My Morning Skincare Routine

“You’re not wearing foundation?! What do you use on your skin?” are questions I find myself answering quite often. I usually deflect the compliment and say it’s because of genetics. And while genetics definitely plays a large role in it (thanks mom) a consistent skincare routine has most definitely served me well over the years. Seeing as how some people in this world are interested in my daily habits, I thought I would share My Morning Skincare Routine a la YouTube video. (Of course My Nighttime Skincare Routine is a whole other thing.)

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Daily Facial Cleansers

I’m a firm believer in the double cleanse. It’s a way of life I have committed to this year after realizing the magic of exfoliating followed by an additional cleanse. It’s truly a dreamy experience. Here are the cleansers I am currently using and loving.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser

This is the first exfoliant that I’ve been able to use daily and that’s saying something since I have such sensitive skin. The Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser is very mild and doesn’t irritate my rosacea prone skin! Read more about my experience with Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Line.

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Exfoliating Cleansing Powder

I love using this as a face mask! Prior to receiving the Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser, I was using the Origins Active Charcoal powder 3-4 times per week as my main exfoliant. Since I originally posted this, Origins has introduced a Charcoal Face Mask and sadly discontinued the cleansing powder.

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

This is a face wash that works overtime while smelling so dang good. I’ve sung the Brightening Cleanser’s praise before not only because of its texture and cleaning ability but also because it smells like strawberries! Sweet delicious strawberries. It doubles as a mask when it’s worn for 10 minutes. And it leaves my skin feeling clean, not stripped

Toning

Toning the skin is such an important step, especially if you’re like me and can’t seem to completely wash off all the cleanser. I buy my cotton rounds at Costco. I have yet to find a more sustainable option for these disposable cotton pads. The alternatives such as cloth pads I find absorb a lot of product so I end up using three times as much. I would love to hear if anyone else has discovered something better?

Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner

The first thing to celebrate is that it’s alcohol-free (bless). Indie Lee’s COQ-10 Toner is antioxidant rich and includes super hero ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber, sage, and rejuvenating enzymes from papaya. Sounds pretty dreamy, doesn’t it?

Serum & Moisturizer

My morning skincare routine would not be complete without a powerful serum and moisturizer combination. As I discussed in the video, this new line I’ve been trying out is a game changer. Universkin is a base serum with added active ingredients. The active ingredients are picked specifically for each individual’s skin by a dermatologist or facial specialist. I received my consultation at Lucere Dermatology in Edmonton.

Universkin Day Serum

My “prescription” includes SOD, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B3. I cannot stress enough how important Vitamin C is for the skin! If you haven’t watched the video, check there to find out why! UNIVERSKIN Day Serum.

Nexultra #3 Moisturizer

This is a light weight moisturizer that I use both day and night. It works in conjunction with the Universkin serum and is from the same product line 🙂

Eye Cream

Lest we forget the most delicate part of the visage! The eyes of course. Moisturizing those peepers both day and night is a MUST! Especially if maintaining the integrity of the skin is a priority.

It Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream

These last couple of years have been real hard on my eyes. Confidence in an Eye Cream is one of the few eye products I’ve used and actually noticed a visible difference in the plumpness around my eyes. Those dark circles appeared lightened and I was elated. I love piling this cream on at nighttime as well.

Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Cream

The magic ingredient of the hour is hyaluronic Acid and the Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Cream has got it! It provides an abundance of moisture to the area all while brightening effects with the gold shimmer in it. It’s light, it smells good, and it does what it says it’s going to do: ILLUMINATE!

Protect Your Neck!

We must remember our beloved epidermis south of our chin. It wants attention, it needs love, it should never be left out! Keep that moisture coming!

It Cosmetics Secret Sauce

Besides the name being hilarious and accurate, It Cosmetics Secret Sauce cream is a true dream. It’s a fantastic moisturizer without being overwhelmingly thick. Spoiler alert: this also contains my favourites – hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C.

Indie Lee Squalane Oil

If you’re unfamiliar with squalane, it’s an oil derived from the olive and it’s a real bad ass when it comes to moisturizing. Be sure to add some of it to your top shelf asap. There are more popping up in the market but I have been loving the squalane oil from Indie Lee.

Sunscreen

All of those other steps are wonderful but will only have noticeable effects if the skin is being protected by the sun DAILY. It’s easy to assume that if it’s an overcast day that SPF is unneeded. WRONG! About 80% of those UV rays are able to pass through clouds and are secretly burning us. That’s why SPF is a non-negotiable in My Morning Skincare Routine!

For a more in depth look into SPF, check out my Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin post or Best Lightweight Sunscreen post.

Skinceuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50

This weightless and tinted SPF option is one of my favourites. Since it’s so lightweight, it’s excellent to use on a day when I wear makeup. A little goes a long way with Skinceuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50 since its a runny fluid.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF 50

Another lightweight option that soaks in fast but does not have a tint is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen. I love using this one when I’m out and about without make-up. Or when I’m engaging in physical activities outside since it’s waterproof

My Morning Skincare Routine

And that concludes My Morning Skincare Routine, thanks so much for stopping by! I would love to hear what your favourite products are in your morning routine so please leave a comment below.

photographs – sandy joe karpetz