-
Winter Skin Care Routine
I’ve been asked by several people about my winter skin care routine, so I’m finally writing a blog post detailing what I do routinely. (Click the blue words below for more product information.)
I’m going to start backwards and say the most important thing you can do for your skin is to remove your make-up at night. So, if you aren’t washing your face every night, start there. Next, incorporate a good night time moisturizer, a daily sunscreen and a regular scrub. Now, for the beauty junkies who already have a basic skin care routine in place – let’s get into the fun stuff. Note: I regularly try new products. I think it’s good for your skin to mix it up once in while. So, the products I’m using right now certainly aren’t the holy grail of face products; use what works best for your skin and fits into your budget. For example, you don’t need to use Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream at night – any quality moisturizer can work. Just find the right one for your skin type and if you aren’t sure talk with someone at Sephora, Ulta or any beauty counter and ask for samples or buy travel size sets before committing to full size containers.
Now, for my routine:
Exfoliate: In the morning before I get in the shower, I fill my Vanity Planet face steamer with distilled water. On the days that I wash my hair (every other day), I use Goop Glow Microderm face exfoliator in the shower.
Prep your Face: After my shower while my body lotion is soaking in, I turn on my face steamer and put on Goop Glow Vitamin C eye cream and a few drops of Drunk Elephant face oil. I’ll steam my face for a few minutes and then I use my Gua Sha stone to massage my face and to drain my sinuses and lymph nodes. If you’re new to using a gua sha, I suggest you just google “how to use a facial gua sha stone” for many different YouTube videos. (Side Note: I bought a gua sha for my Mom and at her next facial, her esthetician asked her what she was doing differently. Face massage makes a difference!) If I’m in a hurry, I’ll brush my teeth, put in hair products, etc. while I continue steaming my face and neck. However, if you have the time, lean into the face steamer and take good deep breaths to relax before you start the day. When you’re done steaming, unplug the steamer and empty the water reservoir so it dries out between uses to prevent any mildew from forming. Let your face dry naturally – do not wipe off the steam.
Moisturize and Protect: Once my face is dry, I mix a half dropper of Ilia tinted serum with SPF 40 and a very small amount of Saie Sunglow luminizer in my palm and apply that to my entire face including under my eyes. (Note: If my skin is feeling really dry, I’ll add a small amount of my night time lotion into the Ilia and Saie before I mix it up in my palm.) Once that sinks it, you’re ready for make-up.
Clean your Face: In the evening, I remove my eye make-up with Lancome eye make-up remover and then rub Clinique take the day off cleansing balm all over my face an eyes. I lay a hot, wet washcloth on my face for a few seconds to heat up the cleanser and open my pours. I wipe off my make-up, rinse the wash cloth and put the hot wet wash cloth back on my face for a few seconds and wipe a second time to remove any residual cleanser. (Tip: I buy packs of inexpensive wash cloths and use a clean one each night. I prefer gray or black so I don’t have to worry about leaving make-up stains.)
Treat and Moisturize: After cleansing, I apply a toner or serum followed by eye cream, face cream and my favorite Laneige night time lip balm. I’m currently on an Augustinus Bader skin care kick, but again you don’t need to use this brand. There are many high quality brands that will moisturize your face for less.
I recently started using the Higher Dose red light therapy on my face a couple times each week and I really think it’s making a difference. So, if you’re already doing everything else above, this is a fun item to add to your routine.
If you have a lot of sun damage or dry patches, consider incorporating additional items into your skincare routine like a Vitamin C+E serum (put this on in the morning before your sunscreen / serums) and overnight exfoliators like the Goop Glow Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk or a chemical peel like GoopGlow Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel. If you’ve never used a chemical peel, beware – it will tingle. I find it’s best to fan your face until it has finished drying. Only use the peel once or twice a week until your skin has built up a tolerance. (Don’t forget to use all of these products on your neck and chest!)
I know some of these products are expensive, but I haven’t had a professional facial in years and I think my skin looks better now then it did when I had facials every other month. So, if you do get professional facials, think about investing that money in equipment for regular at home use. A consistent routine is what will produce long-term results, don’t expect to see dramatic changes in a day or two. Please leave a comment below about your favorite winter skin care products. I’m always interested in trying new things.
Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, food, flowers, pets and travel.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn money from qualifying purchases.
-
Things I Love – #28
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021
The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is this month. This sale has great designer discounts and exclusive beauty product bundles you can’t find anywhere else. So get yourself over to the Nordstrom website and start a Wish List, even if you can’t shop yet. Put everything you like into your Wish List because some things will sell out before you are able to buy.
If you don’t have a Nordstrom card, but are a regular Nordstrom shopper, I highly suggest signing up for the credit card. If you’re not familiar with Nordstrom’s rewards program, it’s composed of four different levels: Icons (shoppers who spend upward of $15,000 a year), Ambassadors (shoppers who spend at least $5,000 a year), Influencers (shoppers who spend at least $2,000 a year), and Insiders (shoppers who spend at least $499 a year.) Each tier of the program has a different start date to the Anniversary sale. Icons were able to shop on July 12, Ambassador Level access begins July 14, Influencer Level access begins July 16, and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to everyone on July 28, running through August 8.
Here are a few things on my Wish List. I won’t be buying all of these, but this is my list to pick and choose from when I’m able to purchase. (Click on the blue words below for a direct link to the item(s) on the Nordstrom website.)
