I mentioned in the AM/PM Routine Tag that I always like to take my time with a nice, relaxing evening routine. While going through my usual steps I picked up on a few patterns in the products I'll always use before bed without fail - my routine may not be using the exact same products every night, but I often use the same kinds of products.
THE SMOOTH LIP DUO | I've said before that I absolutely can't sleep without first putting on some lip balm. For the longest time now my staple has been the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask - it's so thick and beautifully nourishing, so it definitely sticks around till morning. Lately I've been squeezing in an extra step with the Bite Beauty Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub. It's a nice balmy texture with just a little bit of grit - it's not as scrubby as something like the Lush Lip Scrubs, but I like that it's not super abrasive so I can use it almost every night. This duo ensures I wake up with the softest lips possible, and it really helps keep them conditioned despite wearing lots of matte liquid lipsticks.
THE OVERNIGHT EXFOLIATORS | I'm really into chemical exfoliators, especially ones you can just slap on and let them do all the work. They give a glow and help to just remove all the excess gunk hanging around your skin - two things my skin always needs. As a more affordable option I've been loving the Pixi Overnight Glow Serum - it's kind of a thick, syrupy consistency (the pipette can get a little messy), but it spreads over the skin easily and you can feel it immediately get to work. This feels quite moisturizing on its own, but I like to follow it up with a moisturizer after letting it sink in and do its thing for a bit. A similar product I've been obsessed with is the M-61 JetGlow Serum* from Bluemercury. This has a thinner formula, like a lightweight oil, so it sinks in so quickly. Like the Pixi offering, this one also has glycolic acid as its exfoliant (which my skin loves), but it also has some other skin lovelies like red seaweed to promote skin firming and goji berry to improve skin elasticity and fight free radicals. I wake up with especially peppy and radiant skin when I've slapped this on.
THE RETINOL TREATMENTS | When I'm not using a chemical exfoliant, I like to use products with a form of retinol in them to help resurface the skin - they really help keep acne at bay for me. You probably all know my obsession with the Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil (review) by now, so I won't bore you too much. It's just my favorite face oil ever, and I always wake up to much nicer, more even skin. A newer bit I've been trying is the Trufora Night Serum 85*. It doesn't contain retinol (or its derivatives) like Luna does, but it's got peptides that display retinol-like effects. It absorbs into the skin quickly and really helps to smooth the skin. This also promotes a more even skintone for me, and I can absolutely tell a difference in the hydration of my skin when I've used this.
THE HEAVY DUTY CREAMS | I mentioned in my Lovin' Lately last weekend my love for the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm. It's a super thick, rich cream that instantly soothes the skin and delivers intense moisture. I love using it after a facial oil to really lock it in and leave my skin looking juicy come morning. Another bit from Trufora that's been perfect for my skin is the Intensive Night Treatment*. It's designed to be used with their Night Serum, and they really make the perfect pair. This cream isn't as heavy as the Kiehl's but still packs quite a punch in the moisture department, courtesy of two forms of hyaluronic acid among other intense hydrators.
THE HAND HEROES | The last step before hopping into bed is slathering on some hand cream. My hands can get easily dry and cracked, but as long as I keep up with hand cream every night I'm fine. When I'm really needing to relax I reach for the Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm - it sinks in quickly and leaves no greasy residue. The real winning quality to me, though, is the smell. It smells quite herbal and it really relaxes me. The other hand cream I'm always reaching for (it's quite a bit more nourishing than the Aesop) is the Skinfix Ultra Rich Hand Cream*. Despite being ultra rich as the name suggests, it doesn't leave a greasy film on the hands. It's scentless and really softens the skin - I really love it.
What products do you reach for at bedtime?
*Some products included have been sent to me for consideration, but all opinions are my own. Please see my disclaimer for more information.