My Mom's Updated Morning Beauty Routine

Today my mom is back with her third and final beauty post on her current skincare regimen. This one is her morning routine. While my mom loves to experiment with makeup and skincare like myself, her skin is much more sensitive and easily irritated so she often sticks with things for months and months when they are working for her. In fact, one of the products in her morning routine has been there for years and she rarely will ever be without it! When testing new products however, she will slowly introduce something into her routine but keep everything else the same to identify if her skin has a reaction to it and to gauge if the product is giving any worthwhile results.

1. Elemis Cleansing Balm - Maree recently gave this to me to try and I instantly loved it! It's so rich and hydrating, and I love massaging it in for a few minutes to wake my skin up.

2. Mila Moursi Triple Action Eye Contour Cream - I need a lightweight eye cream that wears well under makeup and this one is perfect. It has an applicator that helps to depuff and smooth my eye area as I apply it, and I love how firm and lifted my eye areas looks after using it for the past few months.

3. Mila Moursi pH Balancing Toner - I use this toner at night as well and it has been in my routine for more than a year. I spray it onto a cotton pad and wipe all over my face. It does an amazing job at keeping my skin balanced and well hydrated.

4. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence - Maree gave this to me and said I needed to try it because it was such a popular product. I pour it into my hands and press it onto my face after cleansing and toning. I wasn't sure it was doing much for my face until I ran out and noticed how dry and lackluster my skin became. As soon as I got another bottle and added it back into my routine, my skin responded right away and quickly looked less dry, more balanced and calm.

5. Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Serum - I always gravitate towards hydrating products in the morning because I find they make my makeup apply so much better. I only need a small amount of this serum to completely cover my face. It is a gel that absorbs quickly and leaves my face hydrated and smooth.

6. Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 - I have mentioned this SPF in previous posts because I have am never without a bottle in my cabinet! It is one of my all time favorite SPF moisturizers and I have been using it for years. It's lightweight, absorbs quickly and gives great SPF coverage.

7. First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Face Cream SPF 30 - I generally rotate between the Mario Badescu moisturizer and this one. It has a similar texture and wears beautifully under my makeup.

8. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream - This product was a purchase based off of reading one of Maree's blog posts. LOL. She gets me too! I love moisturizers that are consistent for my skin - Maree calls them "no muss, no fuss" moisturizers and this is one of those. It has a gorgeous medium weight texture, absorbs easily, hydrates and makes my skin incredibly firm and supple. I started using this in the summer and am still able to use it daily either alone if I am not going out for the day or under my SPF.

9. Revive Le Tint Moisturizing Veil in 1 - This foundation tint is so light when applied, covers imperfections and leaves my skin with the most amazing dewy glow. In fact, Maree mentioned to me how different my skin was looking the first day I began wearing this. For my drier skin, I find this leaves me looking fresh-faced and like I spend a day at the spa (when all I did was play with Miles most of the day LOL).

Read all of my mom's past beauty posts here.

My Mom's Current Evening Skincare Routine

My mom just updated all of us on the masks and exfoliators she is currently using to help give her skin a glow, and she is back today with her current evening skincare routine. Stay tuned for next week when she will be doing her final updated skincare post talking about her morning routine. While I give my mom soooo many products to try, she is just as picky as me so the ones she features on my blog are often her tried and true. And many have been featured before in previous posts, but that speaks to how effective they are for her which is why they are still in her routine. For this update, there are a few new additions which she instantly fell in love with and was excited to share her thoughts. Here is her current evening routine in her own words:

1. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water - I typically use a cleansing oil to remove my eye makeup, but I ran out so I decided to use this cleansing water Maree gave me as an alternative. I was shocked at how easily it removes my mascara and eye makeup. I soak a cotton pad, hold it over closed eyes for a few seconds and gentle wipe away any product. 

2. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel - This cleanser has been a favorite of mine for years since it doesn't foam and gives a gentle exfoliation.  It does remove my makeup and leaves my skin so smooth. I ran out of my favorite cleansing oil a week before Maree wanted me to write this post but I still wanted to mention it because I continue to buy it again and again because it works wonders on my skin. 

3. Mila Moursi pH Balancing Toner - Again, this is another product I love and have used for quite a while. I use it at night as well as in the morning, spritzing it directly onto my face and wiping it away with a cotton pad. It really helps to keep my skin balanced and hydrated. 

