Fresh off the first of the year and well into the months of very-cold weather, I wanted to pop in and give you an update on my ever-evolving, but always consistent, skincare routine.

Since I don’t often re-order the same products, I want to share with you the set that I’ve been using most recently. It has a few repeats of course (some stuff just works) but also includes a few new-to-me items I’ve been incorporating into my routine.

Note: I am in no way an expert on skincare, but I do find it difficult to find products that work for my sensitive, very dry skin. I have had eczema throughout my life as well as bouts of psoriasis. I’ve noticed that my skin can “flare up” after too many days of dairy and isn’t the happiest when I live on french fries (life is tough).

So, while I strongly recommend the products below, I fully acknowledge everyone’s skin is different. What works for me may not be the best for you and that is totally acceptable. At the very least, I hope you find this roundup helpful and informative.

current product list

Beauty Counter

Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream - I apply this morning and night and can only assume it’s doing the work. The consistency is thick so not much is needed.

Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum - I’ve been using this almost daily as part of my daytime routine. Anything to encourage an overall glow sounds good to me.

Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel - I use this product a few nights each week and have noticed that my skin does look better in the morning. Since it’s an active product, I only use eye cream and a heavy-duty moisturizer with it.

Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask - I use this once or twice a week, at night, and so far I’m a fan. And fear not, it’s easy to wash off with warm water!

Elemis

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 - My daytime moisturizer which has a lovely, low-key scent and has an SPF in it for extra sun protection.

Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream - I use this almost every night, but sometimes swap it for a couple other moisturizers that I keep on hand (see Ursa Major below).

Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm - After I use micellar water to remove mascara, I use this balm as step one of my two-step cleansing each night. It’s very satisfying to wash this off - skin feels so fresh and soft!

Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash - This face wash is fantastic and has a very light, non-floral scent. I use it as my second step for my nightly double-cleanse. I was so pleased with a trial size of this product, I immediately ordered the full-size bottle. It’s great!

goop Beauty

GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator - I rarely buy masks that feature an exfoliant (they’re scratchy and can irritate my skin), but this one in particular is not like that at al! I use this about once a week and am always pleased with the results. Feels like a mini spa treatment, right at home.

SkinCeuticals

Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier - I’ve been using this after I apply vitamin C serum in the mornings for extra moisture during the cold months. I’m hoping it’s helping; either way, I do like this non-scented product.

Conditioning and LHA Toner - I used the conditioning toner daily (morning and night) and recently ran out! Since it was back-ordered (however it’s now available) I’m awaiting the LHA toner which will arrive soon. I’ve read that toner should be the first product on your face once its been washed so I’m trying to follow the rules. It feels fresh and has no scent.

SK-II

Facial Treatment Essence - I use this daily (after toner and before serums) and am under the assumption that it’s helping keep my skin clear, soft, and glow-y. It’s a luxury product, but I ordered it during a Sephora sale and now I’m hooked.

Summer Fridays

Jet Lag Mask - There are countless positive reviews of this out there so I ordered a small size and have been using it a few times each week (at night) for a lighter weight, but effective, moisturizer. I’m not sure it’s drastically better/different than other night moisturizers I use, but it does apply well and feels good on the skin. As the name implies, it would be a great item to bring in a carryon. Someday.

CC Me Vitamin C Serum - I decided to try this since my other ran out and so far I’ve been pleased with the product. I don’t love the scent, but it does mellow over time. Jury is out if I will replace with the same product, or go back to one of the other vitamin C serums I have tried. I use this as part of my morning routine.

Supergoop!

Unseen Sunscreen - My favorite daily sunscreen that I add after skincare and before makeup. Protect your skin! Wear this every day.

Glow Screen - If I want a slight shimmer, I’ll use this sunscreen instead of the one above. It still has SPF of course, but adds the slightest shimmer/glow to my skin. I like it!

Ursa Major

Golden Hour Recovery Cream - I use this thicker moisturizer at night after using one of the masks listed above. It feels great on my skin and has a barely-there scent. It’s a small container, but a little goes a long way and it has lasted well.

Fantastic Face Wash - One of my favorite cleansers, this is the product I turn to nightly for step one of the double cleanse if I want something different than the cleansing balm above. It has a great, light scent and does the job of removing the day’s grime very well.

Bright & Easy 3-Minute Flash Mask - A mask I’ve been using off and on for a few months. It feels great on my skin and requires a very minimal amount of time. Perfect for a pre-bedtime mask that feels spa-esque.

Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant - I know, this is not for my face. But it’s a wonderful all-natural deodorant if you’re looking for one. I’ve been using it for several months and am a total fan. Strongly recommend it!

lessons learned

Wash your face! Every night. I do a double-cleanse which I sometimes find time-consuming, but it’s always worth it. In the morning, I wash my face with water in the shower, which currently seems to be working just fine.

Less is more (sometimes). While I am tempted to use lots of products overnight all of the time, I’m learning that a few strong products may be best from time to time. Example: if i use a face mask before bed, I only follow it with eye cream, a light serum, and a good moisturizer.

Trust your skin. There is a chance some products won’t work for your skin type. I’ve learned a few times that products I hope will work for me, just don’t. There are brands that offer all kinds of skincare products, but that doesn’t mean everything in the line will be useful for you. Example: I love the moisturizers and face wash from Elemis, but had a bad experience with the toner.

Patience is part of the practice. I sound kind of silly here, don’t I? However, as someone that loves instant results, quick shipping, and no-bake cookie dough, I have had to learn a lot of patience since adopting a more-involved skincare routine. Results do happen, but they take consistency and several weeks of time. I am learning to accept the time requirement despite my frequent “results now” mindset.

Feel good from the inside, first. It’s no secret that exercise is good for your mind and body. And as a firm believer in being active every day, I know that exercise (whatever that looks like each day) helps my body feel its best. When I finish a workout, I feel stronger both mentally and physically and that in turn helps my skin. Sweating is good for you!

Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Drink water. A lot of it. I notice a marked difference in my skin (and overall well-being) when I drink plenty of water versus days when I don’t drink enough of it. During the work week, I keep a 16-ounce glass on my desk which I aim to refill several times each day (sometimes easier said than done).

On the weekends, I try to have a couple big glasses in the morning and more later in the day depending on what’s going on. Regardless, water is important! Hydration is key and believe me, the opposite of being well-hydrated is no fun at all.

Thanks for reading! Now, go get a glass of water, take a walk, and remember to wash your face. ;)

Enjoy!

Mollie

PS: Interested in something in the photo I didn’t mention? Leave a comment below or send me a note!

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