TORONTO BEAUTY REVIEWS: YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO THE LATEST IN BEAUTY AND WELLNESS

Menu
  • Makeup
    • Clean Beauty
    • Collections
    • Face
    • Eyes
    • Lips
    • Fragrance
    • Nails
    • Makeup Tutorials
    • Makeup Giveaways
  • Hair
    • Cleansing
    • Styling
    • Hairstyle Tutorials
    • Haircare Giveaways
  • Skin Care
    • Clean Skincare
    • Facial Skin Care
    • Sensitive Skin
    • Anti-Aging Skincare
    • Body Care
    • Sun Care
    • Spas and Services
    • Skin Care Giveaways
  • Toronto Love
    • Canadian Brands
    • Toronto Brands
    • Local Events
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Physical Health
Menu

Updated Skincare Routine

Posted on July 9, 2014March 30, 2020 by Elaine

I’m happy to say my skin is getting healthier and healthier everyday. If you’re a long time reader of this blog you’ll be familiar with my skin struggles so I thought I should provide my updated skincare routine. For a long time I was using the Kellett Skincare Line. I still love it, but I started running out of certain products in the line and had others on hand to test so I slowly started to substitute them in.

Night Time Skin Care Routine

At night I start off by removing all my makeup with a cleansing oil.

updated-skincare-mika-shu-uemura-oils

Pictured above are the ones I’m using now – Shu Uemura limited edition Mika for Shu. I make sure to choose the cleansing oil formula with NO mineral oil. I found that products with mineral oil tend to break me out badly – I develop painful cystic type acne below the surface of my skin so I have learned my lesson! I’m currently using the “Whitefficient Clear Brightening Gentle Cleansing Oil” and have had no issues.

L'Oreal-Sublime-Radiance-Sensational-Cleansing-Oil

For travelling I really like the L’Oreal Sublime Radiance Cleansing Oil since it’s lightweight and comes with a cap to ensure there are no spills in my cosmetics bag.

My new go to night skin care routine includes the Clinique 3-step acne solutions line.

clinique-acne-solutions-clear-skin-system-unboxed, skincare routine, foaming wash, adult acne

The 3-step skin care routine consists of a cleansing foam, clarifying lotion and moisturizing clearing treatment.

I’m usually not a fan of foam cleansers as I feel like they are just diluted versions of regular cleansers – but I gave this one a try and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it cleaned my skin. Of course, I’m using the cleanser after removing most of my makeup with the cleansing oil but there are always traces of makeup left over. Just a couple pumps of this cleanser was enough for my whole face and neck. The key acne fighting ingredient is this cleanser is salicylic acid.

The clarifying lotion is what I would call more of a toner (though I learned recently that in Asia they call what we know as toners a lotion). Again it’s salicylic acid in this product that is the medicated ingredient. You need to shake up the lotion until the powder at the bottom dissolves into the liquid then apply to a cotton pad and wipe all over the skin. I tend to miss the area around my hair line and around my nose sometimes with the cleansing steps so I like this step to ensure I’ve removed every trace of dirt from my face.

The last step is the oil free acne clearing moisturizer which uses benzoyl peroxide. I use only a pea size amount of this product all over my face. I’ve learned over the years that less is more especially when it comes to acne products. You need only a little bit to get effective results. Most times I didn’t feel the need to apply another moisturizer on top but if you feel like your skin is tight, especially when starting to use this product feel free!

After only 2 weeks of this routine I saw a HUGE difference in my skin – and my friends did too!

Daytime Skincare Routine

My day time skin care routine is a bit more paired down. I don’t use the Clinique 3-step line above since I don’t want to dry my skin out too much.

In the morning I usually just use simple witch hazel on a cotton pad and wipe all over my skin. Once or twice a week I will exfoliate to help get rid of dead skin and speed up skin turnover.

 

updated-skincare-mekar-pureness-scrub

I’ve been using this gentle Pureness Scrub by Mekar. Mekar is line I was recently introduced to. Using natural and organic ingredients make this line a standout one. This scrub in particular contains ingredients like Neroli, bamboo and aloe.

