My Nighttime Skincare Routine

Jun 14, 2018

Yesterday, I was getting ready to leave when I realized that I hadn’t put on makeup.  I looked back in the mirror, and for the first time in almost three years, the acne on my right cheek was completely gone.  Not one lump, not one bump, and no redness.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but over the past few weeks, I’ve been feeling really good about my skin.  Of course, I’ve had false alarms before, but this time feels different.  So what’s changed?  How few skincare products I’m using.  That’s right, few.

I’ve pared down my night time routine to just three products.  My skincare regimen has never been shorter.

 

Step One: Kopari Coconut Melt.  How did makeup removing towelettes take over the world?  Ten years ago, none of us had ever heard of them.  Now,  I can hardly remember how I removed my makeup before the upgraded baby wipes came into my life.  But I’ve recently given them up.

First, they’re terrible for the environment.  Second, they’re loaded with chemicals, many of which can actually irritate skin.  Third, they’re kind of expensive.  And fourth, they’re totally unnecessary.

I switched to Kopari Coconut Melt (on sale for $19 at Sephora) in February after receiving a sample at a trade show.  This finely processed coconut oil is a makeup remover, a dry skin saver, a shave gel.  It does a little of everything.  And it works extremely well, removing any makeup from longwear lipstick to waterproof mascara.

It’s a little pricey at $28, but I’ve been using the same jar for four months and it’s maybe 25% used.  But if you need a cheaper alternative, you can use almost any virgin coconut oil. I recommend this one.

Not into slathering coconut oil on your face?  You can still remove your makeup sans wipes with a Makeup Eraser washable towel.  Somehow this miracle cloth will take off all over our makeup with just water.

Step Two: Confidence in a Cleanser.  I just reviewed this product, so I will let you read up on this remarkable face wash there.  But let me just say, Confidence Cleanser (I shortened the name, it’s too damn long!) is proof that you do not need a harsh cleanser to keep your skin looking it’s best.  You may think you can beat your acne into submission, but like so many things in life, a gentler approach may work better than ‘please sir, may I have another.’

Step Three: Aphorism Clear Sailing.  I originally discover Aphorism Skincare because someone reviewed their Night Is Young serum, and I had to try it.  After I posted that review, the brand gifted me a bottle of Clear Sailing, their skin oil for acne-prone women like myself.  And boy, am I glad they did.

This is a great product.  It hydrates without feeling heavy (just make sure to use a small amount and really rub it in their).  It also pairs beautifully with my GloPro micro-roller, which is slowly but surely minimizing my acne scars.  The cold-pressed botanical ingredients are just what my skin needed.  It clears up acne, even stubborn acne in record time.

Want to try Night is Young or Clear Sailing?  Visit the site and use code lovetheworkedit18 for 15%-off.

Three products.  I know.  It’s hard to believe after all of these years that I am down to fewer skincare products than I have fingers and toes, but maybe Marie Kondo was onto something.

This post is not sponsored.  The Aphorism folks gave me the code because I asked.  No money changed hands.  Enjoy your discounted face oils.  As for the rest of it, I may earn commission if you purchase something using these links.  Translation, please purchase something using these links, Mama has student loans to pay.

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Beauty, Skincare

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  1. Stefanie S. says:

    The 7oz jar of Kopari is on sale for $19 at Sephora

  2. hannah says:

    Went to buy the Kopari at Sephora using your link, and the 7oz on sale for $19!

  3. SP says:

    Hi Abra — have you had any problems with your pipes since switching to coconut oil? I love it, but I hesitate using it because I heard it can cause chaos with plumbing when it hardens. Do you have any tips for this?

    • Belle says:

      I wipe it off, I don’t rinse. Just grab some cheap muslin cloths on Amazon. It actually works better that way.

  4. HH says:

    Sephora is offering the Confidence in a Cleanser a free sample – score! Just ordered the Kopari and added the cleanser as a sample. Hopefully something isn’t substituted for it.

  5. Sheena says:

    Just ordered clear sailing! I am absolutely giddy to try it. As a lifetime acne sufferer I am so excited to learn ways to a) clear my skin and b) limit the stuff I put on my face.

    Thanks Abra!

  6. Jessica says:

    Is Night is Young or Clair Sailing better? Or are they for different things? Night is Young has been on my list since your review so I’m trying to decide if I need to switch!

    • Belle says:

      I really like both. But I think Clear Sailing is better for my acne, but the Night is Young really helped too. I think it depends on what you need.

  7. Monica T says:

    This is the same thing I learned many years ago when I had to give up all the crazy chemicals in skincare during pregnancy. I switched to just hemp seed oil to cleanse my face, homemade cleansing grains made of colloidal oatmeal, white clay and rose petal powder to sop up the oil and light exfoliation, and rosehip seed oil for moisturizing. Now that she’s older, and I’m older, I’ve added in some anti-aging with retinols and such, but I keep my actual cleansing and moisturizing routine pretty simple and clean. And since I buy everything in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbs it’s less waste since I’m not using a billion 6 oz plastic bottles just to clean my face. I’m glad this is all working for you, because feeling good about how we look is priceless.

