I’ve always been a bit of a floater when it comes to skincare. Sometimes I use the VCI shop, other times I prefer to browse Amazon. For better or worse, I have beauty product ADD and am constantly trying new things (Occupational hazard, I guess!) in the quest for the smoothest skin possible, but aren’t we all? I remember the first time I ever got serious about skincare was at a blogger event last year when a cosmetic derm quizzed me on what products I used as part of my daily routine and I answered that I didn’t really HAVE one. (I’ve NEVER seen someone look so horrified.) Since turning 30, I’ve gotten more serious about my skincare and am always interested in trying something out. Many people these days are looking for new ways to repair their skin for a more youthful, perfect look. After reading some dermal repair complex reviews, you may be convinced to purchase such products and include them in your own routine.
These days, my go-to skincare regimen is actually a classic- the Clinique 3-step system. (Truth be told, I like having it all laid out for me.. easy, fast, effective.) When I visited the Clinique counter a few weeks ago and met with a Clinique consultant, we did a skincare diagnostic and came up with a personalized plan to tackle my skincare concerns. (You can get your very own skincare consult online! Head here to check it out; select SKINCARE DIAGNOSTIC and figure out what Clinique skin type you are.. I’m Type 2, combination skin!) So, let’s walk through the routine, shall we?
STEP 1: Cleanse
The first step is, obvi, cleanse. The Liquid Facial Soap is mild and non-drying, cleansing the skin without stripping it, which is a huge plus! (When you strip your skin, it creates even MORE oil, leading to breakouts. ICK.) My face feels clean and fresh after using it, and I kind of love the smell. Very fresh. Bonus- I JUST got the Sonic Spin Brush. I hadn’t used it yet because I didn’t realize that the Liquid Facial Soap worked with it as well, but I will begin using it immediately. I tried it out at my counter visit and LOVED it… it’s very gentle and soothing. They recommend you use it twice a day for an instant mini-facial, but don’t. If you use it twice a day, you’ll be over-exfoliating which leads to breakouts. Use it once every other day. It’s also more affordable than the Clarisonic, so invest in the Clinique brush instead if you’re in the market for a facial brush!
STEP 2: EXFOLIATE
The next step in the 3-step is exfoliation. I didn’t realize that toners were exfoliants! Newsflash: they are. The toner removes dead skin and excess oil so that your moisturizer works even BETTER. It also adds some moisture back into your skin. I love the clean, tingly feeling I get after using the Clarifying Lotion. My skin feels totally fresh, and not tight or dry. Oh, and the toner makes fine lines disappear. Amazing.
STEP 3: MOISTURIZE
The last step in the 3-step is moisturizer! The Dramatically Different Moisturizer is a total winner- it’s light, effective, and keeps your skin hydrated all day. Depending on your skin type, you can opt for either the lotion, gel or cream. (Gel is perfect for gals with oily skin, cream for dry and lotion for combination.)
STEP 4: SERUM
We’re officially out of the 3-step, people. The 3-step system ALWAYS goes together, in order. All of the products work together to give you the best possible results. After your 3-step base, it’s time to move on to your heavy-duty products. For me, it’s Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum. I had been DYING to try Smart Serum for the longest time, so I was psyched to give it a whirl. Let me tell you- I LOVE it.
Smart Serum addresses the four leading causes of aging: dullness, discoloration, lining and wrinkles, breakdown in collagen. Basically, it’s a cure-all for your skin. It has a light gel texture and doesn’t feel heavy. I’ve been using it twice a day and have definitely seen results. (BTW– typically in a skincare regimen, the serum comes FIRST before any moisturizing. Clinique for some reason recommends keeping the 3-step together and then doing serum last. I don’t know, I followed instructions but keep in mind that if you’re curious about which step comes first, the answer is usually serum.)
STEP 5: EYE TREATMENT
The last step in my skincare regimen (before sunscreen and makeup, of course!) is the Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Eye Treatment. The eye serum visibly brightens, contours and firms, plumps and repairs the look of crow’s feet. I am fortunate to have great genes and no crow’s feet, so this step is preventative right now! (By the time it isn’t, it’s too late!) Love the eye serum. It’s also light and gel-like, and doesn’t weigh my skin down or make it dry or itchy.
In the few weeks that I’ve been using the Clinique products, my skin has visibly improved and I’m excited to continue using the regimen! You should definitely give the system a try and let me know how it goes for you!
How about you? What does your skincare routine look like? What are your skincare concerns? Tell me in the comments!
This post is brought to you in collaboration with Clinique. All opinions are, as always, my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support StephaniePernas.com
