A simple skincare routine, brought to you by a 26 year-old woman with a combination skin type.
PAUSE. What is a Combination skin type?
“Combination skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Many people have this type. Combination skin can have: Pores that look larger than normal because they’re more open.” *According to WebMD
When starting your skincare journey it is important to know what skin type you are to better tailor your products in your routine. For example, if you have dry skin you are going to want to stay away from foaming products as they usually leave dry skin feeling even dryer afterwords. A gel cleanser is much better suited for dry skin types!
I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to do your research! I can tell you what has worked for me (through my own trial and error) but what has worked wonders for me may not for you. I love staying educated on skincare through Susan Yara’s Youtube Channel, Mixed Makeup. She is very informative on product ingredients and good skincare habits. 10/10 recommend checking her out as I am no expert by any means!
Now that my disclaimer is out of the way I can finally get to the point and share the products I (try to) use on a daily basis! I like to keep my skincare routine to a minimum! The less products I have to remember to use the better. No 15-step skincare routine here. These products work well for me and I enjoy the experience so that’s good enough for me!
Click here to watch me go through my morning simple skincare routine!
Morning Simple Skincare Routine
- Bioderma Micellar Water: I use this in the mornings instead of going in with a cleanser because since I wash my face off at night I don’t have much on my face in the mornings when I wake up. Micellar water just helps my skin start the day with a fresh base. I really like this one in particular because I have a sensitive eye area and for some reason, the Garnier version would irritate my eyes a little but the Bioderma one doesn’t!
- Ole Henrikson Oil Control Toner: I am on my 3rd bottle of this stuff! IT. IS. GOOD. I concentrate this all over my T-zone and on any existing breakouts I have. This toner will visibly start to diminish the appearance of existing breakouts, as well as prevent new ones from forming! I stopped using it for a few weeks because I ran out and my skin noticeably missed it.
- Ole Henrikson Truth Serum (Vitamin C Serum): I currently do not have this on hand, I’ve been trying to reorder and it is out of stock. I love the glow this leaves on my skin. My husband even noticed how much brighter my skin looked without me having to ask! It does have a slight citrus scent but nothing overwhelming that my nose or my skin can’t handle.
- Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream: I see this as more of a nice to have but def don’t have to have! I do notice it keeps my under eye area moisturized and wears well underneath makeup. The formula is pretty lightweight and not greasy at all!
- Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream: This is my favorite, favorite moisturizer I have tried so far!! The consistency is nice and rich, which makes me feel rich and luxurious when putting it on. Leaves my skin instantly moisturized. It also has great anti-aging ingredients built right in, which is something I have started to think about as a 26-year-old (cue sad violin music). It is a bit on the pricier side so I used to use the Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream. The Hydrogel cream was great but it only focuses on moisturizing and doesn’t have any extras, so if you’re only looking for a product that moisturizes your skin get the Honest Beauty one!
- E.L.F. Lip Scrub & Burt’s Bee’s Intensive Lip Treatment: I use both of these because my lips are always dry and chapped. I don’t do the lip scrub as much as I should but it is a lifesaver right before applying any lipstick! I will use the Lip Treatment before bed or during a no-makeup day.
That’s it! You made it! That’s all I do in the morning’s and something about completing even this simple skincare routine makes me feel like my day is always starting in the right direction. Kind of like making your bed every morning!
Night Simple Skincare Routine
My night routine consists of mostly the same products with the exception of one or two that I switch out. At night, if I’ve worn makeup through the day my skincare routine becomes more complicated by 2 steps: Double-cleansing.
Double-cleansing just means that you’re literally washing your face twice. First with a makeup removing oil and second with a gel cleanser. This is done to make sure we get all the makeup possible off the skin.
- Dermalogica Precleanse Balm: I will say, this does an incredible job of ridding my skin of all the makeup I put on it. The consistency is a thick balm that you rub between your fingers to turn it into more of an oil. Just because of the thick consistency, it’s not my favorite but it does definitely work! Next time, I’ll just opt more for an oil cleanser instead.
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser: Love this stuff. Simple & gets the job done. Great gentle gel cleanser that won’t leave your skin dry! 10/10.
- Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: Despite it saying “daily” I will use this maybe 2 times a week to exfoliate. It truly leaves my skin baby soft! Definitely my favorite gentle exfoliator I have ever used.
- Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask: I will do this maybe once a week, but when I do my skin feels so refreshed, and anything that helps diminish pores I will take! It is a bit invigorating so if you have sensitive skin this may not be the best.
- Ole Henrikson Glow2OH Toner: I will use this at night in place of the oil control toner since you can’t go out into the sun after having it on. This is great when trying to get rid of any dark spots you may have on your skin. This is something new I’ve been trying but so far so good!
That is it ladies & gents! I use the same eye cream and moisturizer for morning and night. Overall, having this routine has helped me appreciate my skin more. I have learned through some trial & error what works for my skin and more importantly, what it needs from me.
