Requested: My Skin-Care Routine!

I have always believed that the key to a beautiful make-up look and application is a nice, smooth and flawless base. The way to achieve that, is to take good care of your skin, and never neglect it. One of the best beauty tips I have ever received is to NEVER sleep with your makeup on. Doing so will result in uneven, rough, greasy and/or dry skin, and even breakouts. Keep on reading to find out what I use on my own skin on a daily and nightly basis!

Step 1: When I wake up in the morning, first thing I do is wash my face with an invigorating and energizing face wash. It brightens the skin and washes away any dirt and oil that your skin might of absorbed from your pillow case. I know it sounds gross, but it's true...Always make sure your bedding is clean! I use:

Clean&Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleanser
$5.99 at Drugstores

Step 2: After cleansing my face and before I apply any makeup, I moisturize my face using a lightweight, oil-free, and fragrance-free face lotion. My all time favorite is Daily Moisturizing Lotion by Aveeno. It absorbs within seconds and leaves no residue. It doesn't burn my skin or eyes like many other lotions that I've tried. I use this on my body as well.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
$4 at Drugstores

If I know that I am going to be out in the sun for a while, I use a face lotion with at least 30 SPF in it. This will help premature aging and protect your delicate face from harmful rays.

Aveeno Continuous Protection
$7.99 at Drugstores

Step 3: Whenever I have a breakout, I reach for this bad boy. Trust me on this....I have tried a lot pimple creams and this has by far, been the best one. This cream contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide whereas most other creams contain only 1-2%. Just slather on a thin coat over the pimple, and it dries out the nasty thing almost completely within 24 hours. I put it on after moisturizer and before makeup. Use this only on breakouts though, because it is very drying. (I also use this overnight sometimes.)

Clean&Clear Persa-Gel 10
$5.99 at Drugstores

Step 4: At the end of a long day and wearing makeup for hours on end, and you are yearning and so eager to wash it all off, just reach for this surprisingly effective make-up remover. I know it might seem bizarre, but it works so well. Johnson & Johnson Head-To-Toe Baby Wash washes all of my makeup off, doesn't sting my eyes, cheap, gentle and super effective. Not to mention your face will smell like a baby!

Jonhson & Johnson Head -To-Toe Baby Wash
$4.99 at Drugstores

Step 5: After washing my makeup off with the baby wash, I use a scrub to get rid of any left over makeup, dirt, oil and dry skin. I have a gentle scrub that I use daily (Aveeno), and one that I use 3 times a week that is a little more abrasive (St. Ives). I know that might seem like a lot, and some people's skin can't handle it, but my skin can. If this is too much for you, then just use a gentle a scrub every other day.

Step 6: The key to premature aging skin is prevention. I may be only 25, but I am starting to notice some skin discoloration and fine lines around my eyes. So a couple of months ago I decided to purchase a night cream with skin renewal properties. Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Night moisturizer has transformed my skin. My skintone is a lot more even in color, and the fine lines are even finer. It neutralizes free-radicals while you sleep and it helps reverse the signs of aging. My skin sucks it up, and it leaves no residue, which I love. It is a little lightweight for a night cream, but it sure does do it's job. Give it a try, it's well worth it. 

Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives Anti-Oxidant Night Lotion
 $15 at Drugstores

Step 7: Using a deep cleansing mask once a week can greatly improve the appearance of your skin. It gives it a nice boost of clarity and makes it glow. My all time favorite mask if from a brand that I accidently discovered at CVS one day named Montagne Jeunesse. They have such fun packaging and lots of different formulas to offer. They have masques, peels, and more. I have tried most of them, but the two that are superior are the Chocolate Mud Masque, and the Dead Sea Salt Mud Masque. The chocolate one makes me want to eat my face! Not only are these a great product, but they are cheap at only $2 a pop. Try them out for yourself, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

....so attractive, but so smells so yummy!

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So there you guys have it! I hope this was helpful to some of you. This is a routine that I have been doing for many years now. It seems like a lot of work, but it's worth it. It's what works best for me. Try it out for yourself, and let me know how it works out. So tell me, what is YOUR current skin routine and what are your favorite products? I would love to know :)