I'm quite the novice when it comes to skin care. Before last year, any talk of serum or hyaluronic acid [1] would send me curling up under a blanket, never to be seen again. I was overwhelmed at the thought of finding the right products or learning the order in which I should apply them.
My routine consisted of washing my face with whatever soap was around, then applying coconut oil. I never had any issue with this regimen until I learned that coconut oil actually clogs your pores [2]. That's when I started looking for a healthier alternative. Luckily, I met a friend whose skin is so radiant, I just had to ask what products she uses. Turns out, she is quite the skin-care connoisseur and also blogs [3] about it.
We sat down to discuss my skin type and explore some products that could work for me. I told her about my combination skin, how it tends to get dry in the winter and slightly oily other times of the year. I didn't have specific conditions like acne or dark spots that I was trying to solve for. I was more looking for simple, easy-to-use products that make good investments. After some digging and a short while experimenting, I found the clean beauty products that work for me. This was last fall, and I've been using them ever since.
Scroll on for my skin-care essentials. They might work for you, too.
Osea Ocean Cleanser
For the uninitiated, this Osea Ocean Cleanser [5] ($48) is great for daily use. It gently removes any excess oil or impurities, leaving my skin feeling fresh, hydrated, and clean. I love that it's rich in minerals and natural ingredients such as jojoba seed oil and algae extract. If you have acne or other skin conditions, it may not work as a treatment, but it's a balanced formula that will effectively remove dirt without ruining your pH balance.
Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea Oil Control Face Toner
The first thing I noticed about the Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea Oil Control Face Toner [6] ($39) is how evenly it sprays the liquid across your face. Notes of jasmine are more prominent than the green tea, but I personally don't mind it. I also love that this toner is vegan and cruelty-free, which reflects in the feel of the formula upon application. It hydrates and balances my skin, which is why it's quickly and easily become a staple of my routine.
Beautycounter Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum
A little bit of this highly concentrated Beautycounter Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum [7] ($79) goes a long way. I only use one to two pumps at a time, massage it in round motions, then let my skin absorb it for a few minutes. The result is a healthy glow that doesn't feel greasy. My skin feels smooth after application.
Beautycounter Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream
Three months after purchasing this Beautycounter Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream [8] ($89), I still have quite a bit of it left to use. You only need a few scoops of this thick cream for every application. My skin feels plump and hydrated after each use.
Supergoop Glow Stick SPF 50
This Supergoop Glow Stick SPF 50 [9] ($25) leaves no white cast, which is the holy grail of applying sunscreen. It has a smooth texture and barely visible shine that blends well with a moisturiser.
Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist
I sometimes use this Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist [10] ($16-$32) to wake up my senses throughout the day. Similar to the toner, the light-pink liquid sprays finely across my face and instantly hydrates it.
Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum
I may combine this Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum [11] ($88) with the one I'm currently using to increase my natural glow. Reviewers recommend it as a great priming base for makeup.