The Mysteries Of Skincare DEMYSTIFYING PRODUCTS FOR MOMS WHO HATE SHOPPING SINCE 1999
E N O . L O V
Dedication To my mom, who hates shopping and constantly asks me for recommendations so she doesn't have to put any thought into making a purchase. I attempted to create a less miserable shopping experience by limiting choices and using silly little names. That always works for toddlers, that is. I love you so much, mom. I hope you enjoy.
Table Of
Contents
Morning Routine..............................................4 Evening Routine...............................................6 Cleanser.............................................................8 Toner................................................................10 Moisturizer......................................................11 Masking............................................................12 Sunscreen........................................................13 Treatment........................................................14
R g o n i u n t r i n o e M
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Awaken your skin. Splash some cold water on your face, do a quick gentle facial massage with you fingers, use a cold facial roller, anything to get some blood moving to your face.
Wash face! (Maybe) With drier skin, this isn't necessary and may actually be harmful. But if your face overproduces oil and a morning cleanse keeps oils at bay, now's the time. (Washing twice a day could also be the reason you're overproducing oil, like washing your hair too much. I know it's like Sophie's choice, it might take some trial and error.) Morning toner or essense. Optional, but using a hydrating toner in the morning helps prep the skin for thicker skincare products and/or makeup. Serumssssss. (I use the word serum loosely.) Some serumesque products can't be layered at the same time – think Vitamin C and retinol. If you want to incorporate both in your routine, use one AM and one PM. Now's the time for Vitamin C. Moisturize! A light moisturizer or moisturizing serum is best in the AM. Nothing too thick – we don't want an inch thick layer of Vaseline on our face while chatting up the hot Trader Joe's employee later. Sunscreen time (I'm literally begging you). The most important product you can put on your face is sunscreen. The vast majority of skin damage is caused by the sun, so sunscreen is the best way to prevent aging. Use it like it's your religion.
In a rush?
Just complete steps 5 and 6. Making sure your skin is hydrated and protected is vital.
R g o n u i t n i e n v e E
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Oil cleanse! Use on dry face, directly on makeup. An oil cleanse helps break down sunscreen, makeup & other dirt that builds up throughout the day. Necessary even if you're not wearing makeup, it's the first step in a method called double cleansing.
Time for a water-based cleanser. After rinsing off your oil cleanser, this helps rid any excess oil and ensure the face is 100% clean. A good second cleanse won't strip away all hydration. If masking, do now. Always mask before you put on serum or moisturizer so you’re not washing those off when you remove the mask. Mask a couple times a week optimally to refresh your skin or give it the extra oomf its craving. Toner time! Toner helps to soften the skin and prep for other products. Some toners types can combat acne and reduce excess oil. Pat on with a soaked cotton pad. Welcome to serum city. Now is when to apply any serums or serum-like products. I'm talking vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, etc. Serums are great treatment products. Use ones that target aspects of your skin that need a little help. Dab in with fingers! Lock it all in with a nice thick moisturizer. The best thing you can do for your skin daily (besides sunscreen) is keep it well moisturized. Use a generous amount because it will soak in while you sleep. Like up-to-a-teaspoon kind of generous.
Too tired?
You can phone it in every once in a while and do only steps 1, 2, and 6. But sorry, double cleansing isn't optional.
The Holy Grail: This Step 2 cleanser is my personal go-to. Affordable, hydrating, effective. It cleanses well and won't strip away all hydration.
The Top Tier: This Step 1 cleanser is expensive, but it's amazing at melting away makeup and smells lovely. It's totally worth it (right?). That's what we'll tell ourselves.
The Drugstore Dime: A version of the other Step 1 cleanser – but it can found at target. A great alternative for fewer bucks.
The Double Duty: This Step 1 cleanser doesn't shine in makeup removel, but it redeems itself by evening skin tone while cleansing.
The Green Juice: Another top shelf choice, this Step 2 cleanser is packed with superfood ingredients. The skincare equivalent of spending double digits on a juice.
The MVP: This 2-in-1 Step 4 toner doubles as a moisturizer. During cold winter nights, it's a great base for a thicker night cream. For dewy summer days, it's perfect all on its own. The K-beauty Favorite: MISSHA is a Korean beauty cult brand, and this Step 4 essense helps to soften and hydrate the skin. K-beauty is always at least 2 steps ahead.
n e o r T
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The Witty Name: This moisturizer serum hybrid is a lovely lightweight Step 5 for your routine. Go day-to-night with this one, packed full of ingredients that work to protect your skin barrier.
The Beauty Mag Favorite: This Step 5 cream is a cult classic in the skincare world. It's a thick moisturizer (emphasis on thick) perfect for extra dry skin or layering on before bed. Double as hand cream, elbow cream, anywhere cream.
The Glow Magnet: This mask uses superfood ingredients like its cleanser counterpart to hydrate and clear the skin. Dullness-begone with Vitamin C and antioxidants.
The Godsend: If I were on a desert island and I could have 2 things, I'd choose this mask and my phone, in that order. Used regularly this clears and prevents even the most stubborn hormonal acne.
k i s n a g M & t o e r c P t i o n n u S The Dynamic Duo: These two sunscreens are your new best friends. The cream is a perfect Step 6 option – lightweight, hydrating, protecting, and no white cast. And you'll want to touch up every two hours (I know it sucks) with your spray.
Treatment The Smooth Operator: Physical exfoliation is so out. Opt for gentler chemical exfoliation like AHAs and BHAs. This liquid exfoliator can be used Step 4 and will help to minimize pores and smooth skin texture.
The Miracle Worker: Retinol can turn the clock back years if used with dedication. This Step 5 product is a non prescription version that packs a punch. Retinoids can be harsh on the face though, so read up about what yours can and cannot mix with.
The Breakfast Champion: Does that name even make sense? Vitamin C like in orange juice? I'm getting tired. Anyway – usually eye cream is a waste of money (opt for a thick face cream) but this Step 6 extra offers Vitamin C to brighten under eye circles.
The No Makeup Makeup: This color correcting treatment taps on skin after Step 6 in the morning. Green cancels out redness in the skin, and over time it evens tone overall. For those easy breezy beautiful days, you can skip foundation completely with this on!
Merry Christmas!
I hope you enjoy the gift of buying your own gifts. And the gift of clear skin, of course. Love you!