Skincare Routine
Last updated: October 3, 2021
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A proper skincare routine is something so personal yet requires much discipline. It’s important to remember that achieving healthy skin and maintaining good skin is a marathon, not a sprint. Gentle yet effective products with consistent routine results in happy skin. Skin is the largest organ of the body, and what you feed it will get absorbed into your body, so feed it good things! It is the daily ritual of self-care that helps strengthen your physical, mental, and emotional sense of wellness, which then in time, affects the skin's health.
Below is an outline of my morning and nighttime routine and a comprehensive list of products I recommend, organized by category. I’ve had the pleasure of trying an incredible amount of products over the years, and here they are narrowed down to a select few. My skincare routine's products and steps pretty much remain the same year-round, except for adding in a few more hydrating and occlusive products when the temperatures drop. I will continue updating this list as I find more favorites and the latest innovations!
The below can seem like a lot, so just remember the most important steps are cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF. Everyone’s skin is different, so I advise you to try out a product if so inclined, listen to your skin and be observant of how it feels.
For reference, I have sensitive skin, which can be reactive and prone to rosacea and eczema. I also easily get congestion and hormonal breakouts on my chin and jawline area, as well as hyperpigmentation and dark spots as aftermath. In my mid-thirties, fine lines are slowly making their appearance, and I look for ingredients and tools to help with plumping and firming.
Daytime Routine
Cleanser
Toner/Essence
Serum
Eye Cream
Moisturizer
SPF
Nighttime Routine
Oil-based Cleanser
Water-based Cleanser
(Rinse-Off Mask)
Toner/Essence
Serum/Sheet Mask
Eye Cream
Moisturizer
(Face Oil)
Please note the order of products under each category are listed from $—$$$$.
CLEANSER
Cleansing the skin is the most important part of your routine, aside from SPF. Morning cleanses can be based on the type and condition of your skin, however, nightly cleanses are absolutely essential. I personally like starting my day with a gentle cleanser to remove oil, sweat, and other microbes on the skin that have accumulated overnight. I go in with a double cleanse every single night.
Eye Makeup Remover
If I’m wearing makeup, I start with removing my eye makeup with a separate makeup remover as I wear budge-proof eyeliner and want to be as gentle as possible.
Night — Daily
ILLIYOON Fresh Moisture Lip & Eye Remover
100 ml / $16
LANCOME Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
125 ml / $32
CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE Eye & Makeup Remover Towelettes
50 Sheets / $45
Micellar Water
Sometimes you may find a sweep over the skin with micellar water and a cotton round is a nice way to refresh in the morning instead of a cleanse. If I leave the apartment, I like to remove my makeup with micellar water immediately after I get home from work before my full nighttime routine several hours later.
Night — Daily
BIODERMA Sensibio H20
500 ml / $15
FURTUNA Skin Acqua Serena Micellar Cleansing Essence
100 ml / $78
Oil Cleanser (Balm)
Even if I am not wearing makeup, I end my night with an oil-based cleanser to help remove sunscreen and grime from the day. I gravitate towards balm types as I love how it feels when it emulsifies with water.
Night — Daily
PAULA’S CHOICE Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm
104 ml / $28
FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
100 ml / $34
THEN I MET YOU Living Cleansing Balm
90 ml / $38
SISLEY-PARIS Triple-Oil Balm Make-up Remover and Cleanser
150 ml / $122
Water Cleanser (Foam)
A non-stripping water cleanser that removes all impurities is essential to maintaining a healthy skin moisture barrier. Foam cleansers are recommended for normal and combination to oily (acne-prone) skin. I developed Superegg’s cleanser to be a foam/cream hybrid with nourishing ingredients so it’s gentle on all skin types; it does not dry out the skin yet effectively removes all impurities from the day with a rich, low-foamy lather.
Morning & Night — Daily
SUPEREGG Gentle Elements Cleanser
100 ml / $34
SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser
106 ml / $75
LA MER The Cleansing Foam
125 ml / $95
SISLEY-PARIS Phyto-Blanc Brightening Cleansing Foam-In-Cream
125 ml / $155
Water Cleanser (Gel)
Gel cleansers are refreshing and are usually contain milder ingredients. They are recommended for normal, combination, oily skin types. Great for sensitive skin.
