The Skincare Routine That’s Been Working So Well for My Skin
My Everyday PM Skincare Routine
Over the past year, I’ve completely simplified my skincare routine, and honestly, my skin has never been happier. I stopped chasing every new launch and started sticking with products that consistently work for my skin, and that’s made all the difference.
In fact, every couple of months I get a facial (with dermaplaning), and at my last appointment my facialist told me my skin looked the best she had ever seen it. That’s when I realized less really can be more. While this post is mostly what’s in my nighttime routine, I’ll also share the SPF I never skip in the morning, along with a few beauty favorites that have quietly become everyday staples. If you’ve been wondering what’s actually on my bathroom counter these days, here’s the routine.
STEP ONE: CLEANSE -
If I could recommend just one product for taking off your makeup at the end of the day, it would be this one. It melts away makeup, sunscreen, and everything else your skin has collected throughout the day without leaving it feeling stripped or tight afterward. It rinses clean, leaves my skin feeling soft, and is one of those products I repurchase before I even run out because I never want to be without it.
STEP ONE: CLEANSE -
This is one of those little changes that made a much bigger difference than I expected. I started using disposable face towels to wipe off the cleansing balm instead of reusing my regular bathroom towel, and I genuinely think it’s helped clear up my skin. It turns out wiping your freshly washed face with the same towel that’s been hanging in your bathroom for days probably isn’t doing your skin any favors. If you’re prone to breakouts, this is such an easy swap that can make a noticeable difference.
STEP ONE: CLEANSE - NON-DRYING CLEANSER
This is the cleanser I use every night to double cleanse after removing my makeup, and on days I’m not wearing makeup, it’s usually the only cleanser I use in the shower. It gets my skin feeling clean without that tight, squeaky-clean feeling that I actually try to avoid. It’s gentle, hydrating, and leaves my skin feeling soft instead of stripped. My skin has been so much happier since I started focusing on protecting my skin barrier instead of trying to scrub it into submission, and this cleanser has become a staple because of that.
STEP TWO: TONE - ZERO PORE PADS
If I had to pick one product that’s made the biggest difference in my skin over the past year, it would be these. I genuinely think they’ve been a game-changer for my texture, clogged pores, and overall clarity.
I use them as the second step in my routine after cleansing, swiping one pad all over my face before moving on to the rest of my skincare. One thing to know: these should never be your last step. They contain exfoliating acids, so you’ll always want to follow them with at least a moisturizer (and I usually layer on a serum first) to keep your skin hydrated and supported.
Pro tip: use excess product on the bottoms of your heels!
STEP THREE: HYDRATE - HYALURONIC CEREMIDE MIST
This is one of those products I never really understood until I tried it. It instantly makes my skin feel more hydrated and gives it that plump, healthy look. I use it right after my pore pads to replenish moisture before sealing everything in with the rest of my routine. Think of it as a drink of water for your skin, it helps support your skin barrier and layers beautifully with the products that follow.
STEP FOUR: MOISTURIZE - 3H RELIEF CREAM
This moisturizer completely lived up to the hype for me. It’s rich and deeply hydrating, but somehow still feels lightweight once it’s on my skin. I use it every night to lock in everything I’ve applied underneath, and I always wake up with my skin feeling soft, calm, and hydrated.
As someone whose combo skin can lean dry in some areas and get a little red or irritated in others, this has been such a good fit. It does a great job of nourishing my skin overnight without feeling greasy or suffocating, and it’s become one of those products I genuinely look forward to using every evening.
IN THE MORNING… NO CAST JUST GLOW SPF
Most mornings, especially if I’m heading to Pilates or out for a walk, I keep things really simple. I’ll usually just throw on some SPF and call it a day.
Lately, this has been the one I reach for every morning. It blends in beautifully with zero white cast, feels lightweight on my skin, and leaves the prettiest healthy glow instead of that greasy sunscreen look. If there’s one skincare step I’ll never skip, it’s sunscreen.
If I want a little more coverage, I’ll also put this tinted hydrator on!
OTHER BEAUTY Favorites
I keep reaching for
These aren’t products I consistently use every single day, but they’ve definitely earned a spot in my routine and get used often enough that I had to include them. My contouring face brushes have become one of my favorite little beauty tools. I originally picked them up hoping they’d help with some postpartum and vacation puffiness, and they’ve become such a relaxing part of my routine. Whether they’re actually sculpting my face or just making me feel more put together… I’ll take it. I clean them off with this spray!
I also started using this hydrating chin strap mask during pregnancy, and it’s surprisingly become one of those easy treatments I can throw on while I’m answering emails or working at my desk. It’s low effort, feels nice, and gives my skin an extra boost of hydration.
Another favorite? Under-eye patches straight from the fridge. They’re my go-to on mornings when I look a little more tired than I’d like to admit. They help de-puff, feel amazing, and at least give the illusion I got a full night’s sleep.
And whenever my skin is feeling a little dull or dry, I reach for this 20-minute collagen peel-off mask. I don’t use it every week, but whenever I do, my skin feels noticeably softer, smoother, and brighter afterward. It’s one of my favorite “reset” products before an event, or anytime my skin needs a little extra love.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need a 15-step skincare routine to have happy skin. Honestly, simplifying my routine has been one of the best things I’ve done, and my skin has never looked better because of it. These are the products I genuinely reach for over and over again, and they’ve earned permanent spots on my bathroom counter. Will I try new things here and there? Of course. But these are the ones I keep coming back to because they consistently work for my skin these days.
I hope this gave you a few ideas if you’ve been looking to refresh your own routine! And if you have any questions about any of these products (or skincare in general), leave them in the comments below. I always love hearing from you.
xx CMK