WELLNESS

My Stripped-Down Skincare Routine

I’ve been wanting to do one of these for a really long time, and it’s one of my most frequently asked questions! The truth is, I didn’t feel confident in putting out a skincare routine blog post if I didn’t feel 100% happy with my own skin. I’ve dealt with cystic acne for as long as I can remember and it put my body/mind/skin through a lot…(pics of my journey below). It took me years to finally get to know my skin, so I’m super excited to share my routine (and I’ve tried just about everything so ask away!). You can read about my journey below and see the products I can’t leave the house without. ☺︎

When it comes to skin, I’ve realized that sometimes less is more. My entire face was covered in acne. So I started trying everything in hopes of banishing every breakout. Instead, I think it made everything worse. I have super sensitive, combo skin and the excessive products left my skin irritated—causing more breakouts.

I decided that I didn't need to have a 15 step routine and I didn't need to suffocate my skin with layers of serums and cream. What my skin needed was a break! I kept a very simple, natural routine that consisted of a gentle but effective cleanser, and a clean, non irritating, light, moisturizer. I know it sounds crazy but that’s what I did because I truly wanted to let my skin relax and recover. After about a month or two, I start to slowly (very slowly) introduce new creams etc. into my routine. You should incorporate new products one by one (don’t mix). This way you can truly see how your skin reacts to certain ingredients.

Before/After

The photo with my acne was in 2014 and the other photos were taken right after work in Jan 2020. My bare skin. No edit. ☺︎

*my skin still has scaring from my acne and my skin journey isn’t anywhere close to over. One step at a time. ☺︎

My Stripped-Down Skincare Routine

I wanted to simplify my routine down to the bare necessities. What I love and use every single day, minus the extras. It was a looooong journey but I am finally confident and happy with my skin. I hope this helps you wherever you are in your skincare journey. Regimen followed by product info below!

1. Cleanse with Laneige Multi Deep-Clean Cleanser. Dime size dollop, lather and rinse.

2. Cleanse again, but with Glossier Milky Jelly. Use generously for a full conditioning cleanse.

3. Spray Shea Moisture Clarifying Problem Skin Toner all over and pat into skin.

Opt: Follow with Evenprime soothing face mist as an extra essence or use later as a refreshing pick me up!

4. Apply Lumin Dark Circle Defense eye gel generously under eyes. I kinda go all over with this because it is so light and cooling.

5. My last and favorite part of my ritual. Apply Moisturizer. Currently, that is my Everyday Oil. One pump into your hand, warm it up and pat all over face and neck. Close your eyes, breathe (the oil smells amazzzzing). Gently massage your face, starting inward with outward strokes to your ear. I usually take a minute but feel free to take your time (and get to know your skin!). This oil leaves me glowing. Read more about it below~

And thats my regimen! This is what work for me and the products are not* sponsored. The products i just mentioned can be found below along with my other must-haves. Go check out my #shelfie below!

Ritual > Routine

I find my regimen is much easier to follow when I make it ritualistic. Look at it as having a healthy self care practice rather than it being a routine/something you have to do at night. Make it something you look forward to. :) It can be different for everyone. For example— I love the smell of the milky jelly cleanser and the way it feels on my face. And the oils I use are therapeutic, which I really enjoy (I’m also trying to get a gua-sha so stay tuned). But that’s what I mean by having a ritualistic regimen. At least this is what works for me. ☺︎

The Lineup

The OG army. The travel #shelfie. From left to right in the picture:



1. GLOSSIER Balm Dotcom in Rose
Rose is hard to sell me on, especially as a basic. But this Rose lip balm is so pleasant and it doesn’t overwhelm. Hydrate lips, cuticles, or dry skin with this do-everything lip balm. It reminds me of my beloved Vaseline, which I always have with me.

$12. Pricey but nice to have. And my $3 vaseline lip balm works just fine.



