Summer AM Skincare Routine
I’ve been known to switch up my night time skincare routine pretty frequently, but my morning routine generally stays the same. With that being said, my routine may seem to be somewhat on the longer side to most. Personally, I would much rather spend more time focusing on my skincare vs. applying makeup. After my skincare routine, I do a “no makeup look” (brows, mascara, under eye concealer, highlighter and bronzer). I’ve noticed that the more time I invest into my skincare the less makeup I want or feel like wearing.
My hardest challenge at the moment is trying to keep my skin moisturized without it looking oily. As I’ve previously mentioned, my skin is normal-combination oily. I was also informed by a senior skincare advisor that my skin is also dehydrated. One of the biggest misconceptions is that oily skin is over hydrated, but dehydrated skin indicates that my skin is lacking in water. Many people think that drinking more water will instantly cure this issue, but it doesn’t. More water based products actually need to be applied to the skin.
The Son & Park Beauty Water has been a staple in my routine for the past year. Since owning it I’ve tried using it in different steps of my routine. The water can be used to cleanse, lightly exfoliate, remove makeup and to balance the pH of the skin. Currently, I use the Beauty Water as the first step in my routine in the morning. Being that I double cleanse at night now, I don’t do a full on face wash in the morning. Over cleansing can be pretty harmful to your skin as it strips the skin from many of the essential natural oils that it needs. Instead I use a cotton pad soaked with the beauty water and wipe it across my face to remove any build up from overnight. I should probably mention that prior to doing this, in the shower I thoroughly rinse my face with water.
Ingredients: Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, PEG-7 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Xylitol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Water, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit/Seed Oil, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Rose Flower Oil, Ferula Galbaniflua (Galbanum) Resin Oil, Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract , Mentha Piperita(Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Mentha Spicata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Octanediol, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Protease, Alcohol Denat., Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol.
*For me this routine has been working. If I felt the need to wash my face in the morning, I would generally go with a super gentle cleanser – like the Farmacy Clean Bee Cleanser.
The Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea is a new toner that I recently incorporated within my routine. So far I’m enjoying how refreshing it is as well as the scent. Being that my skin is normal to combination, I want a toner that will help balance my skin. What appeals to me the most is that the Herbivore jasmine green tea toner has key benefits like Jasmine Water, Green Tea and white willow bark. I only use this toner in the morning as I don’t like my face to look too dewy in the morning.
Full list of ingredients: Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Jasminum Grandiflorum Floral Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Leaf Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract (and) Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract (and) Aqua (Water)
I completed a previous post about essences and how I use them. I like using them to incorporate more hydration into my routine. I do have a couple of favorites like the Tatcha Essence. Due to the high price tag, I can only see myself purchasing this in the mini size and during a sale. For now this is my morning essence. I will be sure to complete a new post if I decide to incorporate a new essence into my routine. I like that the Tatcha essence is still on a water level as a conventional essence, but it’s actually a little thicker and more hydrating than others I’e tried.
Ingredients: Saccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Leaf/Cladosiphon Okamuranus/Rice Ferment Filtrate*, Propanediol, Soy Amino Acids, Yeast Extract, Aqua/Water/Eau, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Phenoxyethanol, *Hadasei-3
Eye Cream/Serums
I go back and forth between the Drunk Elephant C-Tango Eye Cream and the Indie Lee I-Waken Eye serum. The days that my eyes look really tired (dark circles and puffy), I reach for the C-Tango. The texture is creamy and spreads very nicely. The formula is very hydrating, therefore I only need half a pump to cover the under eye area for both eyes. The I-Waken serum is really great for the days that I know I’ll be going heavier on the make-up. The formula is thiner, but still very hydrating. I particularly love the I-Waken to use prior to concealer. There’s something about this formula that makes my concealer look so good!
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Price: $64 for 0.5oz (gifted by the brand)
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ceteareth-6 Olivate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Ceramide NP, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Ceramide EOP, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminohydroxybutyrate, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Seed Extract, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ubiquinone, Superoxide Dismutase, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Phytic Acid, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Thioctic Acid, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Mica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Titanium Dioxide, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Steareth-20, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Price: $48 for 0.5oz
Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Levulinate, Sclerotium Gum, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Jojoba Esters, Chondrus Crispus, Sodium Anisate, Pyrus Sorbus Bud Extract, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Sodium Hyaluronate, Galactaric Acid, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Leaf Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil.
