As we head into the warmer months, my skin routine changes a little bit in the number of less layered products and by amping up my SPF application. I’ve had some of these products mentioned below in my routine for years, and included a few new favorites that I’ve been really into.

My Current Skincare Routine

AM Routine:

Years ago, I’d wake up and usually wash my face with a small amount of cleanser. These days, unless my face feels super icky, I will start my routine off by splashing a little bit of cold water. I’ve found that more often than not, the morning cleanser is not really necessary. Especially if you’ve had a solid skin routine the night before and, if you’re like me, follow up the cold water splash with P50 (below) or any sort of toner.

Biologique Recherche P50

This has been in my skincare repertoire for over a decade. I use it in the AM after washing my face and it gently exfoliates, balances, regulates excess sebum, and helps maintain a balanced pH. I wouldn’t say I use it daily, but probably 3-4x a week. On the day I don’t use it, I go straight into the below.

Vitamin C

 Over the years, I’ve learned that my skin loves Vitamin C and responds really well to it. Right now, I’m back to using Skinceuticals CE Ferulic. It’s definitely on the higher-end of those in the market, but one of the best. I also love the one from Obagi & for one that doesn’t break the bank, Maelove The Glow Maker.

U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate

 This is the most recent U Beauty addition to my routine and something I’m really loving. Perhaps, one of my favorite launches from a brand that delivers many science-backed formulas.

I’m pretty picky when it comes to the texture of  eye creams, finding most to be too watery or thin. For nighttime, that’s the complete opposite of what I’m looking for. When I tried The Return Eye Concentrate for the first time, I immediately noticed was how incredibly smooth and creamy it was. For night, it left my eye area looking and feeling very hydrated. For day, I used a bit less and was very impressed with how well it seamlessly blended into the skin and better yet, under makeup.

It does come with a slightly higher price tag but if you’re willing to splurge a little, I think it’s a worthwhile product to try. Also, if you’re a first time U Beauty shopper, you can use code HELENA to save 20% off.

U Beauty The Super Hydrator

I’ve included The Super Hydator in My Favorite Items from 2022 post for a reason. It’s become quite a ride-or-die product for me and one I’d rather not be without. There are days I use it only in the AM, under my SPF, and other days when I use it at night, underneath my face cream. You can omit the moisturizer after, depending on your skin type. It’s the most hydrating, luxe-feeling, drink for your face.

Innisfree SPF 36

During the warmer months only, I’m able to omit moisturizer if I use 1-2 pumps of the U Beauty Super Hydrator. During the day, I’ll go right into SPF.  If your skin is really dry, this might not work for you but I suggest playing around. For the last year or so, this has been the go-to SPF for my face. It absorbs well, doesn’t leave a white cast, and wears really well under makeup. I’m also a fan of Supergoop Glow Screen when I want a little more oomph.

PM Routine:

At night, I’ll typically double cleanse to remove makeup and/or SPF. It’s really the only way to make sure everything is fully gone.

The two cleansers that I’ve recently been alternating use of are U Beauty Mantle Skin Conditioning Wash and the Elemis Cleansing Balm.

With the U Beauty Mantle, it’s like a 2-in-1; and a second cleanse is actually not necessary. It melts away everything without drying out the skin and messing with its acid mantle. It’s so luxurious and makes the skin feel clean yet never stripped.

I also am a big fan of the Elemis Cleansing Balm and will follow it with a pea-size amount of any simple cleanser. Recently, it’s this one from First Aid Beauty or this one from Elemis. I’m not overly particular with what I use as my second cleanse. As long as it’s nice and basic, I’ll alternate a few things I have in my cabinet.

After cleansing, I might use a light sweep of toner or something along those lines. I’ve been liking the Fenty Skin one most recently

Environ Skin EssentiA (Retinol)

For my vitamin A, I’m currently using this one from Environ that I’ve used (on and off) for years and always come back to. This entire range is part of a step-up program where over time, your skin works up to a stronger formula. There’s a lot that goes into this entire range so if you’re interested in learning more, this is a great post.  

^^Disclaimer: Please do not click and buy the one I am showing above. I am on #4 that I got to after using numbers 1-3 for years. 

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Moisturizer

I’ve repurchased this countless times and it continues to be one of my all-time favorite face creams. I also really like this one from Caudalíe.

At night, I love to create a “hydration sandwich”  that will often include the U Beauty Super Hydrator, one of the above face creams on top and the U Beauty Barrier on top of that. It can seem like a lot, but my skin loves it. If that combo seems too intense for you, you can do any two of the three.

U Beauty Barrier Bioactive Treatment

Whenever my skin really feels like it needs some extra hydration and TLC, I reach for this incredible overnight treatment. This is used as the last step of your nightly routine and uses a mix of bioactive marine ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and Vitamin-B6) to deeply repair the skin barrier. It’s a splurge so I do try to save it for when my skin really needs it. On the nights that I do use it, I wake up with visibly softer, more hydrated skin. It’s so good.

Aside from the above, I’m always incorporating some sort of face mask several times a week. I also cannot live without the Light Salon Light Boost Mask.

Also, notable mention for this COSRX Snail Mucin. I like to slather a layer on before using the Light Boost, but it can be used at any early point of your return (AM or PM). It’s hydrating, not too expensive and like a dose of vitamins for your face. Simply read through all of the Amazon reviews!

While I do love an in-office treatment like a laser or botox, none of that matters if you don’t have a solid routine implemented at home already prior.