As I’ve gotten older, I love spending a little more time on my skincare routine and and a little less time on makeup. I love to invest in skincare because it feels like self-care and can be a relaxing moment at the beginning and end of the day. When I was younger I loved to try new brands but these days I’ve found my tried-and-trues and I mostly experiment with new products within those lines (with the odd exception for things I can’t pass up trying). My skin can be a bit sensitive but I’ve found brands that don’t bother it and so I can try new products without much concern.
The Tried and True Brands
Biossance
I first found Biossance a couple of years ago and have been hooked ever since. They had a multi-step kit for sale at Sephora so I tried a large part of the line at once (which I would rarely do) and after about a week of twice daily use my skin felt healthier and more vibrant than it had in ages. At this point, I’ve tried most of their products and found my favourites that I always stock up on.
Merit
I’ve never been loyal to any cosmetics brand and usually just hopped around from one product to the next, with a few favourites. But I have now changed my tune. Merit’s products are all simple, effective, and chic. I love the quality and their whole brand feeling. At this point, about 90% of my makeup routine is Merit.
Nécessaire
Having well-designed products in my routine just makes me happier and so I love to hunt down those items that are both pretty and effective. My collection of Nécessaire is still small (I use their body lotion and deodorant and am planning to purchase their body wash) but it checks both these boxes so I’m sure it will grow.
My Daily Routine
Morning
As soon as I wake up, while the kettle boils, I take my daily Seed dose and drink a big glass of water. I then drink a cup of earl grey tea with oat milk and do my Morning Pages (or honestly scroll Instagram if I’ve fallen off the emotional self care wagon). Once I’ve finished all of this, I splash my face with water and apply Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum. I’ve been using it for about a year consistently and I love the texture and I think it keeps the fine lines at bay. I’ve considered trying true Retinol but I’m a little apprehensive because my skin can be sensitive, so for now, I love this alternative. Next I apply the Squalane + Omega Repair Cream. At other times of the year I use the Probiotic Gel Moisturizer in the morning but in the winter I need some more intense moisture. I then apply the Marine Algae Eye Cream. These products all feel great layered together, never greasy, and just make my skin feel really comfortable and happy. I apply Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (the weightless texture is incredible) as a final skincare step and then apply the Nécessaire Body Lotion (and reapply on my hands throughout the day).
For makeup, I use Merit Perfecting Complexion Stick, Volumizing Pomade, Lengthening Mascara, and Flush Balm in Cheeky. Some days I use RMS Living Luminizer if I feel like something extra (aka if I have a project presentation or a date night) and Kosas Lipfuel in Pulse. Oh, and I apply any number of lip chap options I have floating around in my bag, studio, and nightstand constantly throughout the day.
Evening
After my evening shower and cleansing with Fresh Soy Makeup Removing Facewash, I apply Nécessaire Body Lotion and Squalane + Omega Repair Cream. A couple times a week I use the Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum before face cream and once a week (after Sunday bath night) I do the Glycolic Renewal Mask. I used to exfoliate more (and use a washcloth) but I had a facial acupuncturist and a facialist who told me I was overdoing the exfoliating so now I do mostly chemical and less frequently. The Glycolic Renewal Mask is my newest addition and it’s really lovely and effective. After all of that I apply the Marine Algae Eye Cream again.
And that’s the day! I’m generally obsessed with skincare and love to read about other people’s routines. Share yours if you’re into it, too!