4. Retrouve Revitalizing Eye Concentrate - A little goes a lonnnnnng way with this eye cream which is why I am still using it after many months. It was too rich for Maree but perfect for my dry eye area. It is especially a favorite during the winter and really helps to hydrate, smooth and firm the skin. 

5. Tatcha Luminous Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate - Maree introduced me to Tatcha a few years ago and I fell in love with the entire line. This is  my 2nd or 3rd jar of this concentrate because my face feels so much firmer when using regularly. I like to press it into my skin before my other serums or moisturizers, and it instantly absorbs making my skin look plump and hydrated.

6. Kate Somerville Mega-C Dual Radiance Serum - Maree told me I need vitamin c in my skincare routine so she gave me this serum to try. LOL I wasn't sure at first what results I would see, but after a month of applying it nightly my skin looked much brighter, more even-toned and a few of my pesky dark spots were beginning to fade. 

7. Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel - I don't use this exfoliating gel nightly but love it 1-2x/week. It really helps to retexturize my skin and leave it exceptionally smooth. On the mornings after I use this, I notice that my foundation applies flawlessly. 

8. ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Supreme - This was another product Maree had been using but felt I would see better results and she was right. This is a rich cream that is designed to help renew and retexturize, which is exactly what I see when I use this. It's gives a very gentle exfoliation and never irritates my skin, but I find that my skin became exceptionally glowy and radiant when I began incorporating this into my routine. 

9. Zelens Z Firm Face and Neck Cream - I love that this cream is great for both the face and neck. Even though I typically apply all my serums and moisturizers down to my decollete, the firming effects of this has really made a difference. I can especially see the change in my jawline and down the front of my neck, things definitely appear more supple and taut.

Read all of my mom's past beauty posts here.

Shop my mom's evening routine here:

The Masks and Exfoliators My Mom Uses To Give Her Skin a Glow

My mom has been a regular contributor to my blog over the past few years and her posts are always quite popular so I asked her to give me a beauty update. Today she is sharing the masks and exfoliators she has been using over the past 6+ months. After this, she will be sharing her current morning and evening routines in upcoming posts so stay tuned for those. If you want to read any of her previous posts, you can see them all here.

For a quick synopsis, my mom's skin type is normal to dry and can occasionally be on the sensitive side. She just turned 70 this year (sorry to out you Mom LOL), but her skin still looks more radiant and fresh than mine does many days! Her main concerns are firmness, hydration, fines lines and evening out the skin tone. I always have her write the reviews of each product so you can get her perspective on the performance, texture, smell, etc. Here are the 8 products she has currently been enjoying:

1. REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask - This gentle exfoliating mask is a great quick fix because it works instantly. I leave it on my skin for 5-10 minutes and my face immediately looks fresh and glowing afterwards. 

2. Mario Badescu Whitening Mask – I have used this mask for years and love it. It really does help to brighten and even out my skin tone when using it regularly. 

3. First Aid Beauty Bouncy Mask – Before I even discuss the performance of this product, I have to discuss how fun it is to use! The texture is a bouncy gel which initially took some getting used to, but it breaks down immediately once I apply and disappears right into my skin. After just 10 minutes, I can see a difference in how firm and supple my skin appears. This is a great mask to use in the morning before my makeup because my skin looks so healthy and hydrated which makes my foundation glide right on.  

4. Retrouve Skin Brilliance Priming Pads – Maree got me hooked on exfoliating pads and toners as a step after my cleanser but before I apply any serums or moisturizers. These Retrouve pads really tackle any rough texture on my skin, but since my skin can be on the sensitive side I only like to incorporate these 2-3x/week. However, I have noticed a significant reduction in stubborn dark spots when using them regularly.  

5. Pixi Glow Tonic – Another long time favorite that Maree turned me on to - this exfoliating toner is gentle enough to use daily but is so effective at giving my skin a regular exfoliation. Out of all the products mentioned, this is the one I will never be without.

6. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - Some traditional scrubs can be too harsh for my skin, so I have enjoyed experimenting with different enzyme powders Maree has given me over the years. This one is great in the morning to help wake up my skin and leave it feeling refreshed. My makeup often applies so much better on the days I add this into my routine. I pour a small amount into wet hands, add a bit of water and it makes a creamy paste that I gently massage into my skin. 

7. Tatcha Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder – I think I have included a Tatcha product in almost every post I have done for Maree's blog, but I truly love everything from the line! This enzyme powder is the most gentle one I have tried and can use it daily without ever worrying that it will irritate my skin. Especially in the winter, I like to use this everyday either as a second cleanse or mixed in with a cream or milk cleanser to give my skin a light exfoliation. 