  8. KVB says:

    Would love to see your daytime routine, too!

  9. Michaela says:

    I second the question about which serum you prefer! I’ve been saving up to get the Night is Young, but maybe I should switch to this!

  10. Cat says:

    I always appreciate your skin care reviews! I have been considering switching to an oil-based makeup remover, or just going all in on double cleansing, but I was put off by this article suggesting that the oil can make it harder for your skin to absorb whatever you put on after it: https://blog.reneerouleau.com/double-cleansing-method-might-wrong/

    Would love to hear any thoughts you have about that!

  11. Kim says:

    Hi Abra! I love this simple routine. I keep reading that you need to be using retinol, vit c, peptides…the list is endless. Are you doing anything particular for anti-aging benefits/weekly treatments…anything? Just curious. I always want to simplify my routine but I can’t bring myself to get rid of all the products!

  12. Jenn S. says:

    Do you mind sharing your recipe? I love Mountain Rose Herbs and have been simplifying lately, too.

  13. Erin says:

    I use good old Ponds Cold Cream to remove my makeup! Just the right amount of moisturizing.

  14. Joan says:

    How does Youth Sailing compare with Night is Young? I purchased Night is Young after seeing you rave about it numerous times, and as much as I tried to love it, I couldn’t. It was too heavy and broke me out. Wondering if you could briefly comment on the difference with Night is Young?

  15. Rory says:

    I’m beginning to think I’m the only person who hates coconut oil. I simply can’t stand the feeling of it on my skin. I’ve also found that simplifying my skincare routine has also helped my skin. Unfortunately, it’s not helping my pocketbook because I am ADDICTED to Sunday Riley’s CEO cream.

  16. Susie says:

    I’ve used baby wash cloths for years, they are the perfect size and I’ve found them made of muslin. https://www.adenandanais.com/lovestruck-classic-muslin-washcloth-set-3-pack .I only use one once and then wash in machine in hot water, using dreft newborn liquid detergent.

    I sincerely appreciate your reviews of products, I have found you are one of the only (if not the only) blogger who doesn’t recommend a product to only make a commission. I’ve learned this the hard way, as I’ve purchased a few products that went straight in the trash after one use. Thank you for your honesty. Warm regards, Susie

  17. Abby GracE says:

    Do you (or anyone) use the oil to remove face make up, as well? I am using the Rodan + Fields Unblemish regimen right now and oddly they don’t have a make up remover (other than wipes). Also, can you share the type of muslin towel/cloths that you use to wipe the oil and make up off of your face prior to using your face wash?

  18. Sarah Wrenn says:

    Ugh I just bought a second bottle of Night is Young, from your original post! I think I used your original link (hopefully it was an affiliate). Next time I’m DEFINITELY using that discount code.

    Best oil/serum I’ve used by far, and I’ve used a wide range.

    Will be trying Clear Sailing next. I love the toiletry bag they send it in, too. It is very sturdy and a cute design.

    • Belle says:

      No, they don’t belong to an affiliate network. Happens sometimes with products I love; they need to be promoted even if I don’t get paid.

  19. Kate says:

    I’d like to second the question about anti-aging products – I keep reading that at 32 I really need to be using a retinol. How does that fit into your routine?

    • Belle says:

      I use a Vitamin-C serum in the daytime, but I’m not using any retinol. The Aphorism serums have anti-oxidants and beta carotene, which has a similar effect to retinol.

  20. SC says:

    This is a reply to Rory — you’re not the only one! I hate the feeling of anything oily on my face. To remove makeup I really love the Garnier micellar water (pink cap). I didn’t think it was that great at first, but I’m probably on my fourth bottle now. It’s also cheap, which is a huge plus for me.

  21. Larissa says:

    I would love to try that coconut melt – how do you use it? Also, where to you apply the serum?

    Also, I have sensitive skin and allergies, and sadly the Confidence in a Cleanser made me sneeze. I found these two items to be great alternatives – cleanser (https://www.sephora.com/product/radiance-cleansing-foam-P390664) and toner (https://www.sephora.com/product/beauty-water-P409633). The cleanser I think works well and smells fresh, and a good price.

    I really want to try the watermelon juice products that are so popular – have you tried? What’s your experience been? https://www.sephora.com/product/watermelon-pink-juice-moisturizer-P428819

    XOXO

    • Belle says:

      I take a half-dollar size amount and warm it in my hands so it turns into a liquid. Then, I rub all over my face. It weakens the makeup. So wipe it off with a wet linen cloth, and then wash my face like usual. I don’t apply the serum to my forehead because, bangs, but everywhere else but my neck. I use SKII Essence on my neck a couple times a week.

  22. Linda says:

    My facialist converted me to facial oil & oil-based cleanser/makeup remover a couple of years ago & that’s pretty much my face-care routine now. Skin feels amazing and they smell great. They’re a bit pricey but last forever. I use micellar water to remove makeup before the oil-based cleanser.

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