Hey friends, and happy almost-weekend! I’m actually headed out of town again this morning, just a quick trip down to Austin for a blogging conference. I hope to pick up some new ideas and skills, but something tells me I’ll be in over my head on this one. (You wouldn’t believe the rules and regulations that come with blogging!!!) At least I’ll have Sheaffer and Megan with me, and they’re always down for tacos! #silverlining
I’m really excited to share today’s post with you, mostly because it’s a brand I’m passionate about, but also because it’s a topic that comes up a lot in questions and comments here and on my social media channels…my skincare routine!
But I’m warning you, it’s not a couple of simple products…it’s an artillery! I’m no Spring chicken *cough* 45 *cough*, and a little moisturizer no longer gets it done. I’m doing everything I can to age gracefully, and embrace my ever-changing face, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to do my part to slow it down! I mean, my hair wants to be gray, but I’m not about to let it! #foreverblonde
So when it comes to skincare in my 40s, I’m bringing the cavalry! We’ll start with my evening routine, and I’ll follow up with my morning routine in a future post.
If you’ve been reading Hi Sugarplum for more than a minute, then you know I’m a hardcore fan of Colleen Rothschild products. Like most brand obsessions, I started with a single product…fell in love, then added another. And another.
Each new product made such a difference in my skin, that I continued adding new ones, and now she dominates almost my entire skincare routine. In fact, every person in our family now uses at least one product from the Colleen Rothschild line (including the skincare-phobic Mr. SP!).
Here are the products I use nightly, and the order in which I apply them. It only takes a few minutes, and I look forward to it all day. And for you lucky ducks, everything is 20% off with code SUGARPLUM20!!
Radiant Cleansing Balm | Retinol Supreme Night Oil | Age Renewal Super Serum | Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum | Retinol Supreme Eye Serum | Extreme Recovery Cream
one. Radiant Cleansing Balm // This product introduced me to the Colleen Rothschild line, and was unlike anything I’d ever used before. It’s the consistency of petroleum jelly, but warms to a soft gel when rubbed between your hands, and not only cleans pores and skin, but dissolves all makeup. (I rarely use makeup remover wipes.)
It’s so gentle you can even open your eyes without irritation. (My daughter has several sensitive skin issues, and uses this!) I massage on my face, then use the included muslin cloth to wipe it all off, and exfoliate a little. My skin is left completely clean, and never dry or tight.
This is where the cavalry comes in…the serums!
two. Retinol Supreme Night Oil & Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum // I alternate these two serums every other night because I love them both, and want to take advantage of what each has to offer. Most retinols are too strong for my skin, and leave it flaky and dry. The Retinol Supreme Night Oil combines all the benefits of retinol, but is also incredibly moisturizing, so I never wake with irritation patches. It’s also packed with Vitamin C to help fight environmental toxins.
The Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum has high levels of alpha hydroxy acid to dissolve the surface dead skin cells, and leaves a brighter complexion. It also helps unclog pores and clears/prevents blackheads. I noticed a difference in my skin right away when I added this one!
Sugarplum Beauty Tip: Squeeze one pump into the palm of your hand, rub together and pat on your face. The rule is ‘Hairline to Braline’…you want to apply product on your face, neck and upper chest. Trust me on this…I used to overlook my neck, then one day woke up with a turkey goozle. Now my neck gets a pump of serum all it’s own!
three. Retinol Supreme Eye Serum // I’d yet to find an eye cream that did more than moisturize, so I jumped at the chance to try this new one. Especially considering the eyes are the first to show age. It’s similar to the Retinol Supreme Night Oil, in that it doesn’t cause any flakiness or irritation, but it’s a thicker formula specific for the fragile skin around the eyes. A half-pump is more than enough to cover both eyes, and I apply it by dabbing with my ring finger.
four. Age Renewal Super Serum // This product is the newest to my arsenal, and I’ve actually been using it morning and night. I figure I need to double-down on anything called ‘super serum.’ It’s more of a cream than serum, but a single pump covers my whole face and helps fight the six signs of aging: texture, dehydration, elasticity, fine lines, radiance, and tone. I think if you only used one serum, this one covers all the bases! It’s incredibly moisturizing and leaves my skin bright.
five. Extreme Recovery Cream // The final step, and I usually do this just before bed after allowing the serums to absorb, is moisturize. This formula has a light, whipped texture, but goes on easily and absorbs quickly. It provides the most moisture of any brand I’ve tried, and leaves my skin looking plumped. (Just to be clear, plumping on your face is good.)
