Easy Intro Skincare Routine for All Skin Types

Hey guys, it’s been a little while, but I’m putting together a very long, very informative post about decoding The Ordinary’s Retinoids + Retinols. Keep an eye out, should be up at the beginning of next week!

I wanted to put together a very quick post about what you can do to start creating a skincare routine for yourself. So if you’re completely lost and need help starting a routine this should help you out. Please keep in mind that it’s normal to break out when trying new products. Give it at the very least one week, but I’d suggest two unless the product is super irritating to your skin. You skin needs to adjust, just like anything else.

Below I have a 3 product skincare routine that a newbie, or something who doesn’t enjoy multiple steps can do. Aka this is great for your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife who refuse to wash their face before bed.

Let’s get right into this; the most important part of all of this is that you’re consistent. Nothing works unless you’re consistent. If you aren’t used to using multiple products or just can’t find the right products that work for you this is for you. Also, yes, my toners in the photo above are empty because I love them that much.

CLEANSE
This goes without saying, but you gotta cleanse. This does not have to be expensive, there are plenty of great options that are more feasible, but washing you face is a must. You cannot have great, healthy skin without cleaning it. You can have beautiful skin without following a 10-step routine, but cleanser is the start.

I’d recommend finding a cleanser that is good for all skin types, that way you can use it in the morning and night and it’s one less product you have to buy. I swear by CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and if you’ve been here for a little while you know this. I know this says foaming so if you have dry skin you’re probably thinking there’s no way you’re using this. It’s a very gentle foam. I use less than half a pump’s worth and I never have a tight feeling on my face even the times I’ve washed multiple times in a day (not recommended at all). It’s less than $15 and you get a giant bottle with a pump. It lasts forever, it’s scent free, and everyone can use it. I could rave about this forever.

If you won’t even try it because it’s foaming try their hydrating formula, same price, same amount of product. You can find them at pretty much any drugstore. I always get mine at Target.

TONE
I ain’t talk ’bout the body, even though you should tone that too. However, you need to tone your skin. I was always afraid on toners, if you used them back in high school when you were trying to get rid of your acne you know how painful and irritating alcohol toners can be. Not all toners are equal. I’ve since gotten over my toner fear and embraced the hell out of them.

For MORNING I don’t think it’s super necessary to use a toner, if you want to have the least amount of products possible just give yourself a good cleanse and follow up with a moisturizer. If you don’t wear makeup daily and/or your makeup doesn’t have SPF in it.

If you think you want a lil something something in the morning try the Mario Badescu Facial Spray. It’s $7 and you can use it as a makeup setting spray if you want, or use it throughout the day to feel refreshed.

For NIGHT I always recommend Pixi’s Glow Tonic because it’s a gentle formula and it last a long time for a small bottle. It’s about $15,  and has 5% glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is going to get rid of all the dead skin and help turn it over for newer, fresher skin. This in itself will help give your that healthy glow. It also has aloe which is super soothing, and ginseng which helps brighten and even out your skin. The three working together are like magic. Though this needs to be used it at night because it makes your skin sensitive to the sun. It’s basically peeling and renewing your skin so your face would be too exposed in the sun. If you chose to use it both day and night be sure to use SPF.

I’d recommend staying away from alcohol toners especially if you aren’t familiar with skincare because it’s just so drying. I’d rather you have a good first experience. You will feel a slight irritation or tingling if you haven’t used glycolic acid, give your skin a week or so to get used to it. If after that time it’s still irritating too much try something else. Let me know in the comments and I can help you out personally.

MOISTURIZE
There are a bunch of steps that you can do before moisturizing, but I wanted to make this routine as simple as possible.

If you have oily-normal skin I’d suggest using a gel moisturizer, it’s just as hydrating sometimes I feel like they’re even more hydrating because they sink into the skin so quickly. I also feel like you’d be less likely to break out. Try the Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer. It’s smells like fresh orange juice, and the gel formula is so soothing and energizing in the morning. It’s light-weight so I love wearing it in the summer, but hydrating enough to be able to wear it all year long. It’s also only $28, which is not bad for a higher-end moisturizer that will last a long time. A cheaper option would be the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.

If you have dry skin I’d suggest a creamier, thicker formula that will take longer to sink into your skin and protect the outer layer of skin. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is great because it’s not too heavy and has squalane, which basically traps in the moisture. It’s around the same price as the Origins, and a little goes a long way.

If you’re not sure what skin of skin you have I’d go for the Origins and if it’s not hydrating enough add in the Kiehl’s as your night moisturizer and use the Origins in the morning.

I hope this helped you out if you’re lost in starting a skincare routine. Just remember to be consistent, and you always need to give a product at least a week (I usually recommend two weeks,) because your skin needs time to adjust. If you start breaking out it could mean that your body is getting rid of the gross stuff in your skin and renewing it. Give it time. The main takeaway should be always take off your makeup, wash and moisturize twice a day, and make sure to wear SPF. Let me know in the comments what your daily routine is and what you’ve found the most helpful!