Fall Skincare Routine

Last week, I posted on Instagram asking for suggestions on what my next blog post should be about. As you can see from the title, many of the suggestions were about my skincare routine. So, today I’ll be writing about my fall skincare routine (which I only follow at night. In the morning I straight up just wash my face with water and then moisturize). All of these steps are super simple and are perfect for girls who don’t want to spend lots of time and/or money on a 15-step Korean skincare routine but still want clear and healthy skin. Of course, as a disclaimer, this routine may work for me (I have combination skin), but everyone is different based on our genetics and environmental factors. Here’s a reference photo of what my skin looks like without makeup nor photo editing:

 

Step 1: Cleanser

Review: I don’t know about you, but I was the type of girl who always switched to a new face wash after finishing the last bottle of whatever I was using at the time. But, lo and behold, I have finally found a face wash that has stuck with me for two years! Kracie’s Naive Makeup Removal Face Wash is literally a miracle worker. A little bit really goes a long way so I’ve been able to use one bottle for three months. I love how it removes my makeup, lathers nicely, and has a light peachy scent that isn’t overbearing. I’ve found that it doesn’t dry my skin out and leaves my face feeling really soft, smooth and clean.

How to use: After rinsing my face with warm water, I apply a small quarter-sized amount onto my fingertips and foam it up between my fingers. I then apply it onto my face in small, circular motions for two minutes moving from my cheeks to my forehead and eventually, chin. Afterward, I use warm water to rinse off all of the soap and pat dry with a non-abrasive towel.

 

Step 2: Toner

Review: I usually don’t use toner, but I was recently sent the GLAMGLOW SUPERTONER in last month’s Sephora Playbox and really noticed a difference in my pore size. I have pretty big pores around my T-zone area (especially on my nose and chin!) and after using this product for two weeks, I noticed that my pores have minimized. It does kind of have a strong “alcohol” scent at first, but it really removes any residue after cleansing and helps your other face products absorb better. I would be wary of this product if your skin is sensitive to alcohol or if you have dry skin because this product may dry your skin due to the Alcohol Denat, one of its main ingredients. For those of you wondering, this product is free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil. This product is also vegan and gluten-free.

How to use: After I’ve washed and dried my face, I shake up the bottle of SUPERTONER and pour a small amount onto a cotton round. I then use the cotton round to gently apply the product all over my face.

Step 3: Oil

Review: I was sent the GLAMGLOW STARPOTION as a complimentary gift from Influenster and GLAMGLOW for testing purposes (but all opinions are honest and my own). This oil can be used both morning and night, but I prefer using it at night because I don’t like to appear oily in the morning nor do I want my makeup to melt off. The packaging of this oil is awesome because it’s made of glass (no plastic!) and is hypoallergenic. Similar to the toner, this product is also free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, phthalates, and silicone and is vegan and gluten-free.

How to use: I massage about 2 drops of this oil onto my face and neck after cleansing and toning. You have to be really careful with the dropper because it leaks easily, so I usually drop the product directly onto my hands, working the product onto my face and neck with my fingertips.

Step 4: Moisturizer

Review: This is my holy grail beauty secret. I’ve been using the Olay Complete Moisturizer ever since I could remember. When my family emigrated to the United States, my mom and older sister were both introduced to this product by my aunt. Ever since this is still the only moisturizer that all of the women in my family use. We’re definitely loyal to the brand! I know, I know. When you think of Olay, you’d probably think of middle-aged women who are trying to prevent aging skin and wrinkles, but I’m a strong believer in it’s never too early to start preventative measures. I love the fact that it has SPF 15, is made with sensitive skin in mind, fragrance-free, and doesn’t feel heavy on my skin. This product also contains Aloe and Vitamin E and is free of any sulfates, phthalates parabens, aluminum, and dyes.

How to use: I like to squeeze a quarter-sized amount onto my fingers and dab four dots onto my face. One on my forehead, one on each cheek, and one on my neck. I then use the palms of both my hands to gently pat the product into my face and neck. I’ve found that simply rubbing the product on doesn’t allow your pores to absorb the moisture. Patting the product into your skin with your palms is much more efficient. I use this moisturizer both day and night. I always follow moisturizing with lip care. I use Vaseline on my lips to keep them nice and smooth!

Step 5: Face Masks (only once per week) 

Review: I switch face masks a lot, but I’m currently using Celavi Collagen Facial Face Masks. I love that it comes in a pack of 12, has many scents to choose from, and works to moisturize, brighten, tone, and firm your skin. I make my boyfriend do these masks with me once a week so we can relax/self-care together while having great skin. 

How to use: With Korean sheet masks, it’s super simple to use. You just pick your favorite mask, open it up, unfold the sheet, and lay it over your face, matching up your eyes, mouth, and nose with the mask. There’s a lot of serum in the packs, so I usually use the left-over serum to rub on my neck, hands, and arms. I keep my masks on for about 15-20 minutes. After removing the mask, I use my palms to gently pat the serum into my skin and then go to bed. You don’t have to wash it off nor follow with moisturizer.

Other tips to keep your skin nice and clear: 

• NEVER leave your makeup on when you sleep. I usually just wash my face right when I get home so I can avoid getting “too lazy” and fall asleep with all my makeup on.
• Wash your face after working out. Letting sweat sit on your face for too long can cause breakouts to occur.
• Don’t touch your face, ever. Your hands are dirty and they can transfer dirt, oil, sweat, and bacteria onto your face. Trust me, you don’t want that.
• Wash your pillowcases once a week. Your hair is oily and transfers oil onto your pillowcase. This can be the reason why you’re breaking out on your cheeks.
• Drink lots of water every day! Water will flush out the toxins in your system and promote healthy skin from within. I always drink a glass of water right when I wake up and right before going to bed. I’ve also invested in a Hydro Flask so I can challenge myself to drink lots of water throughout the day to get my money’s worth.
• Wash your makeup brushes once a week. Bacteria builds up over time and if you don’t wash your brushes, all of that bacteria will transfer to your skin.

That’s all for this post, friends! Thanks for reading and I hope that you were able to learn something you didn’t know before or discover a new product. As a reminder, I’m not saying you should all go out and spend your money on these products. But these are the products that I’ve been using and that has worked for me. If you have any questions about these products, feel free to reach out to me!

What are your skincare tips/tricks? Which products are you using? Let me know in the comments below or DM me to continue our conversation on skincare!