Beauty Bits

My skincare routine is one of my favorite things to do every single day. Both my morning and evening routines are so relaxing and enjoyable and are something I make a priority every single day. I know I’m not a board certified dermatologist LOL but after doing this for so long I feel I have a good understanding of skincare and what products work best for my specific skin type (which is slightly dry and mature). While I follow many of the same steps and concepts in my skincare routine, I tend to switch things up each season to account for the change in weather. Occasionally I will switch out a few products here and there but for the most part this is my everyday routine. Especially in the summer, I like to focus on nourishing, hydrating, protecting and repairing. I also like to switch up a few of my moisturizers for more lightweight formulas. My skin is normal to slightly dry but in the summer I can get slightly shiny in my t-zone.

My summer skincare routine

Morning routine

My focus for my morning skincare routine is to protect my skin and prep it for wearing makeup. While I will switch out products here and there, there are two types of products I always have in my morning skincare routine. A vitamin c serum is a must for me because it contains antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental damage as well as sun damage. Another non-negotiable for me in the summer months (but also year round) is sunscreen to protect against UV rays. Sun exposure is fine but remember that sun damage can take many years to show in the skin. I have dark spots that didn’t show until my 30s but my dermatologist told me it was sun damage from my teens. YIKES! While it seems like my routine has many steps, it only takes me a few minutes to do the entire thing. If I have extra time, I will wait 2-3 minutes in between serums/moisturizers but most of the time I simply apply them one and after another.

Morning Skincare Routine

Morning Skincare Routine Step 1: Cleanse/Tone/Essences

OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser (discount code: MAREE15)

This is a long time favorite cleanser for the morning. It’s a silky gel texture that foams up slightly but not enough to dry out the skin or less your skin feeling stripped and/or tight. The PREP facial cleanser helps to balance the skin and allow for better product absorption. There is prickly pear extract for a gentle exfoliation, arnica extract to help reduce inflammation and niacinamide which helps to condition the skin.

Oliviaumma Milky Resurfacing + Brightening Toner Pads

If you love milky toners, you NEED this toner pads immediately. I love using a toner pad in my skincare routine after cleansing but before I apply my hydrating essences/toners. These are nicely saturated and give the skin an instant boost of hydration. My skin feels plump, supple and perfectly prepped for the rest of my routine.

Cocokind Calming Magnesium Facial Mist

I use facial mists every single day in both my morning and evening skincare routine as well as throughout the day to keep my skin well hydrated. The Calming Magnesium Facial Mist helps to calm stressed skin and add a instant burst of moisture. The formula was designed for those with sensitive, reactive and acne-prone skin to help support the skin barrier while also refreshing the skin. I don’t have sensitive skin but my skin does get drier than ever before and this mist is absolutely amazing!

Sarah Creal Beauty Moisture Source

On the Sarah Creal website, it’s described as a liquid moisturizer which is a great description. Skip a cotton pad and pour the essence into the palm of your hands so you can press it gently into the skin. It’s a bi-phase formula so be sure to shake it up before you apply. I use it both morning/night and find that it helps my skin hold onto moisture longer throughout the day. My skin is less dehydrated at the end of the day when I use this regularly in my morning routine. For my nighttime routine, I find it adds another layer of hydration that helps my skin stay balanced.

Morning Skincare Routine Step 2: Serums and Moisturizers

Educated Mess Golden Hour Serum (discount code: MAREE15)

This has become a favorite vitamin c serum and one that I always go back to. I love how silky and smooth this vitamin c serum feels on the skin. It’s especially great for those who have any type of irritation to vitamin c or have sensitive skin.

Timeless Skincare 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

For a great budget friendly option, this vitamin c serum is the one I always recommend. It’s lightweight, incredibly hydrating and has a 20% concentration of vitamin c in the formulation. It’s effective at helping even out the complexion and brighten the skin tone.

Dieux Air Angel Peptide Plumping Cream

I’ve shared my LOVE For Dieux Instant Angel over and over so I didn’t think I could love the lighter formula as much. Clearly, I was wrong! Because the Dieux Air Angel formula manages to be just as amazing but in a texture that works perfectly for the warmer months. Though it is thinner in texture, it is still formulated to deliver intense hydration and nourishment which makes it a dream for dry skin in humid climates.

