Men’s Gift Giving Guide 2020

Men’s Gift Giving Guide 2020

by Jessica Pigza

From husbands to sons, fathers to grandfathers and everyone in between, buying for the men in our lives can be tricky. I don’t know about you but I like to buy gifts that are both practical and fun but it’s hard, especially if that man isn’t too forthcoming with what kinds of things they like. I’m always looking for clever ideas which is why I combed through the internet, asked our amazing team, and of course asked the main man in my life, my husband Nate for their suggestions on what they’d like to find under the tree Christmas morning. Below I’ve compiled their suggestions plus a few others I found in the hopes that it may help you scratch a few names off your shopping list.

1. Takeya Cold Brew Beverage Maker

If your guy is a cold brew fanatic, he can easily make his own at home with the Takeya Cold Brew Beverage Maker. This cold brew maker comes in a 32 oz or 64 oz size and comes in either black, gray, or white. I didn’t realize that cold brew coffee can actually taste better than traditional brewing methods and this makes it super easy. Once brewed, concentrated coffee can be kept fresh in Takeya’s airtight Cold Brew Coffee Maker for up to two weeks and can actually be used for both hot and iced coffees.

2. Apple Airpods Pro

Last year I took the advice of our Men’s Gift Guide and bought my husband some Apple Airpods but I opted for the Pro version because of their noise-canceling feature. A year later he’s still telling me how much he loves them! He works from home and is on the phone most of the time and the noise-canceling feature is perfect for letting him talk with clients while blocking out the background noise of the kids. Plus they act as hearing protection while he’s listening to music or his favorite podcast while doing yard work. They were super easy to use and connect and the case not only provides a place to store and protect them but acts as their charging station.

3. WOHVEN TEE SUBSCRIPTION

This was so popular last year we decided to include it again. Wohven is a monthly subscription service where you can select from either solid or graphic tees, crew or V neck. This is a fun idea where you can cancel at any time meaning you can choose to do only a few months or even a whole year plus. Simply choose which subscription you want, then sit back and watch the stylish basics roll in every month. Check out some of their past designs on their website.

4. Wyze Cam HD Wireless Smart Home Camera with Night Vision

For the guy who wants to keep an eye on things or maybe wants to add a little extra security to the home, these cameras from Wayze are perfect! With these cameras, he’ll be able to live stream in HD straight to his phone and record video to their network cloud without a subscription. They are also super budget-friendly. They are able to record continuously or set up to be motion activated. They work with Alexa and Google Assistant and have a 4.6 out of 5 Amazon rating with over 25,000 reviews.

5. Masterclass

If he loves to learn new things then why not give the gift of classes taught by leaders in their industry all from the comforts of home with MasterClass. MasterClass offers 90+ classes across a variety of categories, including business and leadership, photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports, and more. Every class has been designed to be accessible for people with little to no experience and advanced students alike. With new classes launching regularly, they can learn practical skills, ignite new passions, and get everyday wisdom. Plus they are offering a 2 for 1 holiday special now thru December 28th.

6. Walkhero Comfort and Support Men’s Slippers

We aren’t the only ones spending less time in shoes these days so why not treat the man in your life to a nice, new pair of comfortable and supportive slippers. The Walkhero Slippers have moisture-wicking velvet lining and fuzzy insoles making them really cozy and the durable non-slip rubber sole provides excellent traction and stability for all surfaces and terrains. So whether he’s wearing them around the house or out to check the mail, his feet will feel supported. Some colors and sizes are on backorder so double-check that your selections will arrive in time when placing your order.

7. Gerber Multi-Plier 600

This Gerber Multi-Plier 600 is perfect for the handy guy or anyone who just wants to be prepared. Its solid steel construction makes it extremely durable and its limited lifetime warranty ensures he’ll have it for the long haul. This particular model boasts 14 different tools including their patented one-hand opening Multi-Plier. When folded up, this tool has an ultra-slim design making it perfect for carrying around or even keeping in the car.

8. RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Massager

Give the gift of a massage with the Renphro Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Massager. This handheld massager comes with five interchangeable head attachments plus it’s cordless and rechargeable. It’s perfect to use on your feet, calves, shoulders, neck, and back, absolutely anywhere he needs some deep tissue relief. The full charge lasts about 140 minutes so there’s really no reason why you both couldn’t enjoy this gift and use it to relax sore and tense muscles, right?

9. Elite Sportz Hookey Ring Toss

Perfect for the guy who enjoys a little friendly competition, Hookey by Elite Sportz is a fun and easy game that actually the whole family can enjoy. Each set includes 6 black rings, 6 red rings, 14 hooks, and 1 hanging board plus directions for multiple game variations. Plus it can easily be enjoyed outside, in the basement game room, or even the mancave. It’s super easy to hang and even more fun to play.

10. Mancrates

If you want a gift that’s truly unique try Mancrates! They offer a variety of unique gifts, most of which arrive in a small crate making them even more fun to receive. With tons of options and many different price points, you’re sure to find the perfect gift. Crate sections include the Whiskey Appreciation Gift Crate, a Grill Master Crate, a Keto Snake Crate, and even a Beard Wrangler Mini Crate. There are so many options to choose from the hardest part may be picking just one! Right now they have a buy one, get one promotion going on using the code CRATE50. Just be sure to check the website for promo details.

BONUS: EXPERIENCES

While I still think experiences are an amazing gift, current situations make those a little harder to pull off but that doesn’t mean impossible. You can still create fun experiences that don’t cost a lot and create lasting memories. Take advantage of outdoor activities where you won’t be around a lot of people, set up a backyard movie theater experience if your weather permits, order takeout/delivery from your favorite restaurant and set up a fun dining experience at home. There are lots of options out there, they just may take a little more creativity to get to but I promise it’s can be worth it.

Your turn! Comment below with your ideas for the perfect gift!

Warm Winter Coats for the Whole Fam from Walmart!

Warm Winter Coats for the Whole Fam from Walmart!

This post sponsored by Walmart.

I always love it when a company reaches out to me to do a post and I’ve already bought and LOVE something that’s going to be in it. That’s exactly what happened with this Walmart post. If you’ve tuned in to any of my recent Coffee Chat lives that I do in the Get Your Pretty On Pretties Facebook group, then you’ve no doubt already heard me talk about my new favorite winter coat. It’s this packable puffer jacket from Walmart that I bought last month. My daughter Ava and I each got one and the price was so great that we decided to take a chance on them. She got hers in black and I got mine in white. Lo and behold, we both fell in love with our jackets and have been wearing them non-stop ever since! I love that it has a removable hood and comes in 7 colors – including camo. But the best part? It’s ON SALE for under $20.

Time and Tru Women’s Packable Puffer

Time and Tru Women’s Packable Puffer

I love it so much I may just have to order it in Juniper Stone or Wine Fusion too!

You can add a little trendy detail and some extra warmth with one of these patterned scarves! I may just have to get the snake print one.

Craig is also in need of a new winter coat this year so I went digging around to see if Walmart had a similar coat. A quick search turned up this mens version for just $21. He prefers basic black but it also comes in a variety of choices with 7 different color combos.

SwissTech Men’s and Big Men’s Puffer

SwissTech Men’s and Big Men’s Puffer

And if you’ve got some little girls or boys in your life in need of a new coat, guess what? You guessed it! Walmart has you covered there too with $15 puffer jacket options for sizes 4-18! Even if you don’t have a kid to buy for, these would make great donation items to local shelters.

Wonder Nation Girls Bubble Puffer Jacket

Puffer Jacket Girls Sizes 4-18

Wonder Nation Boys Packable Puffer Jacket

Boys’ Puffer Jacket Sizes 4-18

ACCESSORIZE THE FAM!

A big thank you to Walmart for keeping us stylish, cozy, and warm and for supporting small businesses like GYPO!