Normally I don’t like to use any acne medications on my skin in the day. I just find that my skin tends to be sensitive and reacts if I’m using too many acne fighting products all day. However, if I have a new pimple I have been spot treating with this Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Gel.

clinique-acne-solutions-clearing-gel

Also containing salicylic acid this powerful product shouldn’t be used if you’re layering on other acne treatment products and should be applied right after cleansing your skin. I tried to use this all over my skin but I found my skin got a bit irritated and dry so for now I’m sticking to spot treatments when I need it. Be sure to apply a moisturizer and perhaps even a serum to ensure your skin doesn’t dry out.

To finish off my daytime skincare routine I’ve been using the serum and moisturizer also from Mekar. mekar-serum-radiance-cream

The Corrective Balancing Serum is perfect for blemish prone skin and helps to control oil production while the Radiance Light Cream is the prefect lightweight moisturizer for normally to oily skin.

updated-skincare-Elaine

So there you have it! The skincare routine that has been working for me lately. My skin isn’t COMPLETELY cleared up but I honestly use WAAAY less makeup than I normally did.

What is your current skincare routine?  Have you tried any of the products that I’m using?

 

 

****Disclosure: products were sent to Toronto Beauty Reviews for review/editorial consideration***

Sign up for the Toronto Beauty Reviews Newsletter!

Want the latest beauty, style and event news right in your inbox? Sign up now!

Thank you for subscribing.
Something went wrong.
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Share on social:

4 thoughts on “Updated Skincare Routine”

  1. Ashley McKernan says:
    July 9, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    Your skin looks great, Elaine.

    Kellett Skincare is my go-to and I don’t need foundation anymore! Love it.

    Reply
    1. Elaine Atkins says:
      July 9, 2014 at 6:31 pm

      Yup it was great for me too! I still need foundation though 😛 Glad it’s working for you and I told you about it! It’s pricey but worth it 😉

      Reply
      1. Ashley McKernan says:
        July 9, 2014 at 7:33 pm

        Your skin is beautiful! You’ve got a glow that I will never have (curse my pale skin). It’s so pricey it makes my cry but it’s worth it. An investment in your skin at least. I totally owe you!

        Reply
        1. Elaine Atkins says:
          July 9, 2014 at 7:49 pm

          HAHA – yes glow = oily 😉 hopefully it continues to work for you! It was in my 30s when my skin started to drive me crazy unfortunately 🙁 Stick with what works!

          Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome!

Welcome to Toronto Beauty Reviews!

TBR is a space for us to share reviews of beauty products we love, easy makeup tips, and insights into our personal wellness journeys.

We believe that beauty and wellness are for people of all genders, all skin tones, hair types, backgrounds, and ways of being.

We hope you’ll find something here that helps you feel beautiful, inside and out!

More About TBR

  • About
  • Partnerships
  • Disclosure

Meet the Team!

About Maddie | Toronto Beauty Reviews
Welcoming DJS to the Toronto Beauty Reviews Team | Toronto Beauty Reviews

Get Social With Us!

Facebook Twitter Instagram

torontobeautyreviews

Editor of #TorontoBeautyReviews.
Sharing our beauty & wellness faves ✨
📍Toronto, ON
maddie@torontobeautyreviews.com

Gang’s all here! 👯‍♀️ I truly love the Gang’s all here! 👯‍♀️

I truly love these @milkmakeup Cooling Water Jelly Tints and wear at least one daily on some combo of eyes, lips, and cheeks. The color payoff is 🤯, the longevity is 😍. They’ve got vegan collagen and aloe to plump and soothe skin. 

For an easy, juicy burst of color this summer, grab yours at @sephoracanada! 🌊

(And check out my blog to learn more about why I love multi-use products!) 

#torontobeautyreviews #milkmakeup #easymakeup #cleanbeauty #summerbeauty #sephoraca #jellytint
Adventure Day!! One of the most special traditions Adventure Day!! One of the most special traditions in our family. ❤️ 

Such a fun day going from above the city all the way down to a hidden basement game bar! Checking out the CN tower, @littlecanada, @waterworksto, @h20floatstudio, and @lobtoronto. 

