YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Sephora Spree

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Sephora Spree https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:04:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Beth Ann on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree/page/2#post-1512243 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 19:56:13 +0000 Beth Ann 1512243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, it seems that I have a lot to learn from y'all about the ins and outs of beauty products!  You amaze me.  I've had such fun linking to your suggestions!  And Jeannie, your idea of buying a set is terrific!  Since I've been skimping far too much on my skin recently, I don't have favorite products at the moment! old chic on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree/page/2#post-1512233 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 19:14:54 +0000 old chic 1512233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Happy birthday! What a great gift! Here are a few splurge-worthy items from Sephora that I believe are totally worth the cost: <ul> <li>Hourglass Veil primer. This mattifies and lights up your face and holds onto your makeup for hours. It even gives you some spf. I think it's magic, and I keep going back for more.</li> <li>Laura Mercier camouflage. Not for use as a regular concealer; too thick. But for discolorations and nasty little spider veins and such, it's a lifesaver. You get two colors in one compact to mix your perfect shade.</li> <li>L'Occitane amande hand creme. Twelve bucks for a one-ounce tube that doesn't last very long. But it smells heavenly and feels so great - not sticky, absorbs quickly, leaves your hands feeling like silk and smelling like a million bucks. A nice little unnecessary indulgence.</li> <li>Dior Glow blush. My new bff.</li> <li>If you are feeling some real COLOR for your face, try Urban Decay Revolution in Anarchy or another bright. It really is special.</li> </ul> Just my 2 cents on how to spend your $. ;) Marilyn on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree/page/2#post-1512187 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 14:59:26 +0000 Marilyn 1512187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a wonderful gift!  Happy Birthday! I'm a Sephora shopper.  As Lisa mentioned the lighting sucks so I often take items right up to the entrance to catch the bright mall lights.  I like to be left alone when I'm shopping so I actually like if SA's ignore me. LOL Favourites.... Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.  Spendy but totally worth it. Smashbox Light Primer Smashbox Brow Tech Nars Blush Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (love "Sex Machine" for a soft pink lip) Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil Urban Decay Eyeshadow in "Naked" Benefit Eye Bright Pencil (super on inside corners to make your eyes pop) Benefit Oh La Lift Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Jjsloane on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1512166 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 13:28:11 +0000 Jjsloane 1512166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great gift! I always have trouble shopping with a gift card because I want to maximize it.  Another vote for Clarisonic and I find the Bumble and Bumble hair products are amazing! If you're curious about trying new products I'd suggest a gift set, they have good ones.  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sephora.com/skin-care-sets-travel-value">http://www.sephora.com/skin-care-sets-travel-value</a>? I like the Fresh Sugar lip set and have loved all the Peter Thomas Roth products I've tried.  I get this every year and it lasts me almost the entire year: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sephora.com/sun-safety-kit-P396622?skuId=1702067">http://www.sephora.com/sun-saf.....Id=1702067</a> It's a great way to try out different products and everyone needs sunscreen! I like the Dr. Jart BB cream and it's included this year as well as the Clinique CC cream.  I use mostly Bare Minerals products for makeup and love their night serum and night treatment (got them in a set) <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sephora.com/pure-transformation-night-treatment-P136024?skuId=1318856">http://www.sephora.com/pure-tr.....Id=1318856</a> Beth Ann on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1512155 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 12:21:51 +0000 Beth Ann 1512155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ More wonderful sites and links and products to explore!  Thanks so much!  I did some scouting online last night, and will check out some more of these links today.  I hope to get a few items this week and will let everyone know how it goes! greycat6 on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1512119 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 06:21:25 +0000 greycat6 1512119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great suggestions here!  How generous of your family!  With that amount of money I would want something that will last long term (like a Clarisonic) and consumable for fun (that will run out and you would have to replace like a fun lippy.) Another vote for the Clarisonic.  Game changer for my perimenopausal complexion.  Love it!  I change the brush every 3 months, detach and wash the brush weekly and always let it air dry without the cover on. I love the Living Proof No Frizz hair care line.  