Not Your Typical Teacher Gift Guide 2020

Not Your Typical Teacher Gift Guide 2020

by Jessica Pigza

This year is anything but typical for both students, teachers, and parents alike. They have all risen to the great challenges set forth this year by our current situation. Whether your child is in school five days a week, working a hybrid schedule, or even a full-time remote schedule, the adjustments teachers have had to make is nothing short of extraordinary. They continue to do amazing things with the sometimes very limited resources and time available to them.

I have always appreciated those who have answered the call to educate children but recent events have given me even more appreciation for them. Trying to teach my children has proven to be an even bigger struggle than I could have imagined. Let’s face it, kids always listen to their teachers way better than they do their parents. With that said, to any teacher currently reading this, first and foremost, I want to say THANK YOU! I appreciate what you all are doing so much! Second, I want to offer some wonderful ideas on how you can show your child’s teacher some extra love and appreciation this holiday season. The below list was compiled with the help of some teachers along with some do’s and don’ts that are sure to help make picking the perfect teacher’s gift a little easier.

1. Steer Clear of Scented Gifts

Scents are such a personal thing and many people may have allergies or aversions to scented products. Unless you know for sure that your teacher loves vanilla-scented candles and they can’t get enough of them, it’s better to stay away from giving scented gifts. But, if you do know your teacher adores candles, then try a cool twist on the classic candle. Woodwick Candles crackle as they burn. They really do sound like the gentle crackling of a wood-burning fireplace, which is nice to hear, especially if you do not have a fireplace. I love the sound and smell of these candles!

Café Sweets Trilogy – Vanilla Bean, Caramel, Biscotti

2. Gifts for the Classroom and Virtual Classroom

Every year teachers spend hundreds of their own dollars on their classrooms and their students. They buy things to brighten up and organize their rooms, to engage and reward their students, and to provide for those who may not be able to provide for themselves. No matter the reason, your child’s classroom looks the way it does because of all the additional money the teachers spend to make it that way. That is why teachers are always appreciative of receiving school supplies for the holidays. Anything from stickers and pencils to Sharpies and storage containers. Teachers love anything that is practical and useful, especially in their classroom. Why not give a storage container full of school supplies?

Tip: At the beginning of the year some teachers will put together and post a classroom wish list. Why not check back with them to see if there are items that weren’t purchased or that they’ve already run out of.

Reward Stickers

Elementary teachers especially go through thousands of stickers a year. This is always a good gift idea.

12 Count Fine Point Sharpie

With all the writing, labeling, and marking, teachers are always running out of markers.

X-ACTO Bulldog Vacuum Mount Manual Pencil Sharpener

Kids are rough on pencil sharpeners. With so many pencils to sharpen a day, teachers may go through 4-6 sharpeners a year. Plus it’s more efficient to have more than one sharpener available for students to use.

Please Mute Yourself Graphic Tee from Etsy

If you’ve ever sat in on a video conference call with a teacher and her students, especially if it’s an elementary class then you know how crazy it can be. It’s important to try and make the best out of a crazy situation and this graphic tee can help put a little more fun in your favorite teacher’s day! Plus it’s a great reminder to her students to make sure they are muted.

Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card

So this was something new I’d never heard of. Teachers Pay Teachers is an open marketplace where educators share, sell, and buy original teaching resources for grades PreK-12. With a Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card, they can purchase already made resources such as printouts or virtual presentations. It can help save massive amounts of time especially for those who are navigating the new world of online education.

3. Food Treats Can Be Tricky

When asked whether or not teachers like food items as gifts it was a toss-up. Same with the scented gifts, some people have food allergies or aversions. Unless you know for certain they can eat it, I wouldn’t give it. However, if you know your teacher eats gluten-free, you could put together a little basket of gluten-free goodies. If dark chocolate is their thing, splurge on a bar of good dark chocolate.

