Before we really get into it, let me say a few things about my skin so it’s crystal clear where I’m coming from:

• I don’t have/never had acne, so none of the products I use are specifically targeted for acne-prone skin. I do get pimples hormonally every so often. I also have combination/oily skin, and if I don’t tackle that oil production in the summer, I breakout.

• I have eczema, a lot of allergies, and extremely sensitive skin - all things that affect my skin overall, not just on my face - so I have to be extra careful about the ingredients in my products.

• My under-eye bags are unfortunately genetic, and while some creams definitely help, they’re basically just part of my face at this point, and I’m sort of okay with that.

• In addition to the products mentioned here, I also drink about a gallon of water each day, do my best to keep my hands away from my face, and I change my pillowcase at least once a week (also use a satin pillowcase for my hair, but they can also be good for your skin)!

• I shower at night. Because of that, I don’t wash my face every single morning. At the very least, I’ll do a light swipe with toner prior to moisturizing.

• A lot of the products here come with a hefty price tag. Some are available in smaller, more wallet-friendly sizes, but I will say that they’re definitely worth every penny. For the Drunk Elephant products in particular, using “The Littles” is a great way to get started - and I still use them, as is the midi size of Babyfacial.

• This is what works for me. My dermatologist is okay with it. I’m not a dermatologist, I’m just sharing what works for me, so talk to your derm before you switch up your whole routine!

*hey wait! before you keep going, I want you to know that this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase, I make a small commission. Additionally, I received some of the Drunk Elephant (DE) as a complimentary ‘thank you’ for completing a survey. However. all opinions remain my own.

MORNING

When I do wash my face in the AM, I use a Clarisonic Mia 2 to wash - always with warm water to open up my pores. glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser is my favorite, though I have recently been trying DE’s Beste Cleanser, and I do like that one as well! I follow that up with Thayer’s Witch Hazel (alcohol free) Rose Petal Toner, on a reusable bamboo round. I let my face air dry (I never use a towel or washcloth on my face). After it’s decently dry, I moisturize with DE’s Protini Polypeptide Cream, and C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream under my eyes. If my skin is feeling a little dry, I’ll mix in a pump of B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum. I had a few dark spots on my face that appeared earlier this summer, but I will say that using C-Firma Day Serum daily has made a noticeable difference. After all of that, I apply Umbra Sheer sunscreen to my face, neck, and chest.

I usually use a cold jade roller in the mornings, to reduce some redness and puffiness - aka, make me look a little less tired.

If I’m feeling like I could use some extra moisture, I’ll add a drop of DE’s Virgin Marula Oil. Especially on days when I want to make my skin pop without using highlighter, a drop of this seriously gets my skin glowing!

But if I’ve been out in the summer heat for a while, sometimes I’ll do a quick spritz of fresh’s Vitamin Nectar Glow Water, for a dewy-but-not-sweaty look, and a little bit of a cooling effect.

Unrelated, but I take my vitamins right after finishing up my routine, and aim to get my first glass of water down before heading downstairs.

NIGHT

If I wore makeup that day, I’ll take it off with Garnier’s micellar water, and then wash my face in the shower, with (clean) hands. My nighttime routine is the same as the daytime up until right after Protini. I use DE’s T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, which helps with excess oil control, and a drop of Marula Oil for hydration.

(For my body, in the shower, I’ll use a gentle cleanser - I’ve been loving the one pictured from Dove lately, and follow up with cocoa butter or a shea butter based lotion. Once a week or so, I’ll use a scrub, always followed up with butter).

*For the record, the only foundation I’ve tried recently that doesn’t aggravate my skin is Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r.

ONCE A WEEK

Usually on Sundays, I do a face mask. I’ve fallen in love with DE’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, and have noticed a major difference in my skin since starting it. My texture has been more even, I’m seeing less redness, and definitely have noticed softer skin. After the mask, I follow up with Protini and Virgin Marula oil.

At least once a week, I swap out and wash my pillowcase.