recs but they only use the ones associated with the spa. So I’d listen to what she says about your skin and then take that to an unbiased person like Sephora.
The big guns would be a dermatologist but I find that they like to prescribe and are more medicinal than just “use this moisturizer”. So I would only go to a derm if you have some serious skin issues like bad acne, rosacea, very concerned about wrinkles, etc.
cantaloupe / 6017 posts
I really like https://www.carolinehirons.com/
its overwhelming but she does great product reviews and recommends a routine that I loosely follow. I've been using gentle milk cleanser (weleda or dr. hauschka), an AHA toner (pixi glow tonic) and a day oil (dr. hauschka). I am tying to find a pregnancy safe anti aging serum, I tried one made with pumpkin seed extract and liked the results generally, but it did make me break out so I've stopped using it for a bit. When I'm done with growing/nursing babies I can't wait to get my Retin-A back on board.
i do a clay mask once or twice a week.
i really like dr. hauschka's products in general, but my skin was getting pretty dull- adding in the toner has given my skin a lot more "life."
pomelo / 5084 posts
@pastemoo: Given what you want (I want that too!) I think you should start with a good BB or CC cream. I really like Chanel and Mac but you will probably have to go to Nordstrom or somewhere in person and try some out!
blogger / eggplant / 11551 posts
@Silva: I came here to recommend Caroline Hirons too!! She's like the master of skincare. I love her blog and Instagram. @pastemoo: I'd start with her cheat sheets - here is one on routines https://www.carolinehirons.com/2013/06/routines-cheat-sheet.html - she has a whole tab on the top of her blog that links to all her cheat sheet posts.
blogger / eggplant / 11551 posts
@pastemoo: I'd start by getting at least one product in each of these categories -
1. Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Essence
4. Serum
5. Eye Cream
6. Oil and/or moisturizer
7. SPF
But if I had to choose one thing to start, I'd start with getting a separate SPF. The moisturizers with SPF just don't cut it. SPF is one of the most effective ways to prevent anti-aging, and it can be economical too. This is my holy grail SPF - https://www.amazon.com/Biore-Aqua-Watery-Essence-SPF50/dp/B01MTDFFQ5/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1512352885&sr=8-2&keywords=biore+spf
cantaloupe / 6146 posts
@looch: This feels like reading a different language, so much of that was over my head. I have a lot to learn. Thank you. Your skincare routine sounds like what I imagine I am looking for. 
@Raspberry: I don't know my skin type. My skin has some discoloration from pregnancy but generally hasn't caused me too many problems, but lately looking pretty grey and tired.
cantaloupe / 6146 posts
@SweetiePie: Oh, I didn't realize that about sephora, thanks! Yes, I will check out that scrub.
@Silva: thank you! do you have a favorite clay mask?
@Mrs. High Heels: Hah, I'd never heard of her before just now! Thanks for the sheet. And the SPF. I had no idea. That link was incredibly helpful.
@wrkbrk: Looks like I have some work to do at the mall.
cantaloupe / 6146 posts
Time for some googling, too. Like, what even is a toner? I asked this in 2006 at a store and got an answer that made me feel really dumb and figured I didn't need it. 
kiwi / 598 posts
@pastemoo: After washing your face, if you don't immediately apply lotion, how does it feel? Tight all over (dry), tight in just the cheeks, or normal? After half an hour, do you get shiny, or do you get pretty oily through-out the day or does makeup slide off pretty easily? That should give you some clues. Or, like@SweetiePie: suggested, book a facial and they will be able to tell you.
Sounds like in general your skin looks dull. Both chemical exfoliants and physical exfoliants will help. A chemical exfoliant contains alpha-hydroxy acid ("AHA") to help slough off surface skin cells, while a physical exfoliant is also known as a scrub.
Other ingredients that are touted for skin-brightening benefits are niacinamide and Vitamin C. Someone else may have more suggestions.
cantaloupe / 6146 posts
@Raspberry: It doesn't feel tight at all. I only get shiny when I work out and even then it doesn't last--I'd say it seems dry to me, but I'm not sure if that's actually dry or not.
I'll look into the brighteners! Thank you!
kiwi / 598 posts
@pastemoo: I think you sound like a normal skin type if your skin doesn’t feel too tight after washing. 
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
@pastemoo: in the no makeup thread that I will bump up for you, there's a link to an article that has a wealth of information.
eta: actually, I'll just put it here:
http://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-skin-care-products-routine.html
I think the biggest thing to kind of do is get your mind around the fact that whatever you're going to do in terms of skin care, it will likely be a multistep process. Clinique is famous for their 3 step program (cleanse, tone, moisturize), but the industry has come a long way since then. Korean lines often have 10 steps! I think it's easy to get overwhelmed, but you don't have to just do soap and water or 15 steps, there's a middle ground.