Endangered Species Natural Dark Chocolate

Enjoy Life Gluten Free Soft Baked Snickerdoodle Cookies

4. Gift Cards are Very Much Appreciated

Originally, I thought giving a teacher a gift card was taking the easy way out and would come across as impersonal. I’m not sure why I thought that way because personally, I love getting gift cards! That being said, Teachers LOVE gift cards too! If you know where they like to eat or shop go ahead and get that specific place. However, if you’re not sure, get one for somewhere that has a little bit of everything like Target, Walmart, or Amazon, which seemed to be the survey favorite. That way your favorite teacher can buy the cozy slippers she’s been eyeing or that cowl neck sweatshirt that is both really comfortable and perfect for video meetings with her students. Plus you can easily send them virtually and write a personalized note to go with it.

Amazon Gift Card with Snowflake Tin

Amazon has so many cute gift cards and some came with cute little gift bags or tins like this one.

Sephora Gift Card

One teacher surveyed was super excited to receive a Sephora Gift Card giving her an opportunity to pamper herself with some new makeup!

5. Handmade Student Gifts

After reading all the answers to my survey questions, one thing that surprised me the most was just how much teachers value the simple gifts made by the students with an emphasis on notes of appreciation. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be from the heart. Personalized ornaments, a picture frame with a picture of the student with the teacher, or something they can hang in the classroom. It’s something they can look at year after year and remind them of just how many little lives they have touched and why they do what they do.

Unfinished Wood Frame By ArtMinds 4″ x 6″

Pick up an unfinished wood frame and have your child decorate it using, paint, feathers, glitter, or whatever you have on hand.

Wooden Christmas Tree Ornaments – 30 pieces

Cover up the table, give the kids some paint or even markers and let them go to town decorating some wooden ornaments. They are great for teacher gifts or even family members.

Some snowflake ornaments the kids painted a few years ago to give to teachers, family, and friends.

Bonus: It’s Okay to Ask

Still not sure what to get? I learned that it’s okay to ask, but asking the right questions will make the whole scenario less awkward. Just asking a teacher what they would like for a gift puts them in a weird position that they’re not really sure how to answer. Instead, be more specific with your questions. Are you a coffee drinker? What is your favorite restaurant? One mom even suggested that if she loves something they are wearing she always asks where they got it. That way it gives her an idea of where they shop. Plus she knows where she can snag one for herself. By asking more specific questions, it takes the pressure off the teacher, but still gives you some insight as to what they like.

Tip: If you are really on the ball, some teachers said they have received Teacher Favorites questionnaires from their students at the beginning of the year. This quick little questionnaire can make gift-giving a whole lot easier throughout the year. You can make your own or find one already done online.

Bottom line is that it truly is the thought that counts. Teachers love to and deserve to feel appreciated, especially this time of year, especially with all the changes and adjustments they have had to make this year. Not only do they have to try to keep kids engaged but they have to do so from a distance whether it’s through a computer screen or just behind a mask. It has been hard on them not seeing their students’ precious faces and their sweet smiles on a daily basis. They’ve had to learn new skills and instantly attempt to become technology savvy and they’ve had to constantly adjust on the fly to make sure students are still learning and for all this and more, again, I say Thank you!

It’s Your Turn: Share your favorite teacher gift ideas with us in the comments!

Four Beauty Products Brightening my Day (and Face!)

Four Beauty Products Brightening my Day (and Face!)

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom.

Several years ago when I first starting working from home, one of the things that effected my motivation more than any other was getting dressed in real clothes. I’ve talked about this extensively through my years of blogging because it was the catalyst for getting out of my yoga pants rut and feeling better about myself. Something that I haven’t mentioned as much but has been equally as important to my mental well being has been taking care of my skin and putting on makeup.

I guess I assumed it went without saying but it doesn’t and that’s become even more apparent during the pandemic. I realized how easy it is to slip back into the stretchy pants rut but even more so how not putting on makeup or caring for my skin negatively effects me. I practically stopped buying all beauty products for six months. When I finally gave myself permission again, I was amazed at how much even something as simple as a new lipgloss totally lifted my spirits.

When Nordstrom asked to partner with me on a beauty post, I was like a kid at Christmas browsing all of the options. If you’ve never shopped Nordstrom beauty before, they are truly a one stop shop. I wasn’t sure what to order for this post but knew that two of my go-to favorites were running low- my IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream and my signature fragrance Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb so I decided to start there.

