My skincare routine is one of my favorite things to do every single day. Both my morning and evening routines are so relaxing and enjoyable and are something I make a priority every single day. I know I’m not a board certified dermatologist LOL but after doing this for so long I feel I have a good understanding of skincare and what products work best for my specific skin type (which is slightly dry and mature). While I follow many of the same steps and concepts in my skincare routine, I tend to switch things up each season to account for the change in weather. Occasionally I will switch out a few products here and there but for the most part this is my everyday routine. Especially in the summer, I like to focus on nourishing, hydrating, protecting and repairing. I also like to switch up a few of my moisturizers for more lightweight formulas. My skin is normal to slightly dry but in the summer I can get slightly shiny in my t-zone.
My summer skincare routine
Morning routine
My focus for my morning skincare routine is to protect my skin and prep it for wearing makeup. While I will switch out products here and there, there are two types of products I always have in my morning skincare routine. A vitamin c serum is a must for me because it contains antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental damage as well as sun damage. Another non-negotiable for me in the summer months (but also year round) is sunscreen to protect against UV rays. Sun exposure is fine but remember that sun damage can take many years to show in the skin. I have dark spots that didn’t show until my 30s but my dermatologist told me it was sun damage from my teens. YIKES! While it seems like my routine has many steps, it only takes me a few minutes to do the entire thing. If I have extra time, I will wait 2-3 minutes in between serums/moisturizers but most of the time I simply apply them one and after another.
Morning Skincare Routine
Morning Skincare Routine Step 1: Cleanse/Tone/Essences
OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser (discount code: MAREE15)
While cleansers can often be seen as an afterthought in a skincare routine, I believe that using great cleansers can really help to prep the skin well for the rest of the products you will be using (as well as keeping your skin clean). From the first time I tried this cleanser, I was instantly in love with how it made my skin feel (and featured it in this blog post on best facial cleansers for mature skin) . It’s a silky gel texture that foams up slightly but not enough to dry out the skin or less your skin feeling stripped and/or tight. The PREP facial cleanser helps to balance the skin and allow for better product absorption. There is prickly pear extract for a gentle exfoliation, arnica extract to help reduce inflammation and niacinamide which helps to condition the skin.
Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads
I was obsessed with the Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pads as a daily toner to give a boost of hydration to my skin after cleansing. I was about to repurchase them but saw these and decided to order them to compare. I’ve been using these every single day after cleansing and am IN LOVE with them! Even more than the Mediheal pads. They are a very different texture than what I am used to but absolutely love the jelly-like feel to them. They instantly plump and hydrate my skin and you can also leave them on for a few minutes as a mini sheet mask treatment. These will absolutely be a repurchase!
Curel Deep Moisture Mist
This is an intensely nourishing face mist that feels almost creamy once applied. The mist is perfect and super fine which I love.
TirTir Milk Skin Toner
I like to “skin flood” which is layering multiple toners one after the other to help boost hydration. I pour them into my hands and then pat into the skin. This is my favorite lightweight milky toner and really nourishes my skin and calms it almost instantly.
S. Nature Aqua Oasis Toner
While this is a relatively newer addition to my toning routine, I am IN LOVE with how plumping it is!
Numbuzin No. 3 Toner
This is the final toner that I will use (once again pouring it into my hands and pressing into the skin) and this targets tone and texture. It’s a bit thicker than the other two so I will use this last.
Morning Skincare Routine Step 2: Serums and Moisturizers
Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe
I will alternate between two different vitamin c serums each morning. The Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe is closer to a face oil texture so I will reach for this on the mornings that my skin may feel a bit drier. I’ve have been using this vitamin c serum for more than a year and love the formulation of it.
Educated Mess Golden Hour Serum (discount code: MAREE10)
This is a newer discovery for me but I instantly fell in love with how silky and smooth this vitamin c serum feels on the skin. It’s especially great for those who have any type of irritation to vitamin c or have sensitive skin.
OneSkin OS-01 Face Topical Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)
I have gone through a few bottles of this topical supplement already and love this lightweight moisturizer for daytime. It’s a great peptide treatment that addresses various signs of aging and wears really well under makeup.
Colleen Rothschild Sheer Renewal Cream
I have been using this oil-free moisturizer for nearly 10 years. It’s a lightweight gel-cream that helps to hydrate and smooth the skin so I prefer using as a daytime moisturizer. It wears beautifully under foundation and preps the skin so nicely. Even though it is oil-free and feels like nothing on the skin, I still find that it moisturizes deeply and keeps my skin hydrated all day long. I will alternate between this and the OneSkin Face Supplement.
Morning Skincare Routine Step 3: Eye Cream
L’Oreal Revitalift Under Eye Serum
I wanted to add a bit more hydration to my under eye area so I have been layering this hyaluronic acid serum underneath my daily eye cream. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t disrupt anything I layer on top of it. But it does give a really great boost of moisture to that area which has made a huge difference in how my eyes look and feel.
