10-Step Skincare for the Lazy Mom: A Check-In

I had an email request to say more about my 10-step skincare process that I talked about in my New Year's resolutions post, and I was like OMG THANK YOU for giving me an idea for a post.

I LOVE this routine because the steps are specific, but the products are not-- you can use anything you want.  My problem usually is that I will buy an expensive product, not want to refill it, and then just stop using it.  I didn't use eye cream for like a decade and now look at me.

Step 1: Oil cleanser.  I use Ponds, a classic, only $6, and it gets a 4 on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database.  4 is my toxicity limit, but I have decided that anything 4 or under I will not even worry about for a second, which is why I am not searching for an affordable 3 or something like that.

Step 2: Foam cleaner:  I use Aveeno Ultra-Calming which is the only thing I have found to fix my red skin.  LOVE it.  And it's cheap.  And a 3!

Step 3:  Exfoliator:  Gotta go with the classic St. Ives apricot scrub that I have been using since I was a teenager.  Even though it might kill me.  I love the smell and how smooth it makes my face and my heels.  Wait-- maybe that's not awesome.

Step 4: Toner.  Neutrogena for me.  Only $6.  (But it's toxic).

Step 5:  Essence.  Right now, I am using Lancome because it came in my huge Christmas make up set.  When it runs out, I will go much cheaper.

Step 6:  Serum: (I think serum and essence are THE SAME FREAKING THING, especially since if I had to pick one thing to infuse my skin with it would be youth), so I use Aveeno for this one, to.  But I could mix up 5 and 6 with no change.

Step 7: Mask:  I bought a cheapie from Target that turns my face red but does clean out my pores.  Open for cheap recs on this category.  I would go as high as $30 because I NEVER use it and imagine I would not have to replace it very often.

Step 8:  Eye cream:  I am using Lancome Renergie right now, but when it runs out, I think  will go with L'Oreal.

Step 9: Moisturize.  For the day, I love Aveeno Ultra-Calming. At night, I use Aveeno Absolutely Radiant or Absolutely Ageless depending on Target sales.  I AM SO GLAMOROUS.

Step 10: Sunscreen:  In my moisturizer.  Boom!

Most mornings, I do steps 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.  Sometimes I start with 1 if last night's eye makeup is still lying around.

Nights I do 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9.

I try to exfoliate 3 times a week and I probably only mask a couple times a month.  It used to be weekly, but I sort of lost interest.

My routine has not changed much since I first wrote about this, but I love that I HAVE a skincare routine, that I almost always wash my face before I go to bed, and that none of my products break that bank.

I made a bunch of online announcements for my adjunct class, and the screen grabs are always the most awkward facial expressions ever, but check out my fairly not wrinkled skin!  All I need is some botox and some bangs, and I can totally pass for 38.