Morning & Night — Daily
NATURIUM Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3%
210 ml / $18
MAKE Succulent Skin Wash
230 ml / $24
HERBIVORE Pink Cloud Rosewater + Squalane Makeup Removing Face Wash
100 ml / $24
YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
237 ml / $36
CIRCUMFERENCE Daily Regenerative Gel Cleanser
120 ml / $48
Cleansing Milk
Milky cleansers are great for softening as they contain extra moisturizing properties. They are recommended for dry skin types. Great for sensitive skin.
Morning & Night — Daily
KATE SOMERVILLE Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser
120 ml / $38
NUORI Protect+ Cleansing Milk
150 ml / $45
SISLEY-PARIS Lyslait Cleansing Milk with White Lily
250 ml / $128
EXFOLIATING CLEANSER (Enzyme)
Gentle enzyme cleansers usually come in powder form and are a great way to incorporate gentle exfoliation into your routine.
Night — 2x/week
AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder
50 g / $60
TATCHA The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder
60 g / $65
EXFOLIATING CLEANSER (Mechanical)
Mechanical exfoliants slough away dead skin cells from the skin’s surface through the physical act of exfoliation.
Night — 1x/week
AVEDA botanical kinetics™ radiant skin refiner
100 ml / $42
LANCER SKINCARE The Method: Polish Normal-Combination Skin
125 ml / $75
SISLEY-PARIS Phyto-Blanc Buff and Wash Facial Gel
100 ml / $123
TONER
Toners help the following products in your skincare routine to penetrate deeper. They hydrate, remove cleanser residue, rebalance the skin’s pH, and work effectively as a primer for your skincare. They may also aid in exfoliation and controlling excess sebum production. Essences are similar to toners, however, they may feel a bit more viscous in nature and be a more concentrated formula that targets fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and uneven skin tones.
HYDRATING TONER
Hydrating toners replenish and soften the skin.
day/night — Daily
CAUDALIE Vinoclean Moisturizing Toner with Rose Water
200 ml / $28
NEOGEN Real Ferment Micro Essence
150 ml / $38
SULWHASOO Essential Balancing Water
125 ml / $58
FRESH Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence
150 ml / $58
TATCHA The Essence Plumping Skin Softener
150 ml / $95
LA MER The Treatment Lotion
150 ml / $155
AMOREPACIFIC Vintage Single Extract Essence
150 ml / $175
HYDRATING Mist
Similar to the above, but usually with more moisturizing properties. They are convenient to spritz during the day to refresh the skin.
day/night — Daily
SUPEREGG Kind Atmosphere Biome Mist
50 ml / $28
NUORI Vital Unifier
100 ml / $49
CAUDALIE Beauty Elixir
100 ml $49
CHANTECAILLE Pure Rosewater
100 ml / $74
EXFOLIATING TONER
Exfoliating toners are effective in sloughing off dead skin, brightening hyperpigmentation, and minimizing the look of pores. It stimulates new cell growth and leaves the skin smooth, soft, and more receptive to the beneficial products applied directly afterward. It enhances nerve stimulation and skin respiration. Depending on the strength of the chemical acids, they should be used with caution. Many products nowadays include mild exfoliants so be extra careful not to over-exfoliate! Use as a part of your nighttime routine as it is essentially sensitizing the skin and leaves it vulnerable to UV rays. There are 3 main types:
AHA is water-soluble, improves skin tone, and resurfaces the skin. Glycolic is the most common type of AHA. It is molecularly smallest and the simplest structure, which means it penetrates the skin easily and provides significant exfoliation for the skin, however, can be possibly irritating. Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid (recommended for PIH-prone skin) are more gentle. Tartaric acid is made from grape extracts and helps alleviate signs of sun damage. Citric acid is made from citrus fruit extracts and helps even out rough patches of skin, however, it can be a bit stingy. Malic is both AHA and BHA, made from apple acids.
