My AM to PM Skincare Routine

My AM to PM Skincare Routine - Politics of Pretty

Whenever I reveal my beauty blog to a stranger, they usually respond with, “Wow! How do you maintain such beautiful skin?” I’ve always been lucky in that department, considering I once tested up to 30 products a week for the blog.

Maintaining a clear complexion isn’t easy though. I do my best to follow a consistent skincare routine and as much as I love trying new products, rather than doing a complete overhaul, I slowly integrate new products and treatments into my regimen. So with that, here’s a snapshot of my current skincare routine.

In the morning:
One of the first things I do when I wake up is splash some cold water in my face. I don’t always cleanse in the morning (my skin type is more normal to dry combination) but when I do I use my trusty Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser (literally, feels like a milky jelly texture).

After cleansing, I follow with Pixi Glow Tonic (my favorite and affordable toner). I don’t use this daily because I have sensitive skin but I use it a couple times a week or when I need a little glow pick-me-up.

Ever since First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer showed up on my doorstep, I’ve been obsessed. I love the smooth texture and the dewy finish it gives my skin because depending how much time I have, I know I can skip the tinted moisturizer or foundation and go bare.

During the day:
My mid-day skincare routine is pretty minimal—actually, almost nonexistent. In the winter months I’m not really using any products during the day but in the warmer months, I always keep La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water in my tote bag. The minerals help reduce any redness and give my skin a much-needed pick-me-up.

In the evening:
Call me weird but I prefer to shower at night. And when I do, I cleanse my face with Milky Jelly and occasionally exfoliate a couple nights a week using Aveeno Postively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub. I remove my eye makeup with Simple Dual Effect Eye Makeup Remover. It works great on even the toughest mascara, which is a must for me because I never leave the house without a coat of it.

My nightly moisturizer changes with the season. In the winter I rely on heavier formulas like this one by Darphin. Lately though I’ve been applying Pixi Beauty Sleep Cream before bed. I’m hooked on the lightweight formula that still delivers in hydration and the soothing lavender scent.

On Sundays, I mask.
This routine didn’t seem to fit into my morning/day/night thing so I figured this deserves its own category. I love trying facial masks (you can see all the ones I’ve tried and reviewed here) and I try to make it a habit to mask once a week. FAB 5-in-1 Bouncy Mask has a permanent spot in my shower caddy because it’s such a quick pick-me-up that hydrates and plums my complexion and I love that I can feel it working.

Shop my skincare routine below!