My Beautycounter Night Time Routine at Almost 40

Beautycounter has been discontinued! Read about what happened to Beautycounter (and when it might come back) here. In the meantime, I have lots of great recommendations for Beautycounter product swaps linked in this post. Also, be sure to join my email list so you can be the first to know when your Beautycounter favorites come back.

Having a specific night time skincare routine is so important because the skin works harder at night to rejuvenate and repair to maintain youthful, glowing skin. That, and your skin is not fighting makeup and environmental stressors like it does during the day. Choosing the right combination of products can help your skin get the most benefits and look better overall.

While I included a variety of options below, I thought it might be helpful to list my exact nighttime products for easy reference.

1. Cleansing Oil
2. Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence
3. Radiance Serum or Overnight Resurfacing Peel
4. Supreme Cream
5. Ultra Renewal Eye Cream

Beautycounter Night Time Routine

Step 1. Cleanser 

Wash. Your. Face. Using a cleanser every day is so important, morning and night. Make sure you’re NEVER sleeping in makeup – it will age your skin faster and clog your pores, leading to breakouts. Cleansing at night removes dirt, makeup, and pollution that builds up throughout the day. I like to use a washcloth or muslin cloth while cleansing to gently exfoliate and make sure all of the residual dirt and makeup is gone.

A lot of mainstream skincare cleansers can strip your skin and cause your skin to overproduce oil and become acne-prone, even if your skin isn’t truly oily. This is because a lot of cleansers on the market use ingredients that dry your skin out. You might think that’s a good thing (especially if you’re acne prone), but over-drying your skin can actually cause acne too (it did for me). The right cleanser will get rid of dirt or impurities without causing any tightness or itchiness.

Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil

This is my #1 pick for cleansing oils since it’s so hydrating and removes all makeup without any eye irritation. It has vitamin E and fatty acids for moisture, and their Retinatural Complex (which uses Bakuchiol and Swiss Alpine Rose) as a safer alternative to retinol to help renew and balance the skin. If you have dry skin, which is common as we age, a cleansing oil or balm will be your new favorite product.

Oils and balms are both super hydrating and work best when you apply them to dry skin. Then, add water to massage it into your skin, and remove it with a warm, wet washcloth. Finish with a splash of tepid water. If you are new to cleansing oils, be sure to read this post about how to use them since they’re a bit different from cream cleansers.

If I’m using a cleansing balm rather than this oil, it’s this one from Colleen Rothschild.

Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser 

This is a great option for normal and combination skin, especially if your skin is younger or less dry. It’s also a bit more affordable. Squalane, plum oil, and phytic acid help clean skin without dryness or tightness. Personally, it’s not enough hydration for my night time routine, but I do keep it in my shower to use in the morning.

Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser

If your skin is naturally oily or acne-prone, this is what I’d recommend. A lot of people like this because it has little exfoliating beads and it’s super refreshing. It uses a SkinBalance Complex (wintergreen and rosebay willow) to mattify, purify, and reduce redness. It also uses aloe vera and jojoba beads to soothe while exfoliating dead skin cells. 

Note: it does contain salicylic acid, but can be used during pregnancy since the levels are far below what’s considered safe. (I used all Beautycounter products in my pregnancy skincare routine with no issues.)

Step 2. Toner 

Toners balance your skin after cleansing, but it’s important to pick the right toner for your skin type. The right toner will minimize pores, reduce fine lines and dark spots, and improve your overall skin tone while also prepping your skin so  the rest of your  products work better. Toning should make your skin feel more balanced- if it doesn’t (i.e. your skin feels tight or it burns), you may not be using the right one for you.

Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence

This is the only toner I’ve ever liked for daily use (although I just tried this one and am starting to like it a LOT). An essence takes the step of a toner but is designed for more hydration. This one also has higher levels of active ingredients including the Retinatural Complex to boost hydration, reduce the appearance of pores, and increase skin radiance. I can always feel a difference in my skin right after applying it – it’s so nourishing! Instead of using a cotton round to apply this toner, you just pat it into your skin with your fingers.

Countermatch Hydra-Gel Radiance Toner

If you have normal or combination skin, this will help to balance and add hydration. It has a really nice gel texture to it and helps reduce the appearance of pores and remove impurities. Squalane, plum oil, and phytic acid keep this formula hydrating while aiding in cell turnover for improved skin radiance. Use a cotton round to apply this one.

