The Evening Skincare Routine

The best skincare routine isn't the one with the most products— it's the one you actually look forward to.

For me, my evening routine has become more than just washing my face. It's how I slow down after a busy day behind the chair, put my phone away, light a candle and give myself a few quiet minutes before bed.

Living in Florida means my skin spends all day exposed to sunscreen, makeup, humidity and long salon days. At night, my goal is simple: remove everything, replenish my skin and let it recover while I sleep.

These are the exact products I reach for almost every evening.

Step One: Melt Away the Day

Dermalogica PreCleanse

Every evening starts with a double cleanse.

Dermalogica PreCleanse effortlessly dissolves makeup, sunscreen and excess oil before I even reach for my cleanser. It leaves my skin feeling clean without stripping away moisture and helps my second cleanse work even better.

If you wear SPF every day like I do (and you should!), this step makes a noticeable difference.

Step Two: Remove Every Last Trace

Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Makeup Remover Wipes

These are always stocked in my bathroom. I use them to gently remove any lingering eye makeup or stubborn waterproof mascara before my second cleanse. I especially love that they're fragrance-free, making them a gentle option for the delicate eye area and for evenings when my skin is feeling a little more sensitive.

Why I love them:

• Fragrance-free for a gentler cleanse

• Removes waterproof makeup with minimal rubbing

• Soft, plant-based cloth feels comfortable on the skin

• Perfect for stubborn mascara and eyeliner

• Great first step before my double cleanse

💡 Leah's Hot Tip: I don't use these as my only cleanser. I use them after my oil cleanser to remove any leftover eye makeup before washing my face with my Murad cleanser. It helps me avoid tugging at my lashes and ensures my skin is completely clean before applying my nighttime skincare.

Step Three: Deep Cleanse

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Once my makeup is removed, I wash my face with Murad's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.

I love how this cleanser combines gentle physical exfoliation with alpha and beta hydroxy acids to smooth skin, clear pores and leave my face feeling incredibly fresh without feeling dry or tight.

By this point, my skin feels completely clean and ready to absorb everything that comes next.

Step Four: Treat Tired Eyes

Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift

Long days behind the chair can definitely show up around my eyes.

Whenever they need a little extra attention, I apply Dermalogica's Stress Positive Eye Lift. The cooling formula instantly feels refreshing while helping reduce puffiness and hydrate the delicate under-eye area.

It's one of those little luxuries that makes my nighttime routine feel like a spa treatment.

Step Five: Help Skin Recover Overnight

Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum

This is where my routine shifts from cleansing to repairing.

Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum helps hydrate, smooth and visibly reduce signs of daily stress while giving my skin the nourishment it needs overnight.

It's one of my favorite products because my skin always feels healthier and more balanced after using it.

Step Six: Lock Everything In

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

My final step is Murad's Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream.

Overnight is when your skin naturally repairs itself, making it the perfect time to use a retinol moisturizer. I love that this cream helps improve the appearance of fine lines, texture and uneven skin tone while keeping my skin soft and hydrated all night long.

I wake up with smoother, brighter-looking skin that feels incredibly healthy.

Hydration Tip: If my skin is feeling extra dry or a little sensitive, I'll swap my retinol cream for Murad Restorative Hydro-Hyaluronic Face Cream for a few nights. It delivers intense hydration and leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft without feeling heavy.

My Evening Routine

Every evening, I throw on my skincare headband, light a candle, and spend a few quiet minutes washing away the day.

🌙 Melt away makeup and sunscreen with Dermalogica PreCleanse.

🧼 Remove any remaining eye makeup with a gentle makeup remover cloth.

✨ Cleanse with Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser for soft, refreshed skin.

👁️ Apply Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift whenever my under-eyes need a little extra love.

💛 Massage in Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum to help my skin recover overnight.

🌙 Finish with Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream to lock in moisture while supporting smoother, brighter-looking skin by morning.

It's less than ten minutes, but it's become one of my favorite parts of the day.

💡Leah's Hot Tip

I don't rush my evening skincare routine.

I turn on a calming playlist or podcast, light a candle, throw on my skincare headband and treat these few minutes as a way to unwind before bed. It helps me transition out of work mode and somehow my skincare routine feels less like another task and more like a little act of self-care.

Why These Products Made My Favorites Collection

Every product in this collection has earned a permanent spot on my bathroom counter. I only recommend products I've personally used, loved and continue to repurchase because I want these collections to feel like you're getting recommendations from a friend—not just another affiliate roundup.

If you're looking for a simple nighttime skincare routine that helps you unwind while giving your skin everything it needs to recover overnight, this is exactly where I'd start. Sleep is when your skin does its best work and these are the products, I trust to help it wake up looking healthy, hydrated, and glowing.