It’s been a lot of self-care over the last few weeks since we’ve been quarantined; there’s something so relaxing and therapeutic when it comes to taking time to take care of yourself, especially in times when it seems like a lot of out of your control. Ever since I turned 30, I shifted a lot of my morning prep time away from makeup and much more into skincare. I had quite a bit of hyper-pigmentation as a result of hormonal changes from both my pregnancies, and so I’ve sought out and tried numerous products to try and get my skin back to its youthful glow.
After sharing a run-through of my morning skin care routine recently on my Instagram Stories, I’ve had quite a few questions come in via DM so I thought it would be best to share everything here permanently in a post. Skincare can be a bit tricky especially when it comes to knowing what products to invest in and even what order to apply them! I swear by the 7-step method below, and while every now and then I may add in a few additional steps here and there (such as using a face roller!), the following steps I never skip. Read on for more!
1. TULA Purifying Face Cleanser w/ Clarisonic | 2. TULA 10% Glycolic Toner w/ organic cotton pad | 3. Fresh Essence
4. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic (splurge), Pixi Vitamin C (save)
5. Dermalogica Vitamin C Eye Serum (splurge), Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream (save)
6. TULA Acne Prevention Moisturizer | 7. TULA Glow + Protect Sunscreen
save 15% off all TULA w/ code CUTENLITTLE
Morning Skin Care Routine
Correct Order Of Skincare Products
Before we get into the specifics of products I use, I figured it would be best to have a general understanding of how to layer skincare products to maximize their effectiveness. After cleansing, skincare is always applied from thinnest to thickest. Start with products that have a thin, watery consistency such as toner / essence before moving on to serums, oils, and moisturizers that have a thicker consistency. This will ensure that the skin absorbs the maximum amount from your product and therefore gets the most benefit!
And now on to a breakdown of my anti-aging skincare routine:
STEP 1: CLEANSE
I used to think that I didn’t need to wash my face with a cleanser in the morning because all I did was sleep right? Wrong. Dead skin cells shed overnight which can lead to clogged pores if not washed. I have naturally dry skin so I seek out products that don’t make my skin feel tight or stripped of its natural oils. The TULA Purifying Face Cleanser has completely won me over since I started using it a little over 2 months ago.
I go in with my Clarisonic using the radiance brush head and it’s the most refreshing feeling after I wash my face! This TULA cleanser is also packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric which has actually really help keep some of my eczema at bay. (Use my code CUTENLITTLE for 15% off all TULA.)
STEP 2: TONE
I first started using toner wayyy back in college when I started using ProActiv to deal with adult acne and at the time, I was always shocked at how much dirt I was seeing on my toner cotton pad even after washing my face (obviously I wasn’t washing my face very well! 😆). But now that acne is no longer an issue for me, I’ve since turned to a toner that helps fight aging with ingredients such as glycolic acid.
I used to swear by the Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic with it’s 5% glycolic acid but switched about 2 months ago to the TULA Pro-Glycolic Resurfacing Gel with it’s 10% concentration of glycolic acid and have seen a big difference in how my skin is glowing! I haven’t had any issues with using the TULA toner both day and night — the addition of ingredients such as natural mushroom and beet extract actually hydrates 400x more than hyalauronic acid and it’s perfect as a gently daily exfoliation for my skin.
STEP 3: ESSENCE
I didn’t realize how much I love my essence until I recently went without! On a week-long trip, I decided not to pack a travel-size version of my Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Essence and omg, I definitely noticed a difference as my skin felt dehydrated and textured. The Fresh Black Tea Essence is my fave as I just love how it is formulated with hyaluronic acid to add moisture as well as kombucha to help fight pollution / free radicals. For essence, the application is super simple as I just put 2-3 drops into my palm and press it into my skin with a slight upward motion.
I’ve tried a good number of essences and while my favorite is the Fresh Black Tea Kombucha, I wanted to give a couple other options at different price points that I also love and recommend. A splurge is definitely the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence that is formulated with the pitera and has amazing anti-aging benefits. A great budget option is the Laneige Power Skin Toner (see my Laniege Korean skincare review!) — it has a luxurious soft feeling and is great for hydrating!
skinceuticals vitamin c serum | pixi vitamin c serum
beauty fridge (more affordable option)
STEP 4: VITAMIN C FACE SERUM
Serums are KEY when it comes to really transforming your skin as they are super concentrated, nutrient-dense treatments that really target specific skin concerns. Hands-down the must-have daytime serum is L-Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C as it protects your skin from UV rays and damaging environmental pollutants. I am obsessed with the Skinceuticals C+E Ferulic serum as it is packed with 15% Pure L-Ascorbic Acid and works for all skin types — it is a bit on the pricey side but a single bottle does last me about 6 months, making the cost breakdown totally worth it in my opinion!