⁠2. GLOSSIER Milky Jelly Cleanser
I double cleanse my face and there is a reason that this is my second cleanser and not my primary. This cleanser feels light, luxurious, and soft. It has a calming smell and jelly-like texture that melts on your skin. I love this cleanser so much because it has a spa-like conditioning sensation. It’s also gentle, meaning it’s perfect as my second cleanser. Ph-balanced, easy on the eyes, removes makeup, cruelty-free, and won’t leave your skin tight but refreshed! Something fun to have in your routine :)

⁠$9 mini. $18 full. I have the mini to travel but also the full. Commit to the full (it’s worth it and you’d want to be able to use this lavishly).



3. LANEIGE Multi-Deep Clean Cleanser
My first and primary cleanser. Strong cleanser that deeply cleanses without stripping my skin or leaving it dry. It has been really good at keeping my skin clear and clean which has been rare with my very acne prone skin. I usually break out a few times a week and with this one I’ve significantly seen a difference! My skin stay clears all month with a few pimples here and there. Blueberry brightening and feels squeaky clean.

$23 for a decent sized tube and you only need a little bit. A little goes a long way in this effective cleanser. Amazon has it for cheaper(?)



4. LUMIN Dark Circle Defense
I didn't believe in eye creams until this one. My sister even asked how got my bags to disappear and I swear it’s Lumin Dark Circle Defense! This eye gel is incredibly refreshing and effective. I apply this everyday at morning and at night and anytime I feel like my eyes are tired. Lemon extract and caffeine keeps me from looking tired while clearing fine lines and dark circles! I lather this stuff all over my eye sometimes because it feels sooo good. I start from the inner corners of my eye and go in outward motions. Outward strokes starting from the inner corners, below and above the eye. I find this to be very relaxing and ritualistic in my routine.

$29 perfect size to carry with me everywhere. Yup. It’s eye cream. No. I don’t leave home without it.



5. SHEA MOISTURE Clarifying Problem Skin Toner
After I double cleanse, I always use this toner. My sister introduced me to this African Black Soap toner and it has been a cult favorite ever since. After seeing immediate results on my sisters skin (who also has problematic acne prone skin), I gave it a try and I am already on my 3rd bottle in the past year haha. It’s hard to find something that doesn’t irritate my skin and this toner has been doing the trick and keeping my acne at bay (thank you shea moisture, you did the impossible).

$10 and sold at most drug stores!



6. EVERYDAY OIL Mainstay Blend
I have been very into oils in my routine and this is one of my absolute favorites. It is a blend of coconut, argan, jojoba and olive oil and it literally works for everything… hair, skin, face. Apply ritualistically, and just breathe. The smell is incredibly calming (notes of Palo Santo, geranium, + lavender) and the oil just makes me and my skin happy. Face is left hydrated and glowing.

$14 tiny, $22 medium, $48 large. I have the medium size and all you need is one little pump and you’re good!



7. EVENPRIME Soothing Face Mist
This vegan face mist doubles as a toner and essence. I carry this around just incase my face gets tired and I need a midday refresh. Formulated by Korea’s leading chemists and contains Galactomycyces Ferment Filtrate (the same ingredient that’s in SK-II’s coveted $100 essence). Has Centella Asiatica Extract which balances skin tone, and calms blemish prone skin (me). Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and. Branding is just…. beautiful.

$24.



8. LUMIN Anti-Wrinkle Serum
Where are my tired eye people at? This serum treats fine lines and wrinkles but I primarily use it under my eyes. Honestly skincare can get tiring and boring and this serum keeps you icy. No literally, it rolls on cold under my eyes and feels amazing. Instantly wakes you up and refreshes. I absolutely love this product due to the fact that it’s a rollerball and it’s small enough to carry in my pocket/bag aka perfect for on the go! Contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. You know, the good stuff.

$19. Your undereyes and lines will thank you.

Whether you’re a minimalist or skincare crazy, I hope this blog somehow helps you in your skincare journey. Stay educated on what goes into your skincare because at the end of the day, each of our skin has its own unique genetic makeup and what works for me might not work for you~

Please feel free to like and ask me any questions. ☺︎

Ritual > Routine ☺︎
kale