Skincare: the ever-elusive complexion cure-all. Nailing down a successful skincare routine can be a daunting task, often feeling more like a science experiment instead of self-care. That’s where we come in: we’ve outlined the basic essentials to get you started on achieving your glow-up #goals!
“I’m going on a cleanse…”
First thing’s first: cleanser! Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is an award-winning staple. While suitable for all skin types, it was made with sensitive skin in mind. If you’re concerned about how your skin may react to certain cleansers, this is a great safe option (and a great product period)! If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser brings the spa to your sink. Packed with amino acids and soy proteins, this cleanser gently removes makeup and dirt with jeopardizing your skin’s moisture.
Tone It Up!
After cleansing, it’s time to tone! A step most people skip just might change your entire skincare game! While toners hugely benefit those with oily or acne-prone skin, it also shrinks and closes pores, reducing impurities and environmental contaminants from penetrating the skin, restores pH balance and can even prevent ingrown hairs! We swear by Thayer’s Witch Hazel and Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater.
We’re Serum-iously Obsessed
There are a million different types of and purposes for serums: anti-aging, redness reducing, hydrating, the list of goes on. Regardless of your specific need, serums are liquid GOLD! Often loaded with vitamins and exfoliants, facial serums absorb into the skin to provide an extra layer of moisture and protection. Bazaar’s Editor’s Choice Award went to Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum, an age-defying and vitamin C-packed formula that brightens, firms, and smells amazing. Eminence Organic Skin Care’s Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum is an au naturel option, providing the skin with a youthful glow.
Moist We Remind You to Hydrate?
No, we aren’t talking about 8 glasses of H2O. The most important part of skin maintenance is moisturizing! Combating the side effects of changing seasons, boosting elasticity, and supplying your skin with oils and nutrients are just some of the benefits of keeping your skin hydrated. Well-nourished skin will see slower signs of aging, as well. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic Acid absorbs quickly, but don’t let the gel formula fool you. This stuff packs the punch of even the thickest moisturizer! Clinique’s Moisture Surge 72 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator locks in moisture, giving the skin a healthy glow and hydration boost.
Eyes on the Prize
We hate to break it to you, but if you remember Dunkaroos and every word to N*SYNC’s “I Want You Back,” It’s time for eye cream. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most fragile, which is why we’re so prone to dark circles, bags and wrinkles. Because of this, your eyes are actually the most important part of your face to protect and moisturize! Visibly brighten that sleepy skin with cult-classic Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, or a gold star drugstore option with Roc Retinol Correxion Eye Cream.
Here Comes the Sun…screen
Our final weapon in our anti-aging arsenal is none other than sunscreen! UV rays penetrate the skin even on days we aren’t lounging by the pool, resulting in premature aging and wrinkles. Applying SPF daily can help keep skin elasticity in tact, as well as fight harmful ultraviolet radiation. We recommend Aveeno’s Protect + Hydrate Face Sunscreen Lotion as an affordable option, or splurge on Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen.