Gets my not quite curly/not quite straight hair under control. Happy Birthday and Happy Beauty Day at Sephora! annabelle on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1512108 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 04:33:12 +0000 annabelle 1512108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What fun! Don't forget that Sephora has a very generous return policy. If you don't like something... simply return it! They also are great with giving samples from the store. E.g., if you don't want to try a 50 ml bottle of face serum for $90, ask for a little sample and the technician can decant some from the tester into a small container for you. For skin care, you are going to want to try things out for a few days, and not just on the back of your hand in a store.  Here are the brands I'd like you to read reviews about for your three concerns, because these are what I've found I like when I can splurge a bit: 1. Alterra. (I just looked and Sephora no longer carries Ojon, but check them out too. I love their Damage Reverse Restorative Smoothing Glaze, on drugstore.com) 2. Algenist Targeted Age Correcting Serum (treats several skin concerns, including sun spots) and Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Firming Eye Cream. Bobbi Brown has some nice eye creams, probably a better value, if you don't need the firming component. My trick for eye cream is to buy off of ebay - really. There are so many gift with purchase sized eye creams floating around that you can try for $4 or $12, or even full sized once you know the brand(s) you like.  3. Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Dark Spot Correcting. So, when I looked that up, I see it is a CC not a BB. CC is generally for more aging skin and has more treatments in it than a BB. But I use it as a lightweight moisture/foundation combo. I picked it up as a "foundation" that I could travel with, to leave the usual loose powder + brush at home.  Have fun with this! I love the idea of asking for the makeover. I recommend bringing in your current products and asking the artist to use as much or as little of your stash as she/he wants to as well as getting makeup recommendations. For me, I'd splurge on the skin care and hair care regimen more than on makeup products. As Bobbi Brown says, if your skin is flawless then whatever you put on top goes on better, regardless. deb on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1512105 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 04:18:12 +0000 deb 1512105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have you ever read Caroline Hirons' blog? She specializes in skincare in the UK. I love her videos because she is so darn funny. You may want to check out some of her recommendations. <a href="http://www.carolinehirons.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.carolinehirons.com/</a> dakotacheryl on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1512090 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 02:44:11 +0000 dakotacheryl 1512090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like the Sephora brand "Pro" Brushes Anonymous on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1512057 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 00:22:53 +0000 Anonymous 1512057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also did not like my Clarisonic and finally sold it a few months ago. I like the Glam Glow products at Sephora. I get my Diorskin foundation, Anastasia brow gel and whiz brow there, plus a few other things. I mainly use Mario Badescu skin products which unfortunately are not sold at Sephora. I would recommend getting some makeup brushes there though as well. Windchime on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1512055 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 00:14:55 +0000 Windchime 1512055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Happy Birthday, Beth Ann! I'm not going to be any help with how to spend your gift card because I've not yet visited a Sephora store. But you've received buckets of good suggestions. And in response to what you just wrote, you don't need to worry about becoming midlife drab! I don't think you could even if you tried. dakotacheryl on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1512054 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 00:10:47 +0000 dakotacheryl 1512054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I bought my Clarisonic, it just didn't make sense to me to use the brush on a face full of makeup, that's why I use my toner and a couple of cotton pads to take the majority of my makeup off before I use my Clarisonic. I also don't put the cover over the brush unless the brush itself is dry to the touch. Beth Ann on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1512050 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 00:00:05 +0000 Beth Ann 1512050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Came back from a day at a garden show with my Mom (benefit of being closer to her now), and am overjoyed at the expression of YLF wisdom!  I'm making dinner now (at 8pm), so I'll follow up more later, when I have a chance to investigate your suggestions further. