I write a lot about makeup looks, and I review skin care products, but I never talk about my routine when it comes to taking care of my skin. I am very big on skincare. To me, your skin is the first step in creating a flawless makeup look. For me personally, my makeup doesn’t look that good when I’m going through my skin problems. Just a quick FYI I’m going to be referring to my skin as a “she” because I don’t like using “it.”

I mentioned before in previous posts that I have incredibly dry skin. She’s dry year-round and is a little bit more “normal” in the summer. Not only is my skin dry, but she can be sensitive at times. With sensitivity, I mostly use higher end products. I know there are affordable drug store brands that cater to sensitive dry skin. However, I haven’t found any that I liked or that I didn’t develop an allergy to. I did use Simple Skin for sometime, but I  didn’t really feel like it was doing anything for my skin. I have had better luck with higher end products. I still try to go for the more budget friendly higher end products, because you know your girl is on a budget.

All the products I use are geared towards normal to dry skin. If I attempt to use anything that is for oily skin, my skin will become very dry and my eczema patches will make their debut. When these patches come out, I can forget about using makeup. Below is my most common routine.

Optional Step: Makeup Wipes. First thing first, when it comes to my skincare routine is removing any makeup I may have on. I don’t wear makeup everyday, so this step only applies if I have on makeup. I use MAC Cosmetics Gently Off Wipes + Micellar Water. When wearing makeup, I find that a cleanser alone is not enough to remove all the makeup.

Step 1: Cleanser. After removing any makeup, I go straight to wash my faced. I’m currently using the belif Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist. I gently message it in small circles all over face, very gently rubbing my eyelids and eyelashes to remove any makeup residue.

Optional Step: Face Mask. After washing my face and patting her dry, I move on to a face mask. I don’t use one every day. Sometimes I’ll use a face mask once a week or three times a week depends on what my skin needs. I definitely use a cleansing mud mask once a week. I’m currently using the Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask (review coming soon). I don’t get bad acne, but I do get both blackheads and whiteheads. I always use a mask that will cleanse my pores and  minimizes the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. If I’m using another face mask in the week, I use go for a moisturizing sheet masks. I really like the E.L.F Sheet Masks and some of the Sephora Sheet Masks.

Step 2 (if available): Rose Water. I grab my organic rose water that I keep in my fridge. The rose water always comes to my rescue whenever I develop a rash. I like to keep in the fridge so that the freshness can last longer, and it also helps cool down my skin. Another bonus is it helps shrink my pores because I keep it cold. I also use it on my legs after a shave or after using VEET to help cool them down. Unfortunately I can’t provide you with a link because it cannot be purchased. My best friend makes this herself, and gives me a small bottle whenever she makes, hence my availability comment.

Step 3: Toner. Some of you may have read the review I wrote about the Benefit Cosmetics Toner. If you haven’t, you can check it out here. Although that is normally the toner I use, I recently ran out currently using a different one. I use the Bobbi Brown Extra Treatment Lotion. This toner is also for dry skin and feels moisturizing afterward while doing the job of a toner.

Step 4: Moisturizer. This is usually final step to my routine, unless I have some sort of oil to use. I mostly use thick feeling moisturizers because it’s what works best for my skin. Currently, I am using the Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm. It really helps keep my skin moisturized for a long period of time.

That’s all there is to my skincare routine. It’s like a mix of basic and complex. It did start off basic with just a cleanser and moisturizer, but as I have gotten older and gotten more into makeup, my skincare routine has evolved. Now that I’m 25 I have been looking into anti-aging products. I don’t really feel like I’m aging bad or anything like that, but this is the age where one would start looking into products for maturing skin. I haven’t found anything yet that has called my attention, but when I do I’m pretty sure I’ll incorporate it into my routine.

Is your skincare extensive or simple? Any holy grail products for you? Do you have any recommendations? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay Vampy.