See any of your fave spots here? What would your perfect Adventure Day look like? 

#torontobeautyreviews #torontoblogger #torontothingstodo #bestofto #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #dateideas
Proud ☺️🌈 And loud, since I have the privi Proud ☺️🌈

And loud, since I have the privilege of being able to live my life openly, unlike so many of my 2SLGBTQIA+ peers. I’m a straight-passing cis white woman, so my queerness doesn’t threaten most people. 

So, with that advantage in mind, let me use this small platform to say to anyone who is listening:

Never forget that Pride started as a riot. 

That Pride is more than slapping a rainbow on something, jacking up the price, and saying “love is love” for four weeks out of the year. 

That true allyship involves action and accountability, 365. 

That trans women, two-spirit individuals, and queer folks of color are the heart and soul of our community. That they continue to show up, to fight, to love, and to lead while facing very real danger. That we owe so much to their courage. 

Never forget that queer folks have always been here. 

That you can’t erase us, ban us, or legislate us out of existence. 

That queerness is a part of nature. 

That it exists even when it’s no longer trendy or politically advantageous. 

That we notice and remember who speaks up and who is silent. 

That we contain multitudes. 

That we deserve safety, compassion, legal protections, love, joy, and a future - just like every other human. 

That not all of us are “out” and don’t need to be; that we will invite you in if and when we choose to, and if and when we feel safe to do so. 

That queer folks make the world better. 

And that, despite seemingly insurmountable odds, we’re going to be ok. 

Because resilience, creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness are fundamental parts of who we are. 

So we’re not going anywhere. Get on board.

Happy Pride!

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Wearing:
@milkmakeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint in 2
@tower28beauty Swipe concealer in BU + GetSet Powder + OneLiner in Paint My Number
@aboutfacebeauty liquid eye shadow in Take a Trip
@ardellbeauty Bat Those Lashes in Enchantress*
@annabellecosmetics Free Spirit eyeliner* + Master Volume mascara*
#QuoBeauty Rainbow maker 
@makeupbymario MoistureGlow in Rosewood Glow

*gifted 

#torontobeautyreviews #pride2025 #queer  #2slgbtqia #mytbrfave #torontomakeup #tbrcontributors #torontoblogger #canadian
Have you donated blood before? 🩸If you’re cur Have you donated blood before? 🩸If you’re curious, check out this video to learn more about the process! 

It was so easy and honestly not painful at all. And I felt so good afterwards, knowing that my donation will help someone in need. 🥰 I’ll definitely be a regular donor at @canadaslifeline from here on out. 

If you have any questions, ask away! ⬇️

#torontobeautyreviews #canadaslifeline #canadianbloodservices #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #maketheworldbetter #toronto #thingstodo #blooddonation #onegative #firsttimedonor
Whoops - forgot to post for two months 🙈 I’v Whoops - forgot to post for two months 🙈

I’ve been so busy with my day job that I unfortunately haven’t had much time to devote to TBR. 😫 But I’m planning a few new stories (fave SPFs; different lip & cheek formulas) and excited to play with makeup again soon. ✨

For now, here’s a snap of my typical minimal makeup look. Takes 5 mins, tops! 🎨

@annabellecosmetics Master Volume mascara + Kohl matte eyeliner in charcoal* 
@tower28beauty Swipe concealer in BU + oneliner in Paint My Number + GetSet translucent powder 
@rarebeauty Flexible Lifting Brow Gel
@milkmakeup Sculpt Stick in Toasted + Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Splash 
@baileynelsonca August glasses 

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #minimalmakeup #cleanbeauty #annabelleugcteam #annabellecosmetics #tbrcontributors #easymakeup #cleanmakeup #tower28 #milkmakeup
Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷 Wearin Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷

Wearing @colourpopcosmetics Ultra Matte lip in Jellies and @annabellecosmetics Free Spirit eyeliner in Black*

*gifted 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #bluelipstick #boldmakeup #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #colourpopme
Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that show off every hue of you? Check out @annabellecosmetics new Big Show Multi-Use Eyeshadow Pen! 🎨

✨ Canadian 🇨🇦
✨ Cruelty-free
✨ 12+ hr wear
✨ affordable ($10!!)

