~ My Skin Care Routine ~

FACT: I do NOT have perfect skin.

FACT: I have dark circles, excessive oil and some slight redness.

FACT: I DO have CLEAR, BLEMISH FREE skin which gives me a smooth surface to apply my makeup to and thus gives me the optimal result for my cosmetics investment.

FACT: No matter how much makeup you use, or what type – having GOOD SKIN is what determines the end result. Beauty begins with healthy skin…not your makeup bag.

FACT: I get MORE compliments on my actual SKIN and questions about my skincare than I do on the makeup I wear or put on others…

About 4-6 weeks ago, I began a new skincare routine. Almost immediately, it seemed everyone noticed something was different and daily I was being asked  “How do you get your skin so healthy/smooth/clear?” , so this post will be dedicated to thoroughly answering that question.

While I cannot suggest the perfect products for YOUR skin, I CAN tell you that once you find the RIGHT products for you, being consistent is the KEY to getting the results you want.

And please – Don’t give me the excuse that it takes too much time – you only have ONE face and it takes less than 5 minutes out of your day to make sure it is the best it can be. Make it a habit. Morning and night.  Just a few minutes will start and end your day right and change the way you look and feel. Quality products are available in EVERY price range, so shop around, ask an expert, try before you buy- whatever you need to do to find what works for you.

For myself, my updated routine uses  CLINIQUE products. I am not here to sell you anything but I can say that since I have begun using this product line, most of my skin concerns have been alleviated including excessive oil breakthroughs in my T-Zone and occasional dryness/tightness in my cheek area.

My makeup-free skin is noticeably smoother, the pores are no longer noticed, my dark circles arent near what they once were and frankly, as a woman over 30, I feel good knowing I am taking optimal care of my skin. It may never be perfect, but it is healthy and happy and people DO notice.

Here is my morning routine:

I begin using the CLINIQUE 7 DAY SCRUB CREAM.  It is conveniently packaged in a squeeze tube, so dispensing the perfect amount is easy and keeps the rest of the product sanitary. Using an amount that is about the size of my pinky fingertip, I gently work the mild exfoliating scrub upward and outward all over my face and top of neck before rinsing well with warm water.

My next step is washing with the  CLINIQUE MILD FACIAL SOAP. This gentle cleanser comes with a pump top and I use one to two pumps and work that into my skin adding  bit of warm water to lather and open my pores ( allowing the cleanser to do it’s work.) I wash for about 15 seconds and rinse with warm water and end with a splash of cool water to tighten pores and give a flush of healthy glow.

The CLINIQUE CLARIFYING LOTION( 2 ) is my next step. This toner de-flakes skin, clears excess oils, improves cell turnover and offers a slight tingle to let you know it is working;) I soak a cotton pad or large cotton ball and lightly sweep across my face paying special attention to my T-Zone ( the area my oil tends to be excessive in.)

Once the final stage of squeaky cleanliness is completed, I apply the CLINIQUE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZING GEL. Regardless of skin type (mine is oily) ALL skin needs moisture.  Because my skin is SO oily in the summer, I choose the gel moisturizer and use the lotion in the winter when my skin is more normal. I work a small amount (the size of a nickel) all over my face in light upward strokes to make sure it sinks into the skin well.

Next, I apply the CLINIQUE ALL ABOUT EYES cream very sparingly all around my eye area to de-puff and reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. I use my ring finger since it is the weakest finger and best for patting the cream in around the delicate eye area.

Then I apply the CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK SHEER SPF25 to not only protect my skin, but I have found it acts as a great primer for my makeup (making it last longer throughout the day.)  While it is tinted, it blends invisibly and a small amount (the size of a quarter or smaller) will cover the whole face and upper neck area.

Lastly, I apply the CLINIQUE SUPERBALM LIP TREATMENT to replenish my lips and give them a smooth, satiny look.

At night, the only changes I make in my routine are:

1. Skipping the 7 Day Scrub Cream

2. Adding the Super Rescue Antioxidant Moisturizer ( see photo below)

A few minutes. A few products. A desire and dedication to being loyal to your routine.

If in the Virginia Beach area and interested in these products, or anything else CLINIQUE offers – feel free to visit LINDA at the CLINIQUE counter in MACYS at LYNNHAVEN MALL ( You can call  to schedule your appointment 757-306-0666 )  for a personalized consultation and instruction on YOUR skins concerns, best products to address those concerns and how to use them.

Good Luck and Great Skin to you!

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