Questions about what you need in a skincare routine? Listen up.
Skincare can sometimes seem like a daunting thing. So many brands. So many products. Where do you start?
As a self-professed skincare junkie with an entire cabinet full of products to work through, I thought I’d share some of the current staples I’m working through. I recently moved and with the majority of my skincare products boxed up, these were the handful of products I left aside to use in the meantime. While it may seem like a lot of products to have in your routine, each item serves a purpose to work with and protect your skin. Let’s get on into it!
CLEANSER
The main thing everyone needs to have is a good cleanser. My favorite happens to be the Milky Jelly Cleanser from Glossier. It’s a thick gel consistency that can easily be massaged over your face to break down dirt, oil, and makeup with ease. This one does not sud up when it comes in contact with water, but it does help emulsify a bit to easily wash away leaving your skin fresh and clean, but never stripped. This does a great job at removing makeup (face + eyes), although it can’t tackle waterproof eye makeup (unfortunately). This one can easily be used both morning and night and is a great all in one cleanser for all your needs.
TONER
After washing my face I always like to go in with a toner. I’ve been loving using the Thayer’s Rose Petal Witch Hazel w/ Aloe. I had seen this one round many blogs and Instagram accounts and when I came across it at Target, I knew I had to try it. As a natural astringent, witch hazel helps remove excess oil while also helping to reduce blemishes and fade acne scars. The best thing is that Thayer’s version of witch hazel is alcohol-free, which means your skin isn’t left as dry. It also includes aloe which helps sooth your skin. I’ve been using this day and night and the areas on my cheeks that tend to be red have been diminishing. These bottles are huge and a little goes a long way – this one is a great bang for your buck and is easily available at your local Target.
SERUM
For a little touch of added protection every morning I like to use the Kyrpis Antioxidant Dew. As you can tell by my nearly empty bottle, this stuff is good. It acts as a barrier for your skin and protects it from environmental aggressors and pollutants which are contributors to DNA damage and aging skin. This one is ideal to use right after toning in the morning and before you apply your moisturizer and sunscreen for the day. This is a lightweight consistency that almost instantly sinks into your skin upon application and is undetectable.
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MOISTURIZER
For those trying to keep their skincare minimal, finding a moisturizer that suits both day and night use is highly recommended. A fairly recent addition to my collection is the Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer which I adore using. Some of the key things this moisturizer looks to solve are dryness, redness, and dullness – all three which are things that I, along with many others, struggle with. Because this is a lightweight gel formula it’s easy for layering with other products and layering under makeup if you choose to use it. Personally, I hate the feeling of products sitting on my skin which is why growing up I never liked using moisturizers – on my face and on my body. I found using heavy creams very uncomfortable as it took forever for products to really sink into my skin. While I do reach for the occasional heavy cream now and then (particularly in the winter), I find gel moisturizers much more preferable. If you feel the same, you may want to look into gel moisturizers that will quickly sink into your skin for maximum hydration and little discomfort.
FACE OIL
For those looking for that extra bit of moisture, opting for oils can be a great option for nighttime use. One of my favorite and budget-friendly discoveries this year has to be The Ordinary, and of the bunch has to be the 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. Although this is an oil, it doesn’t feel overly oily or greasy on the skin. It’s recommended to use this after applying your toner and water-based moisturizers. This stuff sinks into your skin so easily and works its magic overnight. This pairs beautifully with the Biossance moisturizer and rose hip oils help brighten your skin, allowing you to wake up with glowing skin. Coming in just under $10 a bottle, it’s an affordable and easy addition to incorporate into your routine.
SUNSCREEN
One thing everyone needs to be in the habit of doing is using sunscreen every. Single. Day. There’s a whole thing about the argument of physical versus chemical sunscreens – those who have sensitive skin may need to do a bit more research on the type they prefer to use. Chemical sunscreens tend to be thinner in consistency and easily spread over your skin, and as mentioned above I love things that are lightweight on my skin. Particularly during warmer weather (or sunny California weather 75%+ of the year), I’m drawn to using chemical sunscreens as it’s not as heavy on my skin in the heat. I tend to be indoors most of the days as I work an 8-5 job so a heavy protecting sunscreen isn’t overly necessary for me. The Glossier Invisible Shield has been my favorite go-to one for a while. It has a light gel consistency and spreads easily and evenly over your skin. A lot of people tend not to like sunscreens due to the smell, and Emily Weiss (founder of Glossier) created Invisible Shield which doesn’t have that overly scented “scent.” It’s great for everyday use and for those who don’t really go outside, it helps protect you from harmful UV rays from your technology devices or sunlight coming through your car/office window.
And there you have it, a quick arsenal of go-to products that are perfect as a starter kit for anyone getting into skincare. If you’re like me and aren’t up for heavy products, going in with effective products in light consistencies can help a lot. Introducing products little at a time is also important as everyone’s skin is sensitive to a certain degree and nobody wants irritated or angry skin. Introducing new products one at a time is also a great way to learn if you’re allergic or sensitive to specific ingredients and will help you know what to avoid in the future.