Here are the four products that are brightening my day lately:

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Illumination

I don’t go a single day without wearing IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream. It hydrates my skin and gives me a lit from within look, not to mention that it’s packed with healthy ingredients like collagen, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and vitamins. I love that it has an SPF of 50+. If you’re not into the illumination formulation, it also comes in a non-illuminating color cream. For reference, I wear it in Medium Neutral.

NARS Blush in Orgasm

An oldie but goodie, NARS blush in Orgasm gives you the perfect flush of color with just the right amount of shimmer so that light bounces off your cheekbones and gives you that “lifted” appearance. This blush is ultra sheer so it deposits just the right amount of buildable color.

Lancome Genifique

After turning 47 last month, I’ve been getting a bit more aggressive with my skincare routine, including more frequent exfoliation and trying out some new moisturizers and serums. Lancome’s Genifique is the latest anti-aging serum that I’ve added to my nighttime skincare routine. I’ve been using it for two weeks and my husband already noticed my skin looking more “glowy”, as he put it. It claims to improve radiance in as little as 7 days and I’m a total believer! It’s a bit pricier than many of my skincare products but a little goes a very long way. Check out the reviews on it!

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

Let’s talk about perfume for just a minute, have you been wearing yours on a daily basis if you’re staying at home? This was one of those lightbulb a-ha moments that I had during the past few months. When I wear perfume, even if I’m never leaving the house, I just feel better. It’s one of those little daily luxuries that seems like such a simple thing but goes a LONG way toward making us feel like a million bucks. So I’ve started a daily practice of spritzing on a little bit of fragrance. Viktor & Rofl’s Flowerbomb is one of my favorites. I love buying it in the travel sized tubes because they truly do travel well (who wants to lug around a big bottle of perfume?) plus I don’t feel as guilty if I change my mind and want to buy another fragrance, there’s no big bottle sitting around going unused.

Honorable Mention

Psst – here’s a fun little secret: If you need more reasons to shop Nordstrom for your beauty purchases, they always have some awesome “gift with purchase” deals going on. This is a great way to try new products and even get some awesome samples. Here were some of my goodies:

MAC Lipstick Mini in Velvet Teddy

Did you know that MAC has lipstick minis for just $12? Neither did I until one arrived as my free gift with purchase. My freebie was the color “Whirl” but I also ordered one in “Velvet Teddy”, it’s the perfect matte neutral!

Another gift with purchase was an entire makeup bag of Lancome goodies including a sample of their Juicy Tubes and a mini eyeshadow palette. I also got a deluxe sized sample of Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt cologne which smells absolutely heavenly!

Skincare at Any Age – Tips to Developing Your Own Skincare Routine

Skincare at Any Age – Tips to Developing Your Own Skincare Routine

by Jessica Pigza

At GYPO we get asked a lot of questions about skincare from what types of products to use, what order to put them on, and even what is a good skincare routine. With so many skincare products available it should get easier to develop a skincare routine but I actually think it’s getting harder. While it’s good to have options, there are almost too many options. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed especially when you just want a basic skincare routine. Not to mention everyone’s skin is different. Just as we come in different shapes and sizes, our skin comes with different needs and quarks as I like to call them. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, acne issues or want to minimize fine lines, sometimes it all comes down to trial and error as far as finding the perfect products. Plus, as we get older, our skincare needs change and it’s important that our routines change to meet those needs. And while I can’t tell you your miracle product, I can at least help guide you on what to look for and the best order to apply your products.

