Skincare has always been a passion of mine; it has always been a source of joy and a constant companion throughout my life– both my Sephora purchases and countless products prove that. To anyone struggling with skincare concerns, this is a guide on looking for products, building a routine, or improving your current one.  

How to look for a product: 

Is your current routine not working as effectively as before? If you’re looking for a new product for your skin, whether it be a cleanser or a face mask, I got you covered.When looking for any new product, remember your skin type and your skin goals. Sensitive skin needs more gentle products, combination skin requires duality, oily skin requires more exfoliation, and dry skin needs moisture. 

Looking for a cleanser: When it comes to cleansers, look for a cleanser compatible with your skin, and make sure that the cleanser isn’t rough on your skin. Always avoid cleansers that feel like sandpaper or have beads with them. A great example of what to avoid is the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash or the St. Ives Apricot Scrub.  

Looking for a toner: Toners are typically rougher on your skin, toners and most often target acne, hyperpigmentation, large pores, or oily skin. When hunting down the perfect toner, look for one that matches your skin description and specializes in one specific thing area. If you want smaller pores, get a toner that targets smaller pores and nothing else! Avoid toners that advertise doing more than one area.  

Looking for a face mask: Like toners, make sure your mask only specializes in one thing. With face masks, listen to your skin., What is your skin telling you it needs? Seek a face mask with hyaluronic acid for dry skin or a face mask with AHA or BHA for acne or oil control. Make sure that if you use a harsh face mask, you only use it once a week., Moisturizing or gentle face masks can be used up to three times a week.  

Looking for an essence: Essences are the most elite form of skincare, and they tend to be on the pricier side of skincare, so don’t feel the need to buy one. But, if you do want to splurge on a little boost in your routine, listen closely. Eessences are normally hydrating, gentle, and water –like. They differ from toners in that they do not need cotton pads to apply. Instead, use your hands and gently pat it onto your face and neck. Pro tip: to maximize your skincare routine, apply all the products that you use on your face on your neck.  

Looking for a serum: Searching for a serum? Look for a serum that balances out the rest of your routine. For example, if your routine is heavily focused on hydration, use a serum that exfoliates. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use an exfoliating serum on the same days you use a harsh face mask. If you have more than one serum, apply them in order from thinnest to thickest.  

Looking for an eye cream: Eye creams are essential for a supple undereye; however, they are both expensive and not essential to a good routine. The single most important thing about eye creams is consistency. If you use an eye cream, use it in the morning and at night. Make sure the eye cream is hydrating, firming, or reduces hyperpigmentation.  

Looking for a moisturizer: Whether your skin is oily, combination, or sensitive, you need a moisturizer. Look for a moisturizer without oil if your skin is oily, but always use one. Your skin barrier needs protection to have clear skin, and moisturizer is the best way to secure a strong skin barrier. 

Looking for a night cream: A night cream is essentially a second, more specific moisturizer. Look for a night cream that compliments your current moisturizer, preferably water– based and fragrance –free.  

Looking for a spot treatment: Spot treatments are meant to target the most specific concerns, so keep that in mind. Spot treatments are also the most intense treatments, so it is important to only use them in the target areas. This is all to say, don’t use an acne spot treatment on anything but pimples.  

Keep in mind that you don’t need all of these products to have a good skincare routine, and some of the best routines are less than four steps!