This post was published in February 2019. It has been updated with expanded content on August 18th, 2020, as part of our Beauty Week. All week, I’ll feature new and “best of articles” to help inspire you to practice extra self-care, find new and effective products, and start the Fall feeling like the best version of you. 

I’ve spent a ton of time researching the best order to apply skincare products at night, for purely selfish reasons. As my arsenal of products has grown, I started to wonder if I was using them correctly, and, as it turned out, I wasn’t.

There is more to skincare than just slapping on some cream. Each layer has a purpose. Some products work best on damp skin; others require skin to be dry. All should have a minute to absorb for maximum effectiveness.

I’m sharing what I found with you today because the correct process will ensure you are getting the most out of the investment you are making in your skin.

You’ll see below; I use a combination of high-end and inexpensive products. There is a $7 serum and a $200 serum. 

A few things to keep in mind: I use the products below every single day. They work for my skin, which is sensitive, dull, dry in areas, and acne-prone. I’ve dealt with cystic acne for years, and it killed my self-esteem.

One of the reasons I was so reluctant to put my picture on the blog was how terrible my skin looked. 

Since landing on this specific regimen over the last three or four years, my skin has never looked better, and I’ve had no breakouts, so I happily spend the money. 

Please remember that this post’s point is to share the order to apply your skincare and why.

Everyone’s skin and budgets are different.

Use the products that work best for you.

And, of course, you can eliminate any step that doesn’t serve you, just move to the next step. 

The Best Order to Apply Skincare Products at Night

A good rule of thumb to follow is to layer your skincare according to the products weight, starting with the lightest and working your way to the thickest. 

The most important note to remember is to be as gentle with your skin through this process as possible. Avoid tugging and pulling. When you exfoliate, be sure it’s not too rough, and always lightly pat your skin dry.

My process seems like a lot but it only takes about 10 minutes at night, and after a long day, it’s a lovely way to mentally prepare to sleep and transition to bedtime.

How to Apply Skincare Products at Night

Wash your face

Oil Cleanser, $48

Start with a gentle cleanser. I love this oil cleanser from Tatcha. It’s light, odorless and melts off your makeup without being harsh or drying out your skin. I’ve been using it for a few years now and there’ is no going back.

Depending on the day, my mood and the time I have, I’ll do a double cleanse, which means just that.  Made popular in Korean skin care routines, you simple wash your face twice, once with an oil based cleanser, and follow up with a water based one. For that, I am so pleased with Drunk Elephant’s Gel Cleanser No. 9.

Exfoliate

Exfoliator, $125.

There are two products on this list that completely changed my skin. Goop’s exfoliating “mask” is incredible is the first. They call it a mask, but it’s more like a scrub.

After you cleanse, apply a small amount all over your face.

Let it sit for about three minutes, until it feels a little tingly, and then wipe it off with a clean cloth and warm water. Your skin will glow and feel like a baby’s bottom.

It’s a splurge, for sure, but the other day, I changed Vivi’s diaper and had poop on my forehead for an indeterminate amount of time, so I don’t care.

I use it maybe three times a week and am conscious of the other exfoliating I may be doing because the last thing you want to do is over-exfoliate your skin. 

I’ve been using it since it came out and will never go without it.

Face Mask – Optional

 Mask, $39.

I don’t do a mask every day, no one has time for that, but I will apply one once a week, before I do a photo shoot, or on a Sunday. I love to do one when my husband is traveling (remember those days?)  and I can have a big glass of wine and watch trash TV by myself.

My favorite and most frequently used is this Claudalie Detox Mask, great for cleaning out your pores and brightening skin. 

When I want something for fine lines and wrinkles I turn to Hanacure’s all in one facial kit. It’s wild, but it really does work. 

Tone

 Toner, $11 

Use a toner after you cleanse and before you moisturize. It helps to remove any excess dirt, makeup or left over product from a mask.

