Some days, I love to indulge in a 10-step skincare routine, taking my sweet-ass time, rubbing, patting, waiting for stuff to absorb.
Other days, I’m so exhausted I can barely keep my eyes open, but I would never, EVER go to sleep without giving my skin a little something.
I remember those college days when I actually used to go “out.” It did not matter if I came home at 4 am, I don’t think I’ve ever gone to sleep while still wearing makeup.
Well… maybe except for that one time when my acne was so bad that I actually slept with foundation on when visiting my husband’s friends. But that’s a different story.
Point is, sometimes we just get a little lazy… but we still kinda want to have great skin, eh?
There are a few trusty products that I love reaching for whenever I feel lazy, tired, or I’m simply short on time.
THE MINIMAL APPROACH
There are some products that are just “blah,” some that are “okay” and some that you just can’t help but l-o-v-e. Last year I was introduced to MŪN Skincare and I immediately fell in love with the brand. My favorite product is their Akwi Cleanser (but you probably already knew that) and it’s the kind of product that just makes you feel… special. It is a cream/oil cleanser that even as a single product, kind of makes you feel like you spent 30 minutes at a spa, right after you wash it off. You take 2-3 pumps, massage into your skin for about a minute, then take a warm washcloth and gently press it against your skin, washing the cleanser off. If you have dry skin or love double-cleansing, then you will fall in love with Akwi- it helped me get through my Accutane treatment, which leaves your skin incredibly dry, uncomfortable and tight. As always, you can save 15% when using the code “MUN13T“- I also love their Anarose mist/toner and the Aknari Brightening Youth Serum.
Another product that my dry skin loves is Perricone MD’s Cocoa Mask. I’m on the third jar of this mask and just like Akwi, it leaves your skin feeling very special. One, it smells delicious. Two, it doesn’t irritate skin and leaves it feeling soft, smooth, nourished and very supple. Third, all you need is 5-10 minutes. I usually apply it on after cleansing my skin, massage it in very well until all the microcapsules have burst and the mask turns brown, and leave it on while applying my body butter or lotion, then just rinse it off. If you love both skincare and chocolate and have dry skin, you need this in your stash.
FOR A SOFT, SMOOTH SKIN
You know just how much I love my Salux cloth– loofahs and sponges are gross and these cloths can be thrown in with your towels when you wash them in the washer, so they last for years. No harboring bacteria here. Keep one in your shower and you will never need a body scrub again (although I do love to indulge in bi-weekly body scrubs whenever I have time). With these cloths, you can just add some soap or your favorite body wash and you have yourself a nice, mess-free exfoliating treatment. Body butters and lotions absorb SO much better and I also love using my Salux before shaving my legs- it seriously gives you the smoothest shave, ever.
Lancome Visionnaire 2-Phase Peel– this is a leave-on peel that helps fight dullness, discoloration and subtle uneven texture. Why should this be a lazy girl’s essential? Because it’s incredibly easy to incorporate into your routine. After cleansing and toning, you apply the “Phase 1” for the first 14 nights and then replace the “Phase 1” with “Phase 2” for another 14 days. This peel is very gentle, it doesn’t require rinsing, it won’t make your skin burn or peel and, most importantly, it gives amazing, I-noticed-a-difference-after-one-use kind of results.
TO RELIEVE DRY SKIN
Overnight, hydrating masks are life-savers. They’re usually richer and work a bit better than, let’s say, a thick, nighttime moisturizer. Clinique’s Moisture Surge is great for those with sensitive skin; it comes in a tube and is fragrance-free. Paula’s Choice new Rehydrating Mask* is actually very similar, but on my skin it is actually juuust a bit more hydrating- it works great when used after AHA, BHA or Retinol treatments and gives the skin that extra hydrating boost. Love that they both come in a tube- again, you can just keep these on your nightstand since they do not require rinsing.
Erno Laszlo’s Hydra Therapy Memory Sleep Mask* has also been sitting on my nightstand for months. Whenever I don’t feel like indulging in a 7-step nighttime skincare routine but know that my skin needs a little pick-me-up, I always reach for this baby. It has THE most amazing, soft, bouncy texture and the minute it touches my skin, I know I’m in for a treat. Again, this is a hydrating treatment that I usually apply in place of my moisturizer. The price does make my eye water, but this takes care of my dry patches like nothing else out there. It has a slight fragrance so I expected this to irritate my skin, but nope. It does the complete opposite.
TO CLEAR CONGESTED SKIN
Clogged pores, breakouts, acne scars: Stridex has always been there for me when I was battling all three. These are basically pre-soaked pads that you use on your skin, almost like a toner, so again, very easy to use. If your skin is used to BHA products, you can use these every night. If you’re on the more sensitive side, try it every other night. Either way, Stridex pads are a great budget buy- I also use them in the summer under my arms and other spots to prevent in-grown hair when I shave a lot.