2. BHA is oil soluble. It penetrates pore dissolving blackheads, helping to unglue sebum and dirt. It helps to reduce redness, pore build-up and stimulates collagen production. Salicylic Acid, a common BHA, is derived from wintergreen and willow bark.
3. PHA is the newest type and most gentle due to its large molecular size. With hydrating properties, it is great for sensitive skin that is prone to irritation and redness. Gluconolactone is most widely used in skincare.
Night — 1-3x week
FARMACY Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner with Moringa + Papaya
120 ml / $28
BIOSSANCE Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner
120 ml / $28
PAULA’S CHOICE Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
118 ml / $29
THEN I MET YOU Birch Milk Refining Toner
100 ml / $32
BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE Lotion P50 PIGM 400 Exfoliating Toner
150 ml / $70
CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE Essential Refining Essence
168 ml / $105
Treatment
Serums (which can come in different forms, such as an ampoule) are the treatment portion of your skincare routine. They are applied after toner and before moisturizer. Serums penetrate deeply into the skin and provide additional layers of nutrients and hydration. You can apply one or several depending on your needs, but be cautious of ingredients that may not work well together or may possibly be too harsh on the skin.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is the BLT of skincare – it brightens, lightens, tightens. It helps promote the skin’s natural collagen production. It smoothes the appearance of fine lines and leaves skin looking brighter and more radiant. Vitamin C is recommended for your morning routine as its antioxidant properties act as a shield from free radicals and environmental aggressors. Studies have shown that using sunscreen with Vitamin C protects the skin from further photodamage caused by ultra-violet rays,
Day — Daily
NATURIUM Vitamin C Complex Serum
30 ml / $20
NEOGEN Dermalogy Real Vita C Serum 22%
30 ml / $38
DRUNK ELEPHANT C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum
28 ml / $78
FEMMUE Lumière Vital C Serum
30 ml / $88
ALLIES OF SKIN 35% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum
30 ml / $118
SKINCEUTICALS C E Ferulic
30 ml / $166
Multi-Function
Treatments with a variety of powerhouse ingredients to brighten, hydrate, and exfoliate.
Night — Daily
NATURIUM Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
30 ml / $16
PETER THOMAS ROTH Water Drench® Hyaluronic Glow Serum
30 ml / $68
SUPEREGG Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum
30 ml / $72
SUNDAY RILEY Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
30 ml / $85
FEMMUE Ideal Intense Serum
30 ml / $88
U BEAUTY Resurfacing Compound
30 ml / $148
(Use ‘Erica’ for 15% off)
CHANTECAILLE Radiance Elixir
30 ml / $210
RETINOL
Retinoids (aka Vitamin A) are the only scientifically proven ingredient to reduce acne, fine lines, and wrinkles due to their ability to stimulate epidermal turnover and reveal fresh, healthy skin. It is recommended for overnight use as it is more receptive to when the skin is in repair mode already. When first starting out, your skin may go through a transition period where it may become sensitized and the skin starts to peel. You can start by applying once a week and build yourself up to applying every night.
Night — 1-7x/week
NATURIUM Retinol Complex Serum
30 ml / $20
KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide
30 ml / $60
DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum
30 ml / $72
SUNDAY RILEY Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil
35 ml / $105
ACNE TREATMENT
I reach for an acne treatment solution when trouble arises. I apply a pimple patch on cleansed skin during the day and a spot treatment before bed to let it do its work overnight.
Day/Night — Daily
THE KLOG Soft Shield Pimple Patch
42-pieces / $6
HERO Mighty Patch
36-pieces / $13
MALIN + GOETZ Acne Treatment Nighttime
14 ml / $22
KATE SOMERVILLE EradiKate™ Acne Treatment
30 ml / $26
ZITSTICKA KILLA™ KIT
8-pieces / $29
EYE CREAM
Eye cream is recommended starting in your mid-20’s. It helps soften fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and prevent new ones from forming. It prevents irritation that your face treatment and moisturizer can potentially give you. The eye area is so delicate and thin (it is different skin) with different concerns so it needs a dedicated cream. Eye gels or serums are a nice, lighter alternative for the daytime, using caffeine as a main ingredient focusing on depuffing and brightening the eye area.
