Lifestyle

My Simple Morning Skincare Routine

My Simple Morning Skincare Routine

Skincare routines have been around for ages. For millennia it has been a way of showing one’s social standing, intimidating and gaining attention from rivals and improving one’s chance of finding the right mate. From cleopatra soaking in a bath of milk and honey to beauty painting in China, beauty practices takes us way back.

Skincare was not a thing for me. Only six months ago, I cleansed whenever I felt like it with some cheapy foaming cleanser that dried and tightened my face to a crisp, I used a hand me down cream moisturizer that someone had an extra of and things like toner, exfoliators, masks, serums etc were out of the equation.

This was all until three weeks before my wedding. My face, neck and shoulders burst out into the breakout of the decade. And it did not leave. So yes, I had a really bad looking face on my wedding day.

While planning the final details of my wedding, I slipped in some skin care research and boy I can tell you, I was immediately overwhelmed.  As time passed I took my time and grew familiar with all the scientific names, the brands, the ingredients (I’m still working on that ) and so on and so on. I followed people such as Gothamista, Stephanie Nicole and Caroline Hirons on Youtube and read a multitude of blogs and message boards.

After weeks of research and contemplation, I finally settled on a skincare routine and chose the type of products that suited my needs. Then I sorted out what brand and price point would be best for me. I’m a woman on a budget, so brands like the Drunk Elephants and Sunday Rileys are out of my reach for now but I found other highly recommended, affordable (for me) brands that I am now using.

My skin and its needs in a nutshell: Oily combination, large pores, uneven skin tone, pimple prone (lots of sebum activity). I need products and practices to address these in addition to aging skin. I am 33 years old and notice a few crows feet, lingering smile lines and expression lines in my forehead.

So without further ado, here is my routine and the products I use for the morning time. It takes me all of five minutes and most times even less than that. I’m still learning, so my descriptions of each will be as basic as basic gets.

My Simple Morning Skincare Routine

 

Cleanse

L’Oreal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser, Normal to Oily Skin, 13.5 fl. oz.

On mornings I cleanse very lightly. This is just to remove residue and whatever gunk is there from the night before. For this I use a Micellar water of some sort which is supposed to draw out skin impurities without drying it out. I tried many and settled on this one as the others caused breakouts and some even caused my eyelashes to fall out!

Tone

Lancome Tonique Radiance Clarifying Exfoliating Toner

Ideally I should be using a toner without alcohol, but this one replenishes and quenches my face and helps to clean off any excess dirt and residue. I will be replacing this with another non-alcohol toner when its finished. This one from CosRx seems interesting so I’d try it next. I usually tone only when I feel my skin needs it. Many times, thats only once a week on mornings.

Treatments/Serums 

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acide Serum  | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc

I interchange these daily. I use a vitamin C serum which is an antioxidant. Vitamin C is used this every to help address my uneven skin tone, protect my skin from the environment, brighten and hydrate. It generally helps with younger looking skin as well. I’ve had some problems with this step as Vitamin C in absorbic acid form (which is considered the best form) is very expensive and highly unstable. Oxidation (turns yellow) occurs quickly once the serum is exposed to light and air. The first serum I tried lasted one month before I had to toss it.

This product is great so far as the added ingredients help with stabilization making it longer lasting (I also store it in the refrigerator). My skin already appears brighter, firmer and more even toned.  On the other day, I use Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). I use this serum for my aging skin. It helps improve the appearance of my large pores, addresses blemishes and balances my sebum activity. This product is new to my routine so I’d check in later on and give my opinion on it.

Moisturize

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

For years I used cream moisturizers. Which just basically sat on my skin and made me oilier. Ugh! I have since switched to gel type and water based moisture sources for this step in my routine. This moisturizer is lightweight, non-greasy and quick drying. It feels like a refreshing glass of water on my face! It’s my favorite step in the routine. When this one is done, I will repurchase, but I also want to try this one from CosRx and this one from the Ordinary. Just to switch things up a bit.

Sun protection

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin, Broad Spectrum Spf 55, 3 Fl. Oz.

The most important step of any skincare routine. This is the only step I didn’t flounder on in the past and I’m glad because repairing sun damage is alot of work. Not to mention the number it does on your skin where aging is concerned. This one dries down nicely without a white cast, and gets the job done affordably. It layers well under makeup and it lasts me a long time. I have no idea when this product will run out.

Important things to note

I interchange my Vitamin C and Niacinamide as it is advised to not use the two together. The Ordinary claims that the use of both in the same routine will cause the Niacinamide to affect the integrity of the Vitamin C. There are many arguments about mixing skincare properties together and to date, I still don’t know which ones are right. Skincare is still new to me, so I’m still testing and fiddling.

I put on products based on consistency from liquid to lotions/gels. I leave some time between applying Vitamin C and the moisturizer.

Remember that our skin all has different needs and what may work for me, may not work for you. Even if you have the same skin type or same issues. Don’t take my routine wholesale. I took advice yes, but I researched alot and figured out what would work best for my skin.

I kept this simple as there are many resources out there that goes more in-depth. In Trinidad and Tobago we don’t have the larger department stores so I resorted to buying most of my items online. I stuck with the original producer and reputable distributors to get these products. I bought the micellar water locally and The Ordinary products from a local skin and beauty shop.

 

What’s your routine? Tell us!

Thanks for stopping by!

