If you’re like me, you only recently started paying attention to your skin’s needs. I was never into skincare until wearing makeup became an integral part of my daily routine, and noticed that I was starting to breakout. It’s hard finding all the “right” products and building a custom skincare routine, but I’m going to break it down for you. Get your pencils out, because here come some of the basics, product recommendations, and “add-ons” if you’re extra like that.
1. Cleanser
First things first: a cleanser – pretty obvious right? Healthy skin means having clean skin, which is why cleanser is a crucial step in your skin care routine. There are different types of cleansers, and cleansing routines. As a makeup lover, I personally indulge in a “double cleanse”, where I use two different types of cleansers – one to remove makeup, and the other to remove dirt and oil. If you don’t really wear makeup on a daily basis, I suggest using a basic cleanser that compliments your skin type.
Recommendations:
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser
Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Cleanser
2. Toner
Okay, this step is life-changing, and totally underrated! Using a toner is essential to any skincare routine because it helps remove any last bit of dirt or oil on your skin, while simultaneously targeting specific skin concerns, such as acne and hyperpigmentation.
Recommendations:
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner
3. Eye Cream
Contrary to popular belief, eye cream is not exclusively for “old people”. Us college gals could definitely benefit from adding an eye cream to the daily routine. Stayed up late cramming for that test? Don’t worry, that eye cream will keep your dark circles in check! Sadly, our undereyes are one of the first places people start to notice wrinkles, but an eye cream can help prevent those wrinkles from forming in your youth – why not ~delay~ the inevitable?
Recommendations:
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
4. Moisturizer
Probably the second-best gift you can if your skin is the gift of moisturizing (cleansing is still number one on the clear skin wish-list). Even if you have oily skin you need to moisturize, it’ll prevent your skin from over-producing oil. With dry skin, it helps to soothe your skin. In most cases, using a moisturizer every day will help your skin to become balanced and help prevent breakouts. Your skin needs hydration and a moisturizer is essential for keeping your skin glowing and healthy.
Recommendations:
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Here are some add-ons you may want to consider investing in once you build a skincare routine with the essentials.
1. Essence
Essence is like a primer but in your skincare routine. Essences are a great way to boost the effectiveness of your skincare routine. Just like primer helps your makeup last, an essence helps the other products in your skincare routine perform their absolute best.
Recommendations:
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence
2. Treatments or Serums
If you have hyperpigmentation, super dry skin or constant breakouts, you may want to consider adding in a specified treatment or serum to target that issue. Serums are generally a more nutrient-dense product and are typically designed to target one area. For example, brightening serum is made to target hyperpigmentation or dull skin. Treatments also work similarly but tend to target acne-prone skin. Spot treatments for example, are designed to eliminate existing pimples and act as a preventative measure against new ones.
Recommendations:
Krave Beauty The Great Barrier Relief
Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic Serum
Bliss Glow and Hydrate Day Serum
3. Face Masks
Not only are these fun, but they can be super effective! Like serums or treatments, face masks can hyper-focus on a particular skin issue, like a hydration mask is used to add more moisture to the skin. There are various types of face masks and it’s up to you to decide what you’d like a face mask for, but they’re generally miracle workers.
Recommendations:
Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask
4. Facial oils
Facial oils can sound a little scary, especially to people with oily skin, but facial oils are the perfect end to your routine. They seal in moisture and most facial oils have other ingredients to add extra nourishment to your skin.
Recommendations: