I personally really enjoy getting ready in the morning. Right when I wake up, I put on some music and pour a cup of coffee so I can put on my makeup. Yes, that’s right — I make it into a whole thing. If it’s gonna be a daily thing, might as well have fun with it, right?

That said, my favorite part of the day is when I get to take it all off. I savor every sweet moment in my skin routine, as it helps me to unwind after a long day and embrace my natural beauty. No more makeup, just me. Here’s a list of the products I use (in order) in my nightly skin care routine:

My Skin Care Routine:

1. Kirkland Signature Makeup Wipes. Not only are these pretty cheap because they are wholesale, but they also work great. Unlike a lot of other brands, these wipes don’t smell like chemicals and they don’t feel like sandpaper. Instead, they smell a bit floral and feel really soft against your skin.

2. Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser. I’ve been using this face wash for a few years now and it’s simply wonderful. It gets all the dirt out and it’s perfect for sensitive skin.

“Clearer-looking skin starts with the right cleanser. This is an effective—but gentle—face wash specially formulated to address acne-prone or acne-erupted skin. With Salicylic Acid to deep clean and a soothing blend of botanical extracts (like Aloe, Chamomile, and Thyme) to help improve the look of troubled skin, our Acne Facial Cleanser leaves skin thoroughly refreshed without stripping it of vital moisture. Balance, after all, is key.”

mariobadescu.com

3. The Crème Shop Little Pink Peel-Off Mask. Not only does this mask work wonders, it smells and looks adorable. I use it a few times a week!

“Behold, an easy and effective way to unclog pores! Infused with natural clay, the Little Pink Mask effectively draws out blackheads, whiteheads, dirt, and excess oil while intensely brightening the skin and minimizing the appearance of pores.”

thecremeshop.com

4. Darphin Age-Defying Exfoliator. My mom introduced me to this one a few weeks ago and now I’m obsessed. It gets rid of all the little bumps that aren’t quite zits but certainly aren’t smooth.

“Exfoliates the skin while diminishing the appearance of lines, wrinkles, age spots and discolorations. Helps minimize pore size for a complexion that’s absolutely flawless.”

bluemercury.com

5. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. This is the perfect toner, making my face feel glowy and pink.

“Revitalize skin with dewy radiance. It’s a rejuvenating mist infused with herbal and botanical extracts (like Aloe Vera, Gardenia, Rose, Bladderwrack and Thyme) that help soothe and re-energize skin—giving it a healthy, radiant glow.”

mariobadescu.com

6. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Moisturizer. I have literally never liked a moisturizer as much as this one. I keep this in my bag all the time because I have extremely dry skin.

“Head-to-toe moisturizer that provides instant relief and long-term hydration for dry, distressed skin, even eczema. The beautiful, whipped texture is instantly absorbed with no greasy after-feel.”

firstaidbeauty.com

7. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. This is the last thing I do in my nightly skin routine, because you can sleep with it on. Whenever I have a zit, I trust that I can put on my trusty pink lotion and dry it right up overnight.

“…a fast acting, effective acne spot treatment. Formulated with salicylic acid, calamine and other quick-drying ingredients, this product will shrink ugly whiteheads virtually overnight while you sleep.”

mariobadescu.com

Skin Care Tips:

1. Hydrate from the inside out!
2. Use coconut oil on extra cold days or when your skin is especially dry.
3. Don’t touch your face.
4. Don’t try to pop zits — it will only lead to scarring.
5. Use natural products (i.e. paraben-free).
6. Try dry brushing before showers.
7. Don’t cake on too much makeup — let your skin breathe.
8. Use lip balm to keep your lips smooth.
9. Wash your face in the sink, not the shower.
10. Don’t over-moisturize, especially if you have oily skin.
11. Don’t over-use drying products, especially if you have dry skin.
12. Use cruelty-free products.
13. Have fun with it. I think Marina is the perfect music to listen to while you pamper your face.

If you learn to have some fun while you do your skin care routine — and learn to appreciate your face in all its beauty — you will begin to feel much more confident in your skin.

You are so beautiful.