Skin Care Routine
It’s the little things, right? I find so much pleasure in my daily skincare and makeup routines. These little moments of tuning inwards and pampering myself go a long way in helping me feel grounded. I have to give a big thanks to my mom for modeling the importance of self-care — her natural skincare routine has always been an anchor in her day, and I’m grateful to follow in her footsteps.
Now, I haven’t always been perfect in this world! For the record, back in high school, I used to work at a tanning salon and bake in the beds after hours. But the past is behind me, and I’ve been consistent with a three-step morning and evening routine for years now. I like to keep things simple and clean, though I’ve expanded my collection a bit so I have options depending on the day—what I’m doing, how much time I have, and how I’m feeling in the moment.
My medicine cabinet has a middle shelf for morning products and the bottom one is stocked for night. Here’s what’s in my current rotation:
MORNING ROUTINE
Step 1: Cleanse & Serums
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel– I buy this on Thrive Market (I think you can also buy it at Whole Foods). Gentle, clear, and nothing fancy. I use it with my Clarisonic brush in the mornings for an exfoliated, fresh feel.
Marie Veronique Vitamin C Serum– I use the thicker formula with Ferulic acid 3x a week to brighten and even skin tone. It also has a lot of anti-aging benefits.
Summer Fridays Vitamin C Serum– I just love the effortlessness of Summer Fridays products- sheer, feminine, and light.
Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum– A few times a week I swap this in for extra hydration and to help soften fine lines.
Step 2: Moisturize
Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Moisturizer– Dewy, soft, and smooth.
Osea Atmospheric Protection Cream– I use this on days I use the Hyaluronic Sea Serum, especially if I’ll be out, as this protects against environmental stressors. I love how all Osea products smell like the crispness of the sea!
Step 3: Eyes & Extras
Summer Fridays Vitamin C Eye Cream– Every day for bright, fresh eyes and depuffing.
Ice Roller– I whip this out of the freezer a few times a week to “set” my skincare before makeup. It’s also a nice mini vagus nerve reset along the neck.
Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliater– This I use 1-2x per week to keep my lips from drying out- oh the joys of retainer life!
Osea Sea Minerals Mist– I spritz this on the weekends, especially on days I don’t wear make-up. It’s also a nice to use as a midday refresher.
EVENING ROUTINE
Step 1: Treatments & Cleanse
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel– The same one I use in the morning. My daily mascara comes off with water but if I’m wearing a waterproof one on, I use RMS make-up remover wipes. They’re also great for travel.
Red Light Face Mask– I use this religiously 2-3x per week on a clean, bare face for 30 minutes. You can use code: JILLIANBREMER at checkout for 15% off.
The Outset Blue Clay Mask– Once a week for tightened, smooth, glowing skin.
Marie Veronique Retinol Serum– My absolute favorite anti-aging serum, I’ve been using it for years. Worth the investment and it lasts longer than it looks.
Maya Chia Retinol Oil– I like this oil but avoid layering with cream at night. I actually think I would prefer an oil for daytime glow rather than at night.
Step 2: Moisturize
Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream– Whipped and nourishing but not heavy at all.
Versed Rich Barrier Cream– This one was gift to me and I like it! It really is versatile for day or night, great if you’re into a super simple routine.
Caudealíe Premier Cru Cream– There’s something about the consistency and smell that’s so luxurious. It has anti-aging elements which I like knowing I have in rotation.
Step 3: Eyes, Lips & Extras
Osea Advanced Repair Eye Cream– This is a go-to every night around the eyes but I might try something new to have for comparison.
Castor Oil– Nothing fancy, just a little on my brows every night to help with hair growth!
Sweed Eyelash Growth Serum– I just started using this so I haven’t seen results yet but people love it! Apparently it helps your lashes grow. Also loving their cloud mascara.
RMS Lipnights Mask– I like the thickness of this right before I hit the hay. Lip hydration is a big priority of mine with said retainer situation.
Gen See Lip Mask– I use this 1-2x a week right before bed. It has a whitish tint so make sure to blend well.
OTHER SKINCARE & BODY ESSENTIALS
Nécessaire Body Lotion– I recently discovered this lotion while staying at a girlfriend’s house. The earthy Santal scent is my favorite but it was a hard call between that and warmer Olibanum scent. The scent lingers for a while so it’s great on hands and arms.
Summer Fridays Body Lotion– A post-shower daily obsession for my whole body. The silky, light vanilla scent doesn’t linger, but the moment you’re applying it it’s absolutely glorious.
Osea Undaria Body Oil– Great for a little evening somatic massage to relieve tension. I also love using their Vagus Nerve Oil on neck and ears.
Belnu Perfume– Clean, lasting scents by founder Darcy (a past client and friend). I just ordered the full size of the Chai Fluer- you can order testers here.
Olive & June Nail Polish– I stopped getting my nails done years ago so I’ve built up my own collection of polishes and do a little at home manicure 1x a week. Favorites: LD (medium pink), Taffy (classic baby pink), Jammy (fall/winter wine). The quick-dry top coat is a must have.
Grown Alchemist Hand Cream– A desk essential that I use multiple times a day. The light pink packaging is a delight to look at too! I also enjoy using their hand wash in my bathroom for a little added luxury.
I’d love to hear your favorites too! Feeling inspired to share a full self-care post soon.
