Now that Winter is coming to an end and Spring is right around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to post my Winter 2017-2018 skincare routine and do a round-up of the products I relied on to survive the harsh NYC cold. Speaking of weather, the climate in New York this Winter was all over the place! I think the fluctuation was what contributed to my skin’s up’s and down’s, as well as my overall health.
My skin’s condition at the time
It was around this time that my Rosacea, primarily concentrated around my cheeks and jaw, began to worsen. So my focus was on using gentle and nourishing products that wouldn’t rock the boat. Due to my consistent skincare routine, I’d say my skin avoided becoming overly dry or dehydrated during this period. Okay, onto the products.
My morning routine and night routine are pretty much identical, aside from double cleansing in the evening and the addition of sunscreen in the morning, of course. So for that reason, I’ll be presenting my routines as one big list. One thing to note is that I typically don’t use a cleanser in the morning. Instead, I just head on over to the sink to splash my face with lukewarm water.
This post is going to be longer than the Summer routine post since I like to load up on hydrating layer during the winter (and also because I’ve simply amassed more skincare items). In fact, since there are so many products to discuss and brevity is not my forte, I’ve decided to divide this topic into two parts. Part 1 will focus on the first half of my routine, including everything from cleansing to my light watery steps, such as toners and essences. While Part 2 will dive into the second half of my routine, featuring everything from serums onwards, so the heftier, more targeted steps.
Rating Scale
Once again, I will grade each product in my routine on a “Would I Repurchase?” scale using the ratings below:
Hard Pass, Probably Not, Maybe, Probably, Absolutely!
(Sidenote: My previous routine post didn’t include the “Probably” rating, but from a metrics point of view, *Psychology research nerd intensifies* it makes the most sense to use a 5 point scale.)
So get comfy, fix yourself a cup of tea or a snack, and let’s begin with Part 1!
STEP 1: First Cleanse
My beloved Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil was on its last legs for the beginning of the season. Despite the fact that I would absolutely repurchase it, as stated in my Summer 2017 Routine post, I ventured out to try a couple new oil-based cleansers.
Origins Original Skin Cleansing Makeup Removing Jelly with Willowherb
Would I Repurchase? Maybe.
This is a “jelly” textured oil-based cleanser that melts into a very light-weight oil to remove makeup and impurities. I liked using this as a first-step cleanser on no-makeup/light makeup days.
Urang Natural Cleansing Oil
RP? Maybe.
I’m lukewarm on this product as well. It’s a very thick, luxurious oil with a citrusy scent that removes makeup fairly well. But it just didn’t wow me in any way.
STEP 2: Second Cleanse
I have a real problem when it comes to second cleansers, that is, I have a weird obsession with them. I have way more cleansers than a person with one face needs. I wanted to experiment with a non-foaming cleanser. The ones on regular rotation this winter were:
Belif The True Tincture Cleansing Stick – Chamomile
RP? Probably not.
Although this cleansing sick was a past repurchase, I don’t think I’ll be repurchasing it again.
Stratia Velvet Cleansing Milk
RP? Probably not.
This cleanser is ultra-gentle, but perhaps a bit too gentle. You can find a full review I wrote on this product in an Instagram post.
Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash
RP? Probably not.
Another repurchase I’ve already made. However, these days this cleanser feels too drying. Probably due to the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in the formula.
STEP 3: Actives/Exfoliate
Metrogel Cream 0.75%
RP? Absolutely!
A prescription Rosacea treatment that works as an anti-inflammatory at the dosage (i.e. not at a percentage strong enough to be an anti-biotic). With use, I’ve seen slow and steady improvement in my skin.
Stratia Soft Touch AHA
RP? Probably not.
I really wanted to love this acid, since I love Stratia products and Mandelic Acid is an awesome gentle exfoliant. But I found it did nothing for my skin except for dry it out.
STEP 4: Mist
It’s my custom to apply a mist as my first step after cleansing (excluding actives). I like being able to instantly restore some hydration to my skin and it honestly just feels so damn refreshing. This winter, I’m happy to report that I discovered a mist that I’m absolutely in love with.
Atoclassic Real Tonic Soothing Moist Mist
RP? Absolutely!
I’ve already repurchased two, one big size and one small size. My only gripe with this product is the spray nozzle. It’s really inconsistent. The first one I purchased shot out product like a hose, which isn’t really a problem when applying to a clean face and being used as a sort of toner. However, it is an issue if one wants to mist on top of makeup, as it will surely ruin your base. But for the way I use it, as a toner, it works just fine. I hope Atoclassic can improve upon the packaging, though.
STEP 5: Tone
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner
RP? Absolutely!
I am obsessed with this hydrating toner. I want to shout out my love for it from the rooftops. I actually wrote up a post comparing it to the popular Klairs Supple Preparation Toner, and it blew that one out of the water. I will repurchase this product forever and ever ❤
STEP 6: Essence
Skin Watchers Ceramizing Essence Toner
RP? Probably not.
This product is one of those weird hybrid steps that I’m never quite sure what category it falls under. But since I always apply it after my hydrating toner and before serum, I’ll list it under the essence step.
Atoclassic Real Tonic Soothing Origin Essence
RP? Hard pass.
Simply did nothing, besides minorly hydrate my skin. It’s supposed to calm irritated skin, but I saw no such effects. Pass.
Okay, everyone; that concludes Part 1! I hope this write-up gave you some good insight into my Winter routine. Be on the lookout for Part 2, where I pick up where we left off at the Serum step, soon!
xoxo,
Rachel