Nighttime Face Routine using St. Ives and CVS Brand products

Going a night without washing my face is a battle I haven't and won't ever win. My face itself has a built in 24 hour clock and has become accustomed to being washed twice a day (as it should be). Sometimes our lifestyles may come in between this obligation causing us to either 1. Skip or 2. Cut short our date with a good 'ole cleanse.  After spending years getting use to my skin type, I can gauge when my routine is working or when things need to be altered a bit.  My signal that change is needed comes from increased breakouts, dryness, or other forms of skin irritation.

Hang out with me as I walk you through my daily nighttime routine including cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing my face. Your routine may include more or less steps, but again, knowing your skin and what keeps it under control is key.

Disclaimer: I was in the process of deep conditioning my hair as I documented my face routine. This is not, I repeat - is not, my daily look. Though, turbans are a huge accessory trend right now. I guess I condition my hair in style!

Step 1: Cleanse
I've chosen to use the St. Ives Scrub Free Exfoliating Pads to lightly cleanse my skin. This product is very delicate and perfect for sensitive skin. Since I will exfoliate in Step 2, it's important that I use a gentle product at this step since exfoliating is a bit more abrasive on the skin.

*If I were removing a face full of makeup, I would use my makeup remover of choice prior to cleansing.

Step 2: Exfoliate
I am 100% sure this next step is a Beauty Faux Pau, but I will admit, I exfoliate my face everyday. Some beauty experts may discourage this frequency, however, my skin seems to love me for it. To make up for it, I use just a dalop of my absolute favorite beauty item, the St. Ives Blemish and Blackhead Control Apricot scrub. The scrub contains micro beads that removes buildup, residue and most importantly, blackheads. I gently massage the scrub into my skin with moist finger to further distribute the product on my face (be sure to get under your chin - close to the neck region).

Since the scrub is thick in nature, I allow it to sit on my skin for about 5 minutes as a mask. To remove the scrub, while at the sink or in the shower, I will splash my face with warm water until all product (especially those micro beads) are removed.  

Step 3: Tone
Using a clean cloth, I pat my face dry and apply my CVS Refreshing Toner with a cotton ball or clean fingers. This step in one of the most important because it removes any dirt, makeup, and "leftovers" not captured while cleansing and exfoliating. Toning also evens out my skin tone, so I focus particularity on my cheek areas and forehead where breakouts are no strangers.

Step 4: Moisturize
Anytime moisture is removed, it should be replaced. With many natural oils being removed, it's important to replenish the skin. At night, I choose a thick cream such as CVS Night Cream because in penetrates my skin as I sleep and rejuvenates it for a fresh morning glow. By day, I apply a lighter moisturizer with SPF that is light enough to pair with my everyday makeup. 

My routine is now complete! It's quick, simple and affordable using your everyday drugstore products:

// St. Ives Scrub Free Exfoliating Pads | $4.69
// St. Ives Blemish & Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub | $3.04
// CVS Refreshing Toner | $4.99
// CVS Night Cream | $14.97


What products play a big part in your nighttime face routine?

xo's - AFab