For a more affordable option if you’re just curious about Vitamin C, I recommend the Pixi Vitamin C serum. Results come slower as the concentration is less, but you can’t beat the drugstore price!
Dermalogica Vitamin C Eye Serum
STEP 5: EYE CREAM
The skin around the eye is much thinner than the rest of your face and always needs extra TLC. Eye creams can be pricey but for me, it’s one of the first areas that can make you look older than you really are, so it’s a worthwhile investment in my opinion! Again, I choose a vitamin c serum as it’s proven to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles (mine are darrrrk, y’all 😬), plus it also helps brighten age and sun spots.
Dermalogica recently released their Biolumin-C Eye Serum and it’s good. The formula is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and really does help brighten that stubborn undereye area! Another budget-friendly alternative that I’ve used and loved in the past is the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream — the consistency is a much thicker cream and I’ve found it takes about 5 days of consistent use before I notice a difference, but it’s another great option!
STEP 6: MOISTURIZE
After I’ve treated my face with serum, I then lock it all in with a good moisturizer. I love the TULA Breakout Star as it’s formulated with 2% salicylic acid to prevent acne as well as azelaic acid to brighten existing acne scars. I do occasionally get a pimple here and there around that time of the month, but since using this lotion they’ve literally stopped!
my top 3 TULA products:
TULA Protect + Glow, TULA Purifying Cleanser, TULA 10% Glycolic Toner (in that order!)
save 15% off TULA with code CUTENLITTLE
STEP 7: SPF
I’m still paying the price for the days of my youth when I wasn’t diligent about putting on SPF everyday and as a result have a good splattering of freckles and sunspots that I’ve been working to fix. I recently switched to using the TULA Protect + Glow and love that it protects against both UV rays as well as blue light! I may not be outdoors very much now that we’re quarantined, but I am facing computer screens for 8-10 hours a day (if not more!). I had no idea blue light from technology screens could actually cause wrinkles so I’m so glad to have this TULA sunscreen on hand.
And if you’re like me and hate the smell of sunscreen and/or don’t like the white cast that it leaves, you’ll be happy to know that the TULA Protect + Glow has neither! The scent is a like that of a light tropical pineapple and my skin literally has the most beautiful and subtle glow to it.
So while it may seem like there are a lot of steps here in my skincare routine, altogether it honestly doesn’t take more than 10 minutes and is very doable even for the busiest mom! You can probably tell that I’m obsessed with skincare but hopefully you found some good tips and ideas for products to try. Definitely invest in your skin and find a skincare routine that you look forward to everyday!
Do you have a favorite step in your morning skin care routine? Let me know in a comment below!
(I never thought I’d have one but it’s definitely putting on the TULA sunscreen and seeing that glow!)
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I love Tula!! I haven’t tried their toner yet, but I’m sure I’d love it! Right now my favorite part of my routine is using my moisturizer.
This routine sounds amazing!! And I am a FIRM believer in using SPF daily. It’s such a lifesaver in the long run!
I love that you shared the proper order of when to use each product. I get so confuse sometimes and this really helps!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
I keep it super simple when it comes to toner. Witch hazel (which a lot of toners are based on) is so refreshing on my skin.
I hear so many good things about Tula…I really need to try.
I actually need a new sunscreen so I’ll try this one
I love that your routine only takes 10 minutes! I have found that nothing brightens my skin like a great vitamin c serum and so I was happy to see a similar product included on your list. Also, I love drinking kombucha but had no idea you could use on your skin!
I’ll second Tula. I used a couple of their products years ago and loved it all. Also, from a quite older person, take this from me – ALWAYS ALWAYS USE AN EYE CREAM AT NIGHT. By doing this has saved me many wrinkles I DO NOT have!
YES, i LOVE Tula and have heard great things about the Pixi products. Thanks so much for sharing your routine!
xx rebecca // thecrystalpress.com/blog
sounds like you found some great products! If I use them will I look like I’m in my 30s again?! LOL! A quick routine is always something to strive for!
