Building a skincare routine can feel overwhelming. We totally get it, so we laid out a simple, step-by-step guide to help you achieve your glowing skin goals without the hassle. 

Best Simple Daytime Skincare Routine:

• Water-based cleanser
• Exfoliator
• Mist
• Toner
• Essence
• Treatment
• Eye cream
• Mist
• SPF

Best Simple Nighttime Skincare Routine:

• Cleansing Oil
• Water Cleanser
• Exfoliator
• Mist
• Toner
• Essence
• Treatment
• Eye cream
• Mist
• Moisturizer
• Oil

Pro-tip: You do not need to do every one of these steps. Our busy lives may not allow for such a lengthy skincare routine. We recommend customizing the amount of steps to best fit your lifestyle by simply skipping any of the steps you do not use, and continue following the order.*

Each Product Type, Broken Down:

Cleansing Oil

You may have also heard this referred to as a “cleansing balm.” The luxurious slip of a cleansing oil will remove your makeup and any oil-based impurities, such as sebum.

Water Cleanser

Water cleansers typically come in three different formulas:  gel, foaming, or micellar. Use these as the second step of the now-viral “double-cleanse” trend to remove water-based impurities such as dirt, oil, makeup, and buildup.

Try this: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Exfoliator

There are two main types of exfoliators: Physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants manually slough away dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliants dissolve them. Exfoliants can help minimize the appearance of pores and improve your skin's texture.

*Pro-tip: Common types of chemical exfoliants are Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy acids (BHAs), and Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs)*

Try this: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Toner

Toners help balance out your skin's skin’s pH levels. Contrary to the ‘90s — when Sea Breeze toners would strip your skin leaving it tight and red (remember?) — the best toners of 2021 work as a primer, leaving your skin feeling nourished and replenished. To use, soak a cotton pad with product and apply liberally all over your face and neck.  

Try this: Laniege Essential Power Skin Toner

Facial Essence

The best facial essences of 2021 plump skin, leaving it dewy and fresh, while also enhancing the absorption of your next skincare steps — so you can expect better results. Drop a dime-sized amount of product in the palm of your hand and gently pat over your face and neck.

Try this: Then I Met You The Giving Essence

Treatment

You may have seen these referred to as “serums” or “ampoules.” Treatments are formulated to target specific skin concerns, such as acne, hyper pigmentation, or rosacea. 

*Pro-tip: Rub your treatment in with a jade roller or gua sha tool for a luxurious facial massage*

Try this: Tatcha The Dewy Serum

Eye Cream

The best eye creams are meant to target specific eye concerns such as puffiness, dark circles, and/or fine lines. Gently dot product along your under-eye area and over your lids, before massing it into the skin. 

Try this: AmorePacific Time Response Reserve Eye Cream

Moisturizer or Cream

Like treatments, facial moisturizers and creams serve many purposes. You may want your moisturizer to brighten, minimize the appearance wrinkles, or hydrate. Overall, the purpose of a moisturizer is typically to protect the skin’s moisture barrier. We recommend massaging your moisturizer all over the “French face" (from your forehead to your décolletage)

Try this: Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

Sunscreen

Sun protection is the single most important step of your skincare routine. It will protect your skin from UVB and UVA rays, the leading causes of premature aging and skin cancer. Make sure you use a minimum of SPF 30 every day, all year round. (Yes, even in the winter or on rainy days!) It will make a huge difference for your skin in the long run.

*Pro-tip: Apply the optimal amount of sunscreen by squeezing it along the length of 2 fingers*

Try this: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Face Oil

Facial oils are occlusive, meaning they lock in all of the wonderful hydration you gave your skin in the previous steps. They also help to prevent water loss. Remember, oils will not moisturize or penetrate your skin, so it is important that they are always applied last.

Try this: Josie Maran Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100 MG CBD Oil

How To Achieve Glowy Skin

Spritz on Some Facial Mist Add After Applying Toner And Before Moisturizing 

Applying skincare products to moist skin will also help them penetrate deeper and lock-in moisture. Try out this trick using Beia’s Daily Hydrating and Setting Mist!

Apply Thin Products First

Thin products absorb deeper into the skin, so make sure to use them first. Thicker products have larger molecules and will lay on top of the skin and protect it, so make sure to use them after your treatments.

Cleanse For 60 Seconds

Take out your timer and massage in your cleanser for a whole minute ( thank us later!) A deep, thorough will transform your skin— and it won’t take long to visibly  notice the results.