A lot of good things happen while you’re sleeping. We all know how important beauty sleep is. You may be resting, but your skin definitely is NOT. Instead, it’s working pretty hard at repairing things like sun exposure, environmental pollution and day to day stress. This is why I always say, your PM skincare routine is far more important than your daytime routine. Yes, you’ll always want to do the basics; cleanse, tone and moisturize, but this is your chance to put those "targeted" skincare products to work.
At nighttime, your products can fully sink in and do their work without anything interfering with them. In addition, a lot of ingredients that cause sun-sensitivity are best applied at night. The timing of using certain products is so important so I hope this helps you understand why.
Today, I’m sharing my PM Winter skincare routine. You can check out my full video tutorial below.
First, I do a double cleanse to remove my makeup before actually cleaning my skin. The LILFOX Amazon after Dark is a delightfully rich butter that melts away the day's grime and leaves the skin super soft.
Second, I use a gel or foaming cleanser to thoroughly cleanse my skin. I think of this as a deep- pore cleansing step. Right now, I’m really loving the Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. It’s gentle, yet refreshing. Plus it’s sulfate-free and non-drying. This is vital during the winter months when there is less humidity in the air.
Next, I spritz my face with a toner. If you’re dry or have sensitive skin, I recommend the Botnia Rose Toner. Apply a generous amount so that your skin stays damp for the next step.
Have you heard of a sleep mask or an overnight mask?
Think of your overnight mask as a night cream, but with extra benefits. For one, they tend to be more targeted. They’re also created a little differently. Sleep masks are formulated to not absorb as quickly into the upper layers of the skin and work over a longer period of time, a.k.a. overnight . I like to say that they “seal” in the ingredients. Currently, I’m using the LILFOX Dewy Dream Bean bedtime mask. 1-2 nights per week.
I la la LOVE this mask for a couple of reasons. For one, it’s a great retinol alternative. It provides all the same benefits but without the sensitivity. (Most conventional retinoids cause redness, peeling and sun-sensitivity- beh). Protein and Vitamin A are natural forms of Retinol. This Dream Bean, commonly known as “Moth Bean” is a super intense Vitamin A legume and it works like magic. It lifts away dead skin, lightens dark spots and inspires cell renewal for pillowy soft and smooth skin by morning. It’s also very effective for clearing blackheads and comedones after only a couple of days of use.
I suggest you apply only 1-2 drops of the Bedtime Mask and rub it in. (do not rinse). Then, I apply another few sprays of the Rose Toner or whichever toner you like.
Lastly, I use a Face oil to seal in the mask. A good face oil can basically max out your skin’s natural nighttime repair. Face oils can deliver a variety of skin nutrients to the skin, such as vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to help moisturize the skin.
For the last few weeks, I’ve been using the LILFOX Prickly Pear face nectar. It’s a chock full of Vitamin E (very healing for sun damage) and Omega 6 lipids, leaving skin silky smooth and hydrated. I’ll often refer to this nectar as “LIQUID SILK”.
Another reason oils are ideal at night? That’s when your skin barrier is at its most permeable — meaning water in your skin can evaporate at a higher rate during the day. Ultimately, oils keep water trapped in the skin overnight. How amazing!
Lastly, I add a pea size dollop of the LILFOX Cucumber and Black Seed eye butter around my eyes and apply Madame Gabriela Saint Tropez at 11am to my lips. Don’t forget those lips!
Consider it proof that getting the most out of your overnight hours is, like most things in life, all about good timing. ;-)
Will you try an overnight mask or have you thought about switching to a natural retinol? I’d love to hear your thoughts on both!
Watch my full WINTER PM SKINCARE ROUTINE here.
XO, Jennie