Alright, let’s talk skincare. Skincare can feel like one of those things you want to do but never feel like doing—like those extra 5 minutes you think you don’t have, but you know will make you feel so much better. Trust me, I get it. But over time, I’ve found a routine that’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling like I’m doing something just for me.
I know what works for me now, and it’s all about simplicity, consistency, and giving my skin a little love each day. I am no beauty expert but I honestly love my skin care routine.
So, here’s the inside scoop on what’s currently working for me (and why I swear by it).
Let’s get into it:
Step 1: Cleanse (Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm)
Listen, I used to hate removing makeup—it always felt like a chore, especially at the end of working on set. But this Clinique balm? It’s like a mini spa moment. It literally melts everything off—your makeup, SPF, the stress from your day. You don’t need to scrub, you just massage it on dry skin, and the texture turns into an oil that works through everything. Add a little warm water, and it emulsifies into a milk that rinses off clean. No tightness, no leftover residue. Just soft, fresh skin.
How I use it:
Dry hands, dry face. I massage it in while talking myself out of overthinking everything. Add warm water, it turns milky, and rinses off clean. No tightness, no film, just calm, clean skin ready to start over. I wet my wash cloth with warm water to remove the product off my face, so refreshing!
Step 2: Exfoliate (FAB Facial Radiance Pads)
I’m all about that glow, but I don’t want to go in harsh. These exfoliating pads are my secret weapon 2-3x times a week. They have a gentle combo of glycolic and lactic acid that works without that stingy, burning feeling. Just swipe it across your face, and you’re left with smoother, brighter skin. They’re super convenient too, especially when you’re in a rush (which, let’s be honest, is always).
How I use it:
Right after cleansing, I swipe across my face (avoid the eyes), and I wait a few minutes before moving to the next step. Skin feels fresh, not stripped
Step 3: Tone (Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner)
You know when something just feels right? This toner is that for me. It smells like a spa (yes, you’re going to love the rose scent), and it really gives your skin that first burst of hydration. It’s light, refreshing, and preps my skin beautifully for the products that come next. I swear my skin looks plumper and more dewy right after this.
How I use it:
I press it in with my hands or swipe with a cotton pad. It’s my little skincare spa moment.
Step 4: Hydrate (Neogen Panthenol Serum)
Okay, let’s talk hydration. If your skin feels tight after washing, this serum is your fix. Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5, which basically holds moisture in your skin, making it feel plump and hydrated. A couple of drops, and my face feels like it’s been kissed with water. It’s not heavy, just smooths in so effortlessly and gives my skin that “bouncy” feeling.
How I use it:
One full dropper, pressed into damp skin. Focused on cheeks and forehead where I get drier.
Step 5: Treat (Rest Religion Retinal Serum)
This serum is where the magic happens, especially at night. Retinol is a powerhouse for tackling fine lines, texture, and dark spots. I don’t use this every night, but on the nights I do, I feel like I’m giving my skin a serious reset. The texture is super lightweight and absorbs quickly—no greasy feeling. My skin looks more even, smooth, and radiant in the morning. You’ll want to ease into this one if you’re new, but trust me, it’s worth it.
How I use it:
AM + PM, after hydrating serum. I use it 2–3x a week max and always follow with moisturizer.
6. Eye Care: Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Hydra-Gel Eye Patches (as-needed treat)
On days when my eyes feel puffy, tired, or just need a little luxury — I reach for these. They’re infused with 24K gold (yes, literally), caffeine, and collagen. Cooling, soothing, and perfect for pre-makeup or post-long-night recovery.
How I use it:
I pop them on in the morning while eating breakfast, before shoot days, on my way to castings or winding down at night. Leave them on for 10–15 minutes. I always feel like I slept 8 hours—even when I didn’t. lol.
Step 7: Eye Cream (Clarins Double Serum Eye)
I’m the first to admit—I smile a lot. Maybe too much sometimes. But I also get those under-eye bags, so eye cream is a non-negotiable. This one by Clarins has been a game-changer. It tackles puffiness, and with its double-serum formula, it firms and smooths the delicate skin around my eyes. It’s a quick step, but I’m telling you—consistency here pays off.
How I use it:
One pump, tapped under both eyes. Works even better if I store it in the fridge.
Step 8: Moisturizer (Rest Religion Ultimate Glow Moisturizer)
Let’s be honest—sometimes, moisturizers can feel heavy, greasy, or just not right. Not this one. The Rest Religion Ultimate Glow Moisturizer gives me that glow without making me feel like I just dunked my face in oil. It’s thick enough to give my skin that plump, nourished feeling, but it sinks in and layers perfectly under makeup. It’s like the ultimate hydration hug for your face. I wake up feeling like my skin is softer and smoother every time.
How I use it:
AM + PM. I press it into the skin after serums. It gives me the softest finish — makeup or no makeup.
Step 9: Seal (Lech Lecha Jojoba Oil)
Jojoba oil is my skin’s best friend. It’s basically the closest thing to the natural oils in your skin, so it locks everything in beautifully without feeling heavy. It seals in all the hydration and glow from the products I’ve just applied, and I honestly love how it gives my skin that healthy dew. It’s not greasy, though. Just pure moisture.
How I use it:
2–3 drops patted into skin after moisturizer. Sometimes I mix a drop into my foundation for glow.
Step 10: Lip Love (Mario Badescu Lip Mask)
Dry lips are a no-go, and this lip mask is my go-to for overnight hydration. I slather this on at night and wake up with soft, smooth lips. No cracks, no dryness—just full-on moisture. It’s like a little luxury for your lips. And trust me, they deserve it.
How I use it:
My everyday ritual. A thick layer right before my day or bed, and I have soft lips every time.
Step 11: Protect (Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50)
I cannot stress this enough—SPF every day. This Eve Lom sunscreen is lightweight and doesn’t leave that dreaded white cast. It feels like a moisturizer with the bonus of serious protection. I’ve been using this every morning, and it layers so beautifully under makeup. Plus, it gives my skin a subtle glow, which I’m always here for.
How I use it:
Last step in my morning routine. I use more than I think I need, then wait a few minutes before makeup.
Step 12: Glow Finish (Peach & Lily Glass Skin Veil Mist)
This mist is the final step that makes everything come together. A couple of spritzes of this, and my skin is dewy, glowing, and ready to face the world. I use it before makeup, after makeup, or whenever I need a refresh during the day. It’s not just hydration—it’s the glow-up in a bottle.
How I use it:
After moisturizer or SPF, sometimes over makeup. A few mists and I feel fresh + radiant again.
Skincare is sacred. It’s not just about the products—it’s the ritual of caring for yourself. I’ve made peace with the fact that my routine might be a little extra, but that’s the point. It’s for me. I don’t need perfect skin. I just need skin that feels loved, nourished, and ready to take on whatever comes my way.
Your glow doesn’t have to be perfect- Just consistent. And that’s the secret.
Augustah Allen