Hello! Today I’m going to tell you about my morning skincare routine. I love to read about other people’s skincare routines, just to see if I can learn something new or find a good reason to try out a product I’ve been considering.

ABOUT MY SKIN

I’m 38 years old, and my skin is normal to dry. I deal with large pores and some congestion in my forehead, nose, and chin, but my skin is rarely oily. My main goals for skincare during the day are protection and hydration. I don’t get botox or fillers.

Remember, everyone’s skin is different, and what works for me might not work for you!

As you try things out, be sure to listen to your skin and try new products slowly at first (especially more active ingredients like acids and vitamin C).

Reality check: you don’t need all of this to have a great skincare routine.

This is just an example of what I like to do and feel works for my skin. If you’d like a way more minimal option, try starting out with just sunscreen (my only true must for daytime skincare) and vitamin C (a very effective addition). Maybe a moisturizer if you’re really dry. You can always splash your face with water instead of cleansing in the morning. If you’re ready to step it up and try a routine with a few extra products, keep reading!

STEP ONE: CLEANSE

This super gentle milky cleanser from Maelove is my favorite for the mornings, when I don’t want to use anything too harsh. It feels so plush on my skin and never dries me out.

STEP TWO: TONE

Right now, I’m using Skin by Blair Tonic as my toner. For me, an acid toner once a day is perfect for keeping my pores clear, skin smooth, and making my skin just look overall better than it does without this step. This particular toner is super gentle – so gentle I can use it daily, even in the winter – but listening to your skin with acid products is key! If you notice peeling or if your skin feels overly tight or stings, dial back use and try every other or every third day.

STEP THREE: EYES

I have issues with undereye bags and dark circles even when I’m sleeping well, so I had to give this serum from Biologique Recherche a try. I’m going to tell you straight up: this serum is PRICEY. However, I only use 1-2 drops per eye, so I estimate this serum will last approximately forever. I apply it under and around each eye, taking my time to pat it in gently. It’s not an absolute miracle, but it’s the best thing I’ve tried so far to de-puff and wake up my eye area.

STEP FOUR: VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is a hugely popular and proven anti-aging ingredient in the skincare world, and it’s a great addition to your skincare routine! It protects skin from environmental stressors that accelerate aging and improves the appearance of fine lines and sun damage. Right now I’m using the gold standard vitamin C serum: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. This serum is also pricey, but after years of testing several other popular options, I had to give this one a try. So far, it’s really good, but I’ll have to reevaluate if it’s worth the cost once I’ve finished the whole bottle.  

STEP FIVE: EXTRA HYDRATION

Because my skin can be on the drier side, I like to add an extra layer of hydration before moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid serum helps plump up my skin and hydrates at a deeper level than regular moisturizer. I also like to use a mist to help spread the serum around and draw in extra moisture. First, I spray this mist from NIOD all over my face, then add 4-5 drops of this NIOD serum. 

STEP SIX: MOISTURIZER

My skin loves a rich cream, but sometimes it can be tricky to find one that’s super hydrating, yet also doesn’t sit on top of my skin or clog my pores. Right now, I’m using and loving Skin by Blair’s Creme de la Blair. It has a lot of ingredients my skin loves, like squalene, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.

STEP SEVEN: SUNSCREEN

Do y’all remember The Sunscreen Song? The beginning of that song pretty much sums up my advice: “Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.” Seriously, if you do nothing else on this list, wear sunscreen. Every day! Even if you’re not going outside much. It is the best way to protect skin from premature aging. There are so many great cosmetically elegant sunscreens that wear well under makeup (if that’s your thing) or look great on their own. You really have your choice when it comes to texture and finish. I prefer sunscreens that sink into my skin and don’t leave a greasy feeling. This one from La Roche Posay is my favorite! I use the regular and don’t find the white cast an issue, but I am very pale. If tinted sunscreens are more your thing, there’s also a tinted version.

OPTIONAL STEP: MASKING

Years ago, Kathleen Jennings influenced me to mask in the mornings. For me, it’s the ideal time to mask. At night, I just want to get through my routine and go to bed. Also, if I mask in the mornings, I get to have the benefit of post-mask skin all day. Here’s how I do it: after the toning step, but before everything else, I’ll put on a mask and then go about my usual morning routine of packing lunches, taking the dog outside, making coffee, etc. Later, I rinse it off and continue with the routine. Some of my favorites are this one from Biologique Recherche for brightening and evening and this one or this one from Peter Thomas Roth for soothing and plumping. I also like to use these reusable eye patches to help with puffy morning eyes!

And that’s everything I use in my morning routine! Hope you found it helpful!