How I Got Clear Skin + My Current Skincare & Makeup Routine

Today on the blog I wanted to share my skincare + an updated makeup routine for you guys. I’ve never shared my skincare routine on here because up until this year I never really found something that worked well for me. This is a routine that I’ve been using now for about 8 months and it has really, really helped my skin and hopefully you can add a few of these products to your skincare routine to help with any issues you might be having.

Let’s Talk Skincare

Growing up I never really had acne or any issues with my skin. In fact throughout high school I would wear foundation daily and not even wash my face before bed. Gross right? After I graduated I went to Cosmetology school and it was there that I started noticing acne popping up. This is where I started testing out skincare products to try to find the right fit for my skin.

I started using Aveda skincare because I went to an Aveda institute. I continued to have acne here and there and still wasn’t pleased with my skin. Being in the Cosmetology world and working at a few different salons and spas over the years I have tried a massive amount of skincare brands and products. I’ve tried Aveda, Skinceuticals, Hydropeptide, Tula, Hylunia, Dr Hauschka and the list goes on. I was never able to find a routine that worked well for my skin until this year.

I would label my skin as normal to oily and I am definitely more on the sensitive side. Bryson had been using CeraVe from the grocery store for a few months and was raving about it and suggesting I try it. I thought no way will this cheap grocery store skincare help me but I didn’t have much to loose. At the end of last year my skin was at an all time low and at the time I was using Tula. Needless to say I started using CeraVe cleaner and moisturizer about 10 months ago and I haven’t stopped. I was honestly surprised by how my skin reacted after using high end skincare for years. I guess the saying “less is more” can be true when it comes to skincare. Here is my current skincare routine.

Morning Routine:

I wash my face every morning with the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. After I cleanse my face, I apply the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion with one pump of the Aczone gel (you do need a prescription from a dermatologist or doctor for this but it really has helped with acne breakouts). This is all I do before applying my makeup for the day.

Night Routine:

Before bed I wash my face again with the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. I actually wash my face 4 times if I wore makeup that day. I found that only washing my face 1-2 times still left makeup on my face and would cause breakouts. After I cleanse, every other night I apply Jan Marini Age Intervention Duality. This was another recommendations from my Dermatologist but it can be purchased online without a perscription. It works like a retinol cream and helps to diminish acne and acne scaring by promoting new skin production. I highly recommend this product if you have acne or acne scaring. I started by using it every 3-4 nights and worked it in to every other night as I am more sensitive. If I apply the Duality at night then that is my final step for my daily routine. If I do not apply the Duality I will apply the CeraVe Moisturizer again and hit the hay.

One last product I use as needed is End-Zit. This is something I started using a few years ago after a recommendation from SomethingNavy. Whenever I get the occasional zit which doesn’t happen often now, I apply this after cleansing at night and by the morning it is almost gone. I swear by this product for any breakouts it is literally like magic! These 5 products are the only products I am using on my skin. Again I think less is more. I was using masks, serums, oils, ect and my skin was only getting worse and worse. It was when I pulled back and started doing the bare minimum that I personally saw the best results in my skin.

A Few More Skincare Tips

  1. Be sure to drink a ton of water. All I really ever drink is coffee in the AM and water all day long. In reality you should be drinking half your body weight in ounces of water daily. This will really help to give your skin a healthy glow!
  2. I cut down on dairy and I really think that has helps my skin. I drink almond milk and only have dairy when I eat shredded cheese or sliced cheese with meals.
  3. See a dermatologist if you are having any issues with your skin like I was. By adding in Aczone and Duality which were both recommendations from my Derm I saw significant difference in my skin.

Let’s talk makeup

Like Skincare, I am a bit of a makeup junkie. I have tried tons of difference brands of makeup especially foundations. I’ve used drugstore foundation to Chanel and Dior foundations and my current routine is one I am really loving. After I wash and moisturize my face I always apply the Laura Mercier Protect Primer with SPF. This helps to even skin tone, protect your skin from the sun and prep for your foundation. Next depending on my day and what kind of coverage I want I will either use my It Cosmetics CC Cream (for a more natural + laid back day) or my Laura Mercier Flawless Foundation (medium-full coverage, flawless look). I really love both of these foundations and after trying tons of foundations, CC and BB creams these are my top two picks. I apply both products with my Tarte Airbrush Finish Brush and I think that really helps to get a smooth, flawless application.

After foundation I like to apply a powder to set the foundation. I’ve used the Makeup Forever Pro Powder for years and I love the coverage and how long it lasts on my face. It is more a matte finish but that is what I like. After powder I apply the Laura Mercier Bronzer to the outsides of my face and some contouring. Next depending on the day sometimes I will apply some Laura Mercier Highlighter for a glow or Benefit Boi-ing Concealer if needed under my eyes.

After most of my face makeup is applied I will add some color to my cheeks, a bit to my forehead and the tip of my nose using blush. I use either my Tarte blush or my Milani blush (a good drugstore find). For my brows I actually use my Naked2 Eye Shadow Pallet and I use the brown shade. I don’t typically wear a ton of eye shadow but this is the only pallet I use when I do. I love all of the colors and they’re perfect for everyday wear. I finish off my eye makeup with some Stila Liquid Liner (all time favorite liquid liner) and the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. I’ve used this mascara for years and love it. Lastly I finish off my makeup with a lip color. I love the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in the color #44 for everyday wear or the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in the color #55 Romance. I could write a whole post about lipsticks and color but I will save that for another day.

And that it for my daily skincare + makeup routine! I have been SO happy with how my skin looks not only without makeup but also with makeup. My skin looks more even and makeup sits better and lasts longer on my skin. I hope you guys liked this post and you are able to pick up a new product to try whether it is for your skincare of makeup routine. Shop all of my products via the images below. Thanks for stopping by! xx

my current skincare + makeup!