Current Skincare Faves

​It's hard not to feel overwhelmed by skincare. Which is why sometimes it's best to keep your arsenal streamlined yet powerful. Here's my current routine and must-have products.

Between having a crazy hectic start to the new year and getting sick, I found myself crawling into bed at night with no desire or energy to take care of my skin.

And while that's totally understandable when you're sick and your world feels up-side-down with general life stuff, I'd be leaving out an important confession: I overcomplicate things.

I tend to be at one extreme or the other - all or nothing- and more often than not that type of mentality sets me up for failure. 

Exercise, filming YouTube videos, eating healthy... you name it. I psych myself out and create an expectation list 20 miles long and wonder why everything overwhelms me.

It's something I'm working on in all facets of my life.

So, I realized it was time to drastically scale back my skincare routine to something that's effective and attainable on the days I'm feeling less-than-stellar.

The reality is you don't need a 10-step skincare routine. And you probably don't have time for it either.

Here are my current faves, in the order you should use them, with some helpful tips sprinkled in. You can also skip to the end if you'd rather watch the video!

 1) Wash with an oil cleanser.
Click here to shop my favorite Tata Harper oil cleanser.

Oil cleansing is life. Nothing cleans your skin as well as an oil cleanser, because it really takes off ALL your makeup. (Yes, even the most waterproof eyeliner and mascara.) 

The higher grade oil cleansers can be on the pricer side (this one is a whopping $72). So I found this article really helpful when researching how to make my own, which I'll probably do when this one runs out. (Juice Beauty also makes a good one that won't break the bank at $32.) 

Tata Harper - Nourishing Oil Cleanser - 125ml, $72

TIPS FOR OIL CLEANSING

• Always apply with dry hands and dry face. Oil and water don't mix, so if you try to get your hands or face wet first you won't be able to get a good clean and you'll end up feeling like an oil slick.
• ​When you're ready to rinse your face, make sure you use a warm, damp washcloth to scrub every nook and cranny. Washcloths are a wonderful mild exfoliant, it'll help get the blood circulating, and most importantly it'll remove all the oil and debris.
• If you wear a lot of makeup or have acne prone skin, consider following up your oil cleansing with a treated cleanser like the Osea Ocean Cleansing Mud. This method is known as double cleansing and ensures a really deep clean.

2) Tone.
Click here to shop my favorite Pixi glycolic toner.

To tone or not to tone - that is the question. And really it just depends on if your skin needs it or not.

If my skin is acting up (acne or patchy texture) I love using this toner because of the glycolic treatment. Glycolic acid is a great chemical exfoliant that helps with fine lines, acne, blackheads, dullness, oiliness and uneven texture.

If you're on the dryer side, you may want to opt for a facial mist instead. I really love the Kani Rose Hydration mist.

Pixi - Glow Tonic - 500ml, $49 - 250ml, $29 - 100ml, $15

TIPS FOR TONING

• Instead of using a cotton pad, try using washable/reusable facial pads like these cute ones from Marley's Monsters. (Hello super adorable, eco-friendly, budget conscious options.)
• Check your facial pad after you give your face a good sweep with your toner. Do you notice any gunk on your pad? If so, it means you aren't washing your face well enough and might want to consider the double cleansing method explained above.
• If you're using a facial mist instead of a toner, no need to sweep with a cotton pad. Just spritz on and let dry.

3) Exfoliate/Mask. 
Click here to shop my favorite dual action scrub/mask by Kani.

Now that your skin is squeaky clean, your pores are open and whatever you put on next is ready to do some heavy lifting. 

I love this Kani Petal Polish because aside from smelling amazing, it always leaves my skin smooth and radiant and it's mild enough to use every day if I need it. It's hands down one of my holy grail skin products. I will also leave it on as a mask for extra cleansing power - 20mins if I have the time. 

Kani - Petal Polish - 4oz, $28

TIPS FOR EXFOLIATION 

• Keep in mind there are two types of exfoliants - physical and chemical. If you are currently broken out, stay away from using a physical exfoliant since it will likely burst any sores and spread the bacteria. Use a chemical exfoliant (like the Pixi glow tonic) until your skin clears up.
• Stay away from physical exfoliants that have broken up nuts or seeds in them - it's too abrasive on the skin and will cause minor tears because of the jagged edges. (I'm looking at you St. Ives.) 

4) Serum/Treatments.
Click here to shop my favorite brightening serum by Acure.

Since serums or treatments work from the inside out, you want to apply these when your skin is at it's absolute cleanest. 

I love this serum because it's thick and hydrating but my skin drinks it right up - there's no oily residue. 

Depending on how much moisture you need, you can use it morning and night or just stick to using it at night. 

Acure - Brilliantly Brightening Glowing Serum - 1oz, $20

TIPS FOR USING SERUMS/TREATMENTS 

• Make sure you apply on freshly cleaned skin.
• Remember to rub any excess product onto the backs of your hands since  unprotected exposure to the sun can speed up signs of aging. Might as well make the most of your product!

5) Moisturize. 
Click here to shop my favorite moisturizer by Acure.

Last and final step is to apply your moisturizer. This will help seal in everything you've done from steps 2-4.

I personally love the cloud cream because it has a whipped texture and my skin feels so silky smooth after I use it. It really does feel like you're applying a cloud. There's no SPF in this one so I can use it morning and night. 

Acure - Cloud Cream - 1.7oz, $19

TIPS FOR MOISTURIZING 

• Everyone needs a moisturizer - even people with oily skin! In fact, using too many drying, acne-fighting products can sometimes be the cause of oily skin or breakouts. How's that you might ask? If skin thinks it's too dry it will go into overdrive to produce the oil it thinks it needs. So don't skimp on the moisture!
• If you want one moisturizer you can use both day and night, consider buying sunscreen to apply on top of your moisturizer for the day time, or use a foundation/tined moisturizer with built in SPF.

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