If I’m really dry (like in the Winter), I’ll layer this with the Face Oil No. 9. But I have to borrow it from Mr. SP since he permanently stole mine. It goes on like an oil, but absorbs completely dry within seconds, and doesn’t leave any sort of tacky or greasy residue (hence why he likes it).
Oh, and it’s not exactly skincare…but my final step is brushing on a little of this lash serum (on sale!!). I used it nightly for about a month, but now my lashes are so long I only use it 2-3 times week. I’ve had the same tube since October!
Sugarplum Beauty Tip: Rub any leftover creams and serums on the backs of your hands…that way you’re not wasting any product, and helping to fight aging on your hands, too.
So that’s the five-step routine I do every evening…clean, serums, eye cream, and moisturize. Now let’s talk masks…twice a week I do an evening mask, and alternate between these two. The mask comes after cleansing, but before serums and moisturizer.
Dual Enzyme Polish | Clarifying Detox Mask
Dual Enzyme Polish // This creamy mask has a fine grit texture, and smells faintly of citrus. Apply over a clean, damp face and neck, and let sit for 10+ minutes allowing the enzymes to exfoliate your skin (it tingles just a little). Then use circular motions to gently polish the skin, rinse and pat dry. It leaves skin super-soft and exfoliated, with a bright glow. I use this mask on nights before a photoshoot, and my skin is brighter the next day, and makeup applies smoother.
Clarifying Detox Mask // This mask is also creamy, but the charcoal dries like clay, drawing out the trapped dirt and unclogging pores. Think of it as a Biore strip for your entire face! I’ve been known to leave it on for hours. My son uses this as a spot treatment for breakouts and areas prone to blackheads. Sometimes I’ll combine the two masks, applying the Detox to my T-Zone, and the Enzyme Polish to the rest of my face.
Okay, that covers us for nighttime, but I can’t do a skincare post without including my hands-down favorite Colleen Rothschild product…Sheer Renewal Cream! It’s the absolute best day cream, and the one product I’m always overstocked on (for fear of running out!).
It’s so light, but incredibly moisturizing, and leaves my skin with a dewy, illuminated finish. Dare I say radiant?!
If you’re new to Colleen Rothschild products, a great place to start is with the 7-Piece Discovery Collection. In fact, this is how I fell in love with so many products, since it gives you the opportunity to try all the best sellers. It’s also great for travel since they meet TSA size requirements.
Sugarplum Beauty Tip: I save the little jars and refill them from my full-size products, and take it all with me every time we travel.
And not that this matters, but the packaging looks so pretty sitting on my vanity, and all the products smell really nice!
Additional links from the post: Marble Tray | Nail Polish in ‘Pink Agate’ | Pajamas | Thin Gold Rings
Okay, that was a lot, and I probably sound a bit like an infomercial, but I’m convinced these products have made a difference in my skin. And I can’t tell you how many messages I’ve received from readers who are hard-core fans of Colleen Rothschild, too. Including my very own darling Mama Sugarplum! And don’t forget code SUGARPLUM20 gets you 20% off your total order!
But don’t take it from just me, check out all the reviews, too…so helpful to hear other’s point-of-view and opinions.
What is your nightly skincare routine? Is it simple, or do you use an arsenal of products? Any new products or brands I should check out? I’ll tell you what, aging is not for sissies!! #amIright?!
[My Skincare Faves]
*This post is created in collaboration with Colleen Rothschild, but all thoughts, opinions, and goozle-fighting are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
Have tons of fun at the blogging conference, Cassie! Thank you for sharing your routine too, I’ll be picking up some tips from you. 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I have never tried this brand, but everyone always raves about it. Your skin looks gorg, friend!
