How To: Picking the Best Skin Care Products for Your Skin

Fresh, clean skin after my nighttime skin care routine!

Skin care products have always been important to me but in the past 6 months I've become quite the skin care snob.  I don't know if it's because I'm more concerned about anti-aging products or I'm tired of trying new things, but I have found the perfect skin care routine for me and it only took about 10 years.

The whole routine - All my skin care products used both day and night 

Before you spend your time and money searching for the perfect products, you need to ask yourself 3 questions:
1) Am I willing to commit to a routine both day and night?
2) How important is anti-aging or treatment to me?
3) What is my budget?

These are such important questions.  For me, I knew I was committed to using products both day and night, without fail.  I also knew that anti-aging was important to me, as was treating my skin.  I was also committed to spending the money AS LONG as the products worked.

Committing to a Routine 

Skin care products, especially treatment products, will not work without consistency.  If a product that you love says to use both day and night, and it's only being used at night, it won't work, period.  On that note, each person's skin is completely different.  I use my cleanser at night, only, and then use my toner only in the morning, to remove the nighttime debris.  The toner says to use twice a day but my skin would be too dry if I did that.  However, my facial oil is used twice a day.  

You know your skin and you will be able to determine what is going to work best.

My skin care treatment goodies

 Picking an Anti-Aging or Treatment Product

My favorite product, of all time, is a serum.  Seriously, I love nothing more than to put a gorgeous smelling serum over my cleansed skin.  Nothing beats that feeling of clean skin.  

Picking a treatment product can take time especially because everyone's treatment needs are different.  For myself, I always want something that's going to keep my skin glowing, erase early signs of aging and brighten my skin tone.  I use two different products for this along with my facial oil moisturizers.

When starting out with serums, visit your favorite beauty store and request samples.  This will give you an idea of what they smell like AND how they feel on your skin.  The other great thing about big department stores or beauty stores like Sephora, they will take back your tried products if you are unhappy.  Of course, if you've used the whole product they won't but if you've tried it and it doesn't work for you, return it and try something new.

My treatment serum is Nude Progenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil and my anti-aging serum is Herbivore Botanicals Orchid Youth Preserving Facial Oil.  My moisturizer is Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light.

My favorite toner!  I've been using this for 10 years 

What Is Your Budget

It's true that some great products can really break the bank.  My rescue oil has a price point of $85 per 1 fluid ounce.  I justify this because it lasts me about 3 months and to me, it's an investment.  It keeps me skin glowing and line free.

However, not everyone wants to spend that and I can completely understand.  I have also used some fabulous over the counter serums (aka Oil of Olay, L'Oreal) for less than $15 each.  Remember to find the price point that best suits your needs AND provides you with the outcome you are looking for.

Skin care is such an important step in creating the perfect canvas for makeup.  If you don't have a skin care routine, start one!  Your skin will thank you!!

What are your favorite skin care products??

Up close and personal - No makeup and still glowing!