Did you receive a gift card to Sephora under the tree? Is that Christmas cash burning a hole in your pocket? Thinking about upping your skincare game is part of your New Year’s resolution? Then this post is for you!
I get asked questions about skincare all the time: what products to use and how to layer the routine. So, I decided it was time to create an all-in-one skincare reference post that outlines everything, from recommended morning and evening skincare steps to the correct order of application and the suggested products that I use and love. Obviously, I am not an expert, and I have no experience in the beauty industry, but I do a lot of research and consult trusted sources, and this is what I have learned.
Below are the basic skincare steps for both AM and PM, in the order they are applied, with recommended products for each. With so many products to choose from and steps to take, skincare routines can feel overwhelming, but the general rule is to layer your products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. Just remember– these rituals are meant to be soothing and pampering, so relax and read on.
CLEANSERS
Obviously, cleansing is the first step–time to wash away the grime of the day. An oil cleanser works best to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, and it’s gentle on the skin. Cleansers should be mild to avoid stripping the skin of natural hydration. I use Naturium Cleansing Gel or Living Libations Facial Cleansing Oil, but a cult fave is the Cerave Facial Cleanser.
ESSENCES
Essences prepare your skin for the rest of your routine. It’s essentially a primer for your moisturizer or serum, bolstering the benefits of all your other products. I like this analogy: essences prep the skin for skincare absorption, much like water moistens a sponge for better use. I use Missha Time Revolution and SK-II Pitera Essence. If you are looking to simplify your routine, you can always skip the essence and go straight to the serums, but I like the added benefits.
ACTIVES (Acids & Serums)
Serums and Acids are the skincare heavy-lifters, and each targets certain particular skincare issues. At the very least, there are 3 actives that should be included in your routine, and I like to refer to them as the ABCs of skincare: A= Vitamin A, the active ingredient in Retinol, B= Vitamin B3 Niacinamide, which reduces moisture loss and improves hydration, and Vitamin C= an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and environmental damage, helps brighten the skin and fade hyperpigmentation (it’s basically a great anti-aging powerhouse). If you would like to use any AHA, BHA, or Glycolic acids (all good for chemical exfoliation), apply them here, too; just remember to go from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. At night, I apply my Biologique Recherche P50 acid first, then my Multi-Peptide serum from The Ordinary, and then my Curology Retinol cream. In the morning, I apply my Timeless Vitamin C first and then my Naturium Liposome serum.
EYE CREAM
Most professionals recommend an eye cream for the delicate areas around our eyes. I go back and forth on this step and sometimes just skip the eye cream and let my serum or actives do the work. But, if you prefer a specific product to help brighten your under eyes and reduce puffiness and dark circles, these are some great options. I like the Murad Retinol Eye Cream and the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream.
MOISTURIZER
The moisturizer step is the most important since it adds hydration and locks in all of the ingredients previously applied. In the winter, I like thick and creamy lotions, and in the warmer months, I opt for more gel-like water creams. I use Embryolisse and Clinique’s Moisture Surge.
FACE OIL or SPF
The last step in your routine should be face oil (PM) or SPF (AM). Just warm up a drop or two of oil in your palms and pat it all over the face to lock in all of the previous applications. And apply the SPF each and EVERY morning. If you need more info, check out this post from last summer. I use Naturopathica Rosehip Oil and Supergoop Glowscreen.
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