(Beauty Report Card)

I Can't Go To Sleep Before Doing This Simple But Effective Skin Care Routine

The ultimate nighttime product lineup.

Jan. 7, 2023

Maggie Haddad

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Like makeup, skin care goes through phases and trends. One year people will be touting their 12-step skin care routines — the next, they’re singing the praises of the “only product you’ll ever need for perfect skin”. After years of ping-ponging from one extreme to the other, I’m ready to settle... on a skin care routine, that is.

When it comes to my personal approach to skin care, I split up my products into morning and nighttime categories. In the mornings, I want to use only a few light, easy products that sit well under my makeup. Nighttime is when I really focus on whatever skin issues I want to tackle, so I’ll add gentle but effective active formulas to my routine. Currently, I’m addressing the texture on my cheeks and typical winter dryness. However, I want to be clear: I’m not striving for perfect skin (does it even exist?). My goal is to take good care of my skin without overdoing it with harsh products.

I’ve run into issues in the past when I’ve tried to completely overhaul my skin care routine with a bunch of buzzy, flashy products. Instead of glowy, glassy skin, I always ended up with flareups and breakouts. Just because I learned the hard way doesn’t mean you have to, too. Super simple skin care is what my skin responds to best, so that’s what I’ve invested in. When I find products and brands that work well for me, I like to shout about them from the rooftops. So, please excuse my praises – I just like giving credit where credit is due.

While the routine I’ve settled into includes nine products, I wouldn’t call it complicated. In reality, I only use four products every night: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and lip balm. I use the other five products once or twice a week as treatments to target my current skin concerns.

However, the real MVP of my nighttime skin care routine is The Outset, AKA Scarlett Johansson’s new line. Their products are minimal, streamlined, and have never irritated my skin. Even though celebrity beauty brands tend to receive a lot of criticism in recent years because they’ve been launching at a dizzying rate, this one is the real deal.

Keep scrolling for the holy grail skin care products that make up my nightly routine.

Bliss

Makeup Melt Dry/Wet Gentle Jelly Cleanser

$15

This makeup remover has been my tried-and-true for years now, and I can’t imagine switching back to disposable makeup wipes. It truly melts the makeup off of your face without stripping away moisture. I also love not having to use a separate remover for eye makeup.

Paula's Choice Skincare

2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

$34

Replacing my physical exfoliant with a chemical one has been an absolute game changer. This Paula’s Choice formula is gentle enough for my sensitive skin, but still makes a big difference. While I only use it a few times a week, I still notice brighter skin, smaller pores, and a generally smoother complexion.

Starface

Cloud Face Cotton Puffs

I absolutely love using these cotton pads to apply my various serums and toners. They’re super soft, biodegradable, fragrance-free, and the box looks super cute on my bathroom shelf.

Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum

The Outset

$46

As I mentioned, I’m a big fan of The Outset products. The line is ideal for sensitive skin like mine, but they still have a big impact. This serum is my desert island beauty product – I would give up everything else in my routine for it. Since using it consistently, I’ve noticed firmer, more radiant skin.

The Outset

Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream

$54

As I mentioned, The Outset products really work for my skin. And when it comes to skin care, once you find something that delivers, you have to stick to it. I love slathering a thick moisturizer on my dry skin before going to sleep, and this buttery-soft formula is the perfect final layer on top of my skin care.

Sisley Paris

Radiance Anti-Dark Spot Serum

$600

I tested this radiance anti-dark spot serum for TZR’s Beauty Awards, and completely fell in love. Waiting to see results from new beauty products can be frustrating, but this serum was so fast-acting I swear I thought I could see a difference the first time I used it. Because of the price tag, I use it super sparingly, but it really delivers when I do.