It’s no secret that we are obsessed with beauty. From plumping creams to magic oils, we’ll try just about anything. But just like everyone else, we have our tried and true skincare routines. Keep reading to find out just what beauty hunters use at home.
Walk us through your beauty routine:
Beauty products are my kryptonite so my routine changes frequently, but here is what I’m currently obsessed with:
Cleansing: I’m easygoing about my cleanser, and as long as it removes my makeup without a hassle, and doesn’t dry me out. Incidentally, the last three I’ve used have been entirely different formulas—a cream, a lotion, and a foam—and they’ve all been by Garnier, and all of them, excellent.
Toner: Right now, I’m obsessed with Peony extract for its soothing and calming effects (which I can vouch for!). From the first time I tried L’Occitane’s new Peony Perfecting Toner, I noticed my skin was calmer (i.e. less red).
Moisturizer: I’ve been switching back and fourth between two formulas that feature peony extract. Darphin’s Intral Redness Relief Recovery Cream, which has the slightest green tint to counteract any redness caused by sensitivity, and Fresh’s Peony Brightening Moisture Face Cream. My skin looked less irritated, and more even-toned after using it for a week. That’s probably too soon to see a real reduction in dark spots, but calming irritation alone does wonders to create an even tone.
Sunscreen: It’s an extra step that never actually feels as important as, say, moisturizer, but by now, we all know how important it is. I found one that I love, and it makes the extra step a lot more tolerable (and maybe even enjoyable). On a daily basis, my go-to is Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defence, Broad Spectrum SPF 50. My skin has looked better and better since I’ve been using it, it’s not greasy or drying, and it makes my makeup go on better. I also like Shiseido’s entire range of sun protection (extra useful when you need something water-resistant), and if you want a multi-tasker, Chanel’s Le Blanc Light Revealing Makeup Base, SPF 40 is a primer, highlighter, and sunscreen in one.
How old were you when you began paying attention to your skincare?
I was 10. My interest was driven after discovering a severe skin allergy. In a nutshell, the routine beautifying portion of a grade 5 sleepover party proved ineffectual for me, and I ended up with a rash that lasted for a week. I developed a keen interest in reading the beauty-ingredient labels after that and was relieved when labeling ingredients on cosmetic product packaging became the law. (Can you believe it ever wasn’t?)
How often do you alter your routine?
Far too often. They say it takes weeks for your skin adapt to a new routine, and I probably never give it a real chance to do that. When a new product lands on my desk, it would basically take an army (or Alexander Skarsgard) to hold me back.
If you could only have one step what would it be?
Cleansing is non-negotiable. (But how would I live without moisturizer?)
With unlimited budget what product/treatment would you try?
Vampire facial. Hands down. I’d probably have to be heavily sedated, but I’d do it in a heartbeat.
Walk us through your beauty routine:
Every morning I use an oil-free cleanser and moisturizer combo from Neutrogena. At night, I use an exfoliating cleanser and the same moisturizer. Every few days I’ll use a coffee scrub as a mask.
How old were you when you began paying attention to your skincare?
I started getting pimples in high school and became obsessed with skincare products. I tried literally every brand and product available at Shoppers. If someone told me that it would give me flawless skin, I spent everything I had on it. Now that I think about it, all that endless switching is probably what caused a lot of my issues.
How often do you alter your routine?
I used to alter it a lot, but when I hit my early twenties I found something that worked and was mostly a low-maintenance routine so I stuck to it. Now, I’m terrified to veer away from it.
If you could only have one step what would it be?
I think I’d keep the exfoliating cleanser. Exfoliators always feel like they’re doing more work than a regular silky cleanser. And I know it’s terrible but I love the tightness of my skin after I’m done.
With unlimited budget what product/treatment would you try?
I’d want to go for monthly microdermabrasion. Skin feels impossibly clean and glowy afterward!
Walk us through your beauty routine:
I first wash my face with a Norwex Face Cloth, then I apply an exfoliator while I brush my teeth and leave it on for about 5 minutes. After washing it off I apply either night cream or day cream. I also always make sure to apply cream to my neck as I’ve been told, “the neck is the root of all your skincare problems.”
How old were you when I started paying attention to skincare?
I would say I was probably about 8 or 9 when I started purposely washing my face daily. Growing up with an older brother going through the battle of acne I was taught it’s very important to take care of your skin.
How often do you alter your routine?
I have very sensitive skin so once I got used to a routine that worked for me I got stuck in it. I’ve probably had the exact same routine and products for about 5 years now. Maybe it’s time to try something new?
If you could only have one step what would it be?
