Are you looking for a budget-friendly night time skincare routine with a twist? Today, I’ll be giving you my initial thoughts on products I’ve never tried before. I took a trip to CVS and Ultra to grab these items, aiming to give you an honest, raw review of products you’ve been asking about for a while now. I usually test products extensively before recommending them, which means I often don’t have a wide variety to suggest. This time, however, I’m diving into a new selection with tried-and-true ingredients but new market entries. Let’s get started with this six-step routine
Products Night time Skincare Routine
Step 1: Cleanser
We’re starting with a cleanser, and this one is different from my usual routine. I’ve been using my trusty Soft Wash gel cleanser for months, but today, we’re trying out a hydrating cleanser with active ingredients. It contains 5% polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), gluconolactone, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid. Be cautious if you have sensitive skin, as it’s not purely a PHA cleanser. The combination of AHAs makes it potent, requiring “face time” to work effectively.
Next, I’m removing my makeup with Bioderma Micellar Water. It’s a classic product with a pink top—don’t confuse it with the similar-looking Garnier version. I’m pairing it with the Differin gel cleanser, a clear, unscented active cleanser. After cleansing, I notice a slight tingle, especially around my sensitive eyes. If you have very sensitive skin, consider using a gentle cleanser before this active one to avoid irritation.
Step 2: Eye Cream
Moving on, I’m trying out the RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream. At $29, it’s on the pricier side, but far less than some high-end alternatives. While they don’t disclose the percentage of retinol, it’s likely mild given its placement in the ingredient list. It’s important to apply eye cream before any serum or moisturizer, especially when targeting specific issues, to ensure the active ingredients work directly on the skin.
Step 3: Serum
Now for the serum: La Roche-Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Glycolic Acid Serum, retailing at $44. This product has gone viral across social media, partly due to strong marketing efforts. It contains 10% niacinamide and is designed to brighten skin by blocking melanin production. However, a 10% niacinamide concentration could be too intense for people with sensitive skin. The serum is lightly scented and comes in a dropper bottle, which isn’t my favorite for maintaining product integrity. Despite its hype, I find the 10% niacinamide a bit much, but I’m testing it out for you all tonight.
Step 4: Retinol
Our next step involves retinol. I’m trying two products: Hero Retinol with a 0.75% encapsulated blend, and Good Molecules Retinol at 0.1%. The Hero product is likely gentler due to its encapsulation, but for tonight, I’m using the Good Molecules retinol, which is a steal at $8. It’s fragrance-free, with soothing allantoin and bakuchiol, making it ideal for beginners or those with sensitive skin. Apply it gently, and be sure to include your neck and chest for thorough care.
Step 5: Moisturizer
To finish, we lock in all the benefits with a moisturizer. I chose the Olay Sensitive Soothing Moisturizer for $30, featuring 0.5% colloidal oatmeal, known for its soothing properties and efficacy against eczema. It also contains palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) for addressing fine lines. I love its silky, lightweight texture, and the fact that it doesn’t contain any fragrance or hyaluronic acid. This moisturizer feels luxurious and is a fantastic option for sensitive, dry skin.
Final Thoughts
Altogether, this routine costs about $131, excluding the mini Bioderma Micellar Water. There were some hits and misses: I’m smitten with the moisturizer, but the cleanser is better suited for oily or sensitive skin needing gentle exfoliation. The retinol products are great for beginners, and while viral products like the Mela-D serum may not live up to their hype, they could be beneficial for certain skin concerns if used alongside other potent serums.
If you enjoyed this first impressions night time routine and want more honest reviews of products I’ve never recommended before, let me know in the comments. I’m here to provide raw and genuine feedback without any brand sponsorships. Have a beautiful Saturday, and I’ll keep you updated on any products that make it into my regular lineup. See you next week!
