My night-time routine is everything I want it to be - simple, efficient and it delivers results.
I start out with a slug of Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water on a reusable cotton pad (I think this one is from Garnier). Allowing it to soak into mascara for plenty of time ensures eye make-up comes off easily without rubbing. Then I cleanse for 1 minute using Flawless Cleanser and I like to massage 2 pumps into my skin to really thoroughly remove make-up and grime from the day. Importantly, I use my fingertips, and nothing rougher. I take the time to breathe, focus on the simple sensation of touch and empty my mind. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate to be effective - even a minute twice a day when you cleanse can be mindful and calming.
I make sure to pat skin gently dry - I don’t want roughness to unnecessarily exfoliate my skin and aggravate my redness any further.
Then it’s time for action! I start with my delicate eye area - the needs of this skin are complicated. It’s thin, prone to wrinkling as we smile and laugh and it can easily become pigmented. I apply Flawless Nightly Eye Serum with great care as it’s enriched with the Holy Trinity of vitamin A, B and C to boost, brighten and firm the eye area whilst saturating it with hydrating nourishment. A dab along the orbit is all you need - I use a 5-dot technique to ensure I target the correct zone. It’s always wise to be cautious at the start until you’ve been using it a while. I use ½ a pump per each eye and I’d start off using it every 2nd or 3rd night. Those with very sensitive skin or eyes should be cautious - buffering first with moisturiser can make it easier in the early stages.
I then follow up with Flawless Nightly Serum using the 13 Dot Technique. What’s absolutely critical is to avoid doubling up - this is where the edge of your eye serum application potentially overlaps with your face retinoid, usually along the top of the cheekbone. Not what we want, as this is a potential trigger for irritation near the eyes. So be sure to leave a wide safety margin between the 2 applications. Azelaic acid combined with Granactive Retinoid, Niacinamide and Bakuchiol work in harmony to clear pores, brighten, boost collagen and reduce redness, covering my multitude of skin needs in just one layer. Bliss! Who has time for complex layering?
Finally, I complete my routine with Flawless Moisturiser. I do this after a few minutes to ensure the previous layers have fully absorbed. I’ll also wash my hands to avoid traces of Flawless Nightly Serum transferring to my eye area. This “duvet” layer seals everything in and ensures my skin wakes up glowy, not parched.
That’s it. A night-time routine doesn’t get much easier than that, meaning there’s more time for unwinding with a good book (“Four Thousand Weeks” is on my bedside table currently). That makes me go to bed happy.