Speaking of discoloration and congestion, Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel is another favorite that gives amazing results over time. I’ve spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on products that promised to help with hyperpigmentation such as acne scarring, while also helping with clogged pores and none delivered results as good as this peel. If you’re a skincare junkie, chances are you’ve either already used these, or heard about them in the past. It’s a simple, two-step treatment that takes only about 3 minutes of your time and doesn’t require rinsing. It’s one of those skincare products I’m never without and have been using for ages. Even now, that acne is no longer an issue, I love reaching for these because they just make my skin bright, clear and smooth.
When all you’ve got is three to five minutes, these Trans-foam Clay masks from Dr. Jart are also pretty cool. You apply them, let them dry for three to five minutes, and rinse with warm water, massaging the skin. While the mask dries you can brush your teeth, apply your body lotion, take your daily supplements, or just sip your morning coffee. These leave your skin feel clean and soft. Not sure if there is a major difference between the three that I’ve used, but love them all.
And, on those days when I am completely pooped and don’t even feel like washing my hair, I just reach for CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Mario Badescu’s Face Mist, Tazorac and finish off with my Cetaphil in a tub. If I were to only use one product, then I’d probably be my Cetaphil cream, simply because it’s the shit and my dry skin loves it more than any high-end moisturizer I’ve tried thus far.
Do you ever get lazy with your routine, even though you’re obsessed with skincare? What are some of your favorite lazy-pamper products?
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20 Comments
Asaake | asakemi.com
December 23, 2017 at 12:54 amWhen you ask “do you ever get lazy with your routine” I wish I could side eye myself. That’s me everyday! I do not wear makeup (i’m learning) but when i wear them, I sleep with them. ALL THE TIME! I’m learning to do better tho. And my goal going forward is to do everything i possibly can to be consistent in my pursuit for healthy and clear skin.
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 26, 2017 at 2:40 pmHaha! Your skin probably loves you not wearing makeup!
Linda Libra Loca
December 23, 2017 at 8:11 amYes, totally. For those nights I have a double cleanse, retinol and sleeping mask routine, works like a charm and is done very quickly.
Anne – Linda, Libra, Loca
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 26, 2017 at 2:40 pmSounds similar to my lazy routine! Minimal and works great for my skin!
Danielle Alexa
December 23, 2017 at 12:06 pmWhenever I visit your blog, I always leave wanting to treat myself to so many makeup products!
Danielle xx
http://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 26, 2017 at 2:40 pmAww hehe :)
Very Much Mia
December 23, 2017 at 8:55 pmI have been wanting to change up my skin care routine lately, so I will definitely be incorporating some of your suggestions! I never use masks because I feel like they take such a long time to apply, dry, and wash off, but those Dr. Jart Clay masks sound amazing!
Mia | http://www.verymuchmia.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 26, 2017 at 2:41 pmThose little clay masks are so quick and easy to use! Love them. x
Naya // partyparrotblog.com
December 25, 2017 at 6:39 amAs a dry-skin-gal, I feel like I am the target audience for this post! I heard incredible things about both Perricone and Mun, so will be definitely looking into them next year. I am very curious about Salux – I have a similar little glove from South Korea and boy-oh-boy it exfoliates like a beast (I must add I sometimes over-exfoliate and scratch myself). Thank you for the inspiration Paula! And Merry Christmas! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season xx
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 26, 2017 at 2:41 pmThank you so much Naya! Hope you’re enjoying the holiday season as well!
Yourbeautypantry
December 25, 2017 at 1:08 pmI spy the paulas choice hyaluronic boost. I am testing that out currently. How do you like it?
http://www.yourbeautypantry.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 26, 2017 at 2:42 pmI like it a lot, but truth be told there a lot more affordable options out there that do the job just as well!
Kelly Anne
December 26, 2017 at 5:14 amLoving all these skincare product suggestions based on skin problems. I definitely need to try all those masks for congested skin!
Kelly Anne xx
http://www.anneinthedollhouse.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 26, 2017 at 2:42 pmThank you, Love!
Susan
December 28, 2017 at 3:30 pmGreat post!
Do try the CeraVe PM moisturiser. I couldn’t live without it.
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
December 28, 2017 at 5:13 pmI love their cleansers but have the worst luck with their moisturizers! They always irritate my skin. Funny thing is that my husband loves CeraVe moisturizers and hates Cetaphil Cream, which happens to my favorite, hehe :)
Victoria
December 29, 2017 at 8:48 pmI’ve struggled with skin issues my whole life and…must admit…that I do get lazy every now and then. Good tips here. I’ll have to check out the Akwi cleanser. Sounds exactly like what I need.
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
January 2, 2018 at 11:28 amAww sorry about that, Victoria! I know how frustrating skin issues can be. That cleanser saved my skin, hope you’ll be able to give it a try!
steff @ brighterdarling.com
January 7, 2018 at 11:32 amBeen dying to try the new Paula’s Choice Hydrating Mask! Also haven’t used the Cetaphil in the tub in YEARS but I think I need to repurchase with this freezing weather lately -__- SO dry!
Jasmine Talks Beauty
January 7, 2018 at 12:41 pmI really want to try more from Paula’s Choice :) Dr Jartt products sound amazing too!
Jasmine xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty