Not very long ago, I sat down with a few girls and we got round to talking about skincare – what else eh? 😀 As we chatted, I was asked what I did for my skin care and what I used. Now, having a new found love for skincare, I have been doing a lot of homework and messing around and I was quite happy to talk about what I’d learned and what I did.
So, happily I started by saying “Ok, let’s start with cleansing. On makeup days, I cleanse 3 times and I use… ” and I started explaining how I would go at it with a micellar water and then onto a cleansing balm… and I noticed that their eyes had glazed over. I could have said “…and I finish off by applying nightingale poop all over and sealing with whale blubber” and no one would have batted an eyelid at this point.
But when they woke up from their reverie, they exclaimed at how long the process took and how troublesome it was and wasn’t there an easier, quicker way? Couldn’t they just use an all in one product, wash their face in one step, apply one cream and go off to bed? It was just too tiring and too much work applying potions and lotions and oils and creams…
And I got to wondering. Do you consider your skin care a routine or a chore?
Do you try to find quicker ways to cleanse your face each day, hoping to be able to settle with just 1 product and be done with it? For some, the cleansing oil serves the best purpose for this. It removes makeup and cleanses your face in one go. For others, a cleansing wipe does an even better job – they don’t even have to touch a drop of water!
Do you prefer using just 1 face cream day and night, to suit most if not all your needs? I find that many girls who have good skin tend to go down this route. Because they have little to no problems with their skin, they fancy that a quick wash and cream will do the job. Anything longer than a cleanse and moisturise is a chore. It takes too long! I’m too tired! I want to sleep! I’m too lazy!
I personally enjoy my skincare routines, both morning and evening. In the mornings, it is shorter but I do still put on more products than many people I know. The evening routine is much longer. As I have said, my makeup removal and cleansing process alone takes 3 steps and I savour each and every one of them.
I don’t rush, and I take my time. I could be exhausted or I could have just returned home after midnight, my Cinderella ballgown turned to rags, my coach turned into a pumpkin, but I never stint on my skincare time. I go through my whole routine from start to finish, cleansing, massaging, oiling, mixing, matching my potions and lotions and creams as I go.
I’ve never found it a chore, personally. Skincare has always been a personal interest for me and realising just how well my skin responds to certain techniques, routines and combinations of products gives me that impetus to stick to the routine day or night, early or late. My whole routine including taking my shower (as part of my face cleansing happens in the shower) could take up to half an hour with just 10-15 minutes alone spent with my lotions, potions, oils and creams like a mad scientist 😀 For me, that isn’t very long at all but to some, that’s eternity!
I find the few minutes I spend with my skin care calming and relaxing and it helps put me in the right frame of mind, whether to start the day or to end it. It is my time and I never ever find that a chore.
However, I would be very interested to know what you think – be honest now! There’s no harm admitting you find using skincare a chore because I know many people do! 😀
Do you find putting on skin care a comfortable routine or a chore? Do you wish there was a quicker, easier way to better skin?
Be honest! You don’t have to feel intimidated that people might laugh because if you do find using skin care a chore, I’d love to know why 😀
Paris B
Efrain says
Even though my routine isn’t that long (10 minutes) I do like to do it since I’ve found that it is helping my skin to reduce acne, now I only have to found something for dark spots.
In the mornings is cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream and sunscreen. In the nights is double cleansing (wipe+cleanser), toner, serum, benzyol peroxide (only in problematic areas), jojoba oil and eye cream.
And remember that I also shave however I use the same cleanser I still don’t like shave cream and after-shave.
Paris B says
Always refreshing to see a guy take good care of his skin. So many guys are of the soap and water variety and then they wonder why they suddenly age overnight one day tsk Good on you, and keep it up! 😀
Efrain says
Thank you for saying that, in fact I do think that now it’s almost impossible to stop taking care of my skin since is a routine.
Paris B says
Good on ya! 😀
Hani says
It is a routine for me. Since i hit puberty, my mom would remind me every night before I go to bed to wash my face. Now, I’m nearing 30 and still my mom would remind me of it every now and then. So much so that now I can’t go to bed without at least cleansing my face, no matter how late I reached home or how exhausted I am. Otherwise, I’d feel guilty as if I did a cardinal sin.