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
Sokoglam! They teach you about all the steps and products! I love k-beauty!
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@pastemoo: Totally not product related...but diet has a huge impact for me. I have drastically cut sugar from my diet and it has done wonders for my sleep routine and my skin. Just wanted to throw that out there.
Plus, water. Lots and lots o water. I start the day with 20oz, right when I wake up. I aim for 120-160oz in a day.
Lastly, I bought some cheap amazon basic wash clothes and use one morning and one night each day. So I use 14 wash clothes in a week. May seem ridiculous but wash clothes really should be used in conjunction with cleansers. The cleansers break it up, wash clothes schlep it off. I got the tip from someone and it is amazing, In the morning I dont use a cleanser, just a warm wash cloth...at night is my full routine!
honeydew / 7235 posts
@pastemoo: I keep thinking I should get into a better skincare routine for myself also. I was thinking about starting monthly facials. There is an Elizabeth Grady (chain) near me and you can buy packs of 6 or so for a slight discount.
a lot of these skincare routines seem WAY to overwhelming to me with 2 kids and a full time job and a long commute and a house, etc... I got a great exfoliating face wash that I use every morning in the shower. And I use a toner at night before bed (since I'm too lazy to wash my face, I use a cotton pad and toner to remove makeup from my face) and I sometimes put an eye cream on if I remember to help prevent wrinkles....
OH! And I just started doing those masks you put on your face once a week for 20 min. I feel like they help A LOT. I bought a bunch on clearance at TJ Maxx for a dollar a piece. And got a set from Target.
cantaloupe / 6131 posts
I am low maintenance to the max.
I shower at night using 2-in-1 shampoo and just wash my face in the shower with whatever cleanser I'm favoring - I keep a foam cleanser and a scrub in the shower and alternate. Right now its legit Clearasil and St. Ive's apricot scrub because I used all my fancy stuff and I had it in the cabinet. That's how lazy I am. In the past, I've liked Missha Super Aqua with a konjac exfoliating sponge.
In the morning, I rub some hairspray into my palms, flip my hair upside down, and then volumize the roots. Then I smooth the surface of my hair and arrange the pieces and then lightly spray some more hairspray to set it.
At night, I use a retinol solution, a vitamin C solution, and rosehip seed oil as moisturizer. In the morning, I use a hyaluronic acid solution and a light moisturizer or more rosehip seed oil depending on how dry it is. I use products from The Ordinary. They are inexpensive and very effective and my skin has looked a lot better since using their products. I am also a full convert to their foundation - its amazing and so cheap. Just a few drops of each in an assembly line, dabbed on the face, takes seconds.
I use Garnier micellar cleansing water to remove makeup at night with cotton pads. Inexpensive and effective.
In the morning, I fluff my hair, quickly rub my face stuff in, throw on a drop of foundation, fill in my eyebrows using a brow pen (I use TonyMoly 7 day brow tattoo, which isn't really a tattoo, cuz I use it daily) and Karadium eyeshadow sticks - just smear on and then blend with a finger. I throw on some blush (Nars Torrid or some lighter one from Elf that's like a mock Nars Orgasm is in rotation). L'Oreal Voluminous mascara. I also use Maybelline Studio Eye gel eyeliner. Total hair and face situation takes 10 minutes.
I don't look super fancy, but I feel like I'm at least taking care of my now-aging mid-thirties skin and I'm polished enough to look like an employed attorney.
grapefruit / 4278 posts
I asked about some good skin care products a few months ago and @snowjewelz: recommended sokoglam then. I browsed the website and looked at their kits and products and ended up adapting the process to something I thought I could realistically keep up with and incorporated some non korean products I already liked. I bought my products on Amazon since they were cheaper than the sokoglam site. After two months, my skin looks so much better and much less dull. I have super sensitive skin and haven't had a reaction to the products I tried. My process:
Oil Cleanser: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AJAIWQK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Foaming Cleanser: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B019RWHLZ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Toner: https://smile.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1512581432&sr=8-3&keywords=thayers%2Btoner&th=1
Essence: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0XSD38/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Chemical exfoliater (twice a week): https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B019RTEKO6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Moisturizer (with spf in the morning): https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-Lightweight/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_1_1_a_f_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1512583426&sr=8-1&ppw=fresh&keywords=cerave%2Bpm%2Bmoisturizer&th=1
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
I think @gingerbebe also touched on hair, which I think is also part of the package. I am terrible at doing my hair, past blowing it dry, so I got a cut that works with my hair type and requires me to do very little. I do not like how much it costs or how frequently I have to go to the salon to maintain it, but it's much better than the messy pulled back look I was sporting before.