Thank you, friend!! I want to try that NeoStrata after hearing you rave about it!
I tried Colleen Rothschild products because of your blog and, I have to say, I’m a regular user now. I’ve never been one to spend very much on myself so, for me, Colleen’s products were a bit pricey. However, I noticed such a difference in my skin that I let that be my little treat for me! (I’m knocking on 48) A couple of times when I ran out of product I would go back to my regular brand, but it just wouldn’t do the trick anymore. I would always end up ordering more of Colleen’s products. My personal favorites are the cleansing balm (I used to hate cleansers that didn’t lather, but LOVE this stuff), the mandelic acid, the dual enzyme scrub and the sheer renewal cream (I love that it acts as a primer, too). I recently bought the intense hydrating mask to try and, so far, I’m really liking it. In the past, I’ve tried other “high priced” skin care, but honestly there was no difference than any of the stuff I was buying at my local drug store. I was skeptical when I first tried Colleen’s products, but they really have made a difference in my skin and I’m a hard sell! So thanks for the recommendation and keep ’em coming!!!!!
I love hearing this, and am so thrilled you love them like I do!
I just ordered the eye serum and day cream! Do you use them both before you put your makeup on?
I use the Retinol Eye serum at night before bed, and the sheer renewal as my day cream before makeup!
Colleen’s products sound amazing- looks like much thought & research went into them.
I’m not quite sure about what to do w/the grey hairs coming in! Start coloring or go w/the flow-arrgh!
Interesting that there are alot of “rules” regarding blogging. Can you please go up to the podium and kindly tell others to stop copying you?? I’m blown away at blogs that copy just about everything you do or post. I guess there’s no law that says they can’t.
Stay amazing, Sugarplum! : ))
Haha, I’m just flattered I inspire other women! 😉
Have fun this weekend and thank goodness the scary stuff in Austin is over. We’ve all been on edge here! I love CR and just placed an order last night in fact. It completely transformed my skin and now my daughter uses a few products for her pre-teen skin.
Yes, my entire family loves it now, too!
OMG! I just order the whole set. I have been trying the travel size items and love it so far. Thanks for getting me hooked on these product! 😉
I have 4 CR products already and love them! Just bought 3 more that I have been wanting thanks to your discount code! So excited to add more of their products to my routine!
I’m thrilled you love them, too!
Thank you for sharing all of this valuable information! I have been wanting to try the CR products. I have heard nothing but positive things about the line. Do you have a post that details your morning routine? Would love to purchase a few products for my mornings as well.
I have been using the cleansing balm and the sheer renewal cream and I have to say, they do make my skin look great. I started with the cream and loved it so added the cleanser and started having regular breakouts, something I seldom have a problem with. It is a great cleanser and make up remover but I am going to have to part ways. Are you aware of an alternative cleansing product in that line?
I use the Gel Cleanser in the morning and love the lather and gentle formula!
I started using these products on your recommendation and fell in love with the Cleansing Balm and Extreme Recovery Cream, among others, but they were sold out for so long and I had run out. I never got a response when asking when they might be back in stock, which bummed me out – I think great products should come with equally great customer service. I needed something, so I switched to another brand – I chose Beauty Counter because the products are less toxic. I made that purchase just days before those items came back in stock…. if I had known they were being restocked so soon, I might have waited and Colleen would keep getting my money. So a note to anyone buying these products…. you will love them…. if you never want to run out….. stock up!
Yes, very frustrating to have your fave product sold out! Weird you didn’t have a great customer service experience though…I’ve always found they bend over backwards. :/ I tend to stock up on my fave Colleen products when there’s a sale!