OneSkin OS-01 Eye Topical Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)
I will then apply this peptide eye cream over the serum and love how it preps the skin under my eyes perfectly for makeup and concealer. In addition to helping moisturize the delicate skin under the eyes, it will help firm sagging skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The eyes are always the first to show signs of aging so don’t skip the eye area!
Morning Skincare Routine Step 4: SPF
Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 (discount code: Maree)
This sunscreen has been a staple in my routine for many months now. For those with dry or mature skin types, this is truly one of the best sunscreen serums I have ever tried. It leaves your skin nourished, glowy, plump and supple. If you want to reapply sunscreen throughout the day (you definitely should) there is also a stick version of this which is so easy to carry with you!
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+
This is a new launch from Medik8 and has quickly become a regular presence in my morning skincare routine. The formula is lightweight but intensely nourishing and leaves my skin so dewy and fresh. If you have oily or combination skin, this may be a bit too emollient for you but those with dry or mature skin will LOVE it. It is also the perfect base to wear under makeup.
Evening routine
I have more time in the evening so I will often do a more extensive routine. I focus on more active ingredients such as resurfacing acids or retinols and try to repair/treat any issues while also nourishing my skin with a great moisturizer or face oil. Evening is also when I will use masks and/or skincare tools. Just know that you do NOT have to use this many products in your routine to treat your skin well. The most important steps of any skincare routine are proper cleansing, a good serum that targets your main concerns and a nourishing moisturizer suitable for your skin type (and of course SPF if it is morning).
Evening skincare routine step 1: Cleanse/Tone/Essence
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
I use a cleansing balm every single night because I find it is the most effective at removing makeup/sunscreen/dirt/etc. I have a ton that I love and use but right now I am using the Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm. It’s a stiffer texture than the Elemis but is still so creamy and breaks down makeup effortlessly.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
I’ve been using this cleansing balm for nearly 10 years and will never be without it. I will alternate between this Cleansing Balm and the Versed each night to remove my makeup. The Elemis one is really rich and nourishing and leaves my skin feeling so soft. No other cleansing balm leaves me skin AS soft as the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. I always apply my cleansing balms on a dry face with dry hands and then massage in to break down and remove all my makeup. I will then add water to emulsify the balm to a gentle milk and rinse.
Dieux Baptism Gel Cleanser
A gorgeous lightweight gel cleanser that leaves my skin feeling refreshed but not stripped. I will alternate between this and the Experiment Plasma Wash each night.
Experiment Beauty Plasma Wash
As someone who LOVES a unique texture especially when it comes to cleansers, the Experiment Plasma Face Wash is favorite of mine. It’s technically a gel cream but has a jelly-like feel to it. It is chock full of super nourishing ingredients to really support those with mature dry skin types. This formula uses glycerin depositing compounds that delivers moisture that remains on the skin even after you rinse. It doesn’t leave a film but it makes the skin feel intensely nourished and supple much like a serum or moisturizer would do. It’s quite a unique cleanser and one that is fantastic for those with dry mature skin.
YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads (discount code: MAREE-15)
I love these resurfacing peel pads and use them three times a week to give me a nice chemical exfoliation. I’m pretty picky about my exfoliating pads not being too strong or too gentle and this manages to be the perfect balance. It’s formulated with glycolic acid which helps to slough off those dead skin cells but also contains gluconalacotone which has anti-inflammatory properties. Even though it resurfaces, my skin still feels nicely hydrated afterwards instead of tight or irritated. I also LOVE the shape of them because they are a dual-textured pad with a pocket that you can fit your fingers into and easily swipe across the face.
Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads
If I am not using the YSE Beauty Exfoliating Pads then I will use these Collagen pads instead.
Curel Deep Moisture Mist
I always like to follow up my toning pads with a hydrating face mist and use this both morning and night.
TirTir Milk Skin Rice Toner
I use the same routine and technique with toners that I do during the day. Beginning with the TirTir Milk Skin toner poured into the hands and patted into the skin.
S. Nature Aqua Oasis Toner
Next I will use this hydrating toner and layer it on top of the TirTir.
Numbuzin No. 3 Toner
This is my final toner step and I will pay this into the skin.
Evening Skincare Routine Step 2: Eye Cream
L’Oreal Revitalift Under Eye Serum
My eye routine is the same morning and night. I first start with this hyaluronic acid serum.
OneSkin OS-01 Eye Topical Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)
After I apply the hyaluronic acid serum, I will pat this eye supplement on top.
Evening Skincare Routine Step 3: Serums
Dr. Diamond Instafacial Plasma
I cannot yet speak to the results of this because I just added it into my routine but have had many requests for a full review. This is a powerful growth factor serum that is designed to help firm and plump the skin. Since it is so thin, I will apply this first. Always apply your skincare products from thinnest to thickest. I apply this every single night.
