Never did I think that I would write a blog post with this title. But now that I have turned the big 3-0, taking better care of the epidermal layer has become somewhat more important.

Before I begin, a history…

High School

I washed my face with whatever soap my Mom bought that was on sale at the grocery store. I remember using Clean and Clear (and under control) when I had breakouts, which I STILL have faint scars from on my temples and sides of my chin. But no SPF. NO moisturizer. NO nothin’.

I also tanned on the daily, reasoning that the UV rays were “drying” out any skin problems. I would actually stick my chin up as high as it could go in order to get my face closer to the top of the tanning bed. You guys, I shudder. I shudder at the thought of this.

College

In college, taking care of my skin meant, you guessed it – more tanning. Maybe the occasional purchase of a bottle of a gimicky face wash at Wal-Mart. Or those Dove Daily Facial Pillows, I thought those were THE BOMB, ya’ll.

Post College

After college, my routine of reactive face care continued. Taking off my makeup before bed? Please. I was lucky to brush the crud off my teeth, after too many Jäger shots and  a 2 am Jack in the Box run.

Last Few Years

A few years ago, my priorities changed. Read: going out 4 times a week no longer sounded like fun and spending a night in with Bryan and a tub of froyo was way more appealing. It was at this point, I regularly began to actually remove my makeup before bed. More often than not, a makeup removing wipe was the weapon of choice but at least it did the trick. I started buying whatever moisturizer was on sale at the drugstore and was like, “You’re doing it Peter!”.

Then about 1 year ago, I got like, really interested in my face. Haha, that sounds so vain. But come on, 29 candles on the birthday cake and NEVER getting carded will do that to a girl. I started trying different products and trying to determine exactly what my skin needed and what my “skin concerns” were. GOD I sound like an infomercial right now.

So anyways, here’s my current line-up. Alot of it comes from my recent haul at Ulta.

Morning

Step 1: Rinse

That’s right – I don’t wash my face in the morning. My skin is dry/normal and I find that washing it twice a day is not necessary. Instead, in the morning I splash warm and cool water on my face to kind of wake me up.

Step 2: Toner and Moisturizer

I spray my face with the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater and let that set in. I follow up with the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 and make sure I take it down my neck and under my chin as well. This stuff has retinol so you know it’s serious. If I want something with a little tint, I will use the Origins Vitazing (great for the summer time).

Step 3: Eye Creme

Then, I apply my Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Creme in a C shape around my eye, patting it in with my ring finger. If I want something even more brightening, I will use the Origins Ginzeng Eye Creme. It isn’t as rich as the Tarte, but it gives off a beautiful pearly-pink shimmer.

Step 4: Lip Scrub

I have been using the Bubblegum Lip Scrub from Lush and I am in love. This is my first time trying any kind of lip scrub and good God – I have been missing out! It makes lipstick glide on (with no gross flakiness) and last longer. Plus, this one from Lush is basically castor sugar so I just lick off the excess. Teehee.

Step 5: Self Tanner (Occasional)

When I do use a self tanner, lately it has been the Tarte Maracuja Self Tanner. It has an olive base, as opposed to orange, which I like. I just found this one by Too Faced at T.J Maxx for $8 so I’ll also be using this.

Nighttime

Step 1: Cleanser

I use the Purity facewash from Philosophy like so many do. It is a great, gentle face wash and I am now addicted to the subtle scent. What I love about this face wash is that it removes makeup AND cleanses the skin. I feel like I am saving a step.

Step 2: Toner and Serum

Again, it’s the Mario Badescu toner. I am dying to try Bioderma – like literally dying. Must plan another trip to Pari! Then, I put on the Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum.

Step 3: Moisturizer and Eye creme

I then use the Boots No.7 Lift and Luminate Night Cream and make sure that I get it everywhere. Then it’s the Tarte Eye Creme again.

Step 4: Lip Balm & Hand Lotion

I keep the Nivea Caramel Cream Kiss Lip Butter on my nightstand as well as the Jacqua Buttercream Frosting Body Butter (I have loved these products forever).

And that’s it! What skin care products are you loving?