Below I’ve mapped out a good skincare routine for both AM and PM as well as offered some good steps that can be added to your routine as we get older. Note that while some steps will be in both the morning and evening routines, there are some differences. Some products are only meant to be used in the morning and others at night. I know it’s a lot, trust me, I’ve been down the rabbit hole of beauty products and I know I’m not even going to scratch the surface but I promise, I’m going to try to keep this as simple as possible. For a basic routine the easiest breakdown going like this – CleanserTonerMoisturizer. If nothing else, this is a good routine to follow. When you want to start adding other steps like serums, exfoliating, or masks, that’s where it can get tricky. When in doubt though a good rule of thumb is that after your cleanser and your toner apply the rest of your products from thinnest to the thickest. That way your lighter products will have the best chance of being absorbed so they can work their magic. Lastly, don’t forget your neck. Having a good skincare routine shouldn’t stop at your jawline, each step should be carried down your neck as well. Now let’s get started!

Morning Routine

1. Cleanse

Cleaning your face is the first step of a good morning skincare routine. Even if you don’t plan on applying makeup it’s important to cleanse the skin and get rid of dead skin cells and oil residue that accumulated overnight. You want to use something that’s going to make your face feel fresh, awake, and clean without drying it out. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, you don’t want to use anything that’s going to strip away too many of your natural oils. If you’re dry it will only make it worse and if your oily your skin will overcompensate for the dryness by making more oil.

2. Exfoliate*

Okay so here’s where you have a choice. There is no hard and fast answer as to whether it’s better to exfoliate in the morning or at night. One school of thought is that if you have oily skin exfoliating in the morning is just a better way to refresh your skin for the day ahead, restore your glow, and remove excess dead skin cells. The other school of thought is that exfoliating at night will better prepare your skin for your nighttime serums, help with cell turnover, and further clean your pores from your day’s worth of makeup. Also, if exfoliating tends to turn your skin a bit red it’s definitely recommended to do it at night. I wish I could tell you the right answer but you just have to do what’s right for you. I suggest trying in the AM for a week and the next week try the PM. Which one works better? Also, it’s recommended to only do this step two times a week because you can actually over-exfoliate which will cause damage to your skin. However, as we get older sometimes we may need to up this step to three times a week.

3. Toner

What does toner even do and why is it important? Different toners have different properties. They prep your skin to accept your moisturizer as well as any other face care products you plan to use. It also helps restore a natural balance to your skin that even the most gentle cleansers can disrupt. Plus it’s a lightweight way to add additional skin soothing elements such as aloe, Hyaluronic acid, or vitamin E. If your skin is dry or even super oily beware of products that have alcohol or witch hazel in them as they can really dry out your skin.

4. Serums

Here’s where it also gets tricky. There are so many serums on the market that it’s hard to know what to choose and what order to put them on. Plus you’ve got your AM serums versus your PM serums. So what ones should you use? After looking at multiple resources the easiest process for this step is that in the morning it’s best to use serums that protect and leave the correcting serums to the nighttime application. For instance, Vitamin C is great for blocking out free radicals, protecting skin, and making it glow so it’s best to use only in the morning. Now if you’re also using any sort of acne treatment, I would apply those first since they tend to work better on fresh skin. Again follow the rule of thumb, thinnest products first, and work your way to the thicker ones.

This leads me to my next tip, don’t mix all your serums together. To achieve their highest potency apply them one by one. If you run into some products that don’t seem to spread as easily and you may find yourself using more product than you’d like. One way to help combat this issue is by pressing the product into your skin rather than rubbing it in. Slightly rub the product in your hands then press your hands against your face. Often it really doesn’t take much to be effective and by pressing it on, you’re able to use less product.

5. Eye Cream

While your moisturizer is great for your skin, under your eyes may need a little extra TLC. The skin under your eyes tends to be much thinner and more delicate then anywhere else on your body. Using a moisturizer specifically made for under your eyes can help boost collagen production, decrease puffiness, and minimizer dark circles giving you the ability to fake that you’re wide awake even if you had a bad night of sleep. When applying your eye cream it’s best to use your ring finger and gently tap the cream under your eyes starting near your nose and working your way up to your temples. Remember a little goes a long way. Also, eye cream should not be applied too close to your eyes. Keep it away from your lash-line. Lastly, give it some time to soak in before applying your eye makeup. If you don’t your concealer won’t go on right.