Remedy Skincare Dark Spot Serum
This is currently my retinol serum that I apply on the nights that I am not using my YSE beauty exfoliating pads. I am about halfway through the bottle and while I like it, it isn’t strong enough for my skin. Once I finish this, I will more than likely go back to my Medik8 Crystal Retinal.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides
This is final serum I will use in my evening routine after I apply my retinol serum. On the nights I skip my retinol serum, I will simply go from the Dr. Diamond Instant Plasma serum to this and finish with my moisturizer. This has been a long time favorite peptide serum that both hydrates and plumps! If you want to combine both a hydrating formula with a targeted fine line treatment, this is a great choice.
Evening Skincare Routine Step 4: Moisturizer
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Face Cream
I still like to end each evening skincare routine with a rich moisturizer but this isn’t as thick as the ones I use in the winter. This moisturizer is a tad bit lighter in texture but still gives my skin a deep hydration. In addition to hydrating the skin, it helps to strengthen and support the skin barrier.
Dieux Instant Angel
I will alternate between the Medik8 Total Moisture and the Dieux Instant Angel as my final step. This is another great nourishing moisturizer that really helps to strengthen that skin barrier which is so important when you are using regular actives (acids, retinols, etc).
Face Masks
Face masks aren’t something that I use every single night but will use them when I feel my skin needs it. These are the few that I rotate between to treat all of my current concerns. I will normally apply a mask after I have finished cleansing and toning but before I apply my essences/serums/moisturizers.
Colleen Rothschild Clarifying Detox Mask
There is no warming effect with this clarifying mask but it still does wonders at cleaning out the pores. This is one of the only mud masks I can use that doesn’t strip my skin!
Clarins V-Facial Intensive Wrap
I call this mask the depuffing miracle. LOL It’s a huge cult classic and for good reason. I will typically use this mask when I feel very puffy or want a quick firming treatment before going somewhere.
BioDance Bio Collagen Masks
I only use face masks a few times a week but this one is a must have at least once. I will apply after all of my skincare is on and leave it on for 4-5 hours. Some people sleep in them but I prefer to wear it during the day. I usually apply it on the weekend and it does wonders at giving my skin a nourishing and plumping treatment.
Clarins Cryo-Flash Instant Lift Effect & Glow Boosting Mask
This mask is a combination of great results and a product that is enjoyable to use. It’s designed to tighten, firm and give the skin a glow which it definitely does. It’s also super cold and has a menthol/cooling sensation to it that I absolutely love. I use this as needed when my skin needs to look its best for a night out or special occasion.
Skincare tools
I use a few skincare tools in my routine and use them after I have cleansed and toned. The LED masks are my most used skincare tools because of how easy they are to incorporate into my routine and take little to no effort on my part. Just put them on, turn on the timer and they turn off after 10 minutes. So easy yet so effective! I use the Ziip once or twice a week if I want to add a sculpting/firming treatment. And after everything is done, I will use my LED growth helmet every night.
Currentbody LED Face Mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB) and Currentbody LED Chest/Neck Mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)
I use this mask 5-6x/week at night after I am done cleansing and toning. I will wear this for 10 minutes, remove it and continue with the rest of my skincare routine. LED masks in general target fine lines/wrinkles, improving overall clarity and brightness of the skin, boost circulation and stimulate cell renewal. I particularly like that this mask is flexible and molds easily to the face making it very comfortable to wear. And the light is set to a 10 minute timer each time so after 10 minutes the mask automatically shuts off. If there is one skincare tool I would recommend investing in, it is 100% this LED mask!
ZIIP Halo (discount code: MAREE)
I go in and out of using a microcurrent device for sculpting and firming the face because sometimes I am just lazy. Plain and simple. LOL The LED mask is so easy to use and requires little to no effort. However, I like the Ziip Halo in particular because the shape is much easier to hold and maneuver around the face. I’ve gone back to using this a few times a week and already notice how much more sculpted my jaw looks.
Currentbody LED Hair Growth Helmet (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)
I am already a fan of the Currentbody LED face masks and have found them to be incredible for helping my skin in so many ways. I was already using all of the other products in my routine regularly before I added this LED helmet to my process. While the other products I was using were instrumental in starting the hair growth, using the helmet sped up the process. It’s important to be consistent with it in order to see results so I use it 5-6x/week for 10 minutes. It is designed to thicken hair, increase hair density and increase hair growth rate. My hair growth was slow and steady until I added this LED helmet which really sped up the process.
Summer skincare tips
– Wear sunscreen every day (sunscreen in your makeup is NOT enough)
– Drink tons of water
– Wash your face every night regardless if you are wearing makeup or not.
– Use cool water to wash your face. If you hate cold water, use lukewarm water but never hot water. It will dry out your skin.
– Stay in the shade when possible
– Use a vitamin c serum in the morning
– Limit the use of exfoliating products or peels
– Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Not only your face but your entire body.
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