Serum(s)
Vitamin C Serum- Drunk Elephant C-Firma
Price: $80 for 1oz (gifted by the brand)
I’ve been using the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C serum for the past couple of years. I’ve taken breaks here and there to try out other brands and formulas, but for the most part I’ve been pretty consistent with using this one. This vitamin C has helped to brighten my overall complexion along with helping dark spots fade faster.
The downfall of this serum and many other vitamin C serums is that they tend to oxidize pretty quickly. I would highly recommend purchasing this one in the smaller midi size. If you do purchase a full size, you definitely want to keep it out direct sunlight and high temperatures. If you have a skincare fridge, I would highly recommend storing this serum or any other vitamin C serum in it.
Ingredients: Water, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ascorbic Acid, Laureth-23, Glycerin, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Phytosterols, Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Ferulic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Glycine, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sucrose, Maltodextrin, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Hydrating Serum- Ordinary Matrixyl* 10% + HA
Price: $11.50 for 1 ounce
I usually use some type of Hyaluronic based serum in both my morning and evening routines. In the past I’ve used the Le Dew Baby Smooth. Currently I’m trying out the Ordinary Maytrix Serum. What intrigued me about this serum is that it aims to target fine lines along with incorporating hydration. Like with most H.A., a little of the product goes a long way. I usually only use one drop to cover my entire face. I’ve only been using this serum for the past couple of weeks, therefore I can’t comment on how it effects fine lines. But I am enjoying it for its hydration purposes.
-Matrixyl, Matrixyl 3000, and Matrixyl Synthe'6: Improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
-Hyaluronic Acid: Enhances the delivery of the Matrixyl, Matrixyl 3000, and Matrixyl Synthe'6.
Ingridents: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Moisturizer(S)
My favorite daytime moisturizer for warm weather has to be the Tatcha Water cream. I’m currently testing out other water based creams. During the summer time my skin gets pretty oily. At this point I know that creams that say “water-cream” or gel textures will usually work better for skin needs.
Right now, I’m currently testing out the Boscia Cactus Water moisturizer. This is a moisturizer I’ve heard very good reviews about. After using it a few times, I probably will not be purchasing the full size. There’s something about the texture that I dislike. I also noticed that the skincare that I apply after using it tells to ball up “pill”. This is super annoying when time is limited in the morning. So far now I have apply the moisturizer and give it more time to sink into the skin prior to moving on the next steps in my routine.
Price: $20 for 10 ML | 0.34 FL. OZ.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Saccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Leaf/Cladosiphon Okamuranus/Rice Ferment Filtrate*, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Gold, Belamcanda Chinensis Root Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Mica, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium Edta, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum/Fragrance, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol *Hadasei-3
Price: $38 for 1.61 oz
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Carbomer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium PCA, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Saccharide Isomerate, Propanediol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Cereus Grandiflorus (Cactus) Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Extract, Citric Acid, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.
Sunscreen(s)
Price: $35 for 1.7 ounces
The formula of the unseen sunscreen is very different in comparison to conventional sunscreens as it’s not a cream formula. The formula is weightless and reminds me very much of a primer. Many people I know use it as a primer before applying their makeup. I find that this finish is not matte, but it’s also not dewy. For me it provides the perfect semi-matte finish. I like that I can wear this on makeup and makeup free days!
Ingredients: (Active Ingredients) Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 8%, Octinoxate 4.5%, Octisalate 5%. Inactive Ingredients: Isododecane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Isohexadecane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Meadowfoam Estolide, Polyester-8, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Jojoba Esters, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Mannitol, Olibanum, Lecithin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth, Zinc Sulfate, Silica, Tocopherol
Supergoop- Defense Setting Mist
Price: $28 for 3.4 ounces
I generally use the Defense mist after applying my make-up. I like adding two steps of sunscreen in my routine just for extra protection. I also keep a mini of the Defense setting mist on my desk at work. I keep it there for easy access and to reapply my sunscreen before heading out on my lunch break. The number one thing that I love about the defense mist is that it’s so easy to reapply over your make-up!
Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Isododecane, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Stem/Leaf Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, PVP, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Silica Silylate, Water.