We were one week into shelter-in-place [1] in the Bay Area, and I felt like I was letting things really fall apart. I struggled to find the balance of being a parent and an employee [2] (still do!), ate sad meals I quickly hacked together, and lived in my sweatpants. I still took my daily shower [3], but I'd say my efforts to take care of myself were at about 15 percent of normal. Then, that night, I washed my face. I followed that with toner, serum, and my night cream. It was the first time I had completed my nightly skin-care routine in a week and it. felt. GOOD.
In these times of uncertainty, those of us who are fortunate enough to have our health and a safe place to stay home are clinging to acts of self-care [4] that make life feel "normal." Many are finding new ways to stay active indoors [5], others are leaning in to new hobbies [6], and many are experimenting with new and intimidating recipes [7] (seriously, is there anyone out there not making bread right now?). I'm dabbling in all of these things and every single day is different. While there's no easy fix, I realised in losing and rediscovering my skin-care routine that having that morning and nightly ritual is one key part of making my life feel a little more normal right now.
Read on for the daily skin-care routine that's helping me keep my sanity and all the skin-care picks you can shop, with recommendations directly from our beauty editors.
Morning, Step 1: Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
I start my day with this Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser [8] ($34) to wake myself up and make my face feel fresh. If the blueberry scent isn't for you, here are some of the best face washes [9], no matter your skin type.
Morning, Step 2: Caudalie Moisturising Toner
Next up is the Caudalie Moisturising Toner [10] ($28) to really clean and moisturise my skin. As you'll see, I love Caudalie.
Morning, Step 3: Revercel CE Serum
I could go on and on [11] about how much I love this Revercel CE Serum [12] ($100) — it keeps my skin bright and glowing all day. Here are some more Vitamin C serums to shop.
Morning, Step 4: Tarte Sea Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O Serum
I'd heard the hype about hyaluronic acid [13] and was excited to try this Tarte Sea Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic Acid H2O Serum [14] ($42) when it arrived in my quarterly POPSUGAR Must Have Box [15]. My skin immediately absorbs this serum, locking in moisture without making me feel oily. Here are some great drugstore finds with hyaluronic acid [16].
Morning, Step 5: Caudalie VineActiv Vitamin C Energizing Eye Cream
Another shoutout to Caudalie with for this amazing VineActiv Vitamin C Energizing Eye Cream [17] ($39). I have really sensitive skin around my eyes, and this moisturises without irritating. Here are 12 other eye creams that address under-eye lines, circles, and puffiness.
Morning, Step 6: Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defence Moisturiser
The last step of my morning: this Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defence Moisturiser [18] ($46). (Sunscreen. Is. Important.) Check out some of our POPSUGAR beauty editor recs for more moisturisers that contain SPF [19].
Evening, Step 1: Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser
My evening routine is less involved, and starts with a basic foaming cleanser like the Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser [20] ($26).
Evening, Step 2: Caudalie Moisturising Toner
Next up: I use the same toner I use in the morning. This always pulls up any extra dirt or makeup that my cleanser missed, and I love that squeaky clean feeling. Here's a list of some great toners for any skin type.
Evening, Step 3: Youth To The People Superfood Firm and Brighten Vitamin C Serum
One time I saw a meme that told me that if I owned a pair of Steve Madden platforms, it was time to invest in a night serum [21]. SOLD. I love this Youth To The People Superfood Firm and Brighten Vitamin C Serum [22] ($62).
Evening, Step 4: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Night Infusion Cream
Finally, I end my night with this Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Night Infusion Cream [23] ($76). I've experimented with a lot of different skincare products, but I will never try another night cream again. It goes on smooth and is so lightweight on my sensitive skin. If that's not for you, our editors have rounded up the best moisturisers for every skin type [24], so check those out.