Morning Skincare Routine Step 3: Eye Cream

Dieux Auracle Eye Serum

I need something intensely hydrating but lightweight in the morning. I want to prep my under eye area for makeup while using a formula that won’t disrupt any concealer or foundation I put on top of it. This is one of the best hydrating eye serums I’ve ever tried. It gives instant moisture to the area, helps to depuff, smooth fine lines and keep my under eye area hydrated all day long.

Morning Skincare Routine Step 4: SPF

Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50

This is one of the most beautiful sunscreen formulas I’ve tried in a long time. It feels like a nourishing hydrating serum rather than a traditional sunscreen. It wears beautifully under makeup and leaves a fresh radiant glow to the skin. A must try for mature skin!!!

Credo Beauty Solar Limits SPF 43 (discount code: 10MAREE)

I fell immediately in love with this sunscreen serum as soon as I first tried it. It’s very lightweight and absorbs instantly. It doesn’t feel greasy or oily yet still hydrates and moisturizes my skin.

Evening routine

I have more time in the evening so I will often do a more extensive routine. I focus on more active ingredients such as resurfacing acids or retinols and try to repair/treat any issues while also nourishing my skin with a great moisturizer or face oil. Evening is also when I will use masks and/or skincare tools. Just know that you do NOT have to use this many products in your routine to treat your skin well. The most important steps of any skincare routine are proper cleansing, a good serum that targets your main concerns and a nourishing moisturizer suitable for your skin type (and of course SPF if it is morning).

Evening skincare routine step 1: Cleanse/Tone/Essence

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm (discount code: MAREE10)

A gorgeous creamy cleansing balm that will nourish your skin while also removing every last bit of makeup. I will alternate between this and the Elemis cleansing balm.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (discount code: MAREE20)

I’ve been using this cleansing balm for nearly 10 years and will never be without it. I always apply my cleansing balms on a dry face with dry hands and then massage in to break down and remove all my makeup. I will then add water to emulsify the balm to a gentle milk and rinse.

Dieux Baptism Gel Cleanser

A gorgeous lightweight gel cleanser that leaves my skin feeling refreshed but not stripped. I will alternate between this cleanser and the Experiment Plasma Wash.

Experiment Beauty Plasma Wash (discount code: MAREE15)

As someone who LOVES a unique texture especially when it comes to cleansers, the Experiment Plasma Face Wash is favorite of mine. It’s technically a gel cream but has a jelly-like feel to it. It is chock full of super nourishing ingredients to really support those with mature dry skin types.

Mutha Amniotic Toner (discount code: MAREE15)

This is a new exfoliating toner I’ve been testing for a few weeks. It is STRONG so I only use it a few nights a week. Best application tips are to put it onto a cotton pad and then gently pat on the skin. This really makes my skin GLOW but I have to ensure I’m using really nourishing products following this to ensure my skin barrier stays balanced.

Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads

They instantly plump and hydrate my skin and you can also leave them on for a few minutes as a mini sheet mask treatment.

Biodance Collagen Peptide Jelly Mist

I always like to follow up my toning pads with a hydrating face mist and use this both morning and night.

TirTir Milk Skin Rice Toner

I like to add another step of hydration at night and do a mini skin flooding routine. I will first use the TirTir toner, pour it into my hands and pat into the skin.

Sarah Creal Beauty Moisture Source

Following the TirTir toner, I will use this intensely nourishing essence. I use it both morning/night and find that it helps my skin hold onto moisture longer throughout the day. My skin is less dehydrated at the end of the day when I use this regularly in my morning routine. For my nighttime routine, I find it adds another layer of hydration that helps my skin stay balanced.

Evening Skincare Routine Step 2: Eye Cream

OneSkin OS-01 Eye Topical Supplement (discount code: MAREE15)

I test many different eye creams but I always go back to this one from OneSkin. It targets all of my anti-aging concerns but NEVER gives me milia (which so many rich eye creams do).

Evening Skincare Routine Step 3: Serums

Medik8 Crystal Retinal

I’ve been using this retinol for years because it delivers great results without any irritation or sensitivity. I am currently using level 6 but there are more intense levels that I can work up to in the future.

Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum (discount code: MAREESYE)

My skin has been looking very uneven lately with more dark spots popping up. I always go back to this holy grail serum because it is truly the best at fading hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It also works well with any serum I pair it with which makes it easy to use in any routine.

Medik8 Liquid Peptides

This has been a long time favorite peptide serum that both hydrates and plumps!

Dieux Deliverance Serum

On the nights I use the Mutha toner, I will use the Deliverance serum to help calm, soothe and nourish. The toner is quite strong so using this serum has helped avoid any barrier damage.

Quick rundown of how I use my serums throughout the week:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday: Medik8 Crystal Retinal, Mother Science Hero Serum, Medik8 Liquid Peptides

Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday: Mother Science Hero Serum, Medik8 Liquid Peptides, Dieux Deliverance Serum

Evening Skincare Routine Step 4: Moisturizer

Experiment Beauty Molecular Mesh (discount code: MAREE15)

I still like to end each evening skincare routine with a rich moisturizer and this one is a long time favorite. In addition to hydrating the skin, it helps to strengthen and support the skin barrier.

Dieux Instant Angel

This is another great nourishing moisturizer that really helps to strengthen that skin barrier which is so important when you are using regular actives (acids, retinols, etc). I will alternate each night between this and the Molecular Mesh. Read my Dieux Angel Moisturizer Review here.

Face Masks

Face masks aren’t something that I use every single night but will use them when I feel my skin needs it. These are the few that I rotate between to treat all of my current concerns. I will normally apply a mask after I have finished cleansing and toning but before I apply my essences/serums/moisturizers.

BioDance Bio Collagen Masks

I only use face masks a few times a week but this one is a must have at least once. I will apply after all of my skincare is on and leave it on for 4-5 hours. Some people sleep in them but I prefer to wear it during the day. I usually apply it on the weekend and it does wonders at giving my skin a nourishing and plumping treatment.

Clarins Cryo-Flash Instant Lift Effect & Glow Boosting Mask

This mask is a combination of great results and a product that is enjoyable to use. It’s designed to tighten, firm and give the skin a glow which it definitely does. It’s also super cold and has a menthol/cooling sensation to it that I absolutely love. I use this as needed when my skin needs to look its best for a night out or special occasion.

Blue Lagoon Algae Mask (discount code: MAREE15)

I’ve been using this Blue Lagoon Algae Mask once a week. It’s incredibly nourishing and replenishing for my dry skin.

Skincare tools

I use a few skincare tools in my routine and use them after I have cleansed and toned. The LED masks are my most used skincare tools because of how easy they are to incorporate into my routine and take little to no effort on my part. Just put them on, turn on the timer and they turn off after 10 minutes. So easy yet so effective! I use the Ziip once or twice a week if I want to add a sculpting/firming treatment. And after everything is done, I will use my LED growth helmet every night.

Currentbody LED Multi-Light Face Mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB) and Currentbody LED Chest/Neck Mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)

I use this mask 5-6x/week at night after I am done cleansing and toning. I will wear this for 10 minutes, remove it and continue with the rest of my skincare routine. LED masks in general target fine lines/wrinkles, improving overall clarity and brightness of the skin, boost circulation and stimulate cell renewal. I particularly like that this mask is flexible and molds easily to the face making it very comfortable to wear. And the light is set to a 10 minute timer each time so after 10 minutes the mask automatically shuts off. If there is one skincare tool I would recommend investing in, it is 100% this LED mask!

ZIIP Halo (discount code: MAREE)

I go in and out of using a microcurrent device for sculpting and firming the face because sometimes I am just lazy. Plain and simple. LOL The LED mask is so easy to use and requires little to no effort. However, I like the Ziip Halo in particular because the shape is much easier to hold and maneuver around the face. I’ve gone back to using this a few times a week and already notice how much more sculpted my jaw looks.

Currentbody LED Hair Growth Helmet (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)

I am already a fan of the Currentbody LED face masks and have found them to be incredible for helping my skin in so many ways. I was already using all of the other products in my routine regularly before I added this LED helmet to my process. While the other products I was using were instrumental in starting the hair growth, using the helmet sped up the process. It’s important to be consistent with it in order to see results so I use it 5-6x/week for 10 minutes. It is designed to thicken hair, increase hair density and increase hair growth rate. My hair growth was slow and steady until I added this LED helmet which really sped up the process.

Summer skincare tips

– Wear sunscreen every day (sunscreen in your makeup is NOT enough)

– Drink tons of water

– Wash your face every night regardless if you are wearing makeup or not.

– Use cool water to wash your face. If you hate cold water, use lukewarm water but never hot water. It will dry out your skin.

– Stay in the shade when possible

– Use a vitamin c serum in the morning

– Limit the use of exfoliating products or peels

– Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Not only your face but your entire body.

For more skincare hacks, here’s how to get brighter skin.

Sunscreen is the one skincare non-negotiable that I wear every single day. 365 days a year. I even wear it when I’m at home, not leaving the house because we have a ton of windows in the home so sun can still get through. Sunscreen formulations have come a long way so if you don’t like wearing one, keep trying until you find a formula that works for you. There are so many to choose from with every texture imaginable. I thought it was time I made a dedicated post to all my sunscreen favorites, updating it as I find new formulations or stop using old ones. This post will cover face, body, tinted options and everything else in between. Hopefully you can find a new SPF to add to your collection too!

Sunscreen Formulas I Recommend

Face Sunscreens

Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50

This is one of the most beautiful sunscreen formulas I’ve tried in a long time. It feels like a nourishing hydrating serum rather than a traditional sunscreen. It wears beautifully under makeup and leaves a fresh radiant glow to the skin. A must try for mature skin!!!

Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

There is a reason this is a top seller for Naturium!  While the name is Dew-Glow, I would say this is not overly dewy so it would work well for a variety of skin types. It’s creamy, moisturizing and leaves my skin with a natural finish. The price point is also what makes this a cult classic – $44 for 100mL which is nearly double the amount of every sunscreen in this list.

Versed Good Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

If you prefer a lightweight gel-cream texture, this SPF is a must try. It’s intensely hydrating as soon as you apply it leaving my skin feeling plump and well-balanced. It’s a clear formula that leaves no white cast on the skin.

Credo Beauty Solar Limits SPF 43 (discount code: 10MAREE)

I fell immediately in love with this sunscreen serum as soon as I first tried it. It’s very lightweight and absorbs instantly. It doesn’t feel greasy or oily yet still hydrates and moisturizes my skin.

Sonya Dakar Day Drops SPF 50 Serum (discount code: MAREESYE)

If the feeling of traditional sunscreen formulas are hard for you to get used to, this is another sunscreen serum that I absolutely love. Super lightweight and hydrating formula that leaves the skin with a soft natural skin finish. This is also a great product to wear under makeup because of how quickly it absorbs while still leaving the skin nicely prepped.

OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+ (discount code: MAREE15)

The OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+ is one of my most repurchased skincare items. It’s a lightweight, hydrating formula that feels nearly undetectable on the skin. It absorbs instantly and wears beautifully under makeup.

Naked Sundays SPF 50 CabanaClear Invisible Water Gel Serum

If you struggle with sunscreen leaving a white case of any kind on your skin, this formulation is completely clear when applied. It feels like a watery serum that is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It’s perfect for days when the thought of putting anything on your face is too much. This feels slightly refreshing and provides amazing sun protection.

Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50

Because my skin is dry, I do love sunscreen formulas that feel rich and nourishing. But in the summer, I will switch to formulas that still hydrate but feel more lightweight on the skin. The Anua Zero Cast SPF feels moisturizing initially which is great for my mature skin but doesn’t feel too rich or intense. It actually makes my skin look supple and super plump which is not the case for many formulations. It’s one of the reasons it became a favorite for me. The name denotes that it won’t give a white cast to the skin but you do have to wait a minute or two for the initial sunscreen “finish” to fade. Once it settles down, it looks natural and undetectable on the face.

Sunscreen Sticks For the Face

Bloomeffects Tulipscreen Shield & Glow SPF 50 stick (discount code: Maree)

This is my preferred SPF stick to keep in my purse when I’m out and about. It is moisturizing and leaves the most natural soft glow on the skin.

Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum-in-Stick SPF 50

I have this in my pool bag so it’s a great formula to apply when I’m out in the sun and sweating. It’s not as glowy but goes on clear which I prefer. My son and husband also like this formula because it feels like nothing on the skin.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

Another favorite for the pool bag because it helps to control the appearance of oil and shine on the skin. Goes on clear and doesn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable as you apply more throughout the day.

