Low Maintenance Summer Skincare Routine
If you know me, you know that summer is my least favorite season. Despite being raised in the south, I’ve never acclimated to the heat or humidity. And as I’m 33, if it hasn’t happened yet, it probably never will.
My previous jobs required me to be outdoors a good bit. And if there’s a silver lining to this garbage situation I’ve been forced into, it’s that this year, I don’t have to deal with the face blotting and reapplying of makeup and fixing of smudged mascara that I would typically have to deal with a l l d a y l o n g this time of year. #optimism Even though our HVAC can’t get below 80 at the hottest point of the day, summer from the inside of my house hasn’t been too bad!
In a previous post, I mentioned the minimal approach I’ve taken with my hair lately *understatement of the century*, and I thought I would post my bare bones skincare routine, too. It’s super easy and has been really helpful in keeping my skin balanced during a fairly stressful season.
Whether you’re a mom, working remotely, hanging out at your house for an indeterminate amount of time, someone with no skincare routine who’s looking to get started, or someone with a more involved skincare routine who’s looking to simplify, this post is for you! And I guess the title is misleading — this would be a great routine for any time of year, but depending on how your skin needs vary season to season, you may need to exfoliate more, use a heavier moisturizer, etc.
Disclaimer: What works for me may not work for you. I feel like my skin is the happiest it’s been in a really long time. This is possibly due to the reduction in environmental factors or because of the simplification of my skincare routine (including wearing minimal/often no makeup).
MORNING
Rinse face with water and pat dry.
Apply Vitamin C Oil: A few months ago I purchased Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil, and it has been great for calming any inflammation in my skin. This oil easily absorbs into my skin to give it a beautiful, luminous glow. Most days, this is all the hydration my skin needs. *FYI this oil (and any product with Vitamin C) needs to be stored in a drawer or cabinet because Vitamin C oxidizes quickly and therefore has a very short shelf life. Be sure to keep the lid on tight, too!
Apply Eye Cream: I really like the new Sephora Collection Brightening Eye Cream. I’ve tried a lot of expensive eye creams, and this one works just as well if not better, and is literally a quarter of the price at $16! WHAT! It also has hyaluronic acid, and if you have dry skin and don’t know what that is, listen up: HA holds A THOUSAND TIMES its weight in water. Cling to it like the breath you breathe is all I’m saying.
Apply Moisturizer: I don’t necessarily do this every morning. It really depends on how my skin is feeling. Which I think is a huge part of creating your routine. Don’t just do something because you think you should. Assess how your skin feels and tend to those concerns! If my skin feels like it needs a little extra love in the AM, I’ll apply my favorite moisturizer by Belif and press it into my skin.
Apply Lip Balm: You know how you lose collagen when you hit your 30s? That includes your lips! And maybe it’s because my skin is naturally dry and I pretty much exclusively wear matte lipsticks/lipstains, but I’ve made a conscious effort to apply this morning and night. I can definitely tell a difference. I’m still loving this lip balm by Hurraw!
Apply Sunscreen: This is something I don’t necessarily do everyday because I’ve been hanging out indoors most days *chugs vitamin D*. But if I’m playing outside with the dogs, leaving the house to go to the gym, etc, I religiously apply sunscreen. And my absolute favorite is Coola Sun Silk Drops. Yes, it is super pricey. I buy it when I have a 20% off code for Ulta or Sephora, but I think it’s absolutely worth it. It’s a thin liquid and it blends into my skin instead of sitting on top. Bonus: when I do wear makeup, it gives my skin the most beautiful sheen, like a real-life instagram filter for my face! I can absolutely notice a difference in the way my makeup loops when I wear it and when I don’t. If I’m out and feel like I need more sunscreen, I have a travel size of the SUPERGOOP! Setting Mist that’s quick and easy to use. It just stays in the side pocket of my purse for when I need it.
EVENING
Rinse Face with Cleanser: I’m almost out of my Youth To the People Cleanser (which has lasted forever and is a pretty good deal for the amount of product you get!), so I’m on the hunt for something slightly more hydrating. Currently testing out a few different options. I’ll let you know what I come up with! Also, I use a washcloth specifically designed for rinsing your face, which is gentler on my skin than a traditional washcloth.
Cleanse with Micellar Water: This micellar water by Garnier gets the job DONE. It removes any traces of eye makeup and anything remaining from the first cleanse. Also, I researched all the ingredients on EWG, and nothing rates higher than a 3! Currently buy one get one 40% off at Ulta right now! I purchased the organic cotton balls from Target on a whim to use with it, and wow. Game changer! THEY ARE SO SOFT. (HMU if you have more sustainable options, though. Always into that!). It’s not necessary, but I usually splash my face with water afterwards to get any of the product out of my eyes.
Apply Serum: I purchased this Dr. Roebuck True Blue Hydrating Serum, and I really love it. The product is thin and super absorbent and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tacky or sticky. Usually one pump is all I need, and I apply to my face and use any remaining product on my neck. Other pricier serums I’ve tried haven’t lasted as long as this one. This is the first product I’ve tried from this line, and I will likely test out more based on this experience!
Apply Eye Cream: Twice a day, everyday!
Apply Moisturizer: I’m usually a bit of a product hopper after I finish something, but I’ve consistently repurchased this Belif Moisturizer for a few years now. It makes my dry skin super happy and the jar lasts for a while. Also, they just came out with a new value size that I’m putting on my shopping list for the next time Sephora does a 20% off sale! Do you like how I have this down to a science so I never pay full price for anything anymore?
Apply Lip Balm: And try not to get it all over my husband’s face when he kisses me goodnight #sorryjustin Hurraw!
Every few days
I use a chemical exfoliant, and my go-to are these glycolic peel pads by First Aid Beauty! I still have half of the supply I purchased on that crazy sale from Ulta last year. I use them on my face (lips included!), neck, and decolletage
Once a week
I use a physical exfoliant, and I’m still working on my tube of Modern Friction by Origins. I don’t do this super often because of the congestion I’d previously experienced on the right side of my face. Still a little gun-shy, so I only use it once a week!
And that’s it! It may seem more involved, but it’s pretty quick and painles compared to my previous routine. My skin feels and looks happier than it has in a really long time, and I’m saving money by not buying and trying so. many. products. I’m calling that a win!
