The Life Changing Magic of a Skincare Routine//an essay and a product list

"I think I need to up my makeup game." My friend and I sit around the sandbox sipping iced coffees and pulling sand from our children’s mouths. We chat about the usual subjects—our opinions on essential oils (mixed), the necessity for faux leather leggings (affirmative), and our current skincare routines.

"Not me," she says. "I don’t have time for makeup. I’d rather throw my money into a good face cream."

I’m shocked. "You never wear makeup?" I stare at her radiant skin. The famous advertising slogan crosses my mind. Maybe she’s born with it.

"No, I have the Korean beauty industry to thank for my skin. That and my addiction to beauty stores."

My idea of a "beauty store" was the makeup aisle at the pharmacy, grabbing whatever the magazines highlighted that month. I skipped the aisles with the expensive face creams and serums. That felt like an unnecessary step. That’s what makeup was for—to cover up what we didn’t want the rest of the world to see.

It was becoming clear to me there was more to skincare routine than I understood. 

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I am honored to share an essay “The Life Changing Magic of a Skincare Routine” in the latest Kindred Magazine Vol. 3: Self Issue. You can order your copy of the magazine here and read the rest of the story as well as the other beautiful essays included in this issue on “exploring the way our views of self change and how we can reconcile who we have become.” The essay explores my journey into the world of skincare and how I discovered more about myself and my mental health beyond just a good face serum recommendation. 

But if you are anything like me, you are likely also thinking “ok, that’s lovely, but can I also get that face serum recommendation?!” I get it. There seems to be a fascination with understanding people through their medicine cabinet. I first fell deep into my skincare research journey through the Beauty Uniform series on Cup of Jo. It’s also no secret here I fangirl over the Forever35 Podcast, and the product convos are some of my favorites. I pour over all this information, trying to outline exactly the right products for me to create my forever Beauty Capsule, if you will. 

The problem was, just when I would discover something and give it a try, I would read about something else. I was in constant confliction. What is the perfect one for me??!!

I listened to a recent episode from the Forever 35 podcast with Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli, a beauty expert and the host of the Naked Beauty Podcast (uh oh, another podcast to fall into.) She mentioned that she is always changing her routine and does not feel badly about that because we are people who are always evolving and changing. Why shouldn’t our skincare routine reflect that.   

This was a game changing perspective for me. Changing and growing and evolving is so valuable to me as a person. I should allow the same freedom in what I choose to care for my body as well.

I do not use expensive products, many, in fact, are from Trader Joe’s, because of course they are. And I do not promise they are changing the landscape of my face.

What I can promise is finding a routine has changed me. In fact, I would venture to say right now, during a global pandemic, my routine is in fact one of the things saving my life. 

So with that being said, I am sharing my skincare routine that works for me in May 2020.

Morning Routine

I have dry skin so I rarely wash my face in the morning. Usually just a quick splash of water is enough to wake up my face. Sometimes not even that, if I’m being honest (did I mention already I’m not a #beautyblogger?) I always start my morning with a spritz of the Trader Joe’s Rose Water Facial Toner. I love the scent and the way it wakes up my face. In the winter, it’s not uncommon for me to spritz this on throughout the day. It’s a wonderful face, and spirit, refresher. Also, having a wet face before applying any serums or moisturizer is the best way for it to sink in. This is why I don’t wait for it to dry before adding my morning serum, the Lumene Vitamin C Glow Boost Essence Serum. I love the smell of this and the hyaluronic acid (great for dry skin like my own), but I’ll be honest what got me was the marketing that said this was designed by recipes from Nordic women who glow even in the middle of the winter. You had me at winter glow. 

Then I use Trader Joe’s Ultra Hydrating Cream Moisturizer, which word on the street was designed to be a perfect dupe to a product that sells for over $50. Please and thank you, Trader Joe’s always wins. I must say this is very “wet.” But if you give it time to soak in before moving on to another step, your face will love it. It’s especially lovely in the summer for a light cooling effect. 

And then of course I wouldn’t go out without sunscreen. I have tried MANY with frustrating results. I loved the Unseen by Supergoop but it’s just too expensive for me. This Biore Aqua Water Essense Sunscreen is a perfect substitute at a much better price. It goes on so smooth and light and invisible. It also works great as a primer for foundation.

Night Routine 

While I’m not perfect, I am trying to be better about face washing at the end of the day. This soap, Avalon Organics Intense Defense Cleansing Milk, is a big reason I am drawn to do so. It smells like a dreamsicle and feels so so soft on my face. I accidentally bought the gel cleanser because the bottle looks identical and I REALLY don’t like it. Not the same. Trust me. Milk cleanser is the one you want.

If I was wearing more makeup than usual, I like to do a second wash with a Micellar Water. Also on nights I’m too lazy to splash my face, I use this to clean up. I have the Garnier brand but I am looking to switch to something else, maybe the Yes Micellar Water. I received these washable face pads in my stocking (thanks Santa) and they are perfect for this. 

Next, using the other side of the washable face pad, I use the Pixie Glow Tonic. I love the tingling exfoliation to slough away dead skin cells. Glow is common marketing tool for me. I have heard for some using a chemical exfoliant is harsh on their skin so they only do every other day. My skin loves it so I don’t have a problem with daily use.

With face still wet from the exfoliant, I apply the Ordinary Granactive Retinoid. This is the most affordable product in this department and, sure, it’s probably not as strong. But I notice some difference in the restoration of my skin, the plumpness (is that a thing?) and instant smoothing feel. I need to feel something is working to believe that it is. I’m not saying I look 22 anymore, but I think it is doing something? Either way, I like how it feels, it’s a great price, and these are my only criteria. 

Then I follow up with a dual moisture team, two pumps of the Acure Blue Tansy Oil, tapped on to my face, and then a dollop of the Nivea Creme MADE IN GERMANY. This last part is very important. It must be the product made in Germany becuase the US version is very different. I had no trouble finding it on Amazon and have my fingers crossed I’m not being duped. Either way, it’s amazing. Supposedly it is identical to a $300 Le Mer face cream. I will not be doing a side by side trial of this for you. I’m just going to say I love it. But here’s the thing, it’s thick. You will think I am crazy. Here me out. It works best mixed in with an oil, and the Blue Tansy is one of my faves. I’m also thinking of getting a Sea Buckthorn Oil because supposedly it is fantastic for aging skin (narrator raises hand.) Stay tuned for that recommendation. The key here is to warm the two in your hand in order for it to blend into your face and not sit on it like whipped cream. It will feel oily at first. But you will wake up with a face like a baby’s bottom and isn’t that the dream? I may change my routine in the summer and just use the oil as my skin is naturally hydrated by the humidity (hello Minnesota summers!) But remember, being adaptable is what is important in a skincare routine, and all of life actually.

In the same podcast episode I referred to above, Brook said she believes the way you go to bed is the way you wake up. I believe this to be true. I need that time to wind down, to breathe, to reset. In fact, you can read all about why in my essay in Kindred. 

Meanwhile, because I can never have too many recommendations, what are you loving on your face??!!