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment --- I don't mind growing older too much, but I want to avoid the midlife-drab if at all possible! Gaylene on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511973 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 20:26:34 +0000 Gaylene 1511973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ K, I also had the same concerns about the Clarasonic brush. On the advice of my derm, I detach the brush head after every use, rinse it thoroughly, and let it dry separately from the handle. Once a week, I wash the brush head in a sink filled with water to which I've added a drop of dish detergent. I also swish out my makeup brushes at the same time, and, once all my face stuff is out, finish with my hair brushes and combs. According to her, dirty makeup and hair brushes can aggrevate skin issues as we get older. I also replace the brush heads every 3-4 months when I replace my mascara (my opthamologist is adamant about that since he had had to deal with too many eye infections caused by dirty mascaras and other eye makeup). Thanks to Rachylou, I now think of makeup as dirt I put on my face--makes me more careful about keeping the stuff as close to "clean" dirt as I can... K. Period. on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511957 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 19:59:16 +0000 K. Period. 1511957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm the spanner.  I have a Clarisonic and I'm over it.  I just don't think it does all that much.  I used the softest (acne) brushes since I have sensitive combo skin and it certainly cleans.  I'm just not sure that I feel all that great about using the same brush head over and over for even a couple of weeks. Using a fresh super soft wash cloth seems like a better, more sanitary option for me. If I had a big gift card from Sephora....I'd buy a great foundation/bb (and you can use it and return it easily if you don't love it).   I'd definitely splurge on the anti-aging stuff that dakotacheryl listed. That's stuff that will definitely give you a skin boost. First, though, I'd do some serious searching on Beautypedia and see what the best of the best products are in each of those categories. That website is curated by the company behind Paula's Choice products, so expect to see their products listed in all the categories, but feel free to ignore them. (Full disclosure: I'm typically a luxury cosmetic purchaser.  This year I overcame my aversion to the Paula's Choice marketing and gave several products a try and honestly I am super wowed by their efficacy and pricing, but they don't sell them at Sephora, so it won't help you.  I do think their recommendations for other products on Beautypedia are generally quite good, so that's why I'm recommending it. If you are paying the big bucks, you want to feel like you are getting the most effective versions of what you are buying.)   What else? Maybe some of the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day. I love that stuff.  And some Smashbox eye primer (your shadow will never move once you apply it).  And Smashbox foundation primer with salicylic acid, which is great for combo skin because it will help exfoliate the dry bits, clean out the pores and regulate the oil production of the oily bits, absorb excess surface oil that forms during the day and airbrush the lines.  Yes.  I know. I am in awe of it.  Then maybe some of the YSL lip stains? And maybe a new eye shadow or two? Or invest in a few brushes?  ETA: And high five Deb! I love the Caroline Hirons blog too!  Like anything else, what works for you is what works for you. Things that work brilliantly for my friends won't work well for me, and vice versa. That is why Sephora's wonderful exchange/return policy is so fantastic. If it isn't great, I take it back.  They are always great about it.  annagybe on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511931 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 18:21:30 +0000 annagybe 1511931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another vote Clairsonic.  I use drugstore L'oreal shampoo. But this is good <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sephora.com/no-frizz-leave-in-conditioner-P244511?skuId=1201839&icid2=product_you%20might%20also%20like_p244511_image"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/no-frizz-leave-in-conditioner-P244511?skuId=1201839&icid2=product_you%20m" rel="nofollow">http://www.sephora.com/no-friz.....ct_you%20m</a>...</a> I don't live in a super humid environment but they're humidity products look good too.  This is absolutely fantastic. Wash your hair, glob it on, put on plastic shower cap and putter around house for an hour or so, rinse out. You don't need to use it often, I've had my tub for a while. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sephora.com/phytojoba-intense-hydrating-brilliance-mask-P159820?skuId=1512318">http://www.sephora.com/phytojo.....Id=1512318</a> Maneera on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511922 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 17:52:09 +0000 Maneera 1511922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a lovely birthday gift:) I do love browsing through Sephora but don't have recommendations on skin and haircare. I mostly buy lipsticks or a mascara or sometimes a blush palette and my benebalm there. Hope you have fun makeup shopping! Carla on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511920 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 17:49:50 +0000 Carla 1511920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smashbox primers are quite nice, and I'm a Sabastien Potion #9 (leave in conditioner) fan. I don't have any Sephora experience. The one time I tried, the SA didn't seen interested in helping me (more interest in chatting with a co-worker) and I wasn't in the right frame of mind to be demanding. I've heard great things about their personal demonstrations though, so will give them another try sometime. I, too, am interested in hearing more about Clarisonic, so will follow this thread. Sweet gifts, Beth Ann! Suz on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511904 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 17:15:37 +0000 Suz 1511904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I am thrilled that you got such a lovely gift. (And happy birthday!!!)  