It also helps with acne and restores your skin’s Ph. Thayers Witch Hazel in Rose Petal is my favorite. It’s affordable, effective and there is something nostalgic about the scent. Every time I smell it I feel happy. 

Then Use a Serum

Vintner’s Daughter, $198

Listen, the price of this serum is bananas, I know.  I’m also on my maybe 10th bottle. It’s the single best product I’ve ever used on my skin.  You can read all about it’s complex goodness here. 

What I can tell you is since using it I don’t have any breakouts and my skin looks more youthful. I use it day and night. 

To apply, gently push the serum into your skin. 

Serums, in general, are essential because they have a higher concentration of ingredients. They absorb into the skin better, so a little goes a long way.  It’s important to remember to let them absorb for a minute or two before you move to the next step. 

Related: The Beauty Tools I Can’t Live Without

Add a Moisture Boost

Hyaluronic Acid, $7.

The term “acid” turned me off for a long time, until I learned that it’s not an acid at all.  Rather, it’s a gel like water substance that helps plump your skin and lock in moisture. 

It’s important to put this on damp skin so the gel has something to hold on to and is activated. 

So I apply my serum, let it sit, and then spritz my skin with this hydrating mist by Juice Beauty, then layer on the hyaluronic acid and let that sit for a minute or two. Also, I don’t spend here, at all. I use The  Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid for $7. 

Don’t Forget Eye Cream

I use eye cream day and night because I am 40, I have three kids and I barely little sleep.

For a long time I was devoted to this eye cream by Dr. Barbara Strum. It’s fantastic, but too expensive. I just started using Goopgenes eye cream that is SO MUCH LESS. So far I like it a lot. 

To apply, gently dab it around your eye area and, again, let it sit for a minute.It not only helps minimize wrinkles, it helps with tired, puffy eyes, something I know a little bit about these days.

For a fantastic drugstore option, Olay makes on that gets great reviews. 

Retinoid for the Over 40 Crowd

Retinoid, $10

If you are approaching  or are over 40 you need a retinoid or retinol. Retinoid is a stronger version of retinol and helps turn over your cells faster. While hyaluronic acid is activated by damp skin, you want to apply your retinoid product on totally dry skin. 

Start by using a tiny amount, a few times a week as it can be drying and even burn your skin (happened to me) if you don’t use it correctly.

Because my skin is so sensitive, I only apply it two times a week – at the most. I apply on problem areas like the wrinkles on my forehead and some age spots on my cheeks. Do not rub it all over your face. 

I use The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion. You could spend so much more, but after reading the reviews on Sephora I gave it a try and it does the trick!

Night Cream

Night Cream, $56 

Your skin does all of its regeneration while you sleep, so layer on a rich night cream to help it along. I’ve used so many over the years. La Mer makes an incredible (and incredibly expensive) one, I used Estee Lauder NightWear for a few months and was happy with that too . 

Currently, I have two in my cabinet Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Overnight Cream and the new Goopgenes All in One Moisturizer.

I just started using Goop’s newest product and I have to say, it’s wonderful. I didn’t like their first attempt at a night cream at all but this new one is fantastic. You can wear  it at night and during the day, which is great because the cold Northeast winters take all the hydration out of my skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves you with a pretty glow. 

Shop this Post

---

Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please consider following on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

 

 

I have been a devotee of the derma roller for a few years. Of all the gizmo’s I use on my face, and there are many, it has the most significant impact.

Admittedly, I take my skincare seriously. I’d rather spend my time and money taking care of my skin than covering it up. You can see my nighttime routine here. 

How to Use a Drema Roller in Your Skincare Routine

Derma Roller Micro Needle Kit, $22.00

What is It?

A derma roller is a small, handheld device with a titanium head covered in 600 tiny “needles.” By rolling these needles across your face, you slightly puncture your skin, and when followed up with your favorite serum, your skin absorbs more of the product at a deeper level.

It also helps stimulate collagen production, increases blood flow to the face, and helps eliminate acne scars.