I've also come to terms with the fact that all those photos of celebs that we see looking so fresh and natural are actually highly choreographed. They have a hair and makeup team to make them look like that! I can't just roll out of bed and expect the same results.
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
@kiddosc: Ah, so glad you're finding that helpful! How are you liking the Neogen stuff?
I think double cleansing alone is what won me over; it makes such a big difference. And at night instead of night cream I use a sleeping pack (face mask you leave on).
I just love that website tho for so many articles teaching you about skincare, and I follow their IG and there are so many helpful tutorials and tips on how to actually do stuff.
blogger / eggplant / 11551 posts
@looch: not to mention photoshopped!
Also, if you guys are into Korean skincare, Costco carries some at amazing prices! Just saw a Missha Time Revolution for $30... and it's normally $50 on SokoGlam. I didn't compare sizes, but the Costco one is probably a Costco-sized product if you know what I mean.
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
@Mrs. High Heels: Wow, I had no idea they would have Missha! That's pretty cool.
grapefruit / 4278 posts
@snowjewelz: Seriously double cleansing has changed my life. The oil cleanser totally removes my makeup so I don't end up using a harsher cleanser just to get my face clean. I'm also totally digging the neogen exfoliating pads. They definitely work, but don't leave my face feeling scratched like all the scrubs I've used.
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
@Mrs. High Heels: Good to know about Costco. Between the essence and the meyer lemons, I am going after work today!
blogger / eggplant / 11551 posts
@looch: It might not be in-store though. I noticed they have products online that they don't carry in-store. But if you have a Costco membership, it's free shipping!
https://www.costco.com/MISSHA-TIME-REVOLUTION-The-First-Treatment-Essence.product.100364104.html
Also, I'm loving this Whamisa toner I recently got from Costco - https://www.costco.com/Whamisa-Organic-Flowers-Deep-Rich-Toner.product.100343959.html
It's thicker than a watery toner so more hydrating and I'd say it feels like a cross between a toner/essence and a serum.
All Costco skincare products here - https://www.costco.com/skin-care.html
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
@kiddosc: I am patiently waiting for my current stuff to run out so I can get get that cleanser and the pads too!! So glad you love! I am so horrible with my skin but I feel like when I do take the time to layer in the products, that's what keeping my afloat on the days I don't even wash my face!!
grapefruit / 4278 posts
@snowjewelz: I'm totally the same way... I go to bed with my makeup on more than I care to admit and there's no way I'm doing this whole process twice a day everyday... but I usually get once a day in and it's still made a huge difference.
grapefruit / 4545 posts
Another hair comment...a year or so ago some ladies here gave me the input needed to get my hair routine to a manageable one.
I have curly hair that I prefer to straighten. I have trained my hair so I can go 2 full days between washing. So for me...my hair routine is...
Sunday Night...wash/blow dry
Monday AM - curl
Tuesday - nothing...nice pony or bun
Weds Morning - wash, blowdry
Thurs - Nothing
Fri - Nothing
I have found some great products:
Drybar Detox (dry shampoo)
Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast (texturizer, volumizer)
I apply the dry shampoo night 1 with "clean hair"...I find applying it at night makes for better absorption.
pear / 1718 posts
@looch: Thank you so much for posting that link! My post-partum skin has been challenging, to say the least: dry dry dry--flaky in some patches (okay in the morning but literal flakes in some areas by the afternoon)--which of course means texture when applying makeup (which is the WORST), itchy skin, breakouts, the works. About a week or so ago, I just went ahead and decided to *hug the porcupine* that is the multi-step skincare regimen, and put together the routine/products below. My skin already looks and feels so much smoother, more even, and more hydrated (someone at work literally just asked me what I was doing differently with my makeup!), the breakouts are calming TF down (thery're not awful, but there are a couple of spots on all parts of my face, and I felt like I was getting one or two new ones daily), and I don't cringe as much now when my SO gets a glimpse of me prior to applying my foundation!
1. Oil Cleanser - Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil. I only do this at night--just one cleanse in the morning.
2. Cleanser: Cosrx Good Morning Cleanser. I had planned to use Cetaphil, but this was inexpensive and was recommended, and it was available through Amazon (so low energy/effort there), so I decided to give it a go.
3. Exfoliant: Neogen Bio-Peel (Lemon). I love Love LOVE this product! I have been using my Clarisonic faithfully for years, but my skin looks/feels better in one week using these peels that it ever has with my Clarisonic. And if I had not experienced it for myself, I would not have believed it.
4. Toner: SK II. I had planned to use Bioderma Sensibio micellar water, but this toner came with the SK II Pitera Essence, so I am using it for now. I don't really have feelings on this one way or the other.
