This winter was extra rough on my skin and it was the first year I really started to notice the affect it had on my face. Dry patches, more prominent wrinkles, skin discoloration – the beautiful signs of getting older! I wanted to share 5 steps that have helped me notice a huge difference in obtaining a brighter complexion, tighter skin, evenness, and an overall glow. I did this routine consistently {minus a few weekend nights} for about a month and noticed a huge difference! Here’s what I do…

At night

1. Exfoliate/cleanse. I started to really exfoliate my skin consistently before our wedding and can’t recommend this enough! The benefits really are noticeable within days. For a quick fix I recommend Blue Mercury’s M-61 Power Glow Peels – a 60 second facial in a wipe – these are perfect when you’re traveling, in a hurry, or need a quick fix {I use these daily, usually in the morning}. However, before bed I rely on my Clarisonic with a little bit of this cleanser and massage my face {focusing on my forehead, nose, and chin} for 3 minutes. This will help remove any dead skin and open up your pores.

2. Use a face mask. This is a new obsession for me and really allows moisture to sink into your pores/skin. I use and love Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Face Mask {all natural, smells amazing, WORKS!}. Lately, I’ve been using Glossier’s Green Galaxy Face Mask {they say it’s a green juice for your skin!} followed by their Moisturizing Moon Mask. It takes about 40 minutes total but seriously your face will feel like a baby’s butt once it’s done. I highly recommend both!

3. Eye Cream. I never used to use eye cream but since noticing some serious wrinkles peaking out of the corners of my eyes, and a suggestion from a beauty artist, I knew it was time to jump on the bandwagon. The skin on your eyelids and under eyes is the thinnest on your entire face so it’s really important to keep these moisturized. SK-II Essence Eye {recommended by my friend Grace!} is a game changer.

In the morning

4. Wash your face. Feel free to use whatever you’d prefer but I recommend something that won’t dry out your skin. I actually like to use a gentle face wipe with a little bit of moisture to it. This will ensure your skin starts fresh before applying your makeup. I like to use Burt’s Bees Face Towelettes.

5. Moisturize/apply a primer. I like to apply a light moisturizer in the morning that isn’t too heavy or oily. I’m a big fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream – it absorbs immediately and makes your skin feel like silk. I then use a makeup primer that prevents any makeup from sinking into my pores and ensures that my makeup stays even all day. I use Smashbox Photo Finish Makeup Primer.

Apply your makeup as you usually would and go!

*Side note: I also drink a ton of water! I read an article a long time ago on LaurenConrad.com that said when Lauren is working really hard to maintain a healthy exercise/nutrition routine she drinks as many ounces of water in a day as she weighs. So if you weigh 130 pounds you would drink 130 ounces. I try to follow this rule daily! This water bottle helps A LOT.