I will have to check out these products! Thanks for showing your routine and how every step helps to keep skin healthy.
Tula is my favorite! It is the only face wash I have found that I absolutely LOVE and can see an actual difference in my skin with!
I’ve never tried an essence! It sounds interesting. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Tula and I want to try out their products.
I LOVE the TULA SPF…it’s SO good! I need to start using a Vitamin C serum, ASAP!
I am definitely saving this post. I’m pretty good at being consistent with skincare in the evening but the morning not so much.
I’ve heard such great things about Tula products but haven’t tried any yet. Now
Is a great time to change up my skincare routine!
I have never been a huge fan of Tula products, but I’m glad to hear that they are working well for you!
I love everything but I especially love putting on essence. Makes me feel so luxe! And spf, of course!
Oh so many great products girl! Thank you x
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
My skincare routine is minimal but these sound like promising products! xoxo, Sarah
I’ve always been really good about a wholesome skin care routine. However, since I did just turn 30, the need to change it up has been on my mind. I have a couple of Tula products and I love them! I’ll be looking into this for sure.
I love reading about other women’s skincare routines. Well done here, inspired to try a couple of the products you shared.
I also focus more on my morning skincare routine than makeup routine. I think it makes all the difference. I love vitamin c serum, it makes my skin SO much brighter.
I love that you have your system so simple to execute in a 7-step routine!! I’ve been looking into eye cream for sure! So many amazing recommendations, here! And it’s so helpful how you’ve explained the “why” behind your process!! 🙌🏽
✨Morgs*
I am a fan of pixi products. Thanks for sharing everything you use in your routine.
❥ tanvii.com
Yes!! I have been wanting to try Tula products so bad and this finally was the last straw, I’m going to get them! Thanks for the info!
vitamin c serums are definitely a skincare game changer!! Great product recommendations!
You’re making me want to invest in a skincare fridge – yet again. I seem to crave that purchase at least once a month. I need to bite the bullet and just do it! Great choice of items, by the way. TULA has some excellent products!
These are great tips, I will have to share this post with my mom. sounds like great skin care products
I just turned 30 and really need to up my skin care game. Thanks for these tips!
I have dry skin and so moisturizing is such an important step for me when it comes to my skincare! Thanks for sharing new products for me to try!
This is a great skincare routine! I love Tula stuff, I use it all the time and it works really well on my skin! xx.
I love Dermalogica products – their Intensive Moisture Balance is my favorite moisturizer. I’m also a huge fan of the Pixi Vitamin-C serum – so refreshing!
I use all the same Tula products as you! Completely obsessed with them – that sunscreen is everything!
XO LAURA LEIGH
https://LOUELLAREESE.COM
Your skin looks amazing! It’s time for me to start taking anti-aging seriously…and especially sunscreen. I like toning because I like knowing I got off any extra dirt and residue!
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I love that you’ve mentioned using Pixi’s vitaminC serum. It’s a great line. I use the Vitamin C Juice Facial Cleanser daily – sometimes even twice a day.
I tend to skip the toner step–oops!
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I love reading about other people’s skincare routines because I’m never quite sure where to start! Especially the SPF recommendation is great! I need to get better about that.
very good brands. I love reading your article. very well researched.
xoxo
tina from wimpernverlängerung salzburg
Can’t beat a skincare routine that only takes 10 minutes!
Girl! You get it! Vitamin-c is my favorite skincare product at the moment
I literally use 70% off these products and love them all! Great finds!
Nidhi | An Unblurred Lady
Love this list! You got me with the Dermalogica biolumin! Need to try it!
I’ve been wanting to try TULA skincare line I’ve heard so many great things about them! love the packaging as well. I love the Fresh beauty Kombucha Toner so good.
Perfect routine! I do this too but I haven’t tried any of the Tula products yet. I hear they are amazing
I feel like I’m the only person that hasn’t tried TULA! I need to grab some products. I love vitamin c in my routine. Has helped out with my skin!
I really like your skincare routine. If you want to keep your skin fresh and glowing all day then there is a need to follow such great skincare routine. I will definitely follow this routine. Thanks and keep sharing.
Absolutely agree on how relaxing it is to spend time on our skin care routine. This routine is so awesome, will have to review mine and see if I can get hold of these products.
I really need these tips as I am not going well with skin care after this pandemic situation. I liked the step by step approach, will try to follow.
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Those are really great ideas that women can surely follow through. Thanks for it.