I've been a skin care enthusiast for as long as I was in control of my own spending money - which was right around the same time that teenage hormones began to do their thing.
I spent those first few years using The Body Shop's tea tree oil collection. I then discovered H20 Plus (and was a die hard fan for well over 15 years), until they did a rebrand in the very late oughts that no longer worked for my bathroom's aesthetic. My skin was still young enough then that I could abandon a brand that worked if it didn't look great on my shelf. I still believe that package design is an important part of the skincare experience, but effectiveness now reigns supreme.
I spent a few years with local Vancouver skincare brands Skoah and Harlow, and began to expand my regime beyond the simple cleanse, tone, moisturize of my youth. However, it wasn't until early 2019 when a love affair with Kombucha, chili oil and the anxiety of full time entrepreneurship presented me with rosacea that my routine turned really serious.
I had heard about Colette at Clarite Wellness on Granville Island in Vancouver and that she could work magic on the skin. I was lucky enough to get an appointment with her and I haven't looked back. I now have a specific routine for the AM and the PM. The biggest difference is no cleansing in the morning (this took some getting used to) and a double cleanse at night. I have also started using our linen wash towels as a key component of my cleansing routine.
Now that the morning cleanse is a thing of the past, I start by day with an application of chamomile oil and Gua Sha massage, then I tone with a rose hydrosol (less astringent than rose water and better for my sensitive skin).
There are only a couple of products involved in my double cleansing routine (it's right there in the name, after all). Colette works almost exclusively with the brand Biologique Recherche, and I can not say enough good things about everything she has recommended from this line. I also LOVE the Seabuckthorn cleanser from Living Libations that she recommends. My first cleanse is done with the Seabuckthorn to remove any makeup and grime from the day, and then I use the Lait U as my secondary cream cleanser. This is all done at Colette's suggestion, and since I blindly trust her with my face, I oblige.
These are the three serums I rely on most right now, AM and PM. I am especially excited about the newest addition from a local Vancouver company called East 29th the packaging is stunning, and the product inside is even better.
Eye care is important to me, I've always thought that my under-eyes were too dark and my lids were too droopy. Cream Contour Des Yeux VIP O2 from Biologique and Qi Beauty have made a noticeable difference to me.
The final step of my routine morning and night is moisturizing. Creme Verte Espoir is perfect for my sensitive skin. Follow that with a great night's sleep in my Flax Home linen bedding, and I'm set.