Ever looked at the shelves of skincare products in your bathroom and wondered, “Am I doing this right?”
I was like that too, once upon a time! Especially with the saturated market and new products popping up every week, it can be overwhelming.
After tons of research and trial and error, I’ve finally perfected my skincare routine. Today, I’m excited to share it with you so you can easily create a routine that’ll have your skin glowing!
Let’s get started, shall we?
Day-time Routine
Step 1: Start with a Face Wash
The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. Your face is like a canvas—you need a clean slate before applying anything else. A gentle face wash removes dirt, oil, and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day or night.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: For those with sensitive skin (or any skin, really), try the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. It’s packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help restore the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Step 2: Tone It Up
Toners might seem like an extra step, but they’re the missing piece that can really make a difference in your routine.
A good toner helps balance your skin’s pH and preps it to absorb the next products better. It’s also great for removing any lingering traces of makeup or cleanser.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: If you’re looking for something gentle, the Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner is a great choice. It’s formulated with panthenol and madecassoside, which help to soothe and strengthen the skin barrier, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Plus, it’s alcohol-free, so your skin stays hydrated and calm.
Step 3: Add an Essence
Essences often don’t get the credit they deserve. They’re lightweight and packed with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients. Essences are like a prep step that helps your skin absorb the rest of your products more effectively, giving you the best results from your entire routine.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is a cult favourite for a reason. It’s enriched with vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that rejuvenate your skin, leaving it feeling smoother and brighter.
Step 4: Treat with a Serum
Trust me, serums are where you don’t want to skimp out. They target specific skin concerns like dullness, fine lines, or acne with their highly concentrated formulas. Since a little goes a long way, applying a serum after your essence helps you get the most out of its potent ingredients.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: If you’re battling dark spots or uneven skin tone, try the Vitamin C Serum by Drunk Elephant. It’s packed with antioxidants and helps brighten your skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Step 5: Lock It In with Moisturiser
No matter your skin type, moisturising is a non-negotiable step. Moisturisers help seal in all the layers you’ve applied so far, keeping your skin hydrated and protected from environmental stressors.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: For those with dry skin, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is a game-changer. It’s oil-free and packed with hyaluronic acid, providing long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy.
For oily skin, try the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb. It’s a lightweight gel moisturiser that hydrates deeply without clogging pores, helping to control excess oil and keep your skin feeling fresh.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this: never skip sunscreen! Sunscreen is your skin’s best defense against premature aging, sunspots, and other damage caused by UV rays. Even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors, sunscreen is a must.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen is lightweight, non-greasy, and offers broad-spectrum protection. Plus, it’s suitable for sensitive skin, so it’s a great choice for daily use.
Night-time Skincare Routine
Now, let’s talk about your night-time routine. Yes, it’s different (well slightly, like a step or two).
Naturally, after a long day, your skin deserves a little extra TLC. A nighttime skincare routine is all about repairing, nourishing, and preparing your skin to face the next day.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to layering your products at night, so you can wake up with a fresh, glowing complexion.
Step 1: Cleansing
Just like your daytime routine, cleansing is an important step before the rest. Throughout the day, your skin collects dirt, oil, and makeup, all of which can clog pores and cause breakouts. A thorough cleanse removes these impurities, allowing the rest of your products to work their magic.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: If you wear makeup, start with a cleansing balm like the Banila Co Clean It Zero. It melts away makeup and sunscreen effortlessly. Follow up with a gentle face wash, such as the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser, to remove any residue and refresh your skin.
Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week)
Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. It helps unclog pores and allows your serums and treatments to penetrate deeper. However, don’t overdo it—2-3 times a week is enough to keep your skin smooth and radiant.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a favourite for a reason. It’s gentle yet effective, helping to reduce blackheads and even out skin tone without irritation.
Step 3: Apply a Toner
As mentioned earlier, a toner is essential to balance your skin’s pH and prepare it for the next steps. At night, a hydrating toner can help replenish moisture lost throughout the day.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: The Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner is perfect for nighttime use. Infused with real rose petals, it soothes and hydrates the skin, leaving it soft and supple.
Step 4: Use a Treatment Serum
Nighttime is the perfect time to treat specific skin concerns, whether it’s fine lines, dark spots, or acne. Serums are packed with active ingredients that work hard while you sleep, repairing and rejuvenating your skin.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: If you’re looking to combat signs of aging, the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair is an exceptional serum that addresses multiple concerns, from dullness to fine lines, leaving your skin looking revitalised by morning.
Step 5: Hydrate with a Night Cream or Moisturiser
Your skin goes into repair mode while you sleep, so it’s essential to provide it with ample hydration. A rich night cream or moisturiser helps lock in moisture and supports your skin’s natural repair processes.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a great option. It’s lightweight yet hydrating, with niacinamide to calm the skin and ceramides to restore the skin barrier, making it perfect for overnight use.
Step 6: Don’t Forget Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to showing signs of fatigue, like dark circles and puffiness. A good eye cream can make all the difference in helping you wake up looking refreshed.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: The Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye is a fantastic choice. It’s infused with botanicals that reduce puffiness and dark circles, giving your eyes a brighter, more rested appearance.
Step 7: Seal It All with a Face Oil (Optional)
If your skin is on the dry side or you want to give it an extra boost, consider adding a face oil as the final step in your routine. Face oils help lock in all the moisture and nutrients from the previous steps, leaving your skin soft and glowing.
Here’s What Luxe Recommends: The Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil is a popular choice. It contains retinol, which helps reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, while blue tansy calms and soothes the skin.
And that’s a wrap on your skincare layering guide!
With these steps, you’ll be giving your skin the love and attention it needs, whether you're starting your day or winding down for the night. Stick with your routine, and you’ll likely see a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different so focus on what works best for you and make it a regular part of your day. Here’s to glowing, healthy skin—cheers to your new routine!
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