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Not to brag, but my mother (and random strangers on the street) have said how buttery my skin looks. Maybe it’s in my genes. Maybe it’s Black Girl Magic (it is), but the fact of the matter is I didn’t have the best day time skincare routine — or a general skincare routine for that matter.
It’s surprising even to me how long I’ve been writing about beauty products for other publications. But I never really talk about how I view skincare and its results. Over the years working as a beauty and shopping writer, I’ve gained some knowledge for myself about what it means to have a day time skincare routine. And I realize my old day time skincare routine was way too long.
To be honest, I think we make skincare more difficult than it needs to be. I still recommend seeing an esthetician or a dermatologist. That note still stands. But I seriously think we all overindulge in skincare. However, how do you ever know which products are working/a dub in your actual routine?
As a normal to dry skincare queen, my skin experiences things like acne here and there (which have historically left dark spots) as well as dryness and a tad bit of oil in my T-zone. With that being said, my skin isn’t that sensitive, but if I’m not consistent with the stuff that I’m using — or overuse retinol — it’s a different story.
The babies to follow are the ones I’ve settled on for the last month and a half. Some of them are pricy, but throughout my career writing about beauty, I’ve tried to state true to more budget-friendly skincare. However, I don’t blame you for snagging up at least one pricy skincare goodie.
Peep it here: La Roch-Posay Toleraine Purifying Foaming Cleanser 13.5 FL. OZ, $14.99
I love this cleanser because a) you get like 13 Fluid oz and b) it’s $15. But more than that, it’s a foaming cleanser that doesn’t strip my skin. This cleanser is great for normal to oily skin and features ingredients like niacinamide (great for hyperpigmentation) as well as ceramides, or fatty lipids that help retain moisture. Plus, it’s fragrance-free. Also, anytime I switch back to this cleanser after fucking up my skin in some way, this brings my face somewhat back to normal.
Peep it here: Primera Miracle Seed Essence, $58
Remember when I just said you should snag up at least one high-end skincare product? Well, this one is mine. Yes, $60 — taxes, boo — is a lot of money for an essence, but this is one of the most soothing skincare products to grace my skin. Primera’s Miracle Seed Essence is what I use after cleansing to give my skin a refresh. I’ll use this in replacement of my toner (we’re trying to conserve here) on those days where my skin is sensitive to literally everything or it’s severely dehydrated.
but there’s the more budget-friendly alternative
Peep it here: Thayer’s Skin Toner & Mists – Unscented, $10.95
People have had a lot to say about the witch hazel found in this toner from Thayers. I find that it doesn’t bother my skin. Is it the most hydrating toner I’ve used? No. But I like it because in using this toner it helps prep my other skincare products to lay on easier without balling up underneath my makeup.
Peep it here: Cera Ve Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, $22.49
I wrote an entire story about this serum and I guess I convinced myself to buy it. And I love it how its brightened my skin. Plus, I find a lot of vitimin C products that can dry out the skin, but the hyaluronic acid in it gives it a nourishing touch.
Peep it here: Cera Ve Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum (2-pack), $33.98
I know there’s already hyaluronic acid in the vitamin C, but since I don’t use it everyday, I’ll just opt for Cera Ve’s Hyaluronic Acid serum alone after toner. It goes on like a gel-cream and helps soothe the skin.
Peep it here: Loops Beauty Sunrise Service Mask, $30
I actually am a huge fan of face masks — but these may be some of the best. For 20 minutes, I throw on one of these Sunrise masks (literally all of them just melt the serum into the skin) and chill.
Peep it here: Resting Beach Face SPF30 Non-Toxic Face Sunscreen Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, $24
What? You thought I wasn’t going to have an SPF? Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for more SPF gems that can compete with the beloved Black Girl Sunscreen. This one has been from Everyday-Humans is a BOP. I lather on the right amount (two fingers-worth) for sun protection and this Resting Beach Face Serum Sunscreen rubs in seamlessly. It doesn’t clog the pores. Plus, it even leaves you with a subtle glow to your skin.
Whew! I know that was a lot, but this is skin we’re talmbout. What do you think of these products recs? Would you try them? Have you tried them? What are your skin concerns, anyway? Drop them comments below!