#ad #Annabellecosmetics, #AnnabelleUGCTeam #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #natapr #canadianmakeup #crueltyfreebeauty #easymakeup
Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? ✨ Swing by @touchmassagebar for a seated massage!

Here’s a quick peek into my experience with the « I Want it All » foot, hand, neck, and shoulders massage with the « Free Your Mind » scalp massage add-on. Heaven! 😍

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #massagetoronto #footmassage #scalpmassage #touchmassagebar #treatyoself
Putting these on the grid so I can look at them lo Putting these on the grid so I can look at them long after they’ve gone 🥰💐 

@wellingtonfleur did an amazing job creating this custom bouquet! (And @adam__malek did an exceptional job picking things out!)
💙🩵🩶 Wearing: @hauslabs Triclone skin te 💙🩵🩶 

Wearing:
@hauslabs Triclone skin tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted 
@annabellecosmetics kohl eyeliner in black* + Sky Limit mascara*
@tower28beauty GetSet powder + OneLiner in Paint My Number (as blush)
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel 
@lysbeautyofficial bronzer in motivate 
#QuoBeauty Love Is Love palette
@patmcgrathreal Celestial Nirvana palette 

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #boldmakeup #blueeyeshadow #makeupinspo #drugstoremakeup #beautyforeveryone #canadianbrand
Little pop of color to brighten the grey day 💚🖤

Wearing:
@annabellecosmetics Kohl eyeliner in Balsam Green*+ Sky Limit mascara* + Perfect Fit setting spray*
@colourpopcosmetics Just My Luck palette
@hauslabs Triclone Skin Tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted + cooling water jelly tint in Splash 
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel
@tower28beauty GetSet powder in translucent + Oneliner in Paint My Number 
@kjh.brand Hyper Shine Highlight kit in Lite Pink 

*gifted products 
#mytbrfave #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #greeneyeshadow #easymakeup #makeupinspo
Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way of your holiday shopping? 😬 Not to fear - TBR’s elves have got you covered! 🙌🏼

Check out our last-minute holiday gift guide highlighting local stores where you can get amazing presents for everyone on your list! ✅🎁

Featuring: @thedetoxmarketcanada @aaniin.hello @goodintentions.to @soccoliving @juxtaposeannex @shoppersdrugmart @canadiantire @wildcraftcare @sharkbeauty @sodastreamcanada @annabellecosmetics @marcellecosmetics (and a pro tip from @calenmikenzie!) 

*some products were gifted for editorial consideration 

#lastminutegifts #holidaygiftguide #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #shoplocalcanada #torontobusiness
🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋 Hallowee 🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋

Halloween as a librarian who used to be an MUA 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #halloween2024 #theveryhungrycaterpillar #makeupinspo #easycostume #bookstagram
Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂 # Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂

#torontobeautyreviews #librarian #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #dailymakeup
Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weat Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weather changes? Learn more about why LoLa loves @byoma - and why you should definitely check out this drugstore powerhouse - in her latest piece for the blog. 

🔗 in bio! 🙌🏼

*products kindly gifted

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #byoma #villabrill #brillcom #lexpr #shoppersbeauty #drugstoreskincare
Prague! 🇨🇿 1 - Charles Bridge 2 - St Vitus Prague! 🇨🇿

