Skin Care Essentials: The Basics

If you didn’t know this, I have been in the beauty industry since I was in high school. I actually worked at a spa for four years as soon as I was old enough to get my working papers, and have returned to the skin care life for the last nine years. It seems like I just couldn’t stay away!

I get so many questions about my skin care routine, and I have had so many success stories from my clients that I finally decided to share all of my secrets with you!

This first blog is all about the basics. All good skin care routines need a few basic products. Once you get the basics down, you can add in the extras (which we will talk about next time).

My favorite line of products that I use for my basic skin care is Clarins. Clarins is a skin care company based in France. Born out of a spa, this company is focused on utilizing plant botanicals and extracts in their products to yield the best results possible. I have been using these products for years, and I can say without a doubt I absolutely LOVE them.

For your basic skin care routine, you need the following four: Cleanser, Exfoliator, Toner, and Moisturizer. Getting your basic four down will absolutely change the life of your skin. Having a good skin care routine not only makes you look better, but it makes you feel better. So without further ado, here are my favorites:

Cleanser: Clarins Gentle Cleanser with Cotton Seed

*Use Morning and Night

This cleaner is great for all skin types. Use a small pea sized amount and work into a lather. The smallest bit will suds up your whole face and neck area. It leaves your skin feeling clean and soft. It always gets all of my makeup off with any issues, and never dries my skin out. Since you only need the tiniest bit, this cleanser will last for months.

Exfoliator: Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract

*Use 2-3 times a week

This exfoliator always flies off the shelves, and get used up two fold in my household because my husband absolutely loves this as well. It is great for all skin types, and helps to exfoliate and get rid of your dead skin cells. This exfoliator contains silica micro-beads which gently exfoliate the skin without irritating or harming your surface layer.

Toner: Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

*Use nightly DO NOT WASH OFF

This product here is my best kept secret. It is a hidden gem in the Clarins line and totally changes my skin. Used like a toner, but also acting like a gentle exfoliator, this product leaves your skin looking like glass. Apply with a cotton round at night after you cleanse your skin. Do not wash off. Add moisturizer on top. If I ever feel like I’m getting a breakout, I use this product, and my morning my skin is clear. This does contain a little bit of salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores and prevent black heads as well.

Moisturizer: Clarins Super Restorative Line (Eye Cream and Day/Night Cream)

*Use 2xs a day, morning and night

The super restorative line is my favorite in terms of Clarins moisturizers. The super restorative total eye concentrate is great for all skin types. It helps with fine lines, wrinkles, targeting crows feet, it visibly reduces puffiness and dark circles, and it helps to lift the eyes. I noticed I was getting crows feet, and as soon as I started using this eye cream I noticed a HUGE difference. Apply a rice size amount onto your ring fingers and light press and tap around the orbital area. This product lasts for months - just keep in mind a little goes a long way!

The Super Restorative Day Cream is the best anti-aging moisturizer I have found. It leaves my skin completely hydrated without feeling greasy or heavy. It never makes me break out and works on all of my skin concerns: Age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and elasticity. The day cream does have an SPF in it, so you don’t need to worry about applying that afterwards. The night cream is a bit heavier because it works to repair the skin at night while you sleep. This moisturizer is for more mature skin, but it is my absolute favorite. There are so many different categories of moisturizers in Clarins, so if you have any questions DM me so we can find what works best for you!

I hope that these products help your skin as they do mine. Remember, a habit is formed in 21 days. Try to stick with the routine for that long so that it becomes a part of your lifestyle. Your older self with thank you :)

<3

P.S.

When switching to a new product line, your skin can sometimes break out. I never had this issue with Clarins, but the rule of thumb is to give it a try for two weeks. Once your skin adjusts you can see how the products work for you.