A couple of months ago I shared my morning getting ready/skin care routine and so many of y’all requested that I share my night time skin care routine so today I’m doing just that!
My goal is to do everything I can to make my skin clear, glowing, even and smooth, so all of my creams and tools are geared towards that goal.
I’m going to start this post by talking about my latest beauty tool obsession. It seemed like everyone boarded the GloPro Microneedling Regeneration tool train before I finally purchased it, but I’m SO glad I did and I totally get it now.
I was listening to a Podcast where dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross was interviewed (his alpha beta peel pads are the next skin care item on my wish list) and he was being asked which skin care procedures and tools he believes in (things like chemical peels, various types of lasers, etc) and he confirmed that he believes microneedling is key in a skin care routine because of its ability to build collagen — it’s literally all about the collagen — if you take one thing away from this post, let is be this!
(this is just a photo for fun — the GloPro should only be used on freshly washed skin)
I was actually kind of lost when I first got the GloPro because I didn’t know if I was using it correctly. I purchased it at Nordstrom, so the next time I was in-store, I asked one of the beauty associates for guidance and it was super helpful to have someone walk me through the process.
Nordstrom actually has a ton of complimentary (and paid) beauty services — I ended up getting my makeup touched up at Charlotte Tilbury after my GloPro help, too (my next post will share an amazing new eye product I found at CT!) In addition to things like makeup lessons/applications, fragrance and skin care consultations, Nordstrom also has a spa and brow bar. I hope to make a little more time in 2018 to book myself regular brow appointments and treat myself to a spa service every once in awhile — and possibly even try some facials to complement my existing skincare routine…stay tuned!
Okay, back to the GloPro. Microneedling is exactly what it sounds like — you roll the microneedles over your skin in different directions and this causes “micro-trauma” to the skin, which forces the skin to create more collagen (YESSS!) to repair it. Over time and with regular use, microneedling helps to regenerate the skin and keep it looking smooth and firm. It’s a few minute process and then you apply your serums within 60 seconds of needling. Microneedling doesn’t hurt, but your skin may feel a little bit itchy or tight afterwards. This tool is a SPLURGE…but worth every single penny. Treat yourself for the holidays for year-round benefits!
Okay, onto the next items in my night-time routine, from cleansing and skin serums to lips and lashes.
C L E A N S E
I’ve been using a lot of Dermalogica products lately and their precleanse balm and special cleansing gel have been favorites for months. The precleanse is great for removing makeup, and even gives me a headstart on my eye makeup removal (I always wear waterproof mascara). I always use the precleanse first and then follow with the special cleansing gel. Especially now that I’m microneedling, I really need to make sure my skin is totally clean.
T R E A T
I still use a prescription retinol cream a few nights a week and when I do, I always pair it with a moisturizer so my skin doesn’t peel too much. Dermalogica’s active moist has been a go-to! It’s oil-free and great for combination skin like mine.
I also alternate two serums at night Mario Badescu’s vitamin C serum, which I’ve been using for more than 6 months and Clarin’s new double serum, which I’ve been using for about 2 months now (it’s a splurge, but on sale for 15% off right now and you only use a tiny bit). It contains over 20 anti-aging plant extracts and makes skin smooth and bright. I’ve been really happy with it and as you can see — I still have so much left even though I use it several times a week. The bottle has a built-in serum dispenser and you can choose for it to dispense one drop or two. It has really high ratings and I know why. It really makes skin have that glowing appearance.
L I P S + L A S H E S
After cleaning and applying my night creams and serums, I apply my Dior creme de rose blam on my lips (currently on sale for $25) and Neulash, to keep my lashes long and thick. This is a holy-grail product and is also on sale, so now is a good time to pick it up if you’ve been wanting to try it. It’s amazing to grow your natural lashes and not have to wear falsies or extensions. All you need is a lash curler and mascara to make them look super long and thick. By the way, I’m wearing this mascara by Lancome in these photos and will do a full review in my next beauty post (it’s 15% off right now too).
H A I R
When we were at Disney World, one of my best friends introduced me to these hair elastics and I’ve never looked back! Looking at them, you’d think “you want me to put that in my HAIR?!” But somehow, they magically don’t tangle and don’t create any creases in your hair. I throw my hair in a topknot when I do my night time cleansing routine and also when I sleep at night. They are AWESOME and under $10.
That’s it for my night time skin care routine! This past year, I became really committed to skin care, because I know that taking care of it now means better skin as I age. There’s nothing wrong with aging of course, it happens to all of us, but I’d like to preserve what I can for as long as I can. When my grandmother, who was a biologist, was still alive, she used to make her own concoctions using all kinds of creams and vitamins and mixing them together. It was amazing — she would sleep with her creams on her skin and I would often watch her do her nighttime routine. She had the most beautiful, glowing skin. Of course she had wrinkles and laugh lines and all that comes with aging, but it was like she was glowing, her skin was always so bright and supple.