5. Essence - SK II Pitera. Jury is still out on this product too, but it has only been a week.
6. Serum - Auspect Vitamin C. Only at night. This product was a recommendation from my Derm; I have been using it for a while, but admittedly not consistently. I really do like this product though!.
7. Eye Cream - Olay Eyes Pro Retinol
8. Oil and/or moisturizer - Tatcha Indigo Soothing Triple Recovery Cream. I love Tatcha products, and this moisturizer does everything it says it will!
9. Sheet Mask: I have not used one yet, but am hoping to do so tonight. I have one SK II mask (came with the Pitera set) and also have Benton Snail Bee masks as well.
10. Spot Treatment: I ordered the Cosrx Pimple Patches, but they have somehow gotten lost in the mail. So I haven't tried these yet.
I already owned the Tatcha oil cleanser and moisturizer, the serum (Auspect), the Bioderma water, and the eye cream. So it was just a matter of filling in the gaps with a couple of different products.
Eta: Also, it seems like SO MUCH when it's all typed out like that, but truly, it really only takes a few minutes. And my skin--and my sanity!-- is worth far more than that!
eggplant / 11824 posts
@pwnstar: Second vote for Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil. I had been making my own oil but Sephora pulled me in on this one and I LOVE it! Love the light scent and just all around love it. I only use it at night as well.
pear / 1718 posts
@yoursilverlining: My first Tatcha purchase was the Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, and I have been hooked ever since. I will probably try Tatcha's Essence next (I didn't even think to look to see if they had one!)
clementine / 830 posts
so many great answers here, but i recently got a facial and have been working on revamping my skin care routine in a way that takes into account that i'm lazy/busy and don't want to spend THAT much time on it.
a few key tips from the facialist were to not forget drinking water as a way to really hydrate your face, and to only exfoliate at night instead of in the morning. at night if you exfoliate you can put on moisturizer and it is super effective, whereas when you exfoliate in the morning you are just opening up your face to absorb all the outside world's toxins.
i have been so much happier with how much skin looks and i think it's mainly because i've focused on getting it adequately moisturized. don't skimp on that night cream! i like to do an essence and a cream at night, and i do it after exfoliating 3x/week.
and finally, i'm OBSESSED with this product. it's so great. easy to rub in, really light and doesn't look like i'm wearing makeup, but i still think it makes me look noticeably better. i use it after daytime lotion. i love it so much. https://www.sephora.com/product/rosilliance-organic-bb-cream-spf-30-P409519?skuId=1949742&om_mmc=ppc-GG_381463959_27499859679_pla-178161739959_1949742_97594816599_9004056_c&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=Cj0KCQiA38jRBRCQARIsACEqIett3m0NbrBd1uebzOEE-6D-Hzm34olwcgziRm3f7PqVsDDmEPuCCfIaAlU5EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
eggplant / 11824 posts
@pwnstar: the oil was my first purchase, but I am impressed. I will have to look into their other products and check out the mist and essence. I'm always looking to try something new (addict!)
cherry / 175 posts
Wow - so much information here!!! A ton of this is way over my head. Makes me really think I need to start taking skin care much more seriously!
I have been really unhappy with my complexion for a while now, but it is really hard. I don't know where to start... I guess I am going to be hitting up saphora too!
pomelo / 5257 posts
I've recently been getting more into skincare, and have been having some success with it. I just got through my period without any pimples popping up, which is a big deal for me! My routine is still pretty minimal at the moment, but for the last couple months I've been doing this morning and night:
Micellar water makeup remover
Wash with Cerave foaming cleanser
Tone with Thayer's rose petal witch hazel toner
Moisturize with Belif Aqua bomb
Apply Clinique all about eyes eye cream (this I've been using for years, the other stuff is all new to me)
BUT it's about to get more exciting, because I just received three serum products I purchased from The Ordinary. I've been hearing great things about the brand from friends. It's a good option if you're just getting into skincare and don't want to blow a ton of money. Their products are SUPER affordable. So I'm excited to work these things into my routine gradually and see how it goes!
Link: http://theordinary.com
@gingerbebe: I'm glad to know you like The Ordinary stuff, I'm excited to try them!
pear / 1718 posts
Just a couple of things I have learned during the past few days:
1. I was using a cotton round to apply my toner and essence . . . it works/feels so much better to put a few drops of the toner/essence in my hands and smooth it over my face. I would not have imagined that it would make that big of a difference, but I can now say that I get more of the hype behind the essence - so much glowy-er and more hydrated without the cotton round!
2. I tried a sheet mask last night for the first time - I used one of the inexpensive ones--Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask. In a word, amazing. My skin was (and still is) refreshed, moisturized, and calm. I am looking forward to the next mask already!
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