In my early and mid-thirties, I started getting severe, often painful acne on my cheeks, and it threw me down a spiral. I never dealt with acne, even as a teenager, so I was shocked and embarrassed to have it as a grown woman.

 It’s one of the reasons it took me so long to put my face on this site. My self-esteem was in the toilet. 

Once we figured out what was going on, a combination of hormones and stress, it cleared up, but left just as frustrating scars. After using the derma roller for a month or so, they disappeared. 

Today, I seen an incredible improvement in the texture of my skin since I first started using it at least three times a week for over a year now.

At 40, my skin has never looked better, it’s noticeably smoother and plumper.

I use the  Love & Pebble Microneedle Kit, and I love it. The best part is that it is an excellent value at $25 and comes with three replacement heads.

How to Use a Derma Roller in Your Skincare Routine

The Technique

Start on clean, dry skin. Visualize your face divided in sections: cheeks, chin, forehead, and move one section at a time. Using light pressure roll horizontal, vertical and then diagonal strokes up and out within each section. 

Don’t skip your eye area, just use very light pressure around and under your eyes.

Work your way over each section until you’ve covered your entire face.

Does it hurt? A little at first but you get used to it. Your skin may be red for a few minutes afterward, but that will go away.

Follow with a serum and gently press the product into your skin.

If you like, you can also follow the same technique on your neck, to help minimize those horizontal lines that start to show up as we age. 

When to Use Your Roller

For the longest time, I included my derma roller into my nighttime skincare routine. But once we started more permanently working and staying at home, I moved it to the morning. 

You can use it wherever it makes sense for your day. Currently, I’m using it a few mornings a week, adding on my serum, and I give my skin a chance to breathe make up free. 

How to Clean Your Derma Roller

Keeping your derma roller clean is extremely important.

After each use, rinse it under warm water and then place it in a small bowl with isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for about an hour. Then rinse and let air dry.

Sounds like a lot of steps but it takes just a minute and is worth it. 

Replace with a new head as you feel the needle dulling. 

Favorite Follow Up Serums

Serums and derma rollers are the peanut butter and jelly of skincare. 

Once you finish all the steps, take a few drops of your go-to serum and gently press into your skin. Your skin will just soak it all in. 

My favorite is  Vintner’s Daughter. I worship it. It is ridiculously expensive but worth every penny. 

For something much more affordable, The Ordinary makes a variety of serums, my favorite is their Hyaluronic Acid that is under $10 at Sephora. 

---

Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please consider following on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

 

By now, we all know that wearing sunscreen every day is a must. And many of us (raises hand) wish we spent our younger years embracing SPF a little more.

While I was at the beach last week with my family, I saw my 13 years old attempting to sunbathe. She was convinced she needed a “base.” Don’t worry, we sprayed her down with SPF 70.

Bless her freckled-faced heart. I did the same thing when I was her age, like an idiot. I am just waiting for the day she discovers self-tanners.

But unlike her, I remember the days of sunscreen feeling like you were slathered with Elmers Glue. And back then, we only wore it in the summer, when we would be outside for long periods of time. 

Today, it’s should be an essential part of our daily beauty routine. 

The BEST Sunscreen for Your Face

Sunscreen, $34 

As someone who burns looking at the sun, I’ve tried so many sunscreens specifically for my face. Sometimes they were part of my foundation or a tinted moisturizer, but I find having a separate one especially helpful this time of year.

I discovered the Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense by Drunk Elephant a few months ago, and I will never try another one. It goes on easily, like a light moisturizer, and absorbs into your skin instantly, leaving no sticky film or residue and makeup layers on wonderfully. 

I keep my morning skincare routine simple, considering how involved it is before bed. All I do is lightly wash my face with this Tachta face oil, follow up with my favorite face oil, wait a minute, then put on this sunscreen.

 
Shop this Post

---

Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist View Post and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please consider following on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

---

Right now, we all need a little self-care. Something simple, inexpensive, and uncomplicated to take our mind off things.  A small indulgence to make us feel good. For me, when I do a little pampering, I feel better.