1 - Charles Bridge
2 - St Vitus Cathedral (took 600 yrs to build; I cried because it was so stunning in person)
3 - Cute lil gargoyle 
4 - Palace gardens
5 - Beer Spa + beer chocolates in Tycho Brahe’s former home! (Check out my recent reel for more on this)
6 - Truffle gnocchi in champagne foam @cafeimperial_praha 🤤
7 - Klementinum Baroque library 
8 - from the top of the Astronomical Tower! 
9 - Astronomical Clock 
10 - Wunderkammer at Strahov Monastery 
11 - Philosophical Hall at Strahov Monastery
12 - c. 1800 Dendrological Library at Strahov (books carved from trees, covered in their bark and lichen & filled with their leaves and seeds!)
13 - 800 yr old natural sandstone water spring underneath Strahov Monastery, now housed in what they call “Hell” restaurant. 😂 @napekle 
14 - Travel friends! @kendranh 
15 - *Immediately* losing at pinball at @joystick_bar_prague 👾
16 - Getting *very* into the all-you-can-drink wine bar (!) @nasklenicku 🍷
17 - obligatory trashy snacks after the wine bar 
18 - peacock chilling on the hotel grounds @hotelupava 
19 - Fun restaurant where you pay by the skewer (sooo tasty) @bistrospejle 
20 - the views were ok, I guess 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #prague #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #praha #europetrip #visitprague
Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show in July ✨❤️ The Lonely Hearts Club tour was an absolute banger. CANNOT WAIT for the next album! Get your glitter ready, friends. 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #lonelyheartsclub #lonelyheartsclubtour #arianaandtherose #torontoevents #synthpop #indieartist
Venice! 🇮🇹 1 - gelato 2 - stunning architec Venice! 🇮🇹

1 - gelato
2 - stunning architecture everywhere 
3 - snacks 
4 - the original horses from St Mark’s Basilica
5 - Ponte dell’Accademia 
6 - 🍝
7 - the staircase of books at the Libreria Acqua Alta 
8 & 9 - canals 
10 - Torcello
11 - Burano 
12 - 1300 yr old church 
13 - casual ceiling in Doge’s Palace
14 - glass art from Murano
15 - St Mark’s
16 - tiramisu cannoli. Italian food turducken!
17 - Vivaldi concert w orchestra in Baroque costumes
18 - 🍕

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #venice #italytrip #summertravel
Come with me to pick up the art piece created from Come with me to pick up the art piece created from the flowers in my bridal bouquet! 🥹❤️

Getting my flowers preserved and turned into this incredible piece was one of the best decisions I made during my wedding planning. ✨

Amanda and her team are extraordinary artists (and wonderful humans!) who give your flowers a new life and preserve memories. Every time I walk past this piece on my wall, my heart glows with flashbacks of my wedding day. 

If you have an important event that includes flowers, do yourself a favor and book with Parched to get them preserved. They accept flowers from across Canada, and have worked on blooms marking all occasions of life, from graduations, baby showers, weddings, and memorials. They can even create pendants using flower remnants! 

Bouquet: @coolgreenandshady 
Wedding photographer: @alexa.studios 
Wedding planner: @karinalemkeweddings 
Preservation artists: @parchedfloral 

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #smallbusinesssupport #floralpreservation #torontowedding #weddinginspo #parchedfloral #weddingflorals
Come visit a Beer Spa with us in Prague! 🤯🍻🛁

This was definitely a unique and fun experience during our vacation. And our skin felt soooooo soft after! 😍

#Beer #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #prague #europetrip #tripideas #spaday 

Would you try this?
Follow on Instagram

Archives

July 2025
S M T W T F S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Jun    

Proud To Be Partnered With…

© Toronto Beauty Reviews 2021
Menu
  • Makeup
    • Clean Beauty
    • Collections
    • Face
    • Eyes
    • Lips
    • Fragrance
    • Nails
    • Makeup Tutorials
    • Makeup Giveaways
  • Hair
    • Cleansing
    • Styling
    • Hairstyle Tutorials
    • Haircare Giveaways
  • Skin Care
    • Clean Skincare
    • Facial Skin Care
    • Sensitive Skin
    • Anti-Aging Skincare
    • Body Care
    • Sun Care
    • Spas and Services
    • Skin Care Giveaways
  • Toronto Love
    • Canadian Brands
    • Toronto Brands
    • Local Events
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Physical Health