Finding the perfect skincare routine is everywhere right now, but how do you know what’s best for you? While you should always adapt skincare to your skin type, there are some mega important steps you need to take during both your morning and night skincare routines. Why? Because your skin acts differently during the day and night. Yep, it needs all the TLC.
The good news? Finding your ideal skincare routine is easier than you probably think. Like, way easier.
To help you build your perfect routine for both morning and night, your Roomie fam is here to help.
We’ll help you understand the basic steps to follow for each routine, where we’ll go into detail about what products you should be using and why they’re so important. Let’s jump right in.
Your Morning Skincare Routine
In the mornings, think of your routine as if you’re getting your skin prepped, prepared, and protected for everything the day has to throw at it. It’s not just about staying hydrated or keeping oily pores at bay – your skin goes through a lot throughout the day, including pollution, and all the impurities that gather on your hands and fingers and transfer to your face when you touch it.
01
Set Up
Before you start putting any products on your face, the first step to help you set up your regular AM routine is with your own Face Washing Kit. Slide on those Wristies and pop on your headband, and you’re ready to go. No more wet arms and sleeves, no more ruined hair mishaps from washing, and with a clean sink space, you’ll be out way faster in the mornings.
02
Cleanser
After waking up, you can be gentle with your skin. It’s done a lot of work overnight to keep your face plump and hydrated, and since you haven’t been surrounded by pollutants, you don’t need a harsh cleanser in the mornings.
Just apply a super gentle water-based cleanser like the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, or even just splash some warm water on your face.
Be gentle! You don’t want to be rubbing too hard during this step, as it can irritate your skin and set it up for failure throughout the day.
When you’re in a rush, a pair of Wristies is essential to keep water off your arms and clothes, and avoids having to waste time cleaning up the sink.
03
Serum (treatment)
Serums work together with your moisturiser, so don’t skip out on this step. There are endless serums out there, some better used day vs. night, and you’ll find them infused with different active ingredients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. Choose your serum based on your concerns, such as a dark spot corrector or wrinkle prevention (get in there early, people!).
For mornings we love the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C serum – it’s our splurge, but there are many affordable options that work – we love The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 for plumping and smoothing.
Oily skin gals – don’t skip the serum. If you don’t moisturise your skin enough and give it nutrients, you’ll actually produce more oil as a way for it to make up for an imbalance.
04
Hydration
Arguably the most important step, you must give your skin the hydration it needs to tackle the day ahead. For the products in this step, it all changes depending on your skin type and general preferences. At the moment we’re loving the Glow Recipe Plump Plump Hyaluronic Cream.
Use an oil-free moisturiser if you’ve got oily skin or use an SPF-moisturiser for a quicker two-in-one option, like this amazing Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+ which sits perfectly under makeup.
05
SPF
Okay, we lied. This is the most important step. Sunscreen is essential no matter your age or skin type. Again, simply adjust the type of sunscreen depending on your skin – so oil-free sunscreen for oily skin, ultra-moisturising for dry skin, you get the drill. Our pick is the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ which is also great for sensitive skin.
Even if it looks cloudy outside, those rays still find their way through to your face. Apply sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather.
Your Night time Skincare Routine
Now it’s time to give your face all the love, care, and affection it really deserves. In the mornings, you can speed things up, but at night, give yourself permission to practice self-care and give your skin what it needs to replenish overnight.
01
Set Up
Just like in the morning, the first step is to set yourself up for a clean, quick and easy routine using your Face Washing Kit. You’ve probably got your comfy PJ’s on, and you’ll want to keep them dry before heading off to bed. Plus, you don’t have to spend time cleaning up your vanity when you’re tired and keen for sleep.
02
Cleanser
Just have a quick think about all the crap that lands on your face during the day. Your phone when you answer a call, your fingers after opening doors and touching buttons, the exhaust fumes from cars – it all ends up on your skin. Now, don’t worry, we’re not trying to turn you into a germaphobe – it’s all cleaned off with a good cleansing routine.
At night, the double cleanse is a must if you’ve been wearing makeup and SPF. Start with a cleansing balm or oil to melt away the ‘dirties’ from the surface of your skin and inside your pores. We’re loving the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm. Then follow it up with a gentle foaming or gel cleanser, like Go-To Properly Clean, for a final thorough clean and to allow the rest of your products to sink in better. Just make sure you’re still being gentle while washing by using a massaging motion.
Oh, and don’t forget that Wristies Kit to keep you dry, comfy and clean while cleansing.
03
Exfoliation (two times a week)
Choose a few days out of the week and make them your exfoliating days – a good tip is on Wednesdays (mid-week) and Sundays (after busy weekends). You don’t want to exfoliate more than this, as it can cause irritation and even acne in some cases.
Some people prefer hard exfoliators, while others like chemical exfoliation, and like most things here, it depends on your skin type. Hint: Chemical exfoliators at low percentages are better, as they slowly and gently resurface the skin. Our picks are the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
04
Toner
While you can skip this when you wake up, it should be a permanent part of your before-bed routine. As mentioned, toners remove built-up dirt particles. This means it will pick up on anything you’ve missed after cleansing, helping to resurface the skin before moisturisation. Our pick is the Pixi Glow Tonic.
05
Serum (treatment)
The great thing about serums is how many varieties there are. Reparative, skin-brightening, sensitive-skin friendly – there are endless options.
Use this opportunity at night to find something that specifically targets “problem” areas, so that your skin can really work on those while you sleep.
Our pick is Retinol which contains vitamin A, and has a heap of benefits for your skin, including anti-ageing properties and some help reduce acne. Basically, if you want brighter skin, then retinol’s your gal. Keep in mind, it should only be used at night because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. We love the Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment, but if you’re a retinol virgin or have sensitive skin, check out the La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum
06
Hydration
Once more, a moisturiser is a must, even if you use a serum as well. It’s going to give your skin a boost of energy and help it rebuild cells throughout the night. We love something that is a little heavier and designed to work overnight, like the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream.
A good tip here is to think about all the parts of your face that need moisture – in other words, don’t forget those under eyes, luscious lips, and décolletage! A face oil like Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil is also a great moisturising option, on top of your regular moisturiser. Just put a couple of drops in the palms of your hands and gently massage in the product.
Finish by swiping on a couple coats of lip balm, or if you’re feeling a little boujee, you can try a lip mask like Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask to keep your lips hydrated and, well, you know…kissable.
Your Skincare Routine Made Easy
See? We told you that finding your perfect morning and nighttime skincare routines wouldn’t be so hard. All you have to do now is replace each step with your go-to products, have your Wristies Kit at the ready, and you’re pretty much set for life. Your Roomie fam is always here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us on our website or socials for a chat.
Little note to our community: We are not paid to recommend the products in this blog, we genuinely love and use them.
