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I think I’ve finally perfected the five minute face, and I’ve been so excited to share that with you! But I realized that before I can even think about that, I need to share my morning skincare routine to go with it. For some reason I can’t explain, I don’t like face makeup; so I try to focus my efforts on keeping my skin healthy and glowing.
Side note – I cringed when I saw how much of an investment my skincare routine is. My mom usually restocks my Clinique products on holidays because I love a good practical gift, and some of the other pricier items have come in beauty boxes. If you’re not looking to invest in a whole new skincare line (which I don’t blame you for one bit), consider using the products you own in this order. Or if you’re interested in trying out Clinique specifically, you can check out a 3-step introduction kit for $20.
Also, for reference, I have oily skin. Clinique has different formulas of the same product based on skin type, so if you’re looking to try it out, keep that in mind.
Step One: Cleanse
Product: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap – Oily Skin Formula ($19)
I used Clinique products in college, but stopped using them when I got my own place because I did not have the budget for them. When I moved home in October, I started using my mom’s again, and it made such a difference in my skin. This is simply a gentle cleanser.
Step Two: Tone
Product: Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 – Combination Oily Skin ($29)
I don’t know why this is called a clarifying lotion, it is definitely a toner. I use this on my entire face, but especially on my nose and hairline, as my pores are problematic there. If you’ve never used a toner before, it’s a good “second sweep” to pick up the things your cleanser missed and help with oil control and pores.
Step Three: Activate
Product: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum ($84… I’m using a sample.)
I’m currently on the hunt for a dupe for this product, but if you can get your hands on a sample or have an unlimited skincare budget, this product is amazing. It’s a great base to really enhance any other serums you use. (I had been using a serum religiously then incorporated this product and the difference was noticeable.)
I use three pumps of this – one for my forehead and two for the rest of my face – then pat my face to activate the serum. (It feels a little counter-intuitive to touch a clean face, but those are the instructions that came with the product, and they definitely work.)
Step Four: Apply Serum
Product: PEACH & LILY Glass Skin Refining Serum ($39)
This is the product that really turned my skin around and has played a major role in my five minute face. I love when my skin looks glowy, but that can be tricky with oily skin. This serum gives me that dewy glow and plays nicely with both my liquid and powder highlighters.
I can typically get by with two pumps of this. I’ve been using it every morning for about two months now, and my bottle is still going strong.
Step Five: Moisturize
Product: H2O+ Gel Cream Moisturizer ($42)
There’s a sample shown in the photo, but only because I’m waiting for the full size product to come in! I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is the best moisturizer I have ever used. From the first use, I could not get over how delicious the texture of this moisturizer is. Moisturizing is usually my least favorite step, but I look forward to slathering this on twice a day.
This is one of those products where a little bit goes a long way.
Step Six: Brighten
Product: Tula Rose Glow & Get It Cooling and Brightening Eye Balm ($30)
This product is just lovely, y’all. That’s the only way to describe it. I look forward to using this every morning. I’ve been trying to do my part to combat crow’s feet and fine lines around my eyes. I don’t feel like I have enough evidence to say whether or not that’s the case, but I do really like the way this product really evens out the color and texture of my under eyes. It is super soothing after application, and I love how it brightens my under eye area without concealer, because I find concealer to be too fussy for my routine. (However, when I do break down and apply concealer, this helps with creasing and stops it from soaking into the fine lines 🙌)
That’s it!
And there you have it, my morning skincare routine… all six steps of it 🤷♀️. I’d love to learn more about your skincare routine! If you’re up to it, leave me the details in a comment. Let’s chat!
I keep hearing such good things about the Tula eye balm- I might finally have to try!! 🙂
xoxo A
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I absolutely love it! It’s so refreshing first thing in the morning 🙂 Dermstore has really good sales on it, just have to keep an eye out!