This has been a loooooooong time coming, and I’m not sure why I didn’t write this before considering my morning routine has changed 3 times in the last year I think. But, here’s what I’ve been using in the morning lately…
Here’s the thing – do. what’s. right. for. your. skin. I don’t care how many recommendations you get, listen to your skin… it’s kind of that easy especially if you’re just starting out.
—————————————— CLEANSER ——————————————
I switch this up often depending on how my skin is feeling that morning, if I exfoliated or did a chemical peel the night before I’m more likely to skip cleanser all together because I don’t want to dry out my face.
For morning I don’t double cleanse because technically I had just washed my face maybe 8 hours before, it’s not that serious. When I feel like my skin could use a quick wash to start my day right I love using gel cleansers. They’re my favorite in general, but a nice, gentle gel cleanser is where it’s at!
My favorites I’ve been switching between have been:
dr brandt’s Hydro Biotic Cleanser (this entire line is amazing) | $38
This cleanser is so calming, soft, and gentle. If you have incredible sensitive skin (like prob shouldn’t even wash your face in the morning because it’ll dry out by noon type of face,) then you’ll love this. The absolutely most gentle cleanser I’ve ever used. It doesn’t foam up, feels a bit oily, but without the residue left at the end. You feel so refreshed after your wash it off, and squeaky (not tight) clean.
It’s pH balanced so it’s good for acne-prone skin as well, with chlorophyll which will help against free radicals throughout the day. Highly, highly recommend. I got this in a Boxy Luxe a little while ago and I’m so glad I did!
Ole Henriksen Face the Truth Gel Cleanser | $16?
I think may have been discontinued because I can’t find this anywhere and if it is I’ll be devastated. Matt got this for me for Christmas in a Ole Henriksen gift set, and I fell in love with it fast. It smells like oranges and is an awesome wake up call in the morning. Super gentle, foams up a little bit, but nothing crazy, and has Vitamin C and aloe in it to prep and brighten your skin for the day.
—————————————— TONER ——————————————
Ole Henriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner | $28
This is my shit. It’s probably my favorite toner I’ve ever tried… yes, I think this replaces the Pixi Glow Tonic, which is just as surprising to me as any of you. This Ole toner is not aggressive on your skin, has a slight static-y feel (that’s how you know it’s working,) and smells minty fresh. I love this day or night, and like to use this at night because it has salicylic acid which cleans our your pores, but it’s just so energizing in the morning.
A. Stop Clear Face & Body Toner | $23
I originally bought this for Matt on Amazon because it looked like the easiest toner possible. It’s a spray bottle, and it could be spray upside down with it’s 360 degree spray. Being bald sometimes he gets breakouts on his head, and this makes it easier to use all over your body. Nice option if you get acne on your back as well. To be honest, I have no idea what’s in this besides “Vitamin C capsule” because the back of the bottle is completely in Korean, but it has decent reviews.
Honestly I’ve started using this a lot in the morning just because it’s sooo easy to use. I haven’t had any back reactions to it, but I also haven’t seen any difference in my skin since using it… but it’s said to be alcohol free and have AHA/BHAs it in.
—————————————— SERUMS ——————————————
Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen | $115
I’ve only been using one serum in the mornings, trying not too clog my skin up too much in the morning. If you guys read my review on this you know how I feel about this baby, if not go check it out here.
You know my philosophy – skincare big bucks get spent on serums/treatments always.
—————————————— EYE CREAM —————————————
I’m so bad at putting on eye cream, not even going to lie. I’m way better at putting it on in the morning than I am at night, but I’m trying to get better. Most of the time I use the Algenist serum or AHC cream to be honest. When I’m feeling extra fancy I use these:
Biossane Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel | $54
If I’m really feeling like I’ve got my shit together I put on a small amount of this because it’s so lightweight. I have a sample of this and I didn’t immediately fall in love so I’m still trying to find my holy grail eye cream, but if you want something lightweight this one is nice.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl | $69
This is okay, I use this mostly at night, but sometimes I’ll use this in the mornings when my eyes are more puffy than normal. It has an applicator too which is nice for sleepy mornings. This is a lash serum as well, but I really don’t like using it for that. I hate things that close to my eyes.
Other than that I try a lot of samples at Sephora. Yes, I need to figure out my eye cream game asap – what are your favorites? Comment them below!
———————————— MOISTURIZER + SPF ———————————
I group these together because I do them at the same time whether or not I’m using a thick or super thin spf, it’s just easier for me to make sure I don’t forget SPF. I always recommend people do this too because it just makes everything easier to spread aka you don’t fly through your products.
AHC Essential Real Eye Cream for Face | $29
When I’m feeling my laziest I use this as both moisturizer and eye cream AND mix with SPF for the ultimate quick routine. Even someone as obsessed with skincare as me gets that lazy.
Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème | $45
This is my second jar of this moisturizer. I really enjoy how refreshing it is, and I love how easy it mixes with spf. It smells like a creamsicle (wish it smelled like oranges though tbh). I’m almost done with it, and I might have to try something new soon, but if you’re looking for a good gel moisturizer this one is affordable and a go-to for me.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen with SPF 40 | $32
If you’ve got oily skin and hate wearing SPF, this is for you. It has almost the same texture as a primer, thick and slippery, but will fill in your pores and control more oily than a traditional SPF. I also mix this with moisturizer, but just keep in mind the texture if you wear foundation every day. It’ll separate with water-based foundations if I’m remembering right.
Best part is that it’s made with red algae which protects against blue light, so if you’re sitting at a computer all day this is great for you. Plus, this sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast so it’s great for all skin tones!
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ | $38
I got this recommended to me by my Japanese coworker, and her skin is amazing so you know I was all over that. This stuff is awesome. It’s a very thin consistency, literally comes out like a liquid, which makes it sooo easy it add to your moisturizer.
It smells a little chemically when you first put it on, like chemicals and traditional SPF smell mixed with light florals, but it quickly goes away and you don’t notice it at all.
I’m honestly not sure what’s in this – the back of the packaging is all in Japanese, but I’m not dead yet so I think we’re good. This is my everyday SPF and I love it so much. Shiseido is great for their SPFs in general.
Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 | $28
I originally bought this for Matt because I’m trying to make him, at the very least, use SPF. I didn’t want to buy anything at the drugstore because I wanted it to have good ingredients that would help treat his skin at the same time. This has Alguronic Acid, which is supposed to help with anti-aging. I have him add this to a moisturizer so he can spread it more easily without going through the entire bottle since he needs to cover his bald head too.
I was at Sephora and someone helped us and recommended this to us. It’s a pretty small bottle for the price, has a similar consistency as the Anessa milk, but a little thicker and has a more traditional sunscreen smell.
Matt and I both enjoy this, it’s definitely lightweight, and Matt hasn’t complained about it leaving his face oily at all so I think it’s guy approved if you’re looking for something similar.
So there’s that – my entire morning routine, which isn’t even as intense as I wish it was. Let me know if you use any of these products, or any recommendations to try out!
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