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!

My Skincare Routine

If I list multiple products, it’s either because I alternate days or because I have two products that I like and I just use whatever I have on hand! I’m a skincare junkie so I’m always buying more than I need!!

My morning skincare routine

When I first wake up, I’ll often spritz my face with the Dime Beauty Thirsty Face Mist. I have super dry skin, and I like how this refreshes my skin without a full skincare routine. It’s nice to use before I head out to run or to pilates! I use this Image Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex or this Ilia Lip Wrap Reviving Balm first thing in the morning or before a workout.

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 Polish – 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 so hydrating and I’d sooner skip a serum than this since I love how it makes my skin feel. And, it actually has the highest amount of anti-aging active ingredients in the entire Countertime line so if aging is a concern, don’t skip this. (I have a blog post reviewing the entire Countertime line as well.)

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.

4. Hydrate

Next I use the Beautycounter Might Plump Ceramide Water Cream for my daytime moisturizer. This is a fairly new product and it works almost like instant filler. My skin feels SO hydrated and pumped after using this. It contains TWO forms of hyaluronic acid for hydration, sodium hyaluronate to help with elasticity, and sodium acetylated hyaluronate to act as “filler” by decreasing the appearance of wrinkles.

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.

If I want a little tint, I also LOVE this Supergoop Glowscreen.

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.

2. Tone

At night, I’ve recently been using this True Botanicals Microbiome Enzyme Essence. It’s a little more viscous than the Countertime Essence (almost like an oil) and it’s so hydrating that I love using it at night for a little extra moisture. I apply a dime 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 skin cycling 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! My Skincare Cycle Routine blog post has more details about each of these products.

I alternate among these:

• iS Clinical Peel pads 
• Colleen Rothschild peel pads
• Colleen Rothschild Retinol Supreme Night Oil OR Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel (they’re similar)
• True Botancials SuperSEA Firming & Lifting Treatment 
• Beautycounter AHA Reflect Effect Mask or Colleen Rothschild Enzyme Polish (they’re similar)

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. 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, the Beautycounter Countertime Eye Cream.

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!

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section!

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