So apparently, people older than me do not appreciate when I mention my skin is changing due to my age but here goes: I turned 31 in January and in the last year, my skin has gotten so bad, I could not believe it! I never had perfect skin but I never used to have a lot of acne and usually it was localized only on my left cheek and a bit on my chin (I would get 2-3 pimples at most). I’ve always had uneven skin tone but never anything crazy. I turn 31 and boom, super dry pizza face! I use an oil cleanser and vitamin C serum and a distinct day and night moisturizer (most of my products are Burt’s Bees brand so natural stuff) but somehow it doesn’t have any positive effect on my skin. The crazy acne and red skin I’ve been having are obviously allergy related to the products I use…..and all the wine……probably the wine has something to do with it 😉 So I’ve been looking for a change and thought at this time in my life, maybe it’s time I start paying more attention to what I put on my face (and in my body) and choose products that have good and proven reviews. I don’t want to spend a fortune but I guess it’s inevitable to go on the pricier side when choosing good products. I also love the idea of a decent variety pack that will last long enough to see result which I have not seen often in good brands like this before so I hope this becomes my solution too 😉
I spend more on the products that made a difference, and stick with budget products for the rest!!!
Sadly, what you are experiencing is probably more hormonal than related to what you’re eating, cleansers, etc. Many women in their thirties go through it – I did and it was awful. I never had teenage acne, so to have it as a young-ish mother was so embarrassing. I ended up seeing a dermatologist and switched to very mild cleansers during that time (Cetaphil gel cleanser for normal to oily skin) and all oil-free lotions and makeup (Laura Mercier is awesome). Good luck and know that it won’t last forever! 🙂
I too need to up my skin care game (at 52, I finally have to accept that I’m not a kid anymore!) and have been debating between Colleen Rothschild and Beauty Counter. Tough choice because I’ve heard great things about both. I did finally just splurge on the NeuLash Serum, after reading about your experience on the blog. My order should arrive tomorrow. Fingers crossed, I’ll have similar results!
I hear good things about Beauty Counter, but I much prefer being able to order direct for products instead of going through a rep 😉 Also, Colleen is all good things with no harmful testing or ingredients!
I just finished reading a bunch of the glowing reviews on Nordstom for Neulash and it sounds promising but wow, even on sale that is expensive. Think I’ll continue using my Emu Joy emu oil and Grow My Hair — they’ve been helping my sparse brows to come back and my lashes have gotten longer.
The Colleen Rothschild Sheer Renewal Cream sounds wonderful, may give that a try.
It’s def pricey…but considering people spend upwards of $100/month for lash extensions…I’ll stick with this! Plus, I’ve had the same tube for 5 months!
I want to try these products so bad….. but not available to ship to Canada 😭. I’ve been using Beauty Counter and live it, especially the cleansing balm…. but I like a nice scent to my products and these are scent free.
They do ship to Canada!!
I’m in Canada and just ordered their starter kit (obviously had to convert to US dollars which uped the price a little and I have to pay duties and taxes but it was just $16.20 in Ottawa). They shipped UPS from Texas to Ottawa in just 2 days!!!
Do you find that the products take off your mascara? I don’t use waterproof, but always find I have to use a make up remover in that area. I would love to get away from that! Is the under eye serum good for dry skin? Thanks!
The Cleansing Balm absolutely takes off all my makeup! And the eye serum is very moisturizing.
If you had to pick two items to start off with what would it be?
The Discovery Set is a great first start…simply because it allows you try so many products in one. But if you want full size, I’d definitely say Sheer Renewal Cream, and either the Cleansing Balm or Enzyme Mask. The anti-aging stuff is great, but harder to see working quickly…unlike these other products which make your skin instantly glow!
My whole skincare routine is CR…I use all the products you mentioned except the mandelic acid serum….based on your feedback I will likely try it 😊…
Also I recently added the beauty water to my routine….I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do! It was like the final piece to really just amp up the other products on my skin…. I wear it under my serums/moisturizer in the morning and evening, and also for setting my makeup…my skin just looks so hydrated with the addition of the beauty water!
Oooooh, good to know!!! It’s only a matter of time before I have every product in her line!!!
Have you tried any of the products with SPF in it? I am in need of a good daily moisturizer with SPF in it.
I haven’t…yet! My CC Cream has 50spf in it, so I’m pretty covered in that area. But I’ve yet to try a product from CR I didn’t love, so I’m sure the SPF is great, too.