I believe that following your skin care routine on a daily basis is crucial to a healthy complexion as well as a preventative measure in the aging process. And it is that much more important in the wintertime as your skin is exposed to harsh weather conditions. To be completely honest, when I’m hard pressed for time in the morning, I will skip a step here and there but I will, without fail, follow my nighttime routine, especially in the winter. I feel that nighttime renewal and nourishment are essential for maintaining the health of your skin.

My daytime routine typically looks like this:

Step 1: Cleanse – Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser – I have used Shiseido Purifying Cleansing Foam in the past, which I liked, but decided to switch over to Neutrogena for the natural ingredients.

Step 2: Moisturize – Shiseido The Skincare Day Moisture Protection SPF 18 – No matter how many other moisturizers I try, and I’ve tried many, I always go back to this one. It feels very light but does a good job of moisturizing and hydrating.

Step 3: Prep – Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray – I find that this provides that extra hydration I need in the wintertime especially if I’m planning to use a liquid foundation that day. I got this as a sample at Sephora and I’ve been using it ever since. On a busy day when I don’t have to be completely made-up, I will skip this step and go straight to my mineral powder foundation.

Step 4: Prime – Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer – I find this to be an essential step if I’m planning to use a liquid foundation or even a mineral powder foundation at times. The primer provides a smooth canvas for the foundation. This particular one also minimizes redness and evens out discoloration.

My nighttime routine looks like this:

Step 1: Cleanse – Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser

Step 2: Restore – Shiseido The Skincare Hydro-Balancing Softener – Many believe this step to be unnecessary but I feel that it works for me, especially in the wintertime. It not only cleanses the remaining traces of makeup and dirt that your cleanser might have missed, but it also balances your skin’s pH level (supposedly) and softens your skin for the moisturizer. Nothing feels worse than putting a rich night cream on rough skin.

Step 3: Moisturize – Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream – Using a rich nourishing cream to restore and replenish your skin at night really makes a difference in how your skin feels in the morning. This is the one step I will never skip. Again, the reason I go back to Shiseido time and time again is because their moisturizers feel light and not greasy and yet moisturize effectively.

If you like this post, I would really appreciate it if you could vote for me for Top Mommy Blogs by simply clicking here. Thanks!!

Linking up with: Funday Monday | Beauty Buzz with Mama in Heels, Mom Trends, Get Your Pretty On and Simply Lulu