I think I’d refer to myself as a slut for skincare. I’ve been shamed for my skincare collection and judged by my family for the amount of money I invest into it. But you know what, skincare (most of the time) is cheaper than botox in the long-run, in my opinion. Like it’s your FACE, you know?

I can thank my mom for getting me started at a young age with good ‘ol trusty drugstore, Olay. I’d like to commend myself on my upgrade to Marc Jacobs and Yon-Ka, however I would also argue that drugstore skincare is the best place to start if you are a newcomer, and they have products that I’d take to the grave.

Let me just give you a little rundown before I dive into my holy grail skincare products and how I use them. I’d like to make the disclaimer that I am not an esthetician or dermatologist and you should definitely take their advice over mine, however these are the products that I have leaned on that have made my skin the clearest it has ever been (and I’ve tried a lot of products).

Here is an overview of my skin type…

• DRY

• But also oily in my breakout prone areas (forehead and chin)

• My skin can handle most products, but she has a history of sensitivity

Alright let’s get into it:

Morning Routine

Step 1: Cleanse

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

• Start by washing your face with this. I use this one both morning and night. I’ve tried the Glossier cleanser, the Fresh Beauty soy cleanser etc.. and this is what cleared my skin.

  Less than $7 at Target

Step 2: Scrub

Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub

• Yeah, I have been double cleansing… Using a scrub to get all of the extra dirt out of your skin never hurt anybody. (unless you are drying out your skin stop doing it!) This one has helped me out a ton.

  About $8 at Target

Step 3: Toner

Lotion Yon-Ka PNG, Invigorating Mist

• Toner is my favorite part of skincare. It basically helps your skin absorb the rest of your products! This one is pricey but smells amazing and I have noticed a drastic difference in my skin since adding it to my routine.

  $42 through Yon-Ka’s website

Step 4: Serum

The Ordinary, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

• I have always been taught to apply your products in the oder of thinnest to thickest, so I apply serums before moisturizing. I don’t use this serum everyday! I only apply it when I have a breakout; it helps to minimize blemishes and aids in speeding up the healing process.

  Less than $6 at Sephora

Step 5: SPF

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

• Do not leave your house without SPF! You’ll thank yourself in the long-run. Also, a big no no is putting this on at night. Any SPF will break you out if you sleep with it on, so it’s best to have a separate morning and night moisturizer if you use one with an SPF.

  About $11 at Target

Step 6: Moisturize

Marc Jacobs Beauty, Youthquake Hydra-full Retexturizing Gel Crème Moisturizer

• The most hydrating moisturizer I’ve used to date. This is the key to getting that dewey skin look all day and it calms my skin and keeps me hydrated all day, no joke.

  $59 at Sephora

Night Routine

Follow step 1 and step 3 in morning routine then do these:

Step 3: Face Oil

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil

• Sometimes face oil is too much for my skin in the daytime, so nighttime application is the way to do it for me. Plus, this gives your skin time to absorb all of the rich Omegas this product has, overnight.

  About $53 at Sephora

OR

Heritage Store Rosehip Seed Oil

• I am a huge fan of this brand because it is organic, natural, vegan etc. The benefits of this one is crazy: it’s moisturizing, anti-aging, brightening, promotes healing, antibacterial, and fights acne.

  Less than $14 at Ulta

Step 4: Jade Gua Sha, Facial Massage

• Best for firming and lifting the skin when massaging. Jade contains properties that aid the body’s natural defense system, relaxing the nervous system and eliminating toxins from skin. If you put it in the fridge, it’s extra calming. The most important thing is that you always massage facial muscles in an upwards direction. You can do this morning or night, I just prefer to do it in the evening.

  Here’s a little tutorial.

  About $20 on Amazon

Step 4: Moisturize

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

• Just a solid moisturizer that has never done me dirty. It is inexpensive and a brand you can count on. I’m all for it.

  About $12 at Target