If I could only have one step it would be to keep the exfoliator. Even if I miss doing it a couple days I notice a difference in my skin. I couldn’t imagine not being able to do it again.
With unlimited budget what product/treatment would you try?
If I could try any facial it would be the UMO 24-Carat Gold Facial for a smooth $600. You get gold rubbed on your face.
Walk us through your beauty routine:
In the morning, I wash my face with cold water or Jurlique’s Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Cleansing Mousse, air dry, then apply Neal’s Yard Frankincense Intense Eye Cream. I finish off with Indie Lee’s Squalane Facial Oil—it’s dramatically changed my skin!
If I have a major event to attend, I like to do a sheet mask beforehand. My current favourites are Boscia’s Sake Brightening Hydrogel Mask and Face Shop’s Hwansaenggo Escargot Golden Firming Gel Mask. I’ve been using sheet masks on and off for a few years now and really love the glow they give my skin.
How old were you when you began paying attention to your skincare?
I started paying attention to my skincare when I entered high school. If I remember correctly, my sister had bought Clinique’s 3-Step Skincare System, and naturally I needed it too. I would bug my mother to stop at the Clinique counter for samples and when I ran out, I’d sneak into my sister’s bedroom and use her Dramatically Different Moisturizer.
How often do you alter your routine (with new products)?
I’m a creature of habit and routines work really well for me so I seldom change the products I use. A friend recently gave me Dr. Jart+ All That Contours Hydrogel Expansion Stretch mask, which was truly amazing and did what it advertised! I’ll definitely be adding this to my sheet mask collection.
If you could only have one step what would it be?
Cleanse, cleanse and cleanse. No matter how tired I feel or late I get home, I make sure I wash my makeup off.
With unlimited budget what product/treatment would you try?
If I could have every Tata Harper product in my possession, my skin would be incredibly happy.
Walk us through your beauty routine:
I cleanse morning and at night with an oil-based cleanser such as the one by Shu Uemura. I follow up for day with a basic SPF 30 moisturizer. At night, I do a double cleanse with Philosophy Purity Made Simple to get everything off and follow with a retinol cream with a light moisturizer layered over top. Oh, and eye cream (when I think of it!).
How old were you when you began paying attention to your skincare?
In my teens, I started experimenting with Noxzema cleanser (it was all about the Noxzema girl then) and SeaBreeze astringent, which I don’t think you can get in Canada anymore (I’m showing my age here!).
How often do you alter your routine (with new products)?
Quite often! Working in beauty and fashion, and being exposed to so many products all the time, so I tend to switch things up a fair bit. But I always try to stick with a fairly basic cleanser, exfoliating pads, and a retinol-based cream for nighttime. For summer, since I have oily skin, I also add more clay or charcoal masks during the week to help detoxify and clean out my pores. I like Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Charcoal Mask and Tata Harper’s Purifying Mask.
If you could only have one step what would it be?
An all-in-one spray that removed makeup and moisturized and treated my skin in one spritz.
With unlimited budget what product/treatment would you try?
Probably laser skin treatments such as Fraxel. I hear all the celebs are doing it!
Walk us through your beauty routine:
Each night I remove my makeup with Sephora’s Supreme Cleansing Oil. I’m really passionate about cleansing oil and think everyone needs to accept it into their life. I cleanse again with the oil and a charcoal sponge to make sure everything has been removed and to lightly exfoliate. I follow with Bobbi Brown’s Hydrating Face Tonic, which is an alcohol-free toner and absolute God send. I do a sheet mask almost every single night. I find that this is the only way to truly nourish my skin. I visited Japan recently and while I was there I purchased the country’s most popular mask (Lululun) and have become a devout user. After fifteen minutes, I remove the mask and then press some kind of oil or serum into my skin (rosehip oil, Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Supplement, Avene Hydrance Optimale, Bioxidea Multi-Emulsion are all on rotation). I finish with Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream. Mornings are little less intense, with just the toner, serum/oil, and moisturizer.
How old were you when you began paying attention to your skincare?
In the last two years, I have become increasingly obsessive with my skincare routine, but I have been picking and fussing over my skin since high school.
How often do you alter your routine (with new products)?
I am always introducing something new into my cabinet. I’m constantly on the hunt for something new. Right now I’m trying out a few things from Bioxidea and their gel cleanser might just replace my oil a few times a week.
If you could only have one step what would it be?
Oil cleansing, because it removes impurities without drying my skin… But can I have my face masks, too?!
With unlimited budget what product/treatment would you try?
I would love to try an IPL photofacial to banish each and every imperfection.