Paris B says
Aww your mom is wonderful! 😀 I love how she’s still reminding you to wash your face now hehe… My Mom started me on a face wash and moisturiser back then too. The only regret was that at the time I didn’t go to a dermatologist for my skin problems or I would have fewer problems now but still, better late than never to take care of my skin! 😀
Laura says
Seems like I’m in the minority – CHORE! I am still relatively diligent, and have a multi-step regimen, but I think I find it a chore because I can’t see instantaneous results from my skincare. I also hate having to use up products that I find mediocre, but I hate waste so…ugh. It just takes forever. I feel better after I do my routine, but I’d be lying if I said it was my favorite thing. Ironic, considering how interested I am in reading about and lusting after skincare/makeup!
Paris B says
Hahaha I love the honesty Laura! 😀 It says a lot that despite finding it a chore, you still power through it. That’s discipline! I feel ya about trying to use up mediocre products. If I’m faced with a mediocre product I try to find it a new home because not everyone’s as fussy as I am. But yes, that is a bit of a waste isn’t it?
LeGeeque says
Oh it’s far from a chore for me. I sometimes relish in routines and skincare is one of them. It’s comforting that in a world of changes, that one thing remains constant – well as constant as I let it be 😛 In fact, I would call it a ritual more than anything else. I love it and I enjoy pampering my skin and feeling the effects of good skincare. It’ll never be a chore to me. I’m not blessed with flawless skin so I have to put in the hard work but hey, it’s OK. That’s life!
Paris B says
Ritual! That’s the word I was looking for LOL! Based on the comments I’ve read, it appears that everyone who enjoys the routine have or had bad skin and therefore find an improvement when they take care of it and pamper it. The young ones I spoke to already had good skin which might explain why they figure, why bother?
sasha says
Its so interesting to see how different people carry out their daily skincare routine.
Since my skin is oily and acne prone, i find that using bare minimum skincare products actually help to minimize and control oil on my skin.
So i dont consider my skincare routine a chore, but i also do not use many products.
The routine would look like this (and this took many years and many trial-and-error to achieve the perfect combo):
1. Make-up remover (Kose – cant remember the type)
2. Face wash (Melvita Cleansing Jelly)
3. Toner (Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean)
4. Day Moisturizer (Keils Ultra Facial Oil-free)
Night Serum + Moisturizer (EL ANR + Melvita Rose Nectar)
5. Eye Cream (EL ANR Eye Synchronized Complex)
Once a week at night I also pump 1 drop or Melvita Argan de Huile to my mositurizer.
The end 🙂
Chow Mei Ling says
Does applying the eye cream as the last step of your skincare gives you problems such as milia?
Paris B says
Thought I’d reply on behalf of Sasha – I’ve been told not to apply eye cream last because it can cause milia as your hands would have thicker creams or oils on them from the creams and serums. However, I do apply mine last or when I remember and it doesn’t cause milia for me. If it does for you then it’s best to apply it as the first step of your skincare. That way you won’t forget either 🙂
Chow Mei Ling says
Thanks for the reply PB!
Paris B says
It’s great that you’ve worked out what works for you Sasha – so many people power on regardless of how their skin reacts and then they wonder why they break out 😀 I don’t think a long or short routine is important, but what’s important is the consistency of carrying out that skincare routine that will bring the long term benefits. It’s interesting that you also add oil to your moisturiser! I do it every night! I love the rich feeling and also because it helps thin out my face cream. I do have drier skin though which explain why I don’t break out from too much oil 🙂
Firn says
My routine is about 8 steps in the morning and 9 at night (including makeup removal and cleansing). I don’t find it a chore but I hate having to face myself in the mirror for so long on a bad skin day! When my skin is good, then I enjoy washing my face and patting on my serums because then I get to play with my toing-toing skin!
My routine uses prescription skincare so there’s nothing in there that is just because it feels nice. Each step has a purpose.