And I'm also grateful for the thread. I have never considered a Clarisonic but I am rapidly becoming curious about it.  Gaylene on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511898 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 17:03:25 +0000 Gaylene 1511898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another vote for the Clarasonic. I use mine with the inexpensive CeraVe Hydrating cleanser recommended by my derm. I've used my brush daily for a few years now and I think it really helps with the dulling, flaking, and occasional breakouts that can be triggered by hormonal changes. I agree with Cheryl that sunscreen, Vit C, AHA/BHA, and Retin-A are the cornerstone of good skin care, and would also add hyraluronic acid and ceramides to the mix. You can find all of these at varying pricepoints so it pays to experiment with less pricey lines to see what works best for you. I do have two indugences, though. The first is Clinique's Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector. It is a brightener as opposed to a concealer which means I don't need to worry about it settling into all those tiny lines--and it does seem to lighten and brighten up the eye area as well as working as a sunscreen and moisturizer for the eye area. If I want more coverage, I add a tiny dot of regular concealer in the specific spot--which I seem to do less and less these days. My other indulgence is a toner because I like the feeling it gives me after I splash water on my face in the morning. I suspect the value is more psychological than real so I experiment with different ones--right now the Caudalie toner I found at Sephora is my favorite. I seriously doubt the product claims and feel a bit guilty at the price, but, hey, it is my splurge item! Anonymous on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511886 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:48:52 +0000 Anonymous 1511886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love my Clarasonic and often use it morning and evening with one of the cleansers that came with it. It is fabulous for preventing those midlife breakouts. My face has never been so clean. I think it has helped fade dark spots too, maybe because it stimulates circulation. You can use any favorite cleanser with it. I also bought the long attachable handle to reach the middle of my back in the shower. It feels great. I like the stiffer body brush for body and feet. trix on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511874 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:23:44 +0000 trix 1511874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a nice gift! If they already bought the gift card, would you be allowed to use it toward one of their custom makeover sessions? They're "complimentary" with $50 or $125 in purchases: (<a href="http://www.sephora.com/store-locations-events?mediaId=16400021http://" rel="nofollow">http://www.sephora.com/store-l.....021http://</a> I did one last year and ended up buying about four or five products they used (though not all at once; I waited for a discount to get some of the items later or found some for cheaper elsewhere). Meredith on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511870 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:15:56 +0000 Meredith 1511870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Falsies, obviously. In all seriousness, I like this list of suggestions. <a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/christine-stockton/2014/03/17-sephora-products-every-girl-needs/" rel="nofollow">http://thoughtcatalog.com/chri.....irl-needs/</a> Even if the products themselves aren't quite right, I think the categories of products are good. If I had to pick three products that last forever and are worth spending a bit more I'd say eye primer (so color stays set in humidity), a really good mascara (although you may not want to go back to drug store versions), and an exfoliater appropriate for your skin type. Momo on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511863 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:52:35 +0000 Momo 1511863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And Sephora is on ebates. 4% back right now Momo on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511861 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:51:35 +0000 Momo 1511861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How fun! I agree with the Clarisonic. I love mine, makes a huge difference in my skin when I am consistent with it. I also adore Caudalie Divine Oil.. It is truly divine. I have a ton of fun with the sample sets and you can get some great deals if you look at the Sephora Favorites and the other Value Sets. And sign up for the beauty insiders program... With 250 you should be able to get even more samples. I much prefer shopping Sephora online. More samples and I feel like I make better choices Yeah.. I am a VIP beauty insider meaning I have spent way, way too much money there. Had to cut back. Actually haven't bought anything there in 6 months. Anonymous on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511856 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:41:18 +0000 Anonymous 1511856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I use a Clarisonic and have found it worth the investment.  