The last time I shared my skincare routine was in December 2020 so I felt like it was time for an update. Even though many of the same products are repeats (which just goes to show how amazing they are) there are some new skincare finds I had to share.
After dealing with frustrating hormonal acne I felt like I needed to do a complete re-haul on my skincare routine—nothing felt like it was working. At the end of 2019, I decided to give this whole clean beauty trend a try. It was one of the best decisions I ever made for my skin. Removing a lot of the harsh chemicals and going back to “basics” helped reset my skin and it’s back to what it was pre-hormonal acne.
I fell in love with BeautyCounter and decided to branch out with other clean beauty brands like Biossance and Drunk Elephant. I don’t use exclusively clean beauty products in my skincare routine, but removing the majority of harsh chemicals has changed my skin and I hope it does for you too.
Click here to check out my 2020 skincare routine!
Daytime Skincare Routine
BEAUTYCOUNTER COUNTERCONTROL CLEAR PORE CLEANSER
BeautyCounter changed my skin and was the brand that made me get into clean beauty. The Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser is a daily exfoliating cleanser that removes oil, makeup, and other impurities without harsh surfactants to strip your skin’s moisture. This brand has phenomenal reviews and I can fully attest to that.
GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER
I used the Bioderma micellar water for years and realized it was the same as the Garnier micellar water so why not go with the cheaper option. I put some on a cotton pad after I cleanse to make sure all dirt and impurities have been washed away. It’s also great for taking off makeup too.
NOBLE PANACEA BRILLIANT VIBRANT EYE INFUSION CREAM
This brand is quite pricey, but when I heard about the concept I couldn’t resist trying. Noble Panacea is created with the highest quality active ingredients and is meant to be released throughout the day for maximum potency. This eye cream comes in daily sachets with the perfect amount inside for each day (ensuring cleanliness) and provides such a beautiful brightening effect under the eyes.
BEAUTYCOUNTER COUNTER+ ALL BRIGHT C SERUM
I still love the Obaji Professional C-Serum 15% but in my quest to find more clean beauty products I decided to try BeautyCounter’s vitamin C serum since I love so many of their products. The Counter+ All Bright C Serum uses 10% vitamin C with antioxidant-rich turmeric and camu camu extract. If you’re looking to incorporate more clean beauty products then give BeautyCounter a try. If not then the Obaji C-Serum is amazing too.
THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID SERUM
For only $7 this serum from The Ordinary really packs a punch! Hyaluronic acid is one of the best ingredients you could add to your skincare routine if you’re feeling that you need more moisture. Hyaluronic acid contains water molecules that help to plump up the skin. This is best to do before you put on your daily moisturizer.
BEAUTYCOUNTER COUNTERMATCH ADAPTIVE MOISTURE LOTION
Another BeautyCounter favorite in my skincare routine. This lightweight lotion adapts to your skin throughout the day to provide your skin with the exact level of moisturization it needs. It’s made with squalane (derived from olives), phytic acid, plum oil (rich in omegas 6, 9, and vitamin E), and shea butter—all great ingredients for keeping skin soft and glowing.
Nighttime Skincare Routine
GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER
I don’t often wear makeup, but if I do I will always double cleanse with my facial cleanser, use a makeup eraser, and then micellar water. But most days it’s just a gentle swipe of the Garnier to remove the day’s dirt.
THE ORDINARY GLYCOLIC ACID 7% TONING SOLUTION
If you’re looking for affordable skincare that is still high quality then The Ordinary is the brand for you. This powerful toner is made with 7% percent glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry to help with dullness and uneven texture. I prefer adding chemical exfoliants to my skincare routine as physical exfoliants can cause micro-tears in the skin leaving your skin irritated. Remember more texture doesn’t always mean cleaner.
NOBLE PANACEA BRILLIANT VIBRANT EYE INFUSION CREAM
This eye cream provides the same undereye illumination as my Tula Brightening eye balms!
DRUNK ELEPHANT A-PASSIONI RETINOL CREAM
I long used the Paula’s Choice 1% retinol cream but felt like my skin was getting used to it. I stopped seeing as great results as I once did so I decided to try Drunk Elephant—a favorite with many in the beauty community. Drunk Elephant uses 1.0% vegan retinol and superfood-rich ingredients to diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
BIOSSANCE 100% SUGARCANE SQUALANE OIL
I’ve been using squalane oil since October 2019 and can never go without it now. Our bodies produce their own version, but it starts to decline in our 20’s (great). This weightless replenishing oil hydrates soothes redness, maintains hydration, and leaves the skin feeling soft. It’s a great topper to lock in the moisture of your other skincare products underneath.
A FEW EXTRAS IN MY SKINCARE ROUTINE
THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2% PEELING SOLUTION
This is a pretty intense chemical exfoliant that provides results. Since it contains such a high percentage of AHA use only once every 2 weeks and don’t combine it with other AHA’s or BHA’s right after each other.
REVISION SKINCARE PORE PURIFYING CLAY MASK (BLACK MASK)
One of the most highly rated clay masks loved by med-spas and estheticians. It was formally just known as the “Black Mask” but the name has been changed.
YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE SUPER BERRY HYDRATE MASK
This is another clean beauty brand and one of my favorite overnight masks. This mask hydrates, plumps, and brightens with vitamin C, antioxidant-rich superberries, squalane, and hyaluronic acid.
ESSIA ULTRASONIC EXFOLIATING SKIN SPATULA
I use this tool one to two times per week with the exfoliate setting. The vibrations dislodge blackheads and other impurities from pores, helping fight off breakouts and inflammation. This is really helpful for those pesky pores on the nose.
HERO COSMETICS MIGHTY PATCH
I absolutely swear by these and always have multiple backups at all times. The mighty patch is a medicated acne patch that brings out the impurities of the spot to the surface of the skin so it can heal quicker. It stops you from having to pick the spot and works best on whiteheads.
What is your favorite product in your skincare routine? Do you like these skincare blog posts? Let me know in the comment section below!
