If there’s one routine I take very seriously, it’s my skincare routine. Growing up I always watched my mom wash her face every night, marveled at her perfect skin (still do!), and took mental notes. Now, my morning and nighttime skincare routines are so ingrained in me that I can’t start or finish my day without it. There are so many different skincare products out there, but today I’m going to talk about the 4 essential products that need to be in your skincare routine- day or night!
The 4 Essential Products that Need to be in Your Skincare Routine
Product No. 1: Cleanser
This one is obvious! You need a cleanser to properly wash your face. Over the years, I’ve used several, from the popular Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, to this NUDE Detox Brightening Fizzy Powder Wash. I’m currently using this MŪN AKWI Purifying Cleanser, though, and alternating with this Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Cleanser Acne Treatment. The Mun cleanser is really gentle and oil-based, with Argan Oil, Castor Oil, and Camellia Seed Oil. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and healthy.
Another cleaner I love is this Lancôme Créme Radiance Clarifying Cream-to-Foam Cleanser because the tiniest bit goes such a long way. You only need a small little dime sized amount and it foams up for your whole face. A tube of this will last me awhile! This Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel is in my shower so I’ll use that to wash my face as well. It’s non-foaming but removes the day’s makeup/dirt/oil, without drying out my skin. It also has papaya and grapefruit extracts that serve as exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids to prevent skin buildup that causes blackheads and pimples. Whenever a product has acne fighting properites, I’m intrigued!
Product No. 2: Serum
You might wonder why should you use a serum. I thought the same thing because for years I didn’t use it. I remember attending an event with Kiehl’s though, and they told me that a serum was probably one of the most crucial steps in any skincare routine. Serums contain a higher concentration of performance ingredients so it really targets skin concerns. It’s supposed to be worn underneath a moisturizer. I have certain serums that I love for daytime and nighttime. Since I started using serums after talking with someone at Kiehl’s, I mainly use theirs, though. I love the Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate. It goes from serum to liquid on application, so it’s incredibly hydrating. Like most serums, it targets deepest surface layers of dehydrated skin. This serum is supposed to also help improve texture, smooth fine lines, and treat dull, tired skin. I also use the Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution Serum that helps with the dark spots and skin discoloration I got during pregnancy.
My esthetician told me that Vitamin C is a really key ingredient in supporting collagen renewal and lightening discoloration so I started using this Kate Somerville Mega C Radiance Serum at nighttime. I love all of the Kate products and this one is cool because there are separate chambers for the two serums so activates upon application.
Another serum I’m excited to start using is this Brightening Youth Serum from MŪN. It has Prickly Pear Seed Oil, which has the super antioxidant Vitamin E in it. This serum is supposed to work wonders in smoothing wrinkles and repairing sun damage, as well lightening dark spots.
Product No. 3: Eye Cream
Eye cream is a must, day and night! It’s never too soon to start using eye creams, either. I’ve used several but right now I’m using the Kate Somerville Age Arrest Eye Cream. It works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as well as firm and tighten the delicate eye skin. When I was pregnant, and for the first few months with Augustine, I used the Tata Harper Restorative Eye Cream and the 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream. I was dead tired, all the time, but for some reason, I didn’t have any bags under my eyes. I can only think it was because of these eye creams. I mentioned the 100% Pure eye cream in this post about Natural Skincare Faves. It’s one of my mom’s favorite eye creams as well!
Product No. 4: Moisturizer
Last but not least, moisturizer! Moisturizing is a great final step. Right now I’m using this Korres Greek Yoghurt Smoothie Priming Moisturizer. It’s really lightweight and has Greek yogurt proteins that help plump and strengthen the skin. It’s a great primer for makeup too! Korres is one of my favorite skincare brands. I just finished their Black Pine Firming, Lifting & Antiwrinkle Day Cream that I loved! Another moisturizer go-to is this Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer. It’s fragrance-free which is nice too!
Have any of you used some of these products? I’d love to hear your favorites! I seriously geek out over beauty products so I’d love to add some of your tried and true faves to my list!
xox
