In shocking news, I've actually been able to stick to a relatively concrete skincare routine for the past few weeks now. Even more surprising, I've actually been using mostly the same products in the morning and at night. My skin has been responding extremely well to a more predictable and simplified routine - I still am getting my usual hormonal breakouts, but at least I know for sure that's what they are. This year I'm setting myself the goal to simplify my collection and routines in general. I love having lots of choices, but as I run out of room to store things, I'm realizing that maybe I don't really need all the choices of products that I have.
Morning and night, I'm still using my favorite cleanser of all time, the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, as the first step of my routine. It's usually enough to take off my makeup at night, but if I'm wearing lots of eyeliner or waterproof products I'll use a cleansing balm instead. At night I like to do a second cleanse, and for that I've been using the Su:m 37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick. I mentioned this in my Korean Beauty Haul last week and it's quickly become a favorite. It leaves the skin feeling super clean but not stripped or squeaky whatsoever. It's got a low pH, so it won't disrupt the skin's acid mantle.
Once my skin is cleansed, I pat in a few drops of the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner.* It's got a slightly viscous texture, but it sinks in immediately and really helps kick up hydration levels a notch. After the toner, I splash on the Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence - I'm utterly obsessed with this stuff. I'm not sure I see a visible difference in my skin since using it morning and night, but I can definitely feel that something's different. My skin feels smoother and more plump, and I think it's making my pores look smaller slowly but surely. There will definitely be a repurchase on the cards.
Serum is where I mix it up a little depending on how my skin is feeling. Most nights I use the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum, as my skin can always do with a little hydrating and a little soothing. It's just a clear gel that sinks in quite quickly and really does make my skin feel a lot calmer. If I've got any spots, I concentrate a bit of the Glossier Super Pure Serum* on them to really kickstart the healing process. My go-to serum cocktail in the morning is mixing a few drops of Glossier's Super Glow and Super Bounce Serums.* The duo energizes, brightens, and hydrates my skin to get me ready for the day (and makeup application).
I usually forget about eye cream, but when I do remember I go for my trusty Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado morning and night. My dark circles seem to be caused by dehydration, because this really seems to help. If I wake up with puffy or sore eyes I'll use the Pixi 24K Eye Elixir* because the metal rollerball is super cooling and helps diffuse the situation.
For moisturizer, I just can't stop using my Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream. It's so moisturizing and rich, but since it's whipped, it doesn't feel too heavy on the skin. This is pricey, but I think it's definitely worth it. It keeps my skin from drying out during the day, which is no easy feat in the humidity-controlled lab I work in. At night, to seal everything in while I sleep, I like applying a few drops of the Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil. The oil and cream are just a match made in heaven, and I always wake up with the most nourished skin.
What skincare products have earned a place in your routines?
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*Products mentioned have been sent to me for consideration, but all opinions are my own. Please see my disclaimer for more information.