My Morning Skincare Routine

I started this blog as a way to answer the question I get asked a lot: “What are you using on your face?” As a longtime acne sufferer, I could not be more flattered to be asked about my routine and more thrilled to spill the goods. Why not kick off this blog by giving it all away up front, eh?

Now settle in. We got steps.

I use a variety of products each morning to cleanse, balance and treat my skin. This has changed a lot over the years but I’ve been on pretty much the same routine since last May and this is by far the best my skin has ever looked. Once I turned 30 (and after a few years as a mole woman working from home) I had a real change of heart about makeup. I still love playing with it, but I was seeing real change from letting my skin breathe and investing in quality products. In short, I want the opposite of a dramatic change when I put makeup on or take it off.

Now for the deets. In short, I still follow the traditional cleanse, tone, treat and moisturize routine, starting with the thinnest products and working up to the thickest:

Cleanser: Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder (Deep)*
Having lived in Japan, I was dying to try Tatcha’s signature product. I chose the Deep version for my oily skin and really like how soft it’s made my skin feel without any tightness.

Mask: Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant*
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday I put this mask on for 20 minutes before hopping in the shower. And let me tell you, she’s not a looker. This stuff is brown, stinky and tends to repel my husband but it’s a game changer for hormonal acne and leaves my skin so soft and glowy without any stinging or stripping. The best tip I got for using this product was to apply my Lotion P50 (see below) before the mask. It helps prep the skin and serves as almost an activator for the mask. Like lighter fluid without the, ya know, bad shit.

Toner No. 1: Son & Park Beauty Water
You know by now why I love this stuff. Staple.

Toner No. 2: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Original 1970* or Sunday Riley Martian*
If I didn’t use Masque Vivant, I used this game-changing toner next. P50 is the toner to make you believe toners actually fucking work. This one has changed the texture of my face in a year and every product I use after it works better. If I did use the mask, I go with Martian which has a lovely cooling texture and can helps to calm the skin and balance oil.

Eye Cream: Rodial Dragon’s Blood Eye Gel
I have used eye cream every day since I turned 18. Always. Always. Always. Always. Always. I like a lighter formula for the daytime to layer under makeup and this one I picked up in London fits the bill to keep me from looking like a raccoon later on.

Serum No. 1: Biologique Recherche Serum Complexe Iribiol*
Great for balancing oil production and keeping breakouts at bay, this is an allover treatment to fight acne without turning your face to sandpaper. Absorbs in seconds and you only need a few drops.

Serum No. 2: Biologique Recherche Serum Placenta*
Don’t let the name trip you up. Or, let’s be honest, the smell. The entire BR line is free of perfumes that can be irritating, but once you get past it you won’t be disappointed. This one has evened out my skin tone and has helped prevent serious post-acne marks from sticking around.

Spot Treatment: Hexomedine
Another ride or die. Should some funny business show up anywhere on my face, this is when I apply it.

Serum No. 3: Biologique Recherche Emulsion Gel Biosensible S.R.
The jury is still out on this one as I’m only (by my guess) about a third of the way through the bottle. I wanted something to give a hydration boost beyond your basic hyaluronic acid and combat oil.

Moisturizer: Victoria Beckham for Estée Lauder Morning Aura Illuminating Creme
I adore Victoria Beckham so I was dying to try this stuff. It’s sadly no longer available and it’s actually supposed to be layered over a moisturizer. If you don’t have a grease slick for a face like me, layer away. But for me, it’s enough when combined with my serums and gives a dewy glow I love.

If you’re like hold up, where’s the SPF. Not to worry. Depending on how I’m doing my face for the day, I either add a standalone serum or cream and/or a foundation with SPF. Longer post on that to come soon.

Whew. There ya have it. All told, it takes me (without mask time) 10 minutes. Just be sure to give each product 30 seconds or so to absorb.

*The bottle is almost empty! Full review coming soon, so check back.