Ever since the pandemic started and I began to work from home, I switched up my skincare routine subconsciously. It might have been because I started self isolating with my boyfriend or because I was wearing less makeup than usual or because I suddenly had free time in my schedule to apply all the steps in my lengthy routine. But whatever the reason was, I noticed that I was suddenly using all new products in my quarantine skincare routine.
Cleansers
- Nivea MicellAIR Micellar Water for Waterproof Makeup ($10.99CAD/$8.99USD)
I stumbled across this Nivea MicellAIR Micellar Water at a Shoppers Drug Mart and I only picked it up because a) I needed a new micellar water, b) I used the Nivea original MicellAIR water (review here) and loved it and c) it was on clearance for $3.99CAD. This one is specifically for waterproof makeup and has almost a dual-phase oil/water consistency. Although I don’t usually wear waterproof makeup, I was curious to see if it removed my normal makeup better than the original Nivea micellar water. Honestly, I don’t think it differs at all from it’s original counterpart but it is just as good so I’m going to keep using it until it’s gone!
For my cleanser, I just started using the Neostrata Enlighten Ultra Brightening Cleanser ($32CAD) because I finished up my beloved Aiona Alive E-Citrus Exfoliating Cleanser (review here). It is a gentle non-drying cream-to-foam cleanser that removes make-up, dirt, and oil, while brightening and refreshing dull, lackluster skin. It contains NEOGLUCOSAMINE™, a gentle exfoliator that deep cleans and gets rid of dead skin cells. I find that an exfoliating cleanser always works especially well for my acne-prone skin and keeps the breakouts at bay and I find that this one is no different! It’s quite good!
Daytime Routine
- Moor Spa Blemish Gel ($29CAD)*
I just recently finished doing a whole review post on Moor Spa skincare and you’ll be glad to see that I really did mean it when I said I love their products! It really says something when I’m using two of their products in my everyday skincare routine! This blemish gel is the perfect acne treatment to use during the day. Because it doesn’t have salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in it, it doesn’t make my skin more sensitive to the sun so I don’t feel risky using it even when I do put sunscreen over top. It helps unclog my pores and keeps my breakouts to a minimum! Read the full review here.
- Clarins Pore Control Serum ($60CAD/$56USD)
Speaking of pores, I have really been loving this Pore Control Serum from Clarins. I never used to have oily skin but ever since I went off birth control, my t-zone has been an oil slicked mess. This serum is perfect for mattifying my skin and diminishing the appearance of my pores while still providing a healthy radiance and helping to smooth skin texture. It’s the perfect daytime serum! Read the full review here.
- Moor Spa Clarifying Cream ($38CAD)*
I am dreading the day I use up this cream and unfortunately I am already three quarters of the way through it. It’s the perfect texture for a day cream! It’s not too thick and it’s not too thin. It’s moisturizing enough but doesn’t leave my skin an oily, greasy mess by mid-day. Plus it’s specially suited for combination and acne-prone skin so it doesn’t make me breakout more than I already do! Read the full review here.
Nighttime Routine
- Clarins Mission Perfection Serum ($70CAD/$74USD)
I have been using this serum ever since 2016 (when it was launched) and I have no plans on stopping anytime soon. It truly is my holy grail serum. It fades my acne red marks and scars so damn quickly! It’s really a miracle product. It also adds radiance and evens out my skin tone. Plus it’s super gentle on the skin with no active retinols or AHA’s so I can wear it overtop of my benzoyl peroxide spot treatment at night without irritating my skin. Read the full review here.
- Clarins Multi-Active Jour Cream ($57CAD/$55USD)
I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve talked about the Clarins Multi-Active Jour cream on my blog. I’ve used it ever since I turned 22 and started freaking out about my skin aging and turning into a big ol’ wrinkly mess. It’s a beautiful texture, not too heavy or sticky but moisturizing enough to hydrate the dry skin on my face. The encapsulated Teasel extract helps to deliver targeted revitalizing action to where your skin needs it most while line-fighting Myrothamnus extract visibly smoothes, tones and de-stresses. And Clarins’ Anti-Pollution Complex helps to fight the effects of pollution and free radicals while keeping your skin radiant and wrinkle-free. Read the full review here.
- Strivectin Multi-Action R&R Eye Cream ($72CAD/$65USD)*
This eye cream is truly the best and probably the only one I’ll use for the rest of my life. An exaggeration? Nope, just you wait and see. I’ll never talk about another eye cream on ze blog for as long as I live. My under eye area is weirdly sensitive and I get little bumps if I use anything too rich. This is the first eye cream that has truly worked for me. It brightens up my eye area, gets rid of dark circles and helps prevent any fine lines from forming. I am 25 now so it’s more important than ever to invest in a good anti-aging eye cream.
The (Very Necessary) Extras
- Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Sunscreen ($88CAD/$68USD)
As I’ve spoken about previously on ze blog, there are very few sunscreens that don’t make me breakout and one of those just happens to be extremely pricey. $88 for a sunscreen? Outrageous, right? But this one is just too good. It’s slightly tinted so I love it for my no-makeup days. It evens out my skin tone and add radiance while protecting my skin with SPF 50. Plus it’s not just a sunscreen. It’s DNA enzyme complex supports the skin’s natural repair system while powerful antioxidants help fight environmental assaults to keep skin hydrated, protected and youthful looking! Read the full review here.
- Purple Tree Pomegranate Miracle Balm ($7CAD)*
A good lip balm will always be the most important part of my skincare routine because I have the driest lips ever. I have to apply lip balm at least every morning and night or else my lips will literally dry up and fall off my face. There’s a couple I am rotating between at the moment but one of my favorites is this Purple Tree Pomegranate Miracle Balm. It’s actually one of those multi-use balms that you can put on anything from dry, irritated skin to cuticles but I find it’s absolutely perfect as a lip balm. It works especially well if I apply a thick layer right before bed as a sleeping lip mask.
*ftc disclaimer: Products marked with an “*” were sent free of charge for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make When I’m Older possible!