Morning Skincare Routine

As much as I love makeup, there is really no point in trying to perfect a full face of makeup when you aren’t taking care of and prepping your skin properly. I’ve tried quite a few different products in each category and what I’m using now, I’ve been using for a few months. The products are all really great and all work really well together. They also work really well under makeup. There are some moisturizers that I have, and love, but prefer to use when I’m not planning to put any makeup over them, or use them at night.

For reference I’ve got really dry skin from head to toe, so I’m looking for serious moisture in my skincare routine!

First, I start with a clean face. I use one of two cleansers that I keep in my shower and on my bathroom counter. For years, I’ve used the Philosophy Purity cleanser. It literally removes every trace of everything that is on my face. So, typically I’ll use this when I’m washing my face at night. However, its not overly drying, so I use it some mornings as well. Another great face wash that I’ve been loving lately is the Tula Purifying Facial Cleanser. I see people raving about Tula all the time, so I finally decided to try some of the line. I love this face cleanser. It smells so good. A little bit goes a long way, too! This is also a great face wash for the end of the day as well. It does a great job removing everything, without stripping my skin of moisture.

If I’m going to exfoliate in the morning I prefer to use this Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash. I don’t exfoliate every morning, or even every day for that matter, but this is what I use if I feel the need. It’s a very fine exfoliator and leaves my skin feeling super clean.

I just recently began using this Tula Pro-Glycolic Resurfacing Gel. So far I’m really happy with it. I definitely feel like I’ve noticed a difference in the texture of my skin. You apply this to a cotton pad and apply it to your face after cleansing. It has no alcohol which is a huge ingredient in so many toners. I don’t like to use toners that contain alcohol because I can feel it instantly drying my skin. Of course, I follow with moisturizer, but why would I want to rub alcohol on my face? This stuff is great and I feel good about using it!

I recently purchased a Tan-Luxe set that came with their Tanning Drops you mix with lotion (I’ll talk about those in another post) and a facial serum. I’ve been adding a couple of drops of this to my normal serum and it’s giving my face just the lightest hint of color. I definitely recommend it! I’ve only found them on HSN, so I’m guessing that it’s an exclusive item. They are normal priced at $49, but you can get the set of the Serum and tanning drops for $45. It’s a pretty great deal.

My everyday serum is actually a pretty affordable product from Avon. I’ve been using it for a while now and it seems to work well for me. This is where I mix in the drops of the Super Serum. It’s called the ANEW HydraFusion Replenishing Serum. They retail for $40 but right now you can get two for $35. If you need an Avon representative, let me know. I’ll get you in touch with one!

I follow my Serum with my moisturizer and there are two I’ve been loving lately. I either use the Clinique Moisture Surge, or the Tula Hydrating Day and Night Cream. Honestly there really isn’t one that I prefer over the other. I really like both of them. I have really dry skin, so I actually add a couple of drops of oil to either of them and I’ve got no complaints. They are both extremely hydrating and the hydration lasts. I’ve used some facial moisturizers that feel really good at first application, but then by mid-day I feel like I need more. These do not disappoint. They both also work really well under all of my foundations. I honestly just use whichever one I feel like using that particular day!

As I mentioned above, I have seriously dry skin. I can thank my kids for that because my pre-pregnancy skin was super oily. The minute I got pregnant with S, I swear my skin turned into the Sahara Desert and never looked back. Because my skin is so dry, I like to mix oil into my routine as well. I’ve been LOVING this Sunday Riley CEO Glow! It has made a huge difference in my skin. Sunday Riley products are pricey, but SO worth it, in my opinion! I just mix 3 or 4 drops with my moisturizer every day and I LOVE it!

Can’t forget eye cream! The skin around your eyes is so delicate and starts to show wrinkles before anything else! I’ve been really loving this BeautyCounter Nourishing Eye Cream. In fact, I’m almost out! It’s so lightweight and well, nourishing. Haha. I’ve really been liking it, along with all of the other BeautyCounter products I’ve tried. They’re a great brand, and I’m planning to try more when I’m in need of other products!

I also apply some type of lip balm at some point while I’m getting ready. If my lips are dry, I will lick them and get dry skin and I have a horrendous habit of picking at them. One of the best products I’ve found is the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I know it’s called a sleeping mask, and I do wear it every night to bed, but it’s also a great lip balm throughout the day as well. I’m telling you, this stuff lasts forever. I have a sample size that is .1 oz and I’ve been using it almost every single night since October. Yes, I said October. So don’t be afraid of that price tag of $20 because you’re probably going to be using this for he next decade. I’m kidding. You shouldn’t keep any product for a decade. But you get what I’m saying here.

The very last thing I do no matter what I’m doing, a full face of makeup or no makeup at all, is apply some SPF! I am such a freak about SPF for both myself and my family. Skin protection is so important. I’ve been LOVING this Unseen Sunscreen from SuperGoop! If I’m wearing makeup I use this along with my other primers and have absolutely no issues. It’s seriously good stuff! * The only time I don’t use this is when I’m using my It Cosmetics CC Cream, because it has SPF in it already. *

I know that this might seem excessive to some people, but it is a routine that works for me and my skin type. Some of these prodcuts are also a little bit pricey, but I genuinely believe that there are some things that are worth a higher price tag. When it comes to my skin, I’ll pay more if I believe that something is truly worth it.

One last thing that I use when I’m feeling extra tired, is this Tula Glow and Get It Eye Balm. Its cooling, so refreshing, and practically erases my undereye darkness. The cooling lasts too. So the entire time I’m getting ready, my eyes feel so good!

I feel like it’s only fair to share a makeup free selfie with you guys, since I’m talking all about my favorite skincare!

What are some skincare products that you’re loving? I’m always looking to try new things and would love to hear some of your recommendations! Let’s chat!