Paris B says
Ah never skip on a medically prescribed routine! I’ve never had one (prescribed I mean) but I can imagine that there is a purpose behind each and every product so skipping any step would be futile. It’s a great feeling to see glowing skin looking back at your from the mirror. For me, despite the pigmentation I have, the fact that the rest of my skin has improved is already a big success! 😀
Jeanie says
Hmmm as age climbs, I begin to realise the importance and appreciate proper skin care routine. My evening will go:
1) initial cleanse with biodema
2) second cleanse with clinque cleansing balm and face cloth
3) third cleanse with facial wash
4) exfoliate with clarins exfoliating toner
5) hydrate with rose toner
6) apply ANR
7) follow by facial oil
8) at last moisturizer. ….
There it completes the night routine. I do makeup everyday and my face just clogs easily and thus it is important that I clean my skin well at night.
It seems quite a long process. ..:-)
Paris B says
Hi Jeanie, that’s a nice comprehensive routine and it looks a lot like mine LOL! I was nodding at every single step because I do the exact same things at the exact same steps. *high5*
S. Drama&Makeup says
It’s a chore when I come back home late and I just want to sleep 🙂 I enjoy it when I can take my time, it’s quite relaxing.
Paris B says
I think all that mini massages we give our skin as we apply our skincare helps us relax too! But yes, if we’re back late and tired, gosh! What a chore it is!
Peggy says
it’s a routine… just like u wont go out without putting on your clothes
i can skip make up but not skincare products
i use cleanser,toner,emulsion,serums,face cream and also neck cream
Paris B says
Haha I like your analogy Peggy 😀 I too can usually skip makeup or rather, get by with applying just the minimum of makeup if I’m really pressed for time but I never skimp on my skincare!
Kari says
I consider my morning skincare a routine and the nighttime one an absolute chore, to be honest! Though in the morning I really value my sleep and so rush through the routine, I NEVER skip it. Still on the hunt for that perfect fast-absorbing but hydrating moisturizer with SPF. Then at night it’s whatever makeup remover I grab first and I often neglect my potions completely 😀 I’m often too tired to establish that routine.
Paris B says
Haha the honesty, Kari! 😀 If I were to find one routine a chore, I’m actually the opposite of you. In the mornings, if I happen to get up a little late then I find it a chore that I have assigned myself so many steps. But at night, I take a little more trouble. Hope you find your moisturiser with SPF soon 🙂 I personally prefer using separate items but then that means yet another step! hehe…
Arpita says
I adore having a skin care routine and all the steps involved in it! It’s so comforting and it feels like giving yourself a treat. I suppose it boils down to frame of mind really. To me, there’s nothing better than waking up to knowing that I get to use a cleanser I’m excited about, or I’m at the end of a toner with something more exciting waiting to be used after. I also enjoy having two separate routines for morning and night, with the latter being slightly more lengthy and containing more products. On top of that, I do love having a back-up, too exhausted to move, routine which is still more elaborate than a lot of people’s regular routine.
I’ve just jumped on the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil bandwagon (extremely late, I know), and I’m quite enjoying it because it actually works as quite a lovely cleanser in itself. It’s sad that people feel they don’t deserve to take the time to love their skin!
Paris B says
Haha I like how you get excited about your skincare! I get excited when I’m at the end of something and have something else equally exciting waiting in the wings for me to use. There’s always that hope that it would be even better than whatever you’re currently using 😀 I also use quite different items in the day and night, which actually works out quite costly but hey, if it works, it works (and it stretches longer – double the time to finish hehe) The Shu Uemura oil is a good all in one cleanser I agree. I was all about oil cleansers up till this year. Used so many of them (except Shu coz I’d break out) but for a one step makeup remover + first step of cleanser, it’s good stuff!
Sunny says
On most days I look forward to my skincare routine! It’s the last thing I do before I climb into bed, and every household chore has been taken care of. It’s like my zen time! Make up is new for me, but I have always taken skincare seriously. I can pare down to bare essentials if I want to (like when I am exhausted), but I really don’t mind spending some time on my skin!
Paris B says
Sounds like most of us think the same way Sunny! We slack off once in a while but bounce back again! For me, if I don’t look after my skin, my makeup looks like crap as well so it only makes sense to look after it! 😀
Biianca says
Interesting topic. For me it depends. In the morning when I’m in the rush I find it a chore. After cleansing I just out on moisturiser and sunblock/bb cream mixed with highlighter and blusher then I’m out of the door.
Night time so far so good. Cleansing oil, cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, eye cream & castor oil. Cause there’s no rush anymore.
I like your sentence about putting nightingale poop and sealing it with whale blabber. Cracks me up. Hehehe
Paris B says
Sounds like you have a very busy morning Biianca 🙂 I usually put on all my skincare, finish off with sunscreen and then wander around making breakfast and changing before I put on my makeup. I like having it all settle in first but I suppose not everyone has the luxury of time as I do and sometimes morning routines can be quite a chore if I’m in a hurry. Interestingly, nightingale poop was all the rage a couple of years back! In some Japanese cream I think. Eww! 😛
Adeline says
A comfortable routine that I enjoy! Though I must say I don’t spend very long massaging my stuff in.
At night – cleansing oil, foam cleanser, toner, eye cream, whitening serum, repair serum (currently estee lauder ANR), moisturizer, sleeping mask (yes everyday)
day – foam cleanser, toner, eye gel, whitening serum, hydrating serum, moisturizer (usually the same as my night as I prefer no frills simple moisturizers), sunscreen
I spend less than 10 mins on my skin each time.
Paris B says
Wow sleeping mask everyday! Very dedicated Adeline 🙂 I have been using sheet masks a lot more often recently and I must say that it’s helping my skin look much better and stay more hydrated. That said, I’m also trying to finish them up so erm… once I”m done with them maybe it’d be more economical to go with a sleeping mask eh? 🙂 Good job on taking care of your skin!
Emma says
It really depends, at night it’s quite enjoyable, but for morning, a lot of times I wish I can cut it down(but I just can’t). It takes me 10 minutes to go over my entire after face wash morning routine. I wish I can speed up, but it really takes time to slather on products. And now that it’s quite cold, I can’t get away without moisturizing my face properly.
Oh, night time routine can be somewhat embarrassing to share with those non-beauty lovers. Yes, I totally agree with you on that triple cleanse ideology. I take off eye makeup with Bioderma if I’m not wearing waterproof stuff, or Bioré remover if I used waterproof stuff, then I take off my face makeup with a cleansing oil or gel or anyway, a proper facial makeup remover, then I wash my face with a face wash. I just feel like that’s the only way. It’s too much rubbing on the eye areas if I take off everything in one go, or I just feel like eye makeup remover can’t get off every traces of face makeup. And you gotta wash your face with a face wash, makeup remover can’t do that trick. Then I have an extensive moisturizing thing going on after all that jazz(all because of the cold damn weather, if not, just one layer of moisturizer would have been sufficient).
Though it’s somewhat embarrassing to have such extensive routine, I feel kinda sassy when I do it.
Paris B says
I love that you know how I feel about trying to explain my skincare routine. I actually dread it when people ask because for the most part, most people don’t get it 😛 I have a similar routine as you because I can’t stomach using one makeup remover for all over my face including my eye makeup because it just doesn’t work. I’d rather spend that time removing eye makeup separately and I’m quite sure it gives me less lines too so yay for us! 😀 I can’t imagine my routine if I were in a cold climate. Haha!
Rebecca says
I enjoy the ritual of it, so I don’t mind spending some time on my skincare. However, if I’m REALLY tired I will definitely throw out some of the steps… then it just becomes makeup removal/cleanse/one moisturizer. Not the best for my skin, but better than nothing.
