For starters, I’m not someone that has a 10 step morning and night skincare routine. I typically have 3 steps that I do in the morning and then 3 night and I stick to the essentials. Sure, I could add in more products but I know I’m not going to do a 381904798 step routine and a lot of products aren’t necessary. I’m also not someone that has to use the same skincare brand every single time. Sometimes I’ll buy the same brand/product and other times I’ll try something new if it’s a good recommendation. Regardless, the actual products themselves (ie. ingredients/purpose for using them) are pretty much always the same even if it’s a different brand. Before diving into products, here are some photos without any makeup on. I feel like these are the least attractive photos haha but this post is about my skin – so not trying to look cute, just trying to give y’all a better look without any make up 😉

Okay so here are the products (and brands) I’m currently using:

CE Ferulic or Vitamin C A lot of products I have can be applied in the AM or PM (whichever you prefer) but CE Ferulic or Vitamin C is something I apply every morning before anything else. I’ve tried several brands, but for me, CE Ferulic (from Skinceuticals) has always been the holy grail, and it’s worth the investment. Recently though, Ashley (the NP I see at The Lotus Spa for laser treatments) launched her own medical grade skincare line, Bihada. Her C and E with Ferulic Acid has the same active ingredients as Skinceuticals but is less expensive, so I’ll be switching to that once I run out of my current bottle! I also like the Vitamin C serum from Drunk Elephant but if you’re going to splurge on one skincare product, CE Ferulic would be it.

Tip: If you ever wonder what order to apply your products in, your serums and oils tend to go first – you can think anything with a lighter, “see-through” consistency goes on first and then you can apply other products in order of thickness.

Moisture Recovery Oil-Free In the AM after CE Ferulic or Vitamin C, I’ll apply a daily moisturzer. I’ve been using this one from Bihada. It’s made to reduce irritation and soothe the skin, while also holding ceramides (fatty acids) that help retain your skin’s natural structure. I really love Ashley’s Bihada line because they are all medical grade products that are really working for your skin on a deeper level.

Invisible Shield SPF or Moisturizing Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Before I apply a primer for my makeup, I apply my SPF. I’m partial to this one from Glossier because it has a nice smell, no white residue and is not greasy. But if you’re looking for one that is more medical grade and helps reduce redness, improve skin elasticity and firmness (plus more), I’d recommend this one from Bihada. I love the Glossier one for a less expensive SPF option, but if you’re looking to invest in your skincare routine, a SPF with other properties like the one from Bihada is a better option.

Banana Bright Eye Creme If you’re looking for a good under eye cream that doesn’t break the bank (because they can get $$$) I really like this one. I feel like it also gives a really nice brightening and illuminating finish, and helps your concealer look better and last longer through the day.

Rejuvenating Cleanser Moving onto PM. First thing I do is wash my face. Not going to lie, half the time I use this cleanser, the other half I’m using a Neutrogena makeup wipe lol. But I really do love this cleanser. It has a milky consistency to it and also helps protect your skin against environmental factors and free radicals (similar to some CE Ferulic properties). I also like the Milky Jelly Cleanser from Glossier if you’re looking for a less expensive option.

Advanced Wrinkle Redux This is a newer product I’ve added to my routine but anything to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines, sign me up! It has so many amazing properties – increases firmness up to 13x within 2 weeks, over 100% increase in collagen and elastin production, helps reduce appearance of rosacea (which I do have), and “clinically proven to deliver the equivalent results of one injection of collagen filler in just two weeks of regular use.” You can read about all the pros of this product on their website but it’s definitely something that will be staying in my routine.

Good Genes (Sunday Riley) : I typically put this on at night after the advanced wrinkle redux, but you can apply this in the morning (after your Vitamin C/CE Ferulic) if you prefer. It’s a lactic acid so it helps with dull and uneven texture (so really targeting those dark spots and hyperpigmentation – both of which I have), and can also help reduce fine lines. It’s also supposed to be great for minimizing dark circles and your pores as well.

Seven Super Plex or Communicate Multi-Peptide Creme Last step in the nightly routine is a moisturizer. I’ve been switching back and forth between these two, and the Seven Super Plex is super hydrating if you have really dry skin. I also find the Communiccate Multi-Peptide Creme hydrating and this is one of the products that Ashley (at the Lotus Spa) recommends most and is one of her most popular. In the past I’ve to used Drunk Elephant’s Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer and this is super hydrating for those of y’all that can get really dry skin. I still do love this one but after being introduced to Bihada, if I was going to splurge and spend more on a moisturizer, I wanted something that had more benefits/skin properties. During the summer, I’ve also liked Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel for a lighter option.

Botox So I can’t go over my skincare routine without talking about botox! While I think it’s super important to invest in your daily skincare products, I can’t say that my face looks how it does just from them alone haha. I started getting botox several years ago (when I was 29/30) and I wish I would have started earlier since it is preventative. But better late than never! I see Dr. Tyler at Finn Plastic Surgery (Dr. Elkins Williams on their site) for my botox and I’ve loved the results. They are the most natural I’ve had – where I still have a lot of movement but no lines. If you’re looking for someone to do injectables (he also does my lip filler), I can’t recommend him enough! More info saved to my Botox & Filler IG highlight. I also love incorporating hydrafacials (which I also get at Finn) and dermaplaning when I can (as another skin tip!)