My Morning Skincare Routine

I have combination skin, but a little more on the dryer side and it isn't very sensitive. I can go to sleep with a face full of makeup and won't breakout. But that's not a good idea and I do try to follow a morning and nighttime skincare routine to try to maintain healthy-looking skin.

This post is all about my morning skincare routine. I have a different post about my nighttime routine if you'd like to know more about that. When it comes to products, I like to switch it up. I usually just go to Sephora, tell them what my concerns are and let them recommend a product. Some of the brands I've liked using include Clinique, Caudalie, Kiehl's,  Philosophy and AmorePacific.

Step 1: Face Wash

The first thing I do after brushing my teeth is wash my face with face wash. 

• Reusable cloth: If I have a lot of makeup on, I always use a reusable makeup remover cloth first.
• Scrub: I like to use a face scrub 3 times a week.
• Mask: I'll do a mask twice a month and use Indian Clay mixed with organic apple cider vinegar.
• Clarasonic: I like to use a Clarasonic three times a week when washing my face.

Step 2: Toner

I'll then apply some toner to a cotton pad and wipe my face with it. I have a really old toner bottle that I got from Clinique and I just refill it with my new toner because I love the dispenser on it. I always try different products, but lately, I've been loving this toner by The Ordinary. The purpose of a toner is to help remove excess dirt, oil and makeup. It also corrects and balances the pH of your skin.

Step 3: Eye Cream

I like to apply eye cream underneath my eyes before applying any other products just so that I know it's really getting into that sensitive area. I also take a tiny bit of eye cream and apply it to my laugh lines.

Step 4: Serum/Face Oil

Next, I'll apply a serum. I always switch it up, but my go-to is usually Jojoba oil. 

Step 5: Face Cream

The final step in my skincare routine is to apply some face cream. If possible, I try to get one with SPF. The problem with South Asian skin is that creams with SPF can create a white cast when applied to darker skin tones. I have found that La Roche-Posay SPF doesn't do that and it has been my go-to lately. Something I also recently learned is that you should always be wearing SPF, even indoors because of the light being emitted from our computers and cellphones. I originally thought it was only necessary when going outside, so now I apply it even when I'm staying home.

I'll then apply some lip balm. If I'm staying home, I'm all done. If I'm going out, I'll start my makeup routine, but I'll save that for another day.

I'm all about routines and I think they're essential if you want to maximize your time and reduce stress. In this video, I shared my morning routine and explained what I try to do regularly to make our mornings a little calmer.