Day/Night — Daily
SUPEREGG Phyto Bounce Eye Contour Solution
15 ml / $50
CHANEL Le Lift Creme Yeux
15 ml / $105
CHANTECAILLE Stress Repair Concentrate+
15 ml / $198
CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE Enhancing Eye Contour Cream Supreme
15 ml / $270
MOISTURIZER
Moisturizers are essential in protecting your skin. It locks in all the steps that came before this. Moisturizing and hydrating are commonly used interchangeably, however, there is a difference. Moisturizing affects oil in the skin, and hydrating affects water in the skin. If you have dry skin, you need more oil. If your skin is oily, you need more water. However, dehydration is a condition of the skin, not a type. If your skin is dehydrated whether or not your skin is oily or dry, you need more hydration. Dehydrated skin looks like it is parched, like saran wrap. You should choose a moisturizer suitable for your skin type, that absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin well-nourished.
DAILY CREAM
After several layers of skincare, I tend to opt for a lightweight moisturizer that also sits well with SPF and makeup. I’ve developed Sound Renewal to be my dream moisturizer, leaving the skin with the silkiest, supple finish while blanketing the skin with vital nutrients and anti-oxidants to best protect the skin barrier.
Day/Night — Daily
SUPEREGG Sound Renewal Serum Cream
50 ml / $60
CHANEL Le Lift Crème
50 ml / $170
SISLEY-PARIS Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream
50 ml / $200
SULWHASOO Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
60 ml / $260
AUGUSTINUS BADER The Cream
50 ml / $265
NIGHT CREAM
When my skin is feeling particularly parched in the wintertime, I reach for a heavier cream or sleeping mask.
Night — Daily
FARMACY Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer
50 ml / $45
THEN I MET YOU Renewing Rich Beauty Cream
50 ml / $58
COLEKT Reload Face Balm
50 ml / $185
AUGUSTINUS BADER The Rich Cream
50 ml / $265
CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE La Créme
30 ml / $550
FACIAL OIL
If I’m not using a heavier night cream, I like to top off my nighttime routine with a facial oil on top of my daily moisturizer. I look for lightweight oils with the ability to absorb immediately while offering both firming and soothing ingredients with antioxidant support.
Day/Night — 1-2x/week
VINTNER'S DAUGHTER Active Botanical Serum
30 ml / $185
FURTUNA SKIN Biphase Moisturizing Oil
30 ml / $225
AUGUSTINUS BADER The Face Oil
30 ml / $230
SISLEY-PARIS Black Rose Precious Face Oil
25 ml / $240
LA PRAIRIE Skin Caviar Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil
20 ml / $530
SPF
90% of aging is due to sun exposure. It is vital to wear sunscreen whether it is sunny or cloudy, whether you are indoors or outdoors, to protect your skin. It should always be the last step of your skincare routine. There are two types—chemical and physical (also known as mineral). Chemical sunscreens are organic and absorb all of the UV it protects you from and turns it into heat. It has better UVA protection than physical and is great for dry skin. Physical is inorganic and absorbs 95% and reflects 5% of the UV it protects you from. There is usually more of a white cast and is recommended for sensitive skin. In the States, we use a term called “Broad Spectrum” to indicate that UVA protection is provided. The PA system is used globally and is the same as Broad Spectrum.
Day — Daily
AHC Masters Air Rich Sun Stick
14 g / $28
(Chemical Sunscreen)
NEOGEN Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50/PA+++
50 ml / $30
(Hybrid Sunscreen)
SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
50 ml / $34
(Chemical Sunscreen)
AHC Safe On Light Sun Serum
40 ml / $35
(Chemical Sunscreen)
ELTAMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
48 g / $37
(Hybrid Sunscreen)
AHC Safe On Soothing Sun Cushion
25 g / $39
(Chemical Sunscreen)
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Sunscreen SPF 30
50 ml / $42
(Mineral Sunscreen)
Ourself Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
30 ml / $75
(Mineral Sunscreen)
MASK
Masks are effective as weekly treatments to address a variety of concerns.
