In the name of self care, the idea of skin care routines has skyrocketed in popularity. Some have 10-step routines, complete with serums and oils to perfect each concern. Others keep it simple, with two or three steps. Skincare threads with thousands of retweets fill the feeds of Twitter. Look up “skincare routine” on YouTube and you’ll find enough results to watch for the rest of your life.
It’s all amazing.
Personally, I love my skin care routine. I also love to talk about my skin care routine. If someone brings up skincare, I will excitedly inform others what products I use, when I use them, how often I use them and, as a bonus, I’ll even tell you what I’ve used in the past. In fact, you don’t even have to bring up skincare. I will gladly volunteer this information all on my own.
I’m constantly on the hunt for new, better products. For someone with no money, price is no object. Ulta is my safe haven and I make visits accordingly. Hell, I consider an Ulta trip absolutely necessary if someone even looked at me weird. That should be a good indication of how often I’m there when I’m actually stressed.
And, yes, I am an Ulta platinum rewards member.
I’m also a product junkie with slightly acne prone skin. Basically, I will try anything, as long as its promises sound nice enough. Will it leave me with the poreless, practically translucent, blemish-free skin of a newborn child/supermodel? Please, God, sign me up.
The thing I should mention is… my skin basically always looks the same. Sure, I have a random breakout here and there, but, for the most part, I’m sure no one can tell the difference. They certainly cannot determine if the $60 brightening serum I’ve been using makes me look like I have a subtle, candlelit glow, but from within.
So why do I religiously continue with my skincare routine every morning and night?
To me, it’s not just about the pricey bottles and tubes. At the start of a new day or the end of a rough night, my skin care routine is like a form of cheap therapy. Well, I guess it’s not the cheapest form of therapy but, it serves a purpose. Or two.
If skin care is self care, I don’t really need an excuse to continue my search for the next best thing. Hyaluronic acid, retinol, rose extract, aloe, vitamin C: give me it all. I will continue to purchase clay masks, mattifying toners, cleansing oils, night creams, and rejuvenating serums.
You can call me extra. You most definitely would not be wrong.
So, here’s to skincare threads of morning routines. I hope I never run out of YouTube videos to watch or interviews to read. I know Ulta will never have a shortage of new products to try and I will always be a customer ready to give them my money.
And hey, maybe one day I will choose to simplify my routine. But I know that probably won’t come anytime soon.