6. Moisturizer

Now that you’ve completed all the above steps it’s time to lock it in for the day. Your moisturizer is extremely important because not only is it used to hydrate and soften your skin but it helps lock in your serums and keep your skin looking fresh and radiant all day long. This is also a step that some may feel inclined to skip especially if you have oily skin but please don’t. If your skin isn’t properly moisturized then your skin can go into overdrive creating more oil to compensate. Look for a moisturizer that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy and opt for one that’s non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog your pores. Also, it’s best to wait at least five minutes for everything to soak in before applying your makeup.

7. SPF

I can’t say this enough but even when it’s overcast please do not skip the sunscreen. This is an essential step to protecting your skin, especially for the long haul. Keep in mind there are differences between daily sunscreen and the sunscreen you may wear to the beach. It shouldn’t feel sticky or thick and if it does then you might need to switch up the product you are using. The only time you’re able to skip this step is if you’re using a moisturizer that contains an SPF or if you’re using a foundation that has an SPF. It’s recommended to use at least a 30 SPF. Below is a combination of daily sunscreens as well as moisturizers with SPF in them.

Evening Routine

1. Remove Your Makeup

Washing your face isn’t enough in the evenings, you first need to start with removing your makeup. This is a separate step in which you’ll use a specific makeup remover. Makeup removers can come in a presoaked cloth, a gel, a lotion, or even a watery liquid that you can apply to your own cotton pad. The key is that you want your makeup remover to breakdown and remove your makeup without stripping your skin. If your skin feels raw after you take your makeup off, you might want to try something else.

2. Cleanse

Now that’s you’ve properly removed all your makeup you’re ready to clean your skin. Follow the same process as above and rinse thoroughly.

3. Exfoliate/Masks*

I’m going to refer to what I said above. If you wear makeup daily or if you find that exfoliating turns your skin slightly red, then I suggest adding this step to your nighttime routine. Two times a week is recommended however as we get older adding in another session is a good idea to help remove excess dead skin cells. This is also a great time to use a facial mask such as a charcoal mask, an oatmeal mask, or a sulfur mask. By cleansing the skin first your facial mask will be able to get deep into your pores allowing for maximum benefits. Masks should only be used a few times a week as well but I always advise reading the product directions to determine its best usage amount.

4. Toner

Now it’s time to apply your toner – same as above.

5. Serums

Time for the PM serums. Start with applying any acne-fighting serums you may be using. Then, just like in the AM, apply the rest of your serums one at a time from thinnest to thickest formula. Your skin does most of it’s repairing while you sleep so this is also a great time to add in any retinol products used to help minimize fine lines or dark spots. It’s important to apply your retinol products at night because they are photosensitive meaning it will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Just be sure that you’re not already using a nighttime cream with retinol in it. If you are then you don’t need a separate one. Also, if you find that your skin is a little sensitive to retinol, try mixing it with your moisturizer to help downplay the potency until your skin adjusts to it.

6. Eye Cream

Just like above, your eye cream is good to add right before your moisturizer. There’s no problem with using the same one you use in the morning however you also have the option of using something a little heavier if it agrees with your skin since you won’t be applying any makeup over it.

7. Moisturize

Same as your morning routine you’re going to moisturize. If you experience dryness you can opt for a heavier night cream but if you don’t have any issues you can use the same moisturizer you are using in the AM.

*This step should be followed two or three times a week.

It’s Not Always Easy But Worth It

Finding your perfect skin routine is trial and error which is why there’s so much information out there about it. It’s definitely not one size fits all. To help you find products you like I recommend visiting stores that are more than willing to give you a sample to try. Also, verify their return policy. This will help keep you from wasting money on products you don’t like or that don’t agree with your skin. Keep in mind that with certain products it does take time for them to work but they should still feel wonderful on your skin!

Your turn! Do you have a skincare regimen you swear by or are you still trying to figure it out? What’s your favorite skincare product!

Want even more information about skincare and makeup application? Plus more product recommendations and tutorial videos? Click HERE to check out Alison’s Bust Out of the Makeup Rut!