Countercontrol Instant Matte Toner

This toner is perfect for oily skin types to help remove excess oil or makeup residue that your cleanser may have missed. It uses the SkinBalance complex, witch hazel, and vitamin B5 to balance, mattify, and purify your skin. Again, apply this one with a cotton round.

Step 3. Serum/Treatment 

Serums and treatments deliver a concentrated dose of ingredients made to address a specific skin concern, e.g. acne, anti-aging, or extra hydration. Treatments and serums should be used after your toner and before moisturizing. Each serum is designed to be used differently and some are only meant for daytime, night time, every day, once a week, etc. so make sure you read the label when you start something new to avoid any mishaps or wasted product. I’ve been loving skin cycling lately, and this step is a fun way to mix things up and test out different products. Below are some serums that you can cycle into your routine!

Reflect Effect Overnight Resurfacing Peel

If you’re pregnant or have very sensitive skin, this peel is a great alternative to retinol. It gives similar results but is safe for pregnancy and appropriate for sensitive skin. It has glycolic, malic, and botanically derived lactic acid which aid in reducing dull surface cells, while arginine and essential fatty acids nourish the skin.  If you have any concerns about aging skin, this is a must in your routine; it helps with dullness, fine lines, skin spots and dullness.  It can be used a few times a week, at night. Make sure it dries completely before applying your evening moisturizer.

Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum

This serum helps with signs of aging, but is also designed for hydration help. Retinatural Complex, tripeptide, and amino acids combine to increase skin elasticity and fight aging while still being soothing and gentle enough for daily use. You can use this AM and PM but you don’t need to use it the same night as the Overnight Resurfacing Peel.

Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum 

Since hydration is key for preventing the overproduction of oil, this hydrating serum is great for normal and combination skin types. It has hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E to firm, brighten, and even skin tones. This is a great option for all skin types, but especially those with dry or combination skin. You can use this AM and PM.

Countercontrol All Over Acne Treatment

If your skin is oily or acne-prone, I’d recommend using this treatment. It helps to balance your skin to combat acne without overdrying and causing more breakouts. This serum uses SkinBalance Complex and squalane to fight acne, mattify skin, reduce redness and pores, and keep your hydration levels in check.

Step 4. Moisturizer 

The key to maintaining balanced skin is to keep it hydrated. You can either use one moisturizer for the AM and PM, or have two separate products. Night time moisturizers tend to be thicker so they can repair your skin while you sleep, while daytime ones are typically lighter so that you can layer makeup on top. I like to use different products for day and night, but everyone’s skin is different!

Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream

This stuff is incredibly hydrating. It’s my favorite night cream (and I’ve tried lots). It’s super rich but never greasy. It uses their Retinatural Complex, tetrapeptide, and fermented sugars to fight signs of aging, boost firmness, and smooth the skin’s surface in four weeks. Because this cream is so thick, I’d recommend the Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream for daytime use if your skin is dry or aging. However, if you live in a dry climate, you may be able to use the Supreme Cream both AM and PM.

Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion

For normal or combination skin, this moisturizer is a great choice. It’s lightweight but still super hydrating. It has squalane, phytic acid, plum oil, and shea butter, which work to restore elasticity, nourish the skin, and improve radiance after two weeks. I’ve yet to hear of anyone who doesn’t like this! 

Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this gel cream is hydrating without causing any greasiness or clogged pores. It uses their SkinBalance Complex and non-GMO cornstarch to mattify, reduce redness, and minimize the appearance of pores after one week. My husband uses this and loves it!

Step 5. Eye Cream 

After moisturizing, I always go in with some eye cream for extra hydration and anti-aging help. I’m super sensitive to eye creams and almost always react to them (even eye creams that most people have no issues with). I’ve tried so many brands, and now have been using this eye cream for years with no issues!

Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream 

Every time I use this eye cream I immediately see my under-eye circles brightening, and I’ve noticed an improvement in my crows feet over time! It has Retinatural Complex and Persian silk tree extract for anti-aging, brightening, and diminished puffiness. I apply a pea-sized amount under my eyes and on my eyelids. It’s super hydrating and especially great if you’re really sensitive around your eyes like I am. 

I hope this post helped you! Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, or fill out my skincare questionnaire and I’ll get back to you with some additional thoughts! 

If you’re a new Beautycounter customer, you can use code CLEANFORALL20 and select TeriLyn Adams as your consultant for 20% off!

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