 

P.S ~ My Go-To 5 Minute Smoothie Bowl




  Comments: 37

37 responses to “My Simple Morning Skincare Routine”

  1. Tine says:

    We are so similar! I’ve been horrible with my skin, using products that aren’t great mostly cause I had no idea what to go for instead. I even have similar skin as you (gotta hate pimples when you’re way beyond your teenage years) so i’ll be giving these a try, hopefully they’ll help me as much as they helped you!

  2. Julie says:

    So glad to have found this! I am just about to turn 51, and my skin was always clean and clear. My grandmother used to say I had skin like a china doll. Then menopause reared its ugly head and I’ve had worse skin problems than at any other time in my life. I’ve tried to look into what products I should be using but was overwhelmed with the number of products (and, in many cases, the price). You’ve given me a place to start, so thank you!

    • Most welcomed! It takes quite some time to figure out what you really want and then what really works for you. It’s still pretty much touch and go, trial and error for me. Keep poking around and you’d find your fit. 🙂

  3. Jessica says:

    This is helpful! Thanks for sharing! <3

  4. Patricia says:

    I’ve some similarities in my skin tone with you. Sometimes, I break out too. May look into this for future reference. 🙂

  5. Crystal L says:

    I enjoyed reading this! I’m not good with keeping up with a skincare routine but i think i’ll try harder now.

  6. Helene says:

    Our skin sounds very similar! Looks like I’ll be giving some of these products a try!

  7. Erin says:

    This is a fantastic and complete morning routine! Haven’t heard of some of these products, but will definitely be giving them a try. Thanks so much for your recommendations!

  8. Allie says:

    I really feel your pain with the anxiety and breakouts before a wedding. That time is sooo stressful and the absolute worst to get breakouts. I love this routine you’ve put together. I’m going to look into these! That moisturizing gel looks great.

  9. Rachel Vigil says:

    The layout of this post is fantastic! It’s clean and classy. You did a great job of explaining your skin and why this works for you. Definitely found some new products I want to try out.

  10. Tori says:

    I haven’t really settled into a true skin care routine, but now that I’m getting older I’ve been trying out more and more. One thing I love using is toner!

    Tori

  11. Using the right skincare products really do make a difference with your skin. Glad you found something that works for you! I really like that Clinique moisturizer.

  12. Sarah says:

    My daily routine is to cleanse, tone and then moisturize!

  13. Great recommendations! I’m so awful at skincare – it’s usually just a make-up wipe and whatever moisturiser is laying around… This has inspired me to up my game! Rx

  14. Nikita says:

    I am guilty of not taking good care of my skin, but this post made me re-think that. I am starting to understand that a good skin care routine is a must. thank you for that ♥

  15. Jenny Rose says:

    That’s a pretty intense routine! I love taking care of my skin so much but sometimes it’s a little difficult to know all about toners etc. I’ve used toners before but never know whether they work or not! Great post, and cute pics by the way!

    jenny | http://www.jennyrosee.com

  16. Great tips! Although, I find the Clinique moisturizer is too heavy for my skin and causes more breakouts for me personally. Thanks for sharing!

  17. Wendie Gregg says:

    I love the Ordinary great post!

  18. Great rec’s, GF! Love your tips and am interested in trying out some of those products. I totally know what you mean about being a little behind on the skin care train. My problem has always been mostly that I’m lazy when it comes to skincare. I don’t like having to dedicate a ton of time to it. I’ve finally developed my own 3-minute beauty regime (http://littlefoolbook.com/blog/2017/3/22/3-minute-beauty-regime) that it pain-free, and seems to work!

  19. Finding a good skin care routine is such a game changer! Once I got into some good habits with cleansing at night, I found I didn’t need as much make up in the morning because I didn’t have as many breakouts! Good habits do pay off, once you get into a good rhythm!

  20. Jamie says:

    I’ve been wanting to try out The Ordinary products! My morning skincare routine is very quick, wash face, Pixi glow tonic, BB Cream to hide any blemishes, and Glossier cloud paint blush.

  21. ebony phillips says:

    Just the look of those products have me intrigued….I try all sorts of things on my face to keep it clean but now I’m having a pretty hard time with it. This was a great read

  22. It’s so hard to know what products you can mix together and which ones you can’t! I didn’t know you’re not supposed to use Vitamin C and Niacinamide together.

  23. I actually don’t have a morning skincare routine past wash my face with water. This why I read this post. I have never heard of Micellar water but I can’t wait to find some and try it out. Thank you so much for all this helpful information!

  24. Isabelle says:

    I love reading about skincare routines! I don’t really have a specific one myself, so I’m always on the lookout for inspo and ideas 🙂

  25. Love it! I also educated myself about skin recently because my skin seemed to be getting worse into my 30s. My routine is really simple now and it’s helped a lot. Also, I love Caroline Hirons and Steph Nicole. You should also check out Nadine Baggott and Dr. Sam Bunting if you haven’t already. Thanks for sharing xx

  26. KristynM says:

    This makes me want to look for a morning routine for my skin. I have eczema so I have been really picky with products that I am willing to try on my skin especially on my face. Some of the products you use, I might be willing to try though like the moisturizer and sun protection. Thank you for sharing.

  27. Sarah Dean says:

    Great post! So pleased you mention sun protection as it’s something a lot of people seem to miss. I make sure my moisturiser, BBC cream and foundation always have SPF in them as well as using sunscreen. Tricky with naturally oily skin but worth it to me!

  28. Felicia says:

    I loveeee skincare! I’ve been wanting to try The Ordinary for a while now. I just haven’t bit the bullet haha

  29. […] As I got older, my skin began to act up and was yearning for some quality care. As I noted in my Morning Routine post, I did quite a bit of research and contemplation before I developed my own routine. These steps and […]

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