I have friends that have always been militant about their skincare regiment. To be honest, I didn’t really start taking care of my skin until the past 2 years (*gasp*). It’s a big regret of mine, especially when I was getting a lot of sun exposure playing soccer growing up and while attending college in California. Skincare always felt like an unnecessary chore, but preparing for my wedding also meant preparing my skin. Now, I have a routine that works for me, and actually enjoy the ritual each morning and evening!
Morning
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Hydrating Cleansing Cream
A gentle cleanser (perfect for sensitive skin) that doesn’t dry you out. Dermatologists recommend this cleanser for oily or acne prone skin. During my morning shower, I take a small amount of the product, lather it, apply it across my face, moving both hands in a circular motion, and rinse.
Shop in US: $19.50 (7 oz)
Shop in UK: £12.50 (200 ml – also sold at Boots)
- Glossier Solution: exfoliating skin perfector
This product contains 3 acid groups: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), and Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA). It removes dead skin to create a smoother complexion. After I dry my face, I put a pump of Solution on a cotton round and softly swipe it over my entire face (except eyelids). Let this dry before applying other products. This formula is paraben-free and cruelty-free.
Once you use this product for 2-3 weeks, you can increase your application to twice a day by applying it in the evening too.
Shop in US: $24 (4.4 oz)
Shop in UK: £19 (130 ml)
- Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum
This serum hydrates the skin and protects it against free radicals and environmental stressors (pollution, dust, etc.). It also gives your skin a bright, dewy look! The formula is paraben-free and hypoallergenic. Make sure you get the serum (not the cream). A little goes a long way! Apply a small amount to your face and neck.
Shop the US: $44 (1 oz.)
Shop the UK: £27 (30 ml – also sold at Boots)
- Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream
This is a lightweight daily moisturizer. It is great for sensitive skin! I love this formula because it doesn’t ball up or create a funny texture when you apply your makeup, and it does a great job of hydrating my skin. The formula is also free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, and is cruelty-free.
Shop the US: $65 (1.7 oz)
Shop the UK: £55 (50 ml)
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 60 with Cell Ox Shield (as needed)
Protect your skin from the sun! A great non-comedogenic sunscreen (made to not block pores) for oily or acne prone skin. It is frangrance-free, paraben-free, and perfect for sensitive skin. Apply on your face and neck before sun exposure.
Shop the US: $36 (5 oz)
Shop the UK: £17.50 (50 ml)
Evening
- Bioderma Sensibo H2O (Micellar Water)
I use this micellar water to remove my makeup at the end of the day. I love it because it is super gentle (way better for your skin than a makeup wipe)! It is able to draw out impurities (makeup/dirt) without drying out your skin. I cover a cotton round in the micellar water, rub it gently all over my face, and dab it on my eyelids/eyelashes. Then rinse with regular sink water. I usually have rub my eyelashes gently with my fingers to get all of the mascara to come off. It even removes water-resistant makeup!
Shop the US: $14.90 (16.7 oz)
Shop the UK: £7.49 (250 ml)
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Hydrating Cleansing Cream
After I remove my makeup, I lather the cleanser and apply it to my damp face, and rinse.
Pricing mentioned above in morning routine.
- Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream
Before bed I typically apply this moisturizer. If my skin is really dry (maybe after a sunny vacation or during the dry winter months), I may use a thicker moisturizer as necessary. This product usually does the trick if you are applying it consistently.
Pricing mentioned above in morning routine.
Everyone’s skin is different, but I hope this helps guide you in figuring out your own routine!
xxoxoxx
Alison