My Skincare Routine — TAYLOR GAGE

You asked for it, so here it is! My current daily skincare routine. Now I do want to note that I love collecting, sampling, and playing with skincare and beauty stuff (seriously, it's always been a hobby), so if it seems like there's a lot here, that's why.

I tried to keep things down to basic, every day products, but also included some of the products I use occasionally or to treat a specific issue. (And the pic above is the actual shelf of everything in my toolbox. #shelfie)

So, let's get into it!

MORNING ROUTINE

I have been using the oil cleansing method for years now, and loving it. (Actually, I use oils for the majority of my skincare, and it has actually normalized my oily skin, instead of making it more oily).

My current favorite oil cleanser is this one from Juice Beauty. (I also used this "paleo friendly" oil cleanser from FATCO for many years and still love it, if you wanted another recommendation). I use about one pump onto my dry hands and then rub it on my dry face, and then take my trusty Clarisonic to continue to massage it in.

Then I use a warm, damp washcloth to wipe it off, and voila! Clean, happy skin.

I follow up with the Age Defy Serum from Juice Beauty, and put a few drops all over my face, neck and chest, and let that dry and soak in as much as I can.

Then I go in with my daily moisturizer: The Ultimate Miracle Worker from Philosophy. It keeps my face hydrated all day without being greasy, it has SPF and helps fight against sun damage and wrinkles.

NIGHT TIME ROUTINE

If it's a normal day and I don't have much makeup on at the end of the day, I start my nighttime routine the same way: by pumping the Juice Beauty Cleansing Oil onto my dry hands and rubbing it all over my (dry) face. Sometimes I use the Clarisonic again at night, but usually just go right in with a warm washcloth to wipe the oil off and cleanse. (If I am wearing a full face of makeup, I use a makeup removing towelette all over, first, then cleanse).

About once or twice a week I will use an exfoliator, and I actually combine it with my oil cleanser and put it right onto dry skin as well. I have been loving this exfoliator from Murad.

If I trained that day, I will give my skin a once (or twice) over of this alcohol free toner, on a cotton pad, to just be sure the sweat and grime is off. I'll remove any lingering eye makeup with a quick swipe of the makeup remover towelettes around the eye area, and then start going in with the lotions and potions!

I start with my daily dose of this mandelic acid serum from Vivant Skincare, which I have found has completely stopped any sort of breakouts. I might get a rogue pimple here or there (usually when I'm PMS'ing, TYSM), but it has had a big impact on the regular little breakouts I used to get.

Then I apply my nighttime moisturizer, which I will be honest, I usually switch up. I have 2 or 3 that I alternate between, depending on how my skin is feeling and looking, and what I feel it needs.

This Biossance squalane and vitamin C oil is my standard go to. I'll be honest I just love how glowy my skin looks after putting an oil treatment on it!

I have also used and loved a similar oil, developed by Real Food Liz: the Primal Life Organics C-Ex Vitamin C Oil. This is a high octane vitamin c oil, and is another "paleo friendly" option.

Some nights, when I'm feeling fancy af, I take out the nice stuff and hydrate my skin like it's never been hydrated before. This was actually a gift, but it's seriously amazing and I will be repurchasing it when I run out! (And it lasts forever, because you only need the tinest amount): The Edward Bess Black Sea cream.

I used to fear major hydration because I thought it would only clog my pores and/or make my skin more oily, but hydration is now the name of my game, especially now that I'm in my 30s. (Another favorite ultra hydrating nighttime moisturizer is this one from FATCO)

SPECIAL SAUCE

For those times I have a pimple, dull skin, or dealing with scarring/discoloration (from said pimple), these are the things I reach for to get my skin back in tip top condition in no time.

My hands down, all time favorite, most effective and powerful zit killer is Tea Tree Oil. But I will be sure to tell you: please do your own research on this and test it out, carefully. Some people do not react well to this oil, and even those who tolerate it can be burned by it -- it's potent af. So I moisten the end of a Q-tip with water, then dip it into the oil to dilute it. Then I dab it right onto the zit, and sleep with it on.

If I am dealing with the aftermath of a zit and have some scarring or discoloration, nothin makes that shit go away faster than Murad's Rapid Age Spot Lightening Serum. (I put this on after the Vivant serum and before moisture).

If things are just feeling dull, or if it's been a while, I go in with the Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Peel pads and this stuff is amazing. It can sting, yes, but my skin instantly looks fresh, glowing, radiant, and smooth. Generally I try to use these every other night, but sometimes it's more like once a week or when I remember. But these are AWESOME.

And with about the same regularity as above, I use this Neck Lifting Cream from Juice Beauty- I just rub it all over my neck and chest and actually really do feel like it works. But the bonus is it kind of just feels nice.

Pro tip: no matter what lotions and potions you're putting on your face, always bring it down your neck and even your chest if you can, and rub any excess onto the back of your hands.

That's it! I still plan on doing a video for you guys at some point: maybe some more info on oil cleansing, or maybe talking about my favorite masks? What do you want to know more about?

And don't forget to check out my monthly Favorites series where I always share any other products I'm currently trying and loving!

And of course I always have links to ALL my favorite stuff, from books to supplements to kitchen goods & more in my SHOP page.

What are YOU currently using and loving?! I always love to try new things so let me know what you're into these days!

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