Paris B says
That’s true Rebecca! Some care is better than none, but occasionally not all the time 🙂 I like making up for it the next night by putting on an oil mask sometimes where I just apply face oil and go to sleep 😀
summer says
I don’t know what happened to me, but in my teens i had perfect skin. then suddenly when i hit my twenties, my skin got worse, not terrible, but periodic break outs during that time of the month. Then i started birth control, my skin got great, but when i stopped, all hell broke loose, but at that time, stupidly, i did not attribute it to the pills. i took a short course of Accutane, then my skin was perfect. then i took birth control again. During that time, found out my skin was allergic to alcohol. badly. it would cause a break out so bad nothing would help till it calmed down. then i stopped birth control again and my skin went to hell. then i found out, everything makes me break out now. if i eat dairy, eggs, supplements, collagen, coffee, strawberries, anything with high content of vitamin C, anything with lots of coloring = breakout like MAD. hyaluronic acid makes me break out. every single skincare i tried breaks me out, and believe me i’ve tried, every single thing without alcohols in it. ALL alcohol makes me break out, even drinking it. benzyl, benhenyl, stearyl, cetyl, cetearyl, denat breaks me out. anything with yeast extract or mineral oil/parafinum liquidium breaks me out. green tea extract, tea tree oil/extract, lavender oil breaks me out. WHAT CAN I USE? i’m 29 and now my skincare routine is – Garnier sensitive skin cleansing cream (from SG, the blue bottle) IF i use makeup, Hello Kitty collagen facial wash from Watson’s SG also, and Hazeline snow for moisturizer. If i get any small zits i use the nexcare acne patch after popping it (iknowiknow i shudnt) if i get big zits i use Stieva A 0.01% topical tretinoin cream. but usually now my skin is pretty good, but that’s the only skincare i can use! for makeup i only use BB cream and Nars concealer. no blush no powders nothing. idk if this routine is good or bad. what happens when i’m older?
Paris B says
Hi Summer, gosh that’s awful to hear about how your skin has turned. Might it be an immunity or hormonal problem? Coz I know certain foods will cause me to break out and it sounds like the birth control pills played havoc with your body’s hormones. From what you’re saying, you can hardly use anything out there! Perhaps what you need is prescriptive skincare? Sorry about that – hope it all works itself out sooner rather than later *hugs*
Jyoan says
I most definitely take my time with skincare. (I take my own sweet time with makeup too.)
I really enjoy the processes of both skincare and makeup.
However, to a certain extent, I still try to find efficient products. Like I refuse to use an eye makeup remover. I will dump any makeup remover that does not remove my mascara and eyeliner properly, without hesitation.
I refuse to triple cleanse. I will find a good cleanser that can wash off the cleansing oil and makeup thoroughly.
But after the cleansing step, I will do anything, anything at all, to make my skin good. I will put eye cream, pimple cream, second pimple cream, scar/black spot cream, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen in the morning.
I wouldn’t mind adding one more if it helps my skin look better. Anything.
I am okay with the night moisturizer and day one. It depends on what products I am testing. If it comes in a set with day and night, I just follow.
I guess in summary, cleansing process must be as quick as possible, but anything that follows can be as elaborate as it takes to make my skin look good.
Paris B says
Afraid I’ll have to disagree on the cleansing bit with you Jyoan but I also believe that we should do/use whatever we feel most comfortable with and whatever works for us coz none of us have the same sort of skin 🙂 But it’s good to know you’re diligent about the eye cream. I still am so lax about that LOL!
Jyoan says
Need to add… I think you are alright with the skincare. I take equally long even though I don’t have as many skincare items as what you have shown in a previous post.
I love slowly massaging each product in. Like I do it really slowly, and while lying down on the bed, so I do take some 20 minutes to complete everything at night.
On work mornings, I speed everything up to 5 minutes though.
Cat says
I have normal skin. Some says it’s nice. But of course I still find the occasional pimples popping up. I don’t mind the whole routine but I mind how expensive it is if I buy the whole set from cleanser to serium. That’s what keeping me from doing the whole routine. But if cost is no issue I think it is good to go thru the whole routine.
Paris B says
As an initial investment it’s true, it will be a bit outlay but if you break up your purchases, it shouldn’t cost too much 🙂 There are many affordable and good cleansers, toners and moisturisers and personally, I’d splurge on the serums or face oils because I’ve found that good ingredients are expensive anyway. But for everything else, you can save on that and that will bring the cost down 🙂 That said, it would be best to work within your budget because ultimately, it’s the upkeep that’s important 🙂