FACE SHEET MASK
I reach for a sheet mask when my skin needs an extra dose of hydration, soothing, or brightening, It fits in seamlessly with my skincare routine as it often replaces my serum/treatment step after cleansing and toning. Due to the ability of the skin to soak up the nutrients in 10-15 minutes, the skin looks replenished after even just one usage.
day/Night — 1-5x/week
ABIB Gummy Heartleaf Sheet Mask
$17 for 5
DR. JART+ Ceramidin™ Facial Barrier Mask
$6 for 1
ZITSTICKA Press Refresh™
$36 for 5
TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Sheet Mask
$12 for 1 / $45 for 4
TATCHA Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask
$25 for 1 / $95 for 5
LA MER Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask
$30 for 1 / $155 for 6
CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE Intensive Brightening Mask
$30 for 1 / $160 for 6
SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask
$95 for 6 / $139 for 10
EYE MASK
Eye mask ingredients are more concentrated and help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, as well as cool and soothe this delicate area.
day/Night — 1-7x/week
SUPEREGG Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask
$50 for 5 pairs
SHISEIDO Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask
$70 for 12 pairs
111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask
$115 for 8 pairs
CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE Vitality Enhancing Eye Mask Supreme
$150 for 6 pairs
CLAY MASK
Clay masks clarify and purify the skin. My skin needs a good detox at least once a week.
Day/Night — 1x/week
KIEHL'S SINCE 1851 Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
125 ml / $36
FEMMUE Gypsy Rose Calming Mask
50 g / $40
FRESH Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask
100 ml / $58
LANCER SKINCARE Clarifying Detox Mask with Green Tea + 3% Sulfur
50 ml / $75
MOISTURIZING MASK
Rinse-off moisturizing masks for days your skin needs extra love.
Day/Night — 1-2x/week
SUSANNE KAUFMANN Moisturizing Mask
50 ml / $65
SISLEY PARIS Black Rose Cream Mask
60 ml / $166
FIRMING MASK
Firming masks help with fine lines and wrinkles, most with powerful hydrating properties as well.
Day/Night — 1-2x/week
CHANTECAILLE Bio Lifting Mask
50 ml / $160
EXFOLIATING MASK
Refining masks exfoliate the skin for additional brightness.
Day/Night — 1x/week
FEMMUE Flower Infused Fine Mask
50 g / $42
DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask
50 ml / $80
LIPS
I apply lip care throughout the day and just before I go to bed. Lip oil is amazing for the daytime.
Day/Night — Daily
THE LORD JONES Whole Plant Formula CBD Lip Balm
$19
ILIA Lip Wrap Clean Hydrating Lip Mask
$26
AUGUSTINUS BADER The Lip Balm
$34
CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE Lip Glorifier
$45
HERMÈS Rouge Hermès Lip Care Balm
$67
LASHES
Lash serums help lashes stay healthy and strong. They help with length as well.
Day/Night — Daily
GRANDE COSMETICS GrandeLASH™ - MD Lash Enhancing Serum
2 ml / $65
VEGAMOUR vegaLASH Volumizing Serum
$80
REVITALASH Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
3.5 ml / $150
TOOLS
Skincare tools have increasingly become an obsession. Micro-current firms and lifts the skin. Heat allows skincare to penetrate more deeply. Cold tightens the skin. Keep it up because results are noticeable with continued use.
Day/Night — Daily
SOLARIS Laboratories It's Lit LED Gua Sha ™ Facial Massager
$85
STACKED SKINCARE High Frequency Acne Device
$130
ZIIP BEAUTY Ziip GX Device
(Use ERICA20 for 20% off a device kit!)
$495
Full blog post on skincare tools here.
Supplements
It’s hard to truly gauge if supplements for the skin are effective or not, but I like to incorporate them into my diet because I believe they do provide nutrients for the body, and in turn, help the skin’s health as well.
Day/Night — Daily
HUM NUTRITION Glow Sweet Glow™
$26
Thanks so much for getting through my hefty list. Have you tried any of these? What’s your favorite product? Have you tried Superegg?! I’ve tried and tested my fair share of skincare products but I love discovering new brands and would love to know what works for you as well. Leave them in the comments below!
I’m also frequently updating my Shop My Shelf so feel free to check out more there!