8. Skin Inc Pure Revival Peel – This peel is the most unique product out of the bunch because I apply it with dry hands to a dry face and after a few minutes it turns to a milk. I then use a warm cloth to massage it off and I can actually see the dead skin cells balling up on the skin. It's strange but oddly satisfying to watch the dead skin being removed, and afterwards my skin feels almost textureless. I don't use this often so as not to overdo it but try to incorporate into my routine 2-3x/month.

Shop all of my mom's picks here:

My Mom's Updated Morning Beauty Routine

It's been foreverrrrrr since my mom has done a post on my blog so I thought it would be the perfect time to check in with her and see what she is loving right now! She is sharing her current morning beauty routine - both makeup and skincare. You can read her prior posts here, here and here. And without further ado, here is my mom talking through her current morning routine. 

1. Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil - This has been a staple in my routine for years and I don't think I would ever be without it. I like to apply it with dry hands to a dry face and then rinse away with warm water. It hydrates my skin without ever leaving any feelings of residue.

2. Retrouvé Revitalizing Eye Concentrate - I've used the Retrouve Replenishing Facial Moisturizer and loved it, so I definitely wanted to try the Eye Concentrate since it was too heavy for Maree. I love the way it absorbs leaving my under eyes smooth. I never get milia with this concentrate and it definitely has minimized wrinkles.  This has been a staple of mine for quite some time.

3. Mila Moursi ph Balancing Toner - I spritz this on after cleansing and it works well at helping balance my skin.  

4. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence -  Maree gave me a bottle of this and I had to ask her a few times how and when to use. She advised using after I tone but before I apply serum. I pour a small amount into the palms of my hands and press it into the skin.  After a few weeks, I really began to notice a difference in how soft my skin felt and it appeared firmer and more even toned.

5. Kate Somerville Age Arrest Anti-Wrinkle Serum - This serum is so lightweight and only a drop is needed to cover my face. It almost feels as if my face has a smooth canvas that allows for an easy application of moisturizer and foundation. I've definitely noticed a difference in the firmness of my skin and any fine lines look much more minimized. That is why I have kept it in my morning routine because in addition to seeing results over time, I have noticed my face appears much smoother and more taut right after applying which makes it perfect for applying before makeup.

6. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Pure Mineral SunscreenMoisturizer SPF 40 - This sunscreen applies easily and provides a wonderful base for my foundation. At first I thought it would be too thick for wearing under makeup, but it disappears immediately into the skin and leaves it feeling so hydrated and smooth.

7. Zelens Youth Glow Foundation - I love how this foundation provides a glowing dewy coverage. Since my skin is more on the dry side, I love trying out any foundation that gives a more radiant finish. This is definitely a new favorite.

8. Beautyblender - The way the Beautyblender smoothes and blends my foundation is amazing.  I definitely have a back-up at all times.

9. Tom Ford Scintillate Blush - I am a fan of cream blushes, and this Tom Ford Scintilate blush has become a staple.  It applies easily with my fingers and I blend it in with a few dabs of the Beautyblender. 

10. RMS Eye Polish in Lunar - Over the years I have struggled with finding an eye shadow that does not cause an allergic reaction, but once I found RMS Eye Polish I can wear it every day without ever being concerned.  It's smooth to apply and wears all day.

11. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara - I'm a long time user of this mascara and find it gives my lashes great volume with very little smudging during the day.

12. Chantecaille Lip Chic in Anais - This was a gift from Maree a few years ago, and I have been repurchasing it ever since! Many lipsticks have a tendency to dry out my lips, but this formula keeps my lips hydrated for hours.

Thanks to my Mom for sharing her morning routine. Hope you enjoyed this post! All of the products she discussed are linked throughout the post or in the widget below.

Shop all of my mom's picks below:

6 Skincare Products My Mom Is Loving Right Now

It's been awhile since my mom's last post on here, but I challenged her with the task of writing about any products that might be new to her routine that she is enjoying. She immediately came back to me without hesitation raving about these 6! Here's her review of each:

1. Tatcha Luminous Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate - I have used the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist for years and was thrilled to find this overnight concentrate helped give me that serious boost of hydration like the mist. The serum is a fun texture - a bit wobbly and bouncy, but absorbs into my skin immediately after applying. I prefer to use it in the evening, and apply a night cream over top or on some nights will make this my final step. By morning I find that my skin feels firmer and any makeup I apply glides on much smoother.

2. Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask - I love exfoliating, and I love masks so putting the two into one is perfect for me! While many exfoliating masks make my skin feel softer, they can also leave it feeling tight and dry afterwards. This Tula mask manages to give me glowing and radiant skin while still making it feel hydrated and comfortable.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Multi-Miracle Glow Cleanser - I use this as a second cleanse, removing any final traces of makeup. I like to massage it in for 60-90 seconds and find that it makes my skin feel so supple afterward. In the colder months, I leave it on for 5-10 minutes as a treatment mask and then remove with a warm cloth. After I rinse it off, I can't stop touching my skin because it feels so soft!

4. Sisley L'Integral Anti-Age Cream - This cream is decadent and rich so I only need a small amount in the evening, but I love how my skin has reacted to this. I only began using it about 4-6 weeks ago, and can already see a difference in how supple and even toned my skin looks. I prefer to use it in the evening as my final step, warming the product up in my hands and then pressing into the skin. This layered over the Tatcha Memory Serum Concentrate has been my favorite combination right now.

5. Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift with Retinol - Maree told me this was a unique product and she was definitely right! It comes out as a cool foam and then breaks down to a liquid. I wasn't sure I would like it at first, but Maree was raving about it for herself so I was intrigued to try it as well. I began using it in the morning under my moisturizer (currently loving this one), and it made my skin look so smooth and my pores appeared minimized after only a week of using. Because I loved the results so much, I began adding it into my nighttime routine as well and that's when I noticed that a few dark spots I had were beginning to fade. Since it is a booster, I can use this before my serum and moisturizer and it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. Though I was skeptical at first, this product turned out to be one of my favorites recently!

6. Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum - Applying this serum with the cooling applicator gives me such a wonderful wake-up in the morning. I had developed milia under my eyes from another eye cream, and after using this serum twice a day for a few weeks - the milia had disappeared!

*pr samples included

My Mom's Evening Skincare Routine

She's baaaack!!! My mom is back for her second post talking about her current evening skincare routine. She uses a ton of amazing products and has a consistent routine that has been working for her for awhile. You can read her first post that talks about her morning skincare and makeup routine here. Hope you enjoy!

1. Nude Perfect Cleanse Cleansing Oil - I put this oil on to a dry face with dry hands. Once I add a bit of water, it becomes a gentle milk that helps wash away all my makeup in one easy step. My skin feels clean but still hydrated and supple.

2. By Terry Cellularose Nutri-pure Balm Cleanser - Between the delicate rose scent and the thick creamy texture infused with camellia oil and vitamin E, this cleanser feels more like a treatment than something I want to wash away. I use it as a second cleanse and I have seen a remarkable difference in how hydrated my skin feels and looks after using. My skin feels clean yet comfortable.

3. Pixi Glow Tonic - This exfoliating toner is also one of Maree's favorites, and I am happy to say that I am also a huge fan. I only need a small amount on a cotton pad to wipe over my whole face, and it gives me a gentle yet effective exfoliation.

4. Radical Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads - I use these pads once or twice a week in place of the Glow Tonic to give my skin a stronger exfoliation when its feeling dull or congested. I notice that my skin glows when using these regularly and that is reason enough for me to keep them in my routine!

5. Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner - After I apply the Pixi Glow Tonic or Radical Pads, I like to follow it up with a swipe of this soothing aloe vera toner. It calms my skin instantly and gives it an added boost of moisture.

6. Mario Badescu Whitening Mask - A tried and true favorite for me. There is a noticeable difference in the brightness of my skin after I use this, so I rotate it into my routine 3-4 times a month.

7. Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask - My favorite part of this mask is when I first apply it. It has this decadent velvety texture that instantly cools my skin. I leave it on for 10 minutes and when I wash it off, my skin feels soft, supple and firm.

8.  Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream - I use this day and night because I love the way it immediately absorbs into my skin. I have repurchased this more times than I can count. It's definitely a favorite.

9. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate - This is another product that I use both in the morning and evening. It soaks into my skin faster than any other serum I have tried and I have noticed a huge difference in how hydrated my skin looks and feels.

10. Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment - I typically apply this after the Ultimune Concentrate 1-2 times a week. Some exfoliating treatments can irritate my skin, but this one is an exception. It feels cooling and absorbs quickly, and in the morning I can feel a significant change in the texture of my skin.

