In case you didn’t get the memo through literally ALL of 2018, skin is in. Healthy, glowing skin to be exact. And it will continue to be in until the end of time because, reasons.
If you’re new to skincare game there is no need to panic. Nor is there a need to rush and buy every product under the sun just because you heard Koreans have 10 steps in their skincare routine & you only have one. Let’s take things slow okay, baby steps. We’ll start with the essentials and then your beauty skills can grow from there.
The following are, in my not-so-humble-opinion, the 5 must-have skincare products you should keep in your arsenal and use every day. The brands you use are totally up to you but I’ve included my faves should you be looking for a little skinspiration (see what I did there *wink wink*).
Cleanser
PSA – the soap you use to clean your body should not be the soap you use you clean your face. Because why? Some soaps/body washes contain ingredients that can be too harsh for your face. Please also note, some cleansers are also too harsh for your face (I’m looking at you Noxema). A gentle cleanser that cleans well is your best bet. My ride or die cleanser is Philosophy Purity Made Simple. I love how well it cleans my face and it’s great at removing makeup. I’m also loving the Clarisonic Gentle Radiance Foaming Milk which I use with my Clarisonic Mia.
Toner
I debated whether or not I should include this one on the list but then I decided it’s a must. Not only does toner help to restore your skin’s natural ph level, but it also helps to remove any last bits of product or dirt you may have missed or didn’t think to cleanse. Think, behind the ears, back of the neck and stubborn bits of eyeliner. I am obsessed with Thayer’s Alcohol-free Witch Hazel (the rose petal is awesome). I buy this toner two at a time it’s so good. Also loving the Son & Park Beauty Water, I didn’t want to give in to the hype or the price but after I finished my first bottle I found myself missing it and now I’m hooked.
Eye Cream
So many women think they don’t need to start using eye cream until they’re like in their 40s or 50s after the signs of ageing have already started to show. Ladies, you are never too young for an eye cream in my opinion. Prevention is always better than cure. I’m liking the C+ Collagen Brighten+Firm Eye Cream by Dr Dennis Gross and the Moisturizing Eye Bomb from
Moisturizer
A good moisturizer is essential for your face no matter the climate you live in. There are so many different types depending on your location and your skin type so don’t just grab anything off the shelf. Read the labels. Choose what works for you. I use a number of different moisturizers depending on my skin’s needs at the time. But my main squeeze is the True Cream Aqua Bomb, also by belif. It’s a gel moisturizer which I LOVE! Gel works so much better for my combination skin. It’s easily absorbed and it’s much lighter than a cream moisturizer which is perfect for those hot AF tropical days that exist 355 days out of the year here. My thicker, more rich creams I save for night time. Oh, also love Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Pink Juice, it smells sooooooo good. I love to use it with the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, both of which I keep in my mini fridge.
Sunscreen
If you take nothing else away from this post, please please puh-leeeeeze take this tip. WEAR SUNSCREEN! Every. Day. No. Matter. What. I don’t care if it’s cloudy, I don’t care if you’re only outside or 5 minutes. I don’t care if you’re just going right to the store. Wear sunscreen. Put it on your hands, put it on your face, your body, the back of your neck, put it on your frickin’ earlobes! Sun damage is real. I don’t care how good your skin is, or if your skin is dark and luscious, you need sunscreen. Period. Currently, I’m using the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. It’s a gel, so, duh. Hot AF days remember. And it’s very lightweight and not greasy. I’ve also heard great things from Lauryn Evarts of The Skinny Confidential about this caffeinated sunscreen.
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Well, there you have it, my top 5 skincare necessities. Now go forth and seek beautiful, healthy skin!
XO Kris
P.S. This post is by no means reserved only for the ladies. Guys, you need to take care of your skin too. A washcloth and soap will no longer cut it!