Cleanse

I currently use the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser & absolutely love it! A friend of mine, Jessica, introduced me to Kiehl's & I haven't looked back since. My favorite thing about this cleanser is that my skin feels super clean without ever feeling dry or stripped afterward. Every now & then, especially during the colder months, I'll also use the Ultra Facial Overnight Cream Mask with 10.5% Squalane as a cold cleanser. I don't reach for it often, but it's a great option when my skin needs a little extra hydration.

Exfoliate

Remove the dead skin! Our skin does this naturally but, just as anything else, a helping hand doesn't hurt. I use the Trader Joe's Nourish Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub, especially after those nights when I accidentally fall asleep in my makeup (yes... it still happens from time to time 😂). I always joke that it "undoes" the bad decision I made the night before. A little goes a long way, so don't overdo it! It can leave your skin feeling a little dry, which is why I don't use it daily. Just be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer.

Tone

I alternate between the Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner & the Daily Gentle Exfoliating Milk-Peel Toner—never at the same time. Toner is still one of my favorite steps because it's that extra reassurance that my skin is actually clean before I start applying the rest of my products or makeup. My skin always feels refreshed afterward & I love knowing I've given it one last cleanse while helping support my skin barrier.

Moisturize

My everyday moisturizer is the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane. Even if you have oily skin like me, moisturizer is still key (it took me a while to understand this). This cream keeps my skin hydrated without making me look oily throughout the day. During the colder months or after exfoliating, I'll switch to the Ultra Facial Overnight Cream Mask with 10.5% Squalane for an extra boost of moisture.

Before applying concealer, I also use the Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream & it is amaaaaazing! Give it a few minutes to fully soak into your skin before applying makeup. Trust me when I say, don't rush this step!

Sunscreen Protection

My forever love is still the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30. I've been using it since 2020 & honestly don't see myself leaving it alone anytime soon. I like to think of it as a moisturizer on top of my moisturizer. I will say, it does leave a slight white cast at first, buuuut it fades pretty quickly. One thing I've noticed is that if you let it sit on your hands for too long before applying, it can become a little flaky, so I recommend applying it right away.

I still plan to try Biossance, years ago, Cashmere, the former CEO of Beauty Bakerie recommended this. She always had great recommendations & she read aaalllll ingredients, closely. Goossshhh I miss her posts!

Steam

I don't steam my face as often as I used to, but it's still one of my favorite ways to give my skin a little extra TLC. And yesss... I'm still using the same DIY method! No fancy facial steamer over here. I simply boil a pot of water, carefully place it on a table, drape a towel over my head & let the steam do its thing for about 10 minutes. Simple, affordable, & it still gets the job done!