Sunscreen For the Body

OneSkin Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30+ (discount code: MAREE15)

The OneSkin Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30+ is an absolute must have for me. I hate the way most body sunscreens feel especially if I am wearing them day to day and not at a pool or beach. This one is so moisturizing and feels like I am applying a lightweight body lotion that absorbs almost instantly. It isn’t shiny or greasy but does leave my skin with a subtle healthy glow.

Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

This is the preferred sunscreen that I leave in our pool bag for the entire family to use. It feels very lightweight, doesn’t leave any white cast on the skin and really protects my fair skin. Some body sunscreens will do a good job but if I get in and out of the pool, I will eventually get burned even if only a small bit. I never burn with this on!

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 100

A new addition to the pool bag this summer. This is a sunscreen milk with SPF 100 protection! The entire family loves this and is what I reach for when I can’t be in the shade for whatever reason. I don’t have to reapply this as frequently as my other body sunscreens but this still protects me from ever getting burned.

Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Body Cream

A new-to-me sunscreen that I’ve been testing for the past few months. I really love the way this feels and wears for an everyday body SPF. It leaves a nice healthy radiant look to the skin which I prefer for day to day. Something I can apply to my chest and arms even when I’m working from home and will only be going outside to run an errand or get the mail. I still like to have sunscreen on but something that leaves my skin looking glowy but not shiny. This is perfect!

Tinted Sunscreens

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 (discount code: Maree)

For those with dry or mature skin types, this is truly one of the best sunscreen serums I have ever tried. It leaves your skin nourished, glowy, plump and supple. It provides protection against UVA & UVB rays, pollution, blue light and free radicals. Out of all the sunscreens in this list, the Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum gives the sheerest coverage. It can’t even really be described as coverage but more like a slight pigment that helps to even out the skin tone and color correct.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

I’ve heard so many great things about this tinted SPF so I’m not sure why it took me so long to try it – but I am HERE NOW FOR IT!!! I can now understand why this has so much buzz surrounding it because the formulation is 10/10. This is a tinted SPF that goes on white and then transforms into a skin tone shade when you blend it in. The coverage is sheer but can be built up slightly to really even out the skin tone and conceal small imperfections.

Naked Sundays BeautyScreen SPF 50 Peptide Foundation Tint

This is a thin and lightweight tint that gives sheer coverage but enough to wear as your daily makeup. It’s formulated with peptides and squalane so it delivers skincare benefits while also providing a light tint for everyday. If you have sensitive skin, this may be a great option. It has different ingredients in it to help calm and soothe the skin.

Merit Beauty The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

This tinted mineral sunscreen is gorgeous and truly feels undetectable on the skin while still giving amazing coverage. It has some blurring properties which I immediately saw as soon as it was applied. And it makes the skin look smooth, even, and has a velvety-like radiant finish. It is extremely long wearing and looks great at the end of the day with little to no separation.

Missha M Perfect BB Cream SPF 42

Even though this BB cream gives medium to medium-full coverage, it manages to feel like I’m wearing nothing on my skin. Additionally, it is one of my longest wearing foundations! How it looks in the morning is exactly the way it will remain until the end of the day. This BB Cream is one of the longest wearing complexion products I own.

Versed Skin Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Lightweight and skin-like, this tint evens out the complexion perfectly while also providing SPF 40 sun protection. Initially this looks like it will be very sheer and provide little to no coverage just based on how thin the liquid looks when you first pump it out. I was shocked when I went to apply it and found it gave much more coverage than I was anticipating. In between sheer and medium is where the coverage falls but you can definitely build it up slightly if needed.

Lip Products With SPF

OneSkin OS-01 Lip Shield SPF 15 in Bare Blush (discount code: MAREE15)

I love everything OneSkin does so I knew I would adore this new lip launch. And I was right! But I didn’t just adore it – it immediately became a favorite. The color is the perfect neutral everyday pink that I can wear with any makeup look. It feels nourishing with no tackiness (and no weird sunscreen scent).

SPF Powder

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush On Powder SPF 50

If I do happen to get shiny throughout the day, I will touch up with this sunscreen powder. It is absolutely genius because it helps to tone down any shine while also adding a layer of sun protection. It’s small and compact so I keep it in my purse and can always have it with me.