Daily Facial Routine

It's been years (give or take) in the making and I think I've finally figured out my daily facial routine. My skin is so temperamental that it seemed like any and all products  would irritate or just not do what I wanted it to. 

My last post goes on about my recent Sephora binge (teehee) and, without sounding like a brand snob, it was all in the products I was using. 

Typically, I purchased my products from either Target, Walmart or wherever and it just wasn't the right fit. I was either too oily, too dry or too caked. I would literally sit in front of my mirror and want to cry!! I've always had a major issue with my skin. Though... I've never had to deal with acne or anything like that and I consider myself truly blessed. 

The gal at Sephora pointed me in the direction of Peter Thomas Roth facial cleanser and the 

Ultimate Dual Exfoliating Face Brush. With the first couple of uses, it seemed to work pretty good. My face felt clean and refreshed. Then after a few more uses my skin felt tight, dry and I sprouted a few dry flakey patches. Fabulous!! She also didn't recommend any daily moisturizer and I honestly think that would have made a different. 

 So back to the drawing board. I also found out my skin type is in the normal to dry range.

Back to Sephora I go!! (Not that I'm complaining)

In the mean time I'm starting to dabble in various foundations. I purchased some Bare Escentuals as well as NARS Powder Foundation along with the liquid and Primer. The gal helping me swears by NARS so I figured I'd give it a try. Her face was flawless and all one color. Exactly what I want. It's been a few months since using it and I'm a little disappointed because I'm not seeing the results I was hoping for.  When I use the NARS Primer, NARS Sheer Glow Liquid and NARS Powder Foundation my skin doesn't look flawless and smooth. With the uneven skintone, dark spots and weird bumps it just makes the make up look cheap and uneven.

As I type this I'm close to tears because it's so frustrating. With all the money I've spent on products and the trial and errors, I just can't seem to get it right. I even forked over $240 for a Clairsonic Plus (which has been wonderful, but not giving me the results I'm hoping for). Maybe my expectations are too high... but I just want clear, even toned and semi-flawless skin. 

As of right now my facial routine is: 

Morning - 

1. Philosophy Purity Made Simple (either used with Clairsonic or fingers)

2.  Clairsonic Plus

3. Clarins HydraQuinch for Normal to Dry skin (on usual dry spots)

Evening - 
1. Say Yes to Blueberries Facial Towelettes (to remove make up, etc.)
2. Philosophy Purity Made Simple
3. Clairsonic Plus
4. Clarins HydraQuinch for Normal to Dry skin  (Applied all over right before bed)

Hopefully with this system I can get my results close to my expectations. Ever since I started wearing make up (probably around 13-14) I never really took great care of my skin. Which, I'm paying for it in the long run. I've come to realize the most important thing to do is to remove ALL make up and cleanse the skin before bed. I was in a horrible habit of not doing so. 

So... we shall see!! :)