4 Step Simple Skincare Routine

Julia's skincare routine

As much as I love fashion and beauty, my knowledge of both barely scratches the surface. Luckily I have friends like Julia who have a passion and knowledge far beyond my own. If you want to get metaphorical, we could say that Julia is my Carrie Bradshaw: She lives in New York, works for a fabulous PR company and keeps me current with all the latest trends and must-haves.

She tells me things like “jumpers are the female versions of tuxedos” and “embrace your natural hair.” She’s also said “leggings aren’t pants” but I chose to ignore that comment on account of 3 years later she’s started wearing leggings as pants… Even she can’t resist the casual comfort of a curve hugging Lulu legging.

She’s also the only person that’s ever punched me in the face (8th grade girl’s soccer is about as REAL as it gets), and yet we’ve remained friends and were even college roommates, so you know she’s not only a total lady boss but she’s worth keeping around. While we were living together in college Julia worked at Clinique, where she developed her passion for skincare and beauty.

But enough of my introduction, I’ll let her do the rest. Ladies meet your new BFF and feisty beauty fairy godmother: Julia. Thanks for being you Julia!

I don’t have much self-discipline.  I can’t get into a fitness routine to save my life and I have a hard time not eating food that’s bad for me but, one thing I can do religiously is take care of my skin.

  I got into this habit at an early age, washing my face with a cleanser before middle school, moving into a three step routine by 8th grade and improving it as I got older and as my skin changed.  My skin has changed a lot since moving from Colorado to New York and I’ve adjusted my routine accordingly, but it definitely took some time to find what made my skin happiest.

When someone tells me they don’t have a skincare routine, let alone wash their face everyday, my jaw drops.  How can you treat your skin that way!?  But then I remember I have a crazy passion for beauty and skincare that most of people don’t.  I’m constantly trying new products, thanks to my job, and I get a lot of happiness out of it, so sue me.  This obsession has given me a lot of knowledge that I’m so happy to be able to share here.  Each month I’ll be bringing you new insight from my insane beauty hoarder mind, but I thought the first post should start with the the basics, my skincare routine!  Everyone needs one, so I thought it could be helpful to share mine.  I’m breaking it down into four steps: cleanse, tone, boost and moisturize.  There are other steps I throw in throughout the week to keep things interesting, but twice a day everyday I follow these four steps:

Cleanse:  I have a rotation of 3 different cleansers at any given time (right now it’s this this and this.)  Depending on AM/PM, coming home at 6am from the club with a face full of makeup, or Sunday evening after no-makeup, I like to have options – a girl needs options.  I have a very specific methodical way of washing my face.  It takes me about 2 minutes, I follow this instructional video almost to a T.  I never use an eye makeup remover, I think they’re gross, so my cleanser has to be able to take off my mascara and eyeliner, or it’s out.  Once my face is clean, I take a minute to just look at my skin and my face in the mirror.  This practice has become somewhat meditative for me, and it’s nice to just really look at yourself without makeup on and know what your skin looks like.  This also helps me see what my new products are doing, or how my existing products are working.

Tone: This is a step that’s easy to forget, but it’s important.  It’s the step that will allow your products to do what they are supposed to do, moisturizers and serums will be able to penetrate the skin more effectively after toning.  When you see all the dead skin and dirt come away on the cotton ball, you’ll see why this step is so important.  There are so many different things you can use as a toner, you can use a facial mist, vinegar, even water can work.  I like using this Korean toner because you know that shit is good. Something with rose is also nice, it’s soothing and makes your bathroom feel like a spa.  I’ve used organic apple cider vinegar before too, it works, but only if you don’t mind smelling like a salad.

Boost: This is the fun part.  You get to be scientist and make a concoction for your skin.  What does it need!?  Serums are what will feed your skin.  Maybe you have rough skin or dry skin or age spots and discoloration, maybe you’re concerned with aging – it’s up to you.  Anything that promises brightening or even skin-tone has me on board.  I also like stuff that promotes cell turnover.  Recently I’ve been loving Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate because it makes my skin incredibly smooth and hydrated but also is has a calming effect because it’s made with lavender oil.

Moisturize: Colorado ladies, listen up!  If you think your skin is oily, I’m pretty sure it’s not.  Sure, some of you may actually have oily skin, but if your skin is oily and has other problems, like breakouts or roughness, etc. It may be because you only THINK your skin is oily and it’s actually not getting the hydration it needs. This concept blew my mind, but only after I used the thickest creamiest moisturizer and woke up with Giselle’s glowing skin and saw the benefits of hydrated skin for myself.  Holy shit people, moisturizers are the holy grail, but not all are created equal – especially in the winter.  Maybe your skin hates the ones I love – it takes time to find the right products for your skin, so be patient.  I rotate between 5 different moisturizers, teaming up two at night for double duty (I’ve recently been using this and this).  I’m a die hard for Embryolisse as my day-time moisturizer.  It’s super hydrating and has such a nice scent and is also a perfect primer for makeup because it has a matte finish.  I started using it in Paris three years ago and have yet to find something I like as much.  Moisturizing is really what changed my skin, it wasn’t the serums or cleansers I was using as much as it was finding a moisturizer that worked best for hydrating my skin.

Now that I have a routine that works, my skin is so happy.  I’m aware that a lot of this stuff is super pricy, but you don’t have to spend a boatload of money to have a good skincare routine.  Drugstore products can work just as well, you just have to find what makes your skin feel best.

Julia's skincare routine

1.Philosophy: Purity

2. Shu Uemura : Cleansing Oil

3. Colbert: Balance Purifying Cleanser

4. Khiels: Midnight Recovery Concentrate

5. Shu Uemura: TSUYA Bouncy-Fine Cream

6. Leaders: Aqua Soothing Cream

7. Leaders: Aquaringer

8. Embryolisse: Lait Cream Concentre

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