If there’s one thing I spend my time and money on second to my wellness, it’s the wellness of my skin. I’m first and foremost a huge believer topical skincare products is secondary. The skin is the window into what’s going on in the body, which means everything from breakouts around the chin to dark circles under the eyes give us insight into what’s going on with my body. I believe healing your hormones and eating a diet rich in antioxidants is way more effective than any topical skincare could ever be (and way cheaper). However, skincare can make the difference between healthy skin and va-va-voom skin, AKA doing the work to unclog surface pores and slough off dead skin cells for an optimal lit-from-within glow. I’ve tried hundreds of products and brands, and am on a mission to show people that non-toxic skincare is not only just as effective as conventional, but it can be more effective. Below is my complete morning and nighttime skincare routine in order, and all the products I have found are the very best.

PSA: It might look like a lot, but I promise I keep it simple! Both my nighttime and morning skincare routine takes me no more than a few minutes each, and every item is pretty affordable (most around $15-$25). These are the products I have found work wonders for me, but that doesn’t mean you have to copy the exact routine to get optimal results for you. Everyone’s skin and needs are different, so I work with clients to build a skincare routine that works for them, not to copy mine. But if you need a specific product rec or are confused on what order to apply what, I got you covered.

Skincare type/goals: combination skin with blackheads/clogged pores on nose and occasional chin breakouts that scar pretty easily, but gets dry often. Obviously I want to keep acne at bay and keep skin hydrated, but my main goals are always to boost glow and brighten skin (brightening is the secret to a lit-from-within glow and is the key factor of those girls who look like they have stunning skin with no makeup.

Morning Routine:

Wipe face with a cool washcloth: I do not wash my face in the morning so as to not dry it out, but I rinse to get rid of product from the night before and create a fresh slate. The washcloth adds a gentle exfoliation, and I like cool water instead of warm because it tightens pores, decreases inflammation/depuffs, and boosts circulation. I buy these washcloths in bulk (looks chic, and won’t get stained from makeup, masks, etc.)
Versed Daily Brightening Solution: contains four different kinds of acid to optimally brighten dark spots, reduce wrinkles, and boost glow–also very affordable and non-toxic (very few effective toners are non-toxic!)
RawKanvas Harmony Radiance Boosting Toner: delivers amazing ingredients into the skin for glow, but also is the perfect way to prep your skin to optimally absorb the rest of your product routine, or look its best under makeup
Versed Brightening Serum: most experts say the #1 ingredient to have in your routine is vitamin C because it’s that good for complexion. This serum is the most affordable one I have found that has the best quality, amazing ingredients, and is totally non-toxic.
BYBI Face Base Moisturizer: I’m not too picky about my moisturizer (IMO, its only job is to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day), so I like an affordable one that’s totally clean, simple, easy, and keeps my skin moisturized without piling or feeling too heavy.
Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream: my absolute favorite eye cream, I buy it in bulk
De-puff and contour: I don’t do this in my day-to-day morning routine, but will make sure to spend some time to get rid of puffiness and sculpt (I want a chiseled AF cheekbones and jaw line) by ice rolling (this is the one I keep in my freezer). I also love eye patches (right now I’m using the Pixi Detoxifeye Depuffing Eye Patches with cucumber and caffeine).
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen: anything that reminds me of summer camp is a no from me, dawg (the sunscreen-y smell, white finish, etc.) so I am obsessed with this luxe texture. Also, sunscreen is like a man–we should expect more than just the bare minimum. It’s job should not just be to protect your skin from the sun, but offer additional high-quality ingredients to boost glow and skin radiance (this one is filled with squalene and antioxidants).

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Nighttime Routine:

Pai Rosehip Cleaning Oil: I am truly obsessed with this cleansing oil, but TBH, I skip this step on days I don’t wear makeup and am feeling lazy. But when I am consistent, it makes the biggest difference in my skin texture, blackheads, etc. It melts away makeup so easily and works as the perfect makeup remover with a lot more benefits than your typical makeup remover wipes.
Indie Lee Purifying Face Wash: your face wash might actually be causing or worsening breakouts if it’s too harsh–when your skin is stripped of the good oils it needs, the oil glands go into overdrive to produce more oil which can clog pores and cause irritation. This one is gentle but still extremely effective, and leaves my skin so soft.
Maelove Retinol Serum: obviously retinol is a staple product in everybody’s routine–it’s highly effective for cell turnover, which means it does it all: brightens skin by getting rid of dead skin cells, healing acne/clogged pores, and fighting wrinkles. It’s like the one-stop-shop to gorgeous skin. I’ve tried a lot of retinols and this one is by far my favorite.
Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream: Historically, I’ve been one to slather on heavy creams, oils, and lotions (all about the #glazeddonutaesthetic), but lately I’ve been drawn to lighter gels at night. It’s deeply hydrating, but still doesn’t overpower the other effective ingredients in my serums and oils. However, in colder months when my skin dries out, or if I’m not using an oil, I’ll use an overnight mask like this one.
Ogee Brightening Eye Balm: thick and luxurious, just like I like it.
Osea Face Oil (if I need more moisture) or BYBI Bakuchiol + Squalane Oil (if I’m looking dull or breaking out)
Lawless Forget the Filler Overnight Pumping Mask: I would die for this lip mask. It supports natural collagen production to smooth lips and to promote plumping overtime–one of my top must-have products.