In the last ten years or so, I remember two instances I did not wash my face at night. My obsession with my skin care routine is on the verge of pathological and is only disrupted in the most dire of circumstances. The first example is my wedding night, simply because I couldn’t bear to take off the killer cheekbones the makeup artist created for me and I thought they’d need a reappearance at brunch the next morning. The second example is the night before Waverley was born, because going to the bathroom to wash my face didn’t seem as important given those pesky contractions. I even washed my face last week when I was in the throes of the stomach flu! I couldn’t help myself. Going through my nighttime routine helps me feel settled, ready for bed, and (obviously the most important) keeps my skin looking as great as it can. I believe the state of my skin is partly genetics (those Polish genes!) yet also due to my own diligence and use of quality products. I absolutely blame my mother on the latter because she instilled in me at a young age to take exceptional care of my face, and I certainly took note as a teenager when she looked 40 at 55. This list of products that follows has been a slow evolution since my teenage years, some are old favorites and some are new additions as I entered my 30s, yet one thing remains the same…I still really love to wash my face.

Wakeup: In the mornings, I never wash my face with cleanser. I just rinse it with water at the sink or in the shower. I also guzzle water in the morning (and all day long) which helps keep skin looking and feeling hydrated.
One: I’ve been using Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher since high school (because I used to sneak into my mom’s bathroom and “borrow” hers). I’ve yet to find anything that makes my skin feel as smooth and shrinks my very large pores.
Two: Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Mega Moisturizer (with SPF!) answered many of my skin woes. It moisturizes without leaving my skin feeling oily or looking shiny. My skin rarely feels dried out at the end of the day and, dare I say it, may still appear fresh by dinnertime.
Three: The Estée Lauder DayWear Anti-Oxidant BB Creme came into my life a few years ago (after the devastation of my former tinted moisturizer being discontinued). I little dab blends with the aforementioned moisturizer perfectly for subtle and hydrated coverage.

As Needed: I try to use at least one of these little extra helpers per week, yet I rarely achieve that goal and it usually turns into a monthly occurrence.
Four: I started using Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion when I was pregnant to gently handle the excess of everything emanating from my pores and I still love treating my face to this, especially when traveling or after bouts of long days. It is perfect for light exfoliation (I’ll use it with #7 for extra power) and leaves my face feeling like a blank canvas.
Five: I love Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, it leaves my skin feeling refreshed and exceptionally clean.

Bedtime: Here’s where it gets a little more serious and failure to complete these steps would surely lead to the end of the world. Or, a horrible night of sleep for me, followed inevitably by clogged pores, white heads, and a general aura of grossness.
Six: I began using Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser in college and my skin saw immediate improvement. I’ve tried others since then yet nothing ensures complete dirt removal quite like it. I do believe it possesses majestic qualities in the clay formula and keeps acne and oil far away. I use this face wash in conjunction with my favorite device in all the land: The Clarisonic Mia.
Seven: You guys, the hype is real. The Clarisonic Mia will change your skin and your life! Okay that last part may be a tad of an exaggeration but it is absolutely a necessity. I’ve been using the Mia 1.0 for years and just learned there is a 3.0 out…I can hardly imagine what skin sorcery the upgraded version might provide! I totally feel the difference when I wash my face with a washcloth vs the Mia and the Mia always wins.
Eight: Oh, my sweet and beloved Lancôme Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover. There is no other eye makeup remover as gentle, residue-free, and effective. This is another product I borrowed from my mother’s repertoire and, although I’ve tested other brands in the past in an attempt to assert my independence, I always return to this one. I have a weird habit of using this on a cotton ball after washing my face but before drying off my face. Then I feel ready for my skin care products, starting first with under eye cream.
Nine: I recently switched to Chanel Le Lift Crème for my eyes. It is perfect for wrinkle prevention and diminishing dark circles and puffiness. I’ve tried so many different formulas for my eyes, from the super inexpensive to the crazy costly (which was absolutely magical yet in no way affordable) and felt this is worth the cost. The skin around our eyes is a serious matter in its delicate nature and I assume I’m doomed for intense crow’s-feet given my former penchant for sun worshipping. Also this formula lasts a deceptively long time: nearly a year!
Ten: As an undergrad I worked at a medical spa and grew privy to the incredible SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Fast forward ten years and my 30 year-old skin was screaming for something, yet I didn’t know what. I was encouraged to try this and am so happy I revisited it because my skin was transformed. It became more real yet less flawed at the same time. I put this on (just four tiny droplets) after my under eye cream, then wait a few minutes for the next step.
Eleven: Clearly I adore this line and use Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Repair Creme for night, too. It is the only moisturizer I’ve tried that doesn’t leave me acne-ridden, overly greasy, or with dry skin the next morning. I actually prefer it to the ever popular (and way more expensive) Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream.
Twelve: I have to add in these next two, because they are essential to my skin care/nighttime routine! I simply can’t go to sleep without greasing up my fingers with Burt’s Bees Cuticle Cream. I’ve loved this product for years because it leaves my cuticles feeling cared for all night, unlike other oils that seem to disappear in minutes. I also dab a bit on my lips, too.
Thirteen: Finally, once in bed I douse my hands in The Honest Company Healing Balm to keep them from drying out. After long, cold days which includes tons of hand washing (and often dish washing), this is the best at replenishing all of that lost hydration.

I hope this list is helpful for you! I think I value this routine more now than ever since becoming a mama. It’s so important to take care of ourselves, especially when your life may revolve around little ones. Some days I can hardly find the time to brush my teeth in the morning, yet at night I have this to look forward to.  I’m giving back to myself a little of what I’ve given to everyone else that day. I justify the products as investments in myself and my future. What are your favorite skin care products? Do you have a specific routine? Am I the only one who can’t sleep with a dirty face?