I kind of went off on a tangent there — but before I go, I want to mention that a ton of beauty faves are on sale right now at Nordstrom. I plan to do an entire post on the makeup look I have on below (stay tuned!) but I will link up some of the makeup brands having sales because they’re not to be missed (and makeup items always make for great stocking stuffers!)
Lancome – 15% off + this amazing kit for just $54 (keep for yourself or break it up and give as stocking stuffers for others!)
MAC – 15 % off
Clinique – lots of great makeup + skin care for 15% off
Estee Lauder – 15% off — I have been wanting to try their double wear foundation — do any of y’all use it? velvet tank | pave initial necklace
*This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. Thank you for supporting the wonderful brands that support my blog!
S H O P T H E P O S T
Meghan says
I use the double wear light foundation. I’ve gone through a ton of foundations but always come back to this one.
Veronika says
I have heard so many good things about it — what’s the coverage like?
Meghan Darlson says
Depends on how much you apply but I’d say medium to full coverage. I have a ton of hyper pigmentation due to hormonal acne breakouts and it covers it very well! I also have combination skin and get shiny around my chin and nose with most other foundations but with double wear light I do t get any break through shine! ??
Veronika says
Sounds like I need to try it! Love that you don’t get any shine. Can I ask what you use to apply it? Beauty blender or brush? Is the double wear light different than the regular double wear? I have so many questions, haha 🙂
Meghan Darlson says
I usually use a foundation brush from it cosmetics but if I have active breakouts I use my hands to apply I feel like the coverage is heavier this way and it’s a bit more gentle on my skin during a break out. The coverage on the original double wear is too heavy and “mask like” to me.
Veronika says
Thanks Meghan – I will have to go and get my skin swatched so I choose the right shade. I am legit so pale…I use the shade ‘fair” in IT Cosmetics foundation, which is their lightest. I think estee lauder has a lot more shades though!
tiffany says
I’m also on the microneedling train and can’t believe what a difference it has made in my skin!
I just wanted to say for anyone else wanting to try it, I got my needler on ebay for $1 shipped and I was able to choose my needle length.
Veronika says
I’m so glad you’ve had great results! I personally chose GloPro because I had heard so many positive reviews and because the tool itself holds a patent and was co-founded by a doctor. It also has the red LED light that is supposed to further improve results: https://gloprobeauty.com/pages/why-glopro.
Let me know what results you’ve most noticed — I can’t wait to see more and more improvement over time!
Jenny says
Great post! Ive been on the fence about the Glow Pro but sounds like I need it! As far as the eyelash serum, do you prefer Nuelash over R&F. I seem to remember you using that one as well and I love Nuelash but wondering if I should give R&F a try. Thanks for any input and I second the Double Wear Light reccomendation.
Veronika says
Jenny – I love lash boost also, but for the price, I think the results are about the same. Plus, R+F is an MLM and you have to pay like $20 to have a “membership” to get the lower pricing, which is still higher than Neulash (and also, Latisse, which is a prescription lash growth serum).
Thanks for the foundation review — looks like I need to try it!
Rachel says
I’ve been curious about microneedling, but how the heck do you wash the tool? Some people just sanitize it but that doesn’t really get the gross stuff off. That’s like slapping on hand sanitizer when your hands are covered in dirt.
Veronika says
You use pure alcohol – the GloPro comes with a spray bottle for it. You also replace the head every few months.
karen says
Hi!
I was considering buying some of the Rodan & Fields skincare and read your reviews in your June post. I just read this post and was wondering if you’re not using R&F any longer and why? I would love if you would let me know. I’d hate to spend so much on R&F if it’s not good.
Thank you!
Karen
Veronika says
Hi Karen! I’ve blogged about this before — but I now use prescription retinol. I didn’t want to pay more for a product that is lesser strength than what I can get from my dermatologist. R+F products work, but I don’t think they work better than prescription retinol creams.
Elizabeth says
Hi, Veronika! Love this post – I’ve also been taking my skin care a lot more seriously lately and am really enjoying trying out various products. I was curious if you still use La Roche Posay, or if you think Dermalogica is the better choice purely for cleansing purposes? I’ve really liked the Effaclar cleanser for awhile but am kind of curious to branch out. Thanks for any guidance!
Veronika says
Yes Elizabeth – I do still use LRP and have for many years. It’s a fantastic French skincare line. I think the special cleansing gel and the effaclar cleanser are quite similar – I use them both (sometimes one in the morning and one at night and sometimes alternating them). Both cleansers have a gel-like consistency and remove makeup well. I think either is an excellent choice. The Dermalogica pre-cleanse balm is totally different and if you wear makeup daily, especially long-lasting foundation or waterproof mascara, it does a wonderful job at removing those really well prior to using a cleansing gel.
Elizabeth says
SO helpful, thanks. I will definitely try the pre-cleanse balm and go from there! Happy new year!
Veronika says
Happy new year!
nicci says
Think your skin looks really good so this microneedling might be something we should all look into 🙂
Thanks for great tip!
https://niccimarquart.com/