Kelsi Eldredge

I Like To Put Expensive Goo On My Face – My Skincare Routine

A few weeks ago after buying some new stuff at Sephora, I tweeted “I like to put expensive goo on my face.” I thought I might elaborate on that, as I am always curious about what other people use, especially if they really like it.




From top right, going clockwise:
Burt’s Bees Makeup Removing Facial Towelettes
Paula’s Choice RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Replenishing Toner
Philosophy Take A Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer
Paula’s Choice RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores



This is the full range of non-makeup goo that I put on my face regularly to semi-regularly. It looks a little high maintenance, but I don’t use everything all the time. I’ve actually been making an effort to use take better care of my skin and not just vaguely wipe off my makeup or go to bed without washing myself at all – which I still do sometimes (don’t tell the… skin care fairy, or whoever.)


You may also notice one very important element missing – sunscreen. This was, I guess, because I was using a makeup primer that had sunscreen in it. But I stopped using that primer because I didn’t like the way it made my face feel, it was too light, and I didn’t think it helped my makeup stay in place. So I’m looking for a good sun protective product that is light and non-oily if anyone has a suggestion. Until I find one, I’ll just keep spraying my face with my Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray when i spray it on my hair. That helps… right? Probably not so much, since I have noticed that my face is getting a little too tan for my powder. Egh.


Here’s the breakdown:

- I use the Towelettes (which I reviewed here) the most often. I use those to take off my makeup, especially eye makeup. And sometimes this is all I use. If I’m traveling, these are all I take with me.


- The Paula’s Choice face wash, I use pretty much daily. At least in the morning if not morning and night. It’s light and creamy, it’s unscented and it doesn’t dry my face out.


- The Philosophy exfoliator is my most recent purchase. I’ve been using it every few days and I like that it has a distinguishable amount of grit to it, but it doesn’t hurt. I’d really been needing an exfoliator (remember that aforementioned tan… that needs to go away) and this fit the bill without breaking the bank.


- The Philosophy moisturizer. I use this almost every day. It’s not heavy or greasy – it’s a cross between a gel and a cream, hence the name “gel cream moisturizer”. It also has a VERY light scent. I don’t like my face to smell like stuff.


- Paula’s Choice toner. I don’t use this as often as I probably should. I get why you’re supposed to use toner, but it always feels like a weird step if I am putting a bunch of other stuff on my face. Still, like everything else I use, it’s light and unscented, and I suppose it does what it ought to (restores the pH of your skin after washing) though it’s not something you can physically see.


- The Origins charcoal mask is also new, I purchased it concurrent with the exfoliator. I have issues with clogged pores and wanted something to help with this. My mom passed a lot of great stuff on to me, but she also passed on the propensity for enlarged pores, which are a pain in the figurative ass. I haven’t been using this long enough to really see results, but it seems promising and my skin feels very soft after I use it.


- And last but not least is the Paula’s Choice Retinol serum. This was really my what sparked my recent foray into quality skin care products. The past couple of years I’ve started noticing more little lines, especially around my eyes, and I’m not ready for that. I asked my product and ingredient conscious friend Jessica of Out In A Pout if she knew of things to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that ACTUALLY worked and she said retinol! She suggested a couple of brands and I opted for the this one, as it has come highly recommended and was also the most affordable of the options I was looking at.


I’ll be 29 next week, and while I don’t get carded at bars half the time, I was told the other day that I would have to be 18 to sign the waiver, so I must be doing SOMETHING right, right? Or he just wasn’t really paying attention and didn’t look at y 29 year old face. Whatever. Still, I rather like my skin care products. What products are your favorite? And suggestions of UV protection for face is more than welcome!



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