My Skincare Routine

For years I’ve been publishing reviews of my favorite skincare products, but I didn’t have a permanent place to update with my skincare steps. I’m a huge fan of trying new products, and while I have some very trusty favorites, I’ve recently added a couple newbies to my arsenal. While this seems like a lot of steps, it takes less than 5 minutes and I’ve seen a big difference in my skin’s appearance and texture since I started doing a full skincare routine with all the basics steps (cleanse, tone, treat, hydrate, protect) and doing it consistently. And I NEVER EVER sleep with makeup on!

If you want to learn more about the basics of skincare and how to choose the right products for your skin type, sign up for this free mini skin-care routine 101 course — it’s all sent right to your inbox over the course of a few days.

Additionally, I have promo codes for a few of the brands listed below but I know it’s a long post so I wanted to call them out here as well!

• BEAUTYCOUNTER: Use code CLEANFORALL20 and select TeriLyn Adams as your consultant to get 20% off. For the month of June, you’ll also get a free gift with purchase.

• COLLEEN ROTHSCHILD: Use code TERILYN20 for 20% off

• DIME BEAUTY – Use code TERILYN20 for 20% off

For all the products listed below, a little goes a long way, so less is more.  You’ll find that just 1-2 pumps (or a black bean size amount of product) is enough for most of these. If you’re used to using drugstore brands, you may feel like it’s not enough but they’re very concentrated and you won’t get more benefit by layering on thick amounts.

I have normal to dry skin, so if you have normal, oily/acne-prone skin or combination skin, this may not be the right routine for you but feel free to fill out this quick skincare questionnaire and I can make some recommendations for you since I’ve been in the beauty industry for almost 8 years!

1. Cleanse

Beautycounter Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser – This is a smooth cleanser that foams just slightly with water. It’s very gentle.

Beautycounter Reflect Effect Exfoliating Powder – This exfoliator is a fine powder made of bamboo that is designed to be added to any cream cleanser. I use this 1-2x a week and I’m always shocked by how much smoother my skin feels after using it but doesn’t feel stripped.

2. Tone

After I get out of the shower, I use the Countertime Essence. This is the only toner I’ve ever liked since it’s hydrating and helps prevent signs of aging. It actually has the highest amount of anti-aging active ingredients in the entire Countertime line (which is Beautycounter’s anti-aging skincare line) so if aging is a concern, don’t skip this.

3. Serum

I layer a few serums in the morning.

Colleen Rothschild Hyaluronic Acid Serum – This has a gel-like texture and helps increase hydration in skin. I apply it while my skin is just slightly damp since HA helps draw moisture into the skin.

Beautycounter All Bright C Serum – This is my vitamin C serum of choice. This brightens dark spots and improves dullness. It also protects against environmental stressors and potential sun damage during the day. It smells like summer, too! Read my review of the All Bright C serum here.

Beautycounter Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum – I apply this last. It helps reduce the appearance of aging — including fine lines, dark spots and dullness, using a plant-derived Retinatural Complex.

4. Hydrate

Next I use the Beautycounter Countertime Soft Cream for my daytime moisturizer. A little goes a long way, and it also contains the active ingredient bakuchiol, which gives similar results as retinol but it’s safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

5. Eye cream

I have used the  Beautycounter Countertime Eye Cream every morning and night for years. It helps with fine lines, dark circles and puffiness around the eye area. I’ve tried a LOT of eye creams over the years and keeping coming back to this one.

6. Protect with SPF

Lastly I use Countersun Daily Sheer SPF. I wish I could take my younger self by the shoulders, shake her and say “Wear sunscreen!”  I love Beautycounter’s because it goes on SO smooth, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave my skin greasy. This full-spectrum sunscreen layers well under makeup too. You can see in my review of the Daily Sheer SPF how well blends in. While I wish my face lotion had SPF to remove a step, so far I haven’t found a face lotion with SPF that I like as much as the Soft Cream.

My evening skincare routine

Best case scenario, I do my evening skincare regimen about 30-60 minutes before heading to bed. This gives my skin enough time to absorb everything before I put on my sleeping eye mask and put my face on my pillow (stomach sleeper here!). Most nights I change into PJs about an hour before I go to bed and do my skincare routine. Then, Tommy and I watch a show together before I go to bed.

1. Cleanse

Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm – This is super hydrating and smells amazing and removes every bit of makeup and grime from the day and my skin still feels amazing. I apply this to dry skin, then remove with a wet muslin towel or washcloth.

3. Tone

After I wash my face, I use the Beautycounter Countertime Essence, which is similar to a toner but milkier and more hydrating. I apply a nickel size amount to my palm and then pat it into my skin. I let it sit for about 30 seconds and then apply my serum.

4. Serum

I loosely follow a skincare cycle routine. This helps so my skin isn’t over-treated (which can lead to irritation, redness or breakouts). I also alternate some of the pricier products with more affordable ones so my super expensive products last longer! See my routine and order here.

I alternate between these:

• iS Clinical Peel pads (review here)
• Colleen Rothschild peel pads
• Colleen Rothschild Retinol Supreme Night Oil
• SkinMedica Serum (review here)
• Beautycounter Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum.
• Beautycounter AHA Reflect Effect Mask
•  Colleen Rothschild Enzyme Polish.

5. Hydrate

I use Beautycounter Countertime Supreme Cream – I keep trying other brands for a night cream, including Obagi and Augustinus Bader, but I keep going back to the Supreme Cream since it’s cheaper and is more hydrating! I also love the thick texture.

Most nights I follow the supreme cream with Colleen Rothschild No. 9 Face Oil to help seal in moisture. (Again, use TERILYN20 for 20% off!) It’s incredibly hydrating and has the most amazing texture – like silk and velvet combined!

6. Eye Cream

I use this Colleen Rothschild Retinol Supreme Eye Serum every night, followed by my regular eye cream. I currently have the Colleen Rothschild Complete Eye Cream, but I’ll go back to the Beautycounter Countertime Eye Cream once I finish this jar.

7. Lip Mask

I LOVE this Ilia Lip Wrap overnight mask! My lips are plumper since using it with a more defined border. Take that aging!