I’m a big believer in maintaining as much normalcy as possible when things feel uncertain.  And for many of us, we’re focusing on maintaining that normalcy for our families. 

Now, more than ever, it’s going to be really easy to forget about yourself. 

Carving out some time, even if it’s just a minute, for self-care will help you feel centered and allow you to take better care of yourself and everyone around you.

So, I thought it would be helpful to roundup my favorite beauty tools and products. These are some of my all-time favorite finds, that I use regularly, and are all under $40. 

You can incorporate these into your day without a lot of fuss, and seriously, since none of us will be hitting up a salon in the coming weeks, we’re going to need all the help we can get! 😉 

6 Affordable Luxury Beauty Products and Tools You’ll Love

Clay Mask, $39  |  Ice Roller, $15  |  Derma Roller, $23  |  Dry Brush, $20  |  Hand Cream, $29  |   Hydrating Mask, $38

Clay Mask, $39

 

This is my favorite face mask. It’s gentle, not drying, and effective. It’s a clay mask, so it gets tight on your skin. Keep on for ten minutes, and wipe off with a warm washcloth. Use once or twice a week to help remove dirt, oil, and pollutants from your face.

I like to use it as part of my nighttime skincare routine.

Ice Roller, $15

I bought this ice face roller in 2019 while I was up in the middle of the night and pregnant with Vivi, unable to sleep. By the time it showed up, I had forgotten about it. I eventually used it, and it is surprisingly fantastic.

I keep it in my freezer drawer and use it first thing in the morning, while the house is still quiet and I’m getting my coffee ready. This helps reduce redness and puffiness and also tightens pores. It also just feels so good and helps wake me up.

Derma Roller, $23

Of all the gizmo’s I use on my face, and there are many, it is by far the most impactful. A Microneedle, or Derma Roller is a small, handheld tool that rolls thousands of tiny needles across your face.

Doing so does a few things, first, it helps stimulate collagen – something we all need. Second, the small little holes the needle makes allows your products to absorb into your skin better, making them more effective. 

Does it hurt? No, but it might feel uncomfortable at first. You get use to it. 

Start once a week and work your way to two. When you use this, skip any other exfoliate you might use.  

 

 Dry Brush, $20

Dry brushing is an excellent technique used to reduce cellulite, improve circulation, smooths skin, and help with lymphatic drainage – which in turn helps strengthen our immune system. I started using it simply to exfoliate before learning about all the other good-for-you benefits. 

Use it once to twice a week, before you shower. Work in sweeping movements up your body from your toes to your chest, and then in a downward motion from your neck to your chest. It feels weird but good, and your skin will feel great right away and start to glow a few weeks from now with regular use. This is the brush I use, from goop.

Hand Cream, $29 

We’re washing our hands and wiping down every surface in our homes all day long. We need a good hand cream, and this one from L’Occitane is the best. I keep tubes of these all around the house: in drawers, in my bag, and the pocket of my robe. 

And as an extra little something, warm a wash cloth and wrap it around your hands – like when you get your nails done, and then apply this cream before bed. You’ll wake up with soft and supple skin, ready for the next round of cleaning. 

Note: this is not the family hand cream, this is just for me. 

Hydrating Mask, $38
Earlier this week, my hair stylist called me to confirm that my appointment for this week was canceled.

Breathe in, breathe out.

I am NOT a natural blonde, as you’ll soon see yourself.

Since we’re not using a lot of heavy chemicals and tools on our hair right now, spend a little time bringing it back to life. 

Because all those things do a number on our hair. This mask by Moroccan Oil will help infuse your strands with hydration and it takes only five minutes to use!

Simply wash your hair, towel dry it, work it through your hair in with a wide-tooth comb, wait for 5 minutes, and rinse it out. You’ll thank me later.

---

Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist View Postand wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please consider following on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

---

 

---