I love stocking up on quality candle sets during the Nordstrom sale. Not only is it nice to have a backstock of candles, but they make great gifts. (Starting from top left: Nest Grapefruit & Tangerine candles, Archipelago 5-piece Botanical Votives, Diptyque 5-piece Limited Edition, Nest 3-candle set.) The votive sets are really nice if you haven’t tried these particular scents before. Here are all the candles and home scents included in the Anniversary sale.)
Do you know someone who loves Napa, Aspen, Malibu or Big Sur? These Archipelago candles capture the essence of each of these areas and make an amazing gift for yourself or a friend.
One last candle fave… the Voluspa tin candles are so perfect for travel because you don’t have to worry about them breaking in your suitcase. There are several scent profiles included in the sale.
The next section is Beauty Bundles – some of these bundles are created exclusively for the Nordstrom sale and can’t found anywhere else, others are just a great deal.
La Mer Beauty Bundle If you’ve always wanted to try LaMer or you just want these great travel sizes, this is a good deal.
Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover This is the only eye makeup remover that I use and it takes off everything (including waterproof makeup) without scrubbing the delicate eye area. This set will last me at least a year and I love getting a fresh travel size bottle to refill.
My favorite L’Occitane products are this foaming oil body wash and their hand and body lotions.
The Herbivore body line is all natural and the Coconut milk bath soak is my favorite. I’m excited to try their coconut oil body polish.
Nécessaire Body These were on my Nordstrom sale list last year. I LOVE the Nécessaire Eucalyptus scent body wash and usually have one bottle in my shower with a back-up in my linen cupboard. The fragrance free body lotion is really rich and if you want to add a scent, just put a few drops of scented oil in your hand with the lotion when applying.
GloPRO Microneedling Tool Set I have the BeautyBio GloPro Microneedling tool and use it at least a few times every month. Microneedling gently rejuvenates skin from the inside out and it really helps your beauty products absorb into the skin. (Tip: remove the batteries from your tool when not in use to extend their life dramatically.)
Olaplex Bond Maintenance Set This Olaplex set will help reduce breakage and strengthen your hair. Great for those of use who color and / or use heat to style. I use this trio on my hair at least once a week and have seen a big improvement with fewer split ends.
Ok, onto some accessories…
How cute are these Carson Striped Tory Burch bags? The one on the left is more of a wallet on a chain and the one on the right is a small handbag. Both have gold chain straps.
If you need a new lug sole Chelsea ankle boot for winter, buy one during this sale. Here are two of my favorites from Marc Fisher and Tory Burch.
This Tory Burch crossbody bag makes a great date night bag. You can remove the strap, if you prefer a clutch.
This Kate Spade wallet comes in four different colors.
Gorjana Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings. These are small and delicate. A simple, but dressy earring.
A couple cozy throw blankets. There are several blankets included in the sale if the two below aren’t your style.
This Barefoot Dreams throw is super cozy and it’s available in 12 different color combinations.
I bought this plush Ugg throw blanket in Ivory last year (for the front porch) and I think I might get it in light blue this year (for my bedroom.) There are six different colors available.
There’s always an Ugg genuine shearling slipper included in the sale. I like the thicker sole on this one, just in case you need to run outside.
If you haven’t tried Tommy John, this is a great time to do so. The fabric is super soft and the sleepwear and loungewear keeps you cool for anyone who gets warm at night.
Tommy John Second Skin Lounge Pants.
Cute Thread & Supply shirt jacket (4 different colors available) for cool fall nights on the patio or by the bonfire.
Treasure & Bond V-neck Sweater available in four colors.
Large rectangle Treasure & Bond Plaid Scarf available in three color ways.
Halogen Balloon Sleeve Sweater available in four different colors.
Open Edit Rib Stitch Crop Sweater available in four colors.
I haven’t tried these Sweaty Betty Super Sculpt High Waist Leggings yet but other bloggers rave about them, so I’ll be purchasing a pair to try.
Every time I look around on the Nordstrom sale, I find more items that I like; so I might do a smaller post in a day or two of additional items. If you come across any great deals or items you love included in the sale, please share in the comments.
Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, food, flowers, my pets and travel.
-
Things I Love – #5
Sephora Beauty Insider: if you’re a beauty product and make-up junky like me, consider joining the free rewards program at Sephora. Once you accumulate enough points you will be able to select free items and eventually qualify for free two-day shipping. 
Lacôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover: gently removes even waterproof eye make-up 
Murad AHA / BHA Exfoliating Cleanser: this cleanser is nice during the winter because it helps to remove dead, flaky skin If your Mom didn’t tell you, I will – NEVER go to bed with make-up on, your skin recovers during the night and it can’t regenerate with dirt, oils and make-up clogging your pores. Your skin will appear dull and prematurely age if you don’t remove your make-up before going to bed. If you don’t believe me, read 6 Awful Things That Happen When You Sleep in Your Make-up.
Garnier Micellar Water: if you are too tired to wash your face, remove your eye make-up then wet multiple cotton pads with micellar water and wipe your face and neck until the last cotton pad is clean 
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Cream: great for mornings since it smooths, brightens and depuffs 
Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer: fine lines magically disappear and it creates a smooth base for make up to glide over 
Laura Mercier Eye Basic: a great eye primer, I’ve been known to just wear this without any eye shadow 
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiance Perfecting Pen: apply this under eyes, on sides of nostrils and center of chin to brighten your face 
Beauty blender: make this damp and use it to blend in eye primer, concealer, foundation, etc. 
Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment: this is very moisturizing, I apply it multiple times throughout the day and before I go to bed 