You've been given a really nice gift $ to work with , and I'd definitely use it on skin and hair care myself.  I know some people argue that hair products are not worth spending money on, but I disagree.  Also Sephora always has all of those great kits of smaller sizes that are a really good value - and perfect for experimenting with new products.  Foundations are hard to recommend as we all like different things. I never buy stuff like at Sephora because the lighting in those stores sucks (pardon the expression) and I don't always find their sales people all that swift - if you know what I mean.  Anyways - go for some great skin care stuff, some hair stuff, and maybe a Clairisonic (although I have forgotten how much they cost.....)  kkards on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511851 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:32:07 +0000 kkards 1511851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ wow….what a generous present. the best thing i like about gift cards is that you can use a little at a time, so its like a gift that keeps giving, or all at once, so you can go to town. its like the best of both worlds.  re the bb cream, sephora has the wonderful machine that they hold up to your face and it gives foundation recommendations, and then the SA tests them on you, so you get there advice as well. i have to say that what it recommend for me has been the best foundation I've used in years. dakotacheryl on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511819 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 12:53:07 +0000 dakotacheryl 1511819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beth Ann, the Facial Radiance pads have either BHA or AHA I forget which and you never use these at the same time as Retin-A. The most important products for skin care and anti-aging are Vitamin C AHA/BHA Retin-A Sunscreen I have heard good things about the Clinique product for discoloration and you might look into that. I buy my Retin-A from taraskincare and save a boat load of cash. I use the 0.025% as that is the strength which supplies anti-aging. The higher percentages are really intended for anti-acne . Hope you find some products that you love...I went through so many before I found the right ones for me. Beth Ann on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511814 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 12:42:09 +0000 Beth Ann 1511814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cheryl:  My skin is in transition as we speak!  It was combo, with hormone related breakouts (adolescence in reverse).  Now, I feel the breakouts finally subsiding a bit, but my skin and hair are getting a bit dryer and a bit duller.  It's the melasma and dark spots left over from the hormone shifts that is my biggest complaint, along with dullness.  Sigh.  I sound like a paper bag!  Things are that bad, really! Your routine is well thought out --- I'll look into some of these prodcuts.  I had considered a Clarisonic.  I'd be interested to know if more people are using them!  My skin is not sensitive, at least! dakotacheryl on "Sephora Spree" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sephora-spree#post-1511812 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 12:34:17 +0000 dakotacheryl 1511812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beth Ann, you didn't post what kind of skin you have, oily, dry combo etc. I'm older than you, but have oily, sensitive skin. Love my Clarisonic, but use the delicate brush head. Here's my skin care regimen: morning Wash face in the shower with Boots Expert sensitive gentle cleansing wash (it's one of those pump things that foams when you press it) from Target Then I use a First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pad - Sephora Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado - Nordstrom Algenist Sublime Defense (just enough moisture and SPF 50 with a little scoop of Philosophy turbo booster Vitamin C powder mixed in (rub between palms) - Sephora   I've tried loads of sunscreens and this one is my absolute favorite. I blow dry my hair, then use a little Smashbox primer (pore reducing version) - Sephora I use powder foundation - Double wear from Estee Lauder followed by the rest of my makeup evening Use a drop of Argan Oil (Sephora or Ulta) on each eyelid, rub lightly with a finger tip to dissolve eye makeup, and wipe with a cotton pad.  Use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner - Nordstrom, on a cotton pad to wipe off most of my makeup. Use my Clarisonic with Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser - Nordstrom, then wipe again with the toner. Follow that with serum (I've been using the little ceramide capsules from Elizabeth Arden). Then the Kiehl's eye cream. Wait a few minutes, then I mix a pea sized amount of Retin-A with my night time moisturizer, which is Bobbi Brown Vitamin enriched face base  - Sephora     I always put the moisturizer/sun screen steps on my neck and upper chest too am and pm. Sounds like a lot of steps, but is really pretty fast to do. They say to use Retin-A on bare skin, then do the rest of the steps...but this doesn't work for me as I can never get past the peeling and flaking stage no matter how slowly I ease into it. Hope this gives you some ideas