Today, I consider my skincare routine to be a ritualistic moment of self-care, but that wasn't always the case. I didn't really have a skincare routine [1] in high school, until a battle with acne left me no choice. I had to start slowly and work my way up. An esthetician once told me that with my skin, less is more. I have combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, so even the slightest thing will break me out. Because of this, I've had to be very discerning about my routine, and while there are still some things I'm trying out, I've basically got my morning skincare down to a science.
Through all that I've learned about skin care, perhaps the most important thing might be to listen to your skin. You know what's going on with your face better than anyone, and the more in tune you are with your skin, the more effective your skin care will be. Also, it's important to note that I'm not a doctor or esthetician, just someone who wants constantly glowy, clear skin. These are the 14 products I use to get there.
Lancer The Method: Polish
If my skin is feeling dull or clogged, I make sure to exfoliate in the morning. My favourite, hands down, is Lancer The Method: Polish [3] ($75). It's the most gentle physical exfoliator I've ever used, and my skin feels like a baby's afterward. I've never tried another product like it.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
After I've exfoliated, I follow it up with this classic gel-based Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser [4] ($20). If I didn't exfoliate in the morning, this is my first step.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser
If I'm feeling fancy, I'll use this foaming Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser [5] ($70). Yes, it's pricey, but it feels like a cloud on your face. It's the most enjoyable cleanser I've ever used.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner
Next comes toner, and I've been using this Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner [6] ($45) for years. It doesn't strip my skin or make it feel tight, and I like it as a follow-up to my cleanser.
Shishedo Facial Cotton
OK, hear me out. The Shishedo Facial Cotton [7] ($12) is not your drugstore cotton round, but if you have sensitive skin or have to take off stubborn eye makeup, there's nothing better than this.
Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum
Next comes vitamin C serum, and recently, I've been gravitating toward this Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum [8] ($64) because it really does what it says it will. I stay glowing all day long.
Kopari Coconut Deodourant
After I apply my serum, I like to wait a minute to let it sink in before I continue with my routine. While waiting, I apply my deodourant. The Kopari Coconut Deodourant [9] ($14) in the original scent is my natural product of choice right now because it works, and it smells like cupcakes.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Finally, I pat some moisturiser onto my face, neck, chest, and hands. The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream [10] ($30) is a constant go-to. It works with every skin type and doesn't break me out.
La Mer The Moisturising Soft Cream
When I'm feeling fancy, I reach for this La Mer The Moisturising Soft Cream [11] ($180). It's not too thick and not too thin, and it makes my skin glow, which, as you know by now, is all I really want.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defence Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
Lastly, sunscreen. This is the area of my routine that I'm testing out at the moment. I know I prefer mineral sunscreens, and so far I'm liking that this Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defence Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 [12] ($36) hasn't broken me out. Plus, it has a little tint that's great for no-makeup days.
Supergoop! 100% Mineral Smooth & Poreless Matte Screen SPF 40
This Supergoop! 100% Mineral Smooth & Poreless Matte Screen SPF 40 [13] ($38) has also been working well for me. When they say matte, though, they mean it.
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
I actually prefer to apply eye cream in the morning. This Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream [14] ($65) is good for me because lots of eye creams tend to give me milia, and this one doesn't.
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
I finish off my routine with a light lip balm. Right now, I'm into this Laneige Lip Glowy Balm [15] ($15).
Herbivore Jade Facial Roller
Finally, a few times a week, I use this Herbivore Jade Facial Roller [16] ($30). It helps to both soak in all the products I've just applied and also depuff my face, which I always need.