Finding my ideal routine has taken quite some time considering my skin is has a mind of its own. Over the years I have struggled with managing my combination and acne prone skin. However, I can confidently say that I have found a routine that works extremely well for me.
Step 1: Cleansing Balm
Just going to be honest here… makeup wipes suck. They never completely remove your makeup and leave your face burning and red (maybe that’s just me). To remove my makeup, I use a cleansing balm from Clinique. I LOVE this stuff because it completely removes all your makeup (even waterproof mascara) and feels really smooth on your face. My favorite thing about this product is how long it lasts. I think my last tin lasted me over 10 months which is extremely impressive considering I used it almost every day.
Step 2: Foaming Cleanser
I am always trying out new cleansers. I have tried countless ones from Drunk Elephant, Fresh, Clinque, L’Occitane, etc. However, the foaming cleanser from La Roche-Posay is my all-time favorite. This product has really helped clean my skin without over drying it or causing it to be too oily. I also love how foamy (not sure if that is a word lol) it gets because it feels like I am actually cleaning my face.
Step 3: Toner
Since my skin is more on the oily side, I use an oil control toner. This particular toner is from Ole Henriksen which is an overall amazing brand. My favorite thing about this product is the eucalyptus smell. This definitely gives me all the spa vibes when I use it (haha).
Step 4: Vitamin C Serum (in the AM only)
Unfortunately, I just ran out of my serum so I do not have it pictured below. However, the product I use is Ole Henriksen Truth Serum. First off, this product smells so fresh and amazing. Secondly, this product has performed wonders on my skin, helping to brighten my complexion and clear some of my acne scars. Typically, I apply this product with a cold jade roller in the morning. . I really do not know if jade rollers do anything, but it feels good so I just roll with it (hahahaha).
https://www.sephora.com/product/truth-serum-P42343?icid2=products%20grid:p42343:product
Step 5: Eye Cream
Honestly, I have not found an eye cream that I absolutely love yet. I have been using this product for quite awhile now and it works pretty well. It definitely helps with dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.
Step 6: Exfoliating Serum (PM only)
This serum is AMAZING. I started using the Herbivore Prism Serum in December and it has really helped clear and reduce the reduce redness in my skin. Personally, I prefer using chemical exfoliants over physical exfoliants because they are less abrasive and work deeper into your skin. Also, the packaging on this product is so aesthetically pleasing. Not going to lie, I am very tempted to purchase another one of Herbivore’s products not just because they are amazing products but because they are very pretty (lol).
Step 7: Moisturizer
Similar to cleansers, I have tried out SO MANY moisturizers. However, the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has proven itself to be worthy of my favorite product. This moisturizer is perfect for combination skin because it really moistens your skin but does so without making your skin too oily. Also, it is extremely light on the skin and doesn’t feel like you just applied thick lotion to your skin. My favorite thing about this product is how glowy it makes your skin. Who needs highlighter when you got moisturizer? 😉
Step 8: SPF (AM only… obviously)
Sunscreen is always necessary… period. I love this product because it’s extremely light on the skin and makes your skin glow. Also, unlike most sunscreens, this product does not cause breakouts. Regardless if it is the middle of winter or the peak of summer, I am always wearing an SPF under my makeup. SPFs are essential for preventing sun damage and aging. I don’t know about you, but I want to prevent wrinkles as long as possible. Therefore, if you’re anything like me… wear your sunscreen!!!
Thanks for reading!
-Aria 🙂