11. Dr. Colbert Ilumino Face Oil - On nights that I don't use the Ole Henriksen Night Gel, I find myself reaching for face oils. I had never tried them before, but Maree suggested I add some into my routine. They have made a huge difference and I now use them all the time. This one immediately stood out to me because my skin has a definite glow the following day after using. Additionally, I have noticed a reduction in fine lines with using this and I attribute that to the retinol that is in this oil. (well, Maree told me it was probably from the retinol in it heehee)

12. Retrouve Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer - Maree sent this to me since she found it to be a bit too rich for her, but I absolutely love it! It's a rich moisturizer that I use under my face oil or alone if I am going to skip an oil for the evening. It's nourishing but never greasy, and I have noticed a definite difference in the firmness of my skin especially around my cheeks and jaw area.

13. La Prairie Ice Crystal Dry Oil - I am saving the best for last, because this face oil has got to be one of my favorite skincare products that I have ever tried. It has a silky texture that absorbs into the skin almost as soon as I apply it. And then after I do, I can't keep my hands off my face because it feels so soft! If there is one product that I look forward to using the most in my routine, it's this oil. I love massaging it in and spending those extra few minutes to pamper myself. Any time my skin is feeling sensitive or irritated, I reach for this oil to help balance it or soothe it. It's truly a remarkable product.

Thanks to my mom for her evening skincare post! Hope you guys enjoyed this fun series that I have added to the blog. She will make an appearance now and again to share any new discoveries or updates to her routines.

Shop my mom's evening routine:

My Mom's Morning Skincare and Makeup Routine

This has been a recently requested blog post so today I am sharing with you my mom's morning skincare and makeup routine. While my mom has always taken good care of her skin, it was only after I got into beauty blogging that we both really took everything to the next level. LOL. We regularly text back and forth talking about the products we are testing and trying, and she is forever reading my blog (actually she was the first reader ever) taking notes of all the fun things she wants to go out and buy. Many of the things in her routine are also products that I use so it's nice to see that these items are suitable for any age. Just for reference (she will hate me for this, but it's for the blog Mom), my mom is 68 and has normal to dry skin. I asked her to write this post herself and send to me, so it will be 100% from her perspective and in her words. Hope you enjoy!

Me and my mom at Christmas dinner a few years ago.

1. Nude Perfect Cleanse Cleansing Oil - I love the way this oil prepares my face for the day. I apply the oil directly onto a dry face and it turns into a gentle milk when water is added. It leaves my skin soft and supple.

2. Pixi Glow Tonic - This is a gentle exfoliating toner that I use after the Nude Cleansing Oil. It helps wake up my face and I find that it has made a big difference in the texture and tone of my skin.

3. Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream - This is a favorite that I have used for a while. The cream is intensely nourishing, helps target any fine lines and absorbs immediately.

4. Amarte Aqua Veil Hydrator - This cucumber-infused lotion not only smells great, but leaves my face feeling super hydrated and refreshed.

5. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate - This serum has become a holy grail favorite. I find my skin looks brighter, more supple and wears beautifully under makeup.

6. Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 - Another favorite that I have been using for years. It gives me my necessary daily SPF protection and is lightweight enough for the warm weather here in Virginia Beach, but still nourishing enough for fall and winter. It's a yearround staple!

7. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - This gives my skin a nice smooth finish to apply my foundation. 

8. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream in Vanilla 02 - The texture of this foundation is a lightweight gel-cream that provides just enough coverage. It conceals any discoloration or redness I may have, but is sheer enough to allow my skin to show through. It applies smoothly and lasts all day.

9. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Powder Pink 6 - This has been my go-to rouge for years - easy to apply with my fingers and gives a nice flush to my cheeks.

10. Real Techniques Brushes - These are the easiest brushes to use to apply my makeup and they make me feel like a pro!

11. Guerlain Maxi-Lash Mascara - Since my lashes are not quite as thick as they used to be (insert sad face emoji), this mascara provides the fullness and volume that my lashes need. 

12. Hourglass Lipstick in Grace - I struggle with finding a lipstick that won't make my lips peel. This formula goes on smooth, keeps my lips hydrated and the color is perfect for every day.

13. Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Lotion - This has been my signature scent for years. The scent is pleasant, feminine and lasts all day. And it doesn't hurt that I am forever getting compliments on it!

A big thanks to my mom for writing her first blog post. Yay! She will be following it up with her evening skincare routine within the next few weeks so stay tuned!

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