Critically Curated: Skincare Routine
Critically Curated: Skincare Routine
A no-nonsense, reliable, pared back skincare routine for a girl in her 30s with skin as dry as the Sahara
Previously: Winter 2021 | Summer 2021 | Summer 2022
It came to my realisation last week when someone asked for my skincare routine that (somehow?!) it has been over two years since the last time I provided an update.
What I suppose is nice is that not a whole lot has really changed. I think a lot of the time people forget that consistency is what makes a routine. Having simple but effective products as part of your arsenal is clutch. I thrive in knowing that something isn’t going to irritate my skin because I’m familiar with it and trust it.
As a reminder of what we’re working with and the context through which all my skincare is proposed through I’ll note my skin type and major concerns / objectives when it comes to building a routine.
For the beauty steps post-skincare, you can find my favourites in the previous post below.
Skin Type: Dry
Objectives (Look/Feel of Skin): Hydrated, dewy, bright
Concerns: Sun pigmentation, irregular texture
AM
Cleanse: Just add water. As someone with dry skin, my preference is to retain whatever moisture barrier and oils that have accumulated overnight on my face. So in the morning, I don’t do much but splash very cold water on my face and pat dry. This is more of a wake up tactic than anything. But it’s also because I work out in the morning and I see no sense in doing any kind of skincare application because I will just sweat it off.
Serum: Dieux Deliverance. Post-workout, I’ll actually do my morning routine. I always start with my beloved Deliverance. It’s something I trust because I believe in the transparency and mission of the founders of the brand. It’s also meant to address my top skin concerns: soothing, addressing uneven texture, general signs of ageing.
Vitamin C: Drunk Elephant C-Firma. Do you remember those commercials for Buckley’s the cough medicine? Tastes awful and it works? The hot dog water rumours are true and this stuff does smell awful but luckily it also does work. I personally dislike skincare that advertises fragrance or where users advocate for how great it smells. I don’t need my skincare to smell good I just need it to do what I need it to do. I have perfume to smell nice. A note that if you do use a brightening vitamin c product in the day to always follow up with sunscreen. But you were going to do that anyway of course, right?
Eye Cream: Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel. I love Cetaphil. There have been so many occasions when I’ve been travelling and realised I forgot something at home. Popping into a drugstore and grabbing something from Cetaphil gives me such comfort that I know my skin won’t react to it because everything is simple, unscented, great for sensitive skin, and the price tag won’t make me cry when I just need something quick to get me through until I’m home.
Moisturise: Dieux Instant Angel + Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. I’ll be honest that most of the time these days I just use my sunscreen as my daily moisturiser. The formulation is juicy enough where I just find that I don’t need the extra layer and possibility of pilling due to excess. When it comes to skincare, I’ll always believe in simple efficacy over a complicated, double digit routine. Of the many peptide-y, juicy, hydrating, butter balm gloss tints etc I like the Summer Fridays one. Especially the mint flavour because it tastes like mint chocolate ice cream. Aka what dreams are made of.
Sunscreen: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel. I love this sunscreen and it continues to be my go-to but you can see a full list of my recommended favourites HERE. It leaves a beautiful dewy finish and contains skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid. It feels delightfully soothing and cool on the skin.
PM
Cleanse: Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Balm + Cetaphil Daily Cleanser. I really love a double cleanse. This cleansing balm has always been my tried and true because using it is so satisfying. I will dig my greedy little fingers into this tub and rub it all over my face. It’s a solid, balm-like formula in the tub but it melts into a creamy liquid on the face to dissolve makeup. A small splash of water further activates the balm into a milky texture. I finish off with more splashes of cold water and pat dry with a towel. I love that this is 1) Lazy girl-approved 2) Cleanses my face and removes all makeup 3) Doesn’t leave me with a ‘squeaky’ clean feeling. It doesn’t feel stripping at all for my dry skin. I just feel clean, but nourished. It’s the best. I’ll follow up with a simple additional cleanser that is also not stripping to get anything that might remain.
Essence: Rhode Glazing Milk. I recently, reluctantly, dipped my toe into the world of Rhode. After hearing so much about it and being intrigued by its product offerings (that was also co-signed by Charlotte Palermino who is one of the founders of Dieux and who I trust implicitly) I wanted to give it a whirl. Given how dubious I was of the products, I have to say I’m incredibly impressed. The packaging is beautiful and simple and the products are a joy to use. My dry skin soaks this up so happily. I don’t say this often because I find my skin is just in a state of being constantly parched but after using Rhode products my skin really does feel bouncy, plump, divine, and supple. It’s wild. One of my favourites is the Glazing Milk. I feel like a soaked cake it’s incredible. Let me know if a dedicated product review to their lineup might be necessary.
Serum: Dieux Deliverance Serum + Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid. A repeat of that morning’s Deliverance. Much as I want to go ham with this serum, because of its cost I feel I need to do all in my power to preserve it. So one pump in the AM and then one in the PM is all I can muster. For a little something extra, a bit more Rhode.
Exfoliate: REN Ready Steady Glow. It’s the best feeling digging deep into the areas of my face where dead skin cells accumulate and I want the most cell turnover (around my nose, between the brows, across my cheeks, chin … otherwise known as the ‘T’ zone hah). I’ll use this once a week.
Retinol: Paula’s Choice Retinol Treatment. I’ve worked my way up to being able to tolerate retinol every night. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to cycle retinol on/off if your skin is acclimated to it. If you’re a beginner to this skincare ingredient, look for products with a low percentage of retinol and work your way up in concentration and frequency of use. Another helpful method is applying a moisturiser, a layer of retinol, and another layer of moisturiser on top. This is called the ‘sandwich method’. And, as you know, I’m a fan of anything sandwich-y.
Eye Cream: Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel. Same as the morning. Things don’t need to be complicated if they don’t have to be.
Moisturise: Rhode Barrier Restore Cream. One of the thickest I’ve ever used and a delight to apply. I also love this and this for the body.
Extras
Eye Mask: Dieux Forever Eye Masks. If I’m feeling super extra I’ll apply my eye cream and lock it in with my reusable silicone eye masks from Dieux. They keep product hovering on the skin for as long as you wear them for maximum absorption of your cream. It feels absolutely delightful - and very luxurious/epitome of self care.
For other products I do love and might cycle in/out of my routine, I’ve included them on my shelf HERE.
What are your skincare go-tos?