Let's take it all back to the basics. I'm going to break it down for you and explain what your skincare routine should look like from the very beginning wether you're an amateur and just purchased your first professional grade product or you've been doing skincare for years and just need a refresher. 

Morning Routine...

Step 1: Cleanse

Your skin should already be clean from washing the night before, but you'll still want to cleanse in the a.m. to remove any sweat, oil or bacteria from your pillowcase, hair care producs, etc. 

Step 2: Exfoliate (1 - 3 times per week)

You definitely want to exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells & buildup to reveal a brighter more even complexion. But don't overdo it! Use a proper exfoliant for your skin type a few times a week on clean skin.

Step 3: Tone

I love this step and feel like it's an often underrated part of a skincare routine. Spritz your toner over clean skin to balance the ph levels and help with deeper product absorption. My favorite toner of all time is the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist which is healing, hydrating and great for hyperpigmentation and all skin types. 

Step 4: Treatment

This step will include any serums, concentrates, eye cream and/or spot treatments. 

Step 5: Moisturizer with SPF

It is so important to wear sun protection each and every day, no matter the weather conditions. If you have a moisturizer that includes sunscreen perfect. If not, no problem. Apply your moisturizer first, then sunscreen on top!

Step 6: Lip Care

Don't forget to hydrate and protect the pout. 

Nighttime Routine...

Step 1: Double Cleanse

You'll want to use an "pre-cleanse" also known as an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, SPF, dirt, sweat, oil and impurities from the day. Follow with a second cleanser to do your "true cleanse" and deep clean the skin, remove any last traces of makeup prep for further treatment. Your second cleanser will more than likely be water based in a gel, cream or foam formula. 

Step 2: Tone 

Spritz toner over clean skin.

Step 3: Masque

If you don't have a masque in your skincare routine, you need one! Face masques are composed of super concentrated and active ingredients to power-drive results and help you get more bang out of the rest of your products. Choose one that's targeted to your specific skin type, needs and goals and masque a few times a week for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Treatment

Apply your serums, concentrates, eye cream and spot treatment (as needed). 

Step 5: Moisturize

Seal in your targeted treatments with an appropriate moisturizer for you skin type and make sure to apply from forehead to breast.

Step 6: Facial Oil

This is a luxury step that can give big benefits. I love applying facial oil on top of moisturizer before bed to give an extra dose of hydration, vitamins and make the skin glow well into morning. ** Although facial oil is in a liquid form, due to it's molecular structure it should be applied ON TOP of moisturizer instead of the other way around. The oil can travel through the moisturizer better than the moisturizer can travel through the oil.

Step 7: Lip Care

Don't forget to hydrate and protect that pout!

Keep in mind, you don't have to have every skincare product or step to still have a successful skincare treatment morning and night. Work with what you have and remember to apply your products from lightest to heaviest and always wear SPF during the day!

xo Tiff