Nighttime skin-care routines are sacred, and their merits are being recognized as the term continues to spike in searches on TikTok. Recently, we can’t scroll without seeing evening routines all over the FYP, some impressive, others leaving something to be desired. Skin care is far from one size fits all, so we’re sharing a sampling of our editor’s nighttime routines that vary based on their skin type and preferences. With all the products we get to try as editors, if one finds a home in our nighttime skin care, it’s kind of a big deal.
Allie Hogan, Senior Beauty Editor
My skin-care routine shifts with my skin’s needs. I always double cleanse if I wore makeup or sunscreen that day. I love cleansing balms—right now I’m using Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away ($18). If my face needs a good scrub, I’ll grab SkinMedica Exfoliating Cleanser ($48). If I’m doing just a basic cleanse, I’ll use something more simple like Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser ($38). Then I’ll usually go in with Pixi Beauty Skintreats Glow Tonic ($15), which I have a big pump bottle of.
I’m currently loving Alpyn’s new Clarifying Facial Oil ($56). It packs all the power of a retinol with none of the irritation. In the few weeks I’ve been using it I’ve noticed a marked difference in my sebaceous filaments and skin tone and texture. Vitamin C is a must for me since I have some dark spots from previous hormonal acne. I’ve gone through a couple of bottles of Alastin Skincare C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum ($211), which I use day and night. If I have an active pimple, I’ll seal that sucker in with Kiehl’s Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Solution ($30), which acts as a serum pimple patch. Lastly, I lather up with U Beauty The Super Hydrator ($168), which is such a crowd pleaser that I have to keep stealing it back from my fiancé.
Danielle Fontana Dooley, Director of Editorial Partnerships
I start by removing my makeup with Versed Day Dissolve ($18)—I’ve lost count of how many I’ve run through—before cleansing my skin with the new Dieux Baptism Cleanser ($34) (I have sensitive skin, so I like the fragrance-free formula). Next is the Prequel Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum ($28) and the OSEA Anti-Aging Sea Serum ($88), which I’ve found works better for me than most retinols. Once everything’s dried down, a layer of Augustinus Bader The Cream ($185) locks it all in for the night.
Liz Ritter, Executive Editor
I’m not a million-step skin-care person, and my nighttime routine is rather simple. Recently, I’ve been on an Alastin kick—everything the brand makes is absolutely amazing. Most nights, I use their cleanser, Alastin Skincare Gentle Cleanser ($52), a tiny drop of Altreno retinol, and then apply moisturizer on top of that. I’m also a recent convert to Clean Skin Club Towels ($12); I cannot say enough good things about them.
Rowan Lynam, Staff Writer
“I always start with a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup and the day’s wear and tear. These days, I’m using Curél Japanese Skincare’s Makeup Cleansing Oil ($15), which melts into a milky texture when paired with water. After that, I double moisturize. One is geared towards my acne, Glo Skin Beauty’s Microbiome Restoring PM Moisturizer ($65). The second is something everyone in my family wears, from my dad to my grandmother. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($28) feels so good going on and always makes my skin feel hydrated and weightless.
These days, I also use the NIRA Laser ($449), focusing on areas that I have any unwanted darkness or hyperpigmentation. My last step is a set of eye patches that I wear while I drink a chamomile and berry tea to help me get sleepy. I’m really enjoying ESW’s new Latte Eye Patches ($5). They have just the right amount of product, so they aren’t really wet and goopy out of the package, and they stay perfectly in place.
Isabelle Buneo, Editorial Assistant
I tend to rotate my nighttime products depending on what I’m targeting, but Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream ($72) is a steadfast staple—it’s the perfect, hydrating, dewy moisturizer to lock in all your other steps. If I’m feeling like treating myself, I’ll swap for the Orveda Overnight Recovery Masque ($365). My skin feels unreal the next day every time I use it.
