My Daily Skincare Routine: Kathleen

cleanse

I try my best not to cleanse my face in the morning, but truth be told, I’m still not the best at it- it’s just a habit I’ve always had. I have learned that I only need to cleanser my face at night, which helps keep my skin hydrated. In the mornings I only moisten my face in the shower, then apply my serums and eye cream.

When I do wash my face, I like to alternate between an active and a gentle cleanser to both target my acne but also soothe my skin and prevent it from getting inflamed and dry. I use the MD Reconstructive Facial Cleanser as my active cleanser and/or when I’m suffering from hormonal breakouts. The cleanser treats my breakouts and also gives my skin a nice exfoliation, and I use this cleanser wherever my breakouts may be, including on my back.

On the days when I don’t use the MD cleanser, I use the Vital C Hydrating Cleanser as both a face AND body wash, since my dry skin doesn’t just stop at my face. This creamy cleanser contains healing Vitamin C, which my skin desperately needs, but it still leaves my skin feeling nice and hydrated while sealing in my skin’s natural oils.

serum

Did you know that you can mix just about any IMAGE skincare product with another? Both the MD Reconstructive Serum and Iluma Intense Lightening Serum combat my rosacea, so I mix a pump of each and lightly press the mix on my face, neck, and décolleté. If I have any leftover, I apply the rest to the tops of my hands. My favorite thing about these two serums is that my red undertones and rosacea never flair up when I apply them! If anything, I can see my skin tone NOT react to the application but instead immediately begin to calm down.

eye creme

I read in the IMAGE skincare product guide that when choosing an eye cream from their line, the color of the skin under the eye can make all of the difference. I have blue/purple tones under my eyes, but sometimes I see brown. The Vital C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel is geared to combat blues and reds, while the Iluma Intense Eye Brightening Creme combats brown. I prefer a cream formula over gel, but I switch between these two eye creams. I apply one pump separated onto both ring fingers, and gently push the product upward starting at the outer crows feet and jumping towards the tear ducts, then up above my brows, like dotting circles around the eyes.

day time

To seal in my serum and eye cream, I always follow with a moisturizer. This is another step where I like to combine products, this time the Prevention Hydrating Daily Moisturizer with the IConceal Foundation in Porcelain. I mix a pea sized amount of each and combine them for hydration and coverage, applying it to skin with the IMAGE foundation brush for a flawless, airbrushed effect. These two products together give me the SPF to protect my skin from the sun, as well as a nice, even tint to conceal any blemishes.

repair

After my eye cream and serum, I like to seal in the moisture on my skin with the Vital C Hydrating Facial Oil. I use a half of a dropper full of the oil and gently press it into my face, neck, and décolleté, allowing any extra product to sit between my fingers for a nice added moisture on my hands. My dry skin loves the nourishment from this oil and I love how radiant it makes me look.

Once a week I apply the Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque to cleansed skin and sleep with it on. I love this masque! When I notice a bunch of blackheads camping out on my nose, or if I’m noticing fine lines and wrinkles, this is my go to weapon of choice.  It truly is a superb masque, because not only it is gentle but it actively exfoliates and cleans my pores, so I’m getting the hydration my skin thirsts for and pampering overnight as I sleep. It takes beauty sleep to another level!

throughout the day

I can’t tell you how excited I was to discover IMAGE’s Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex. Finally, a “lip gloss” with staying power! When I want a clear and glossy look for my lips, or just hydrated lips without having to constantly reapply, this is my go-to lip balm, day or night!