My beauty routine has been the definition of basic since…forever. I never spent over $20 on anything. I never really did any extensive research on what my face really needed, because honestly, who has time for that? And who really even thinks about it in their early twenties? (Hint: not me)

After a relentless battle with acne, a grueling 6-month round of Claravis (Accutane), and years of redeeming my self esteem, a clear complexion was (is) all I wanted. I didn’t give a flying you know what about expensive facial serums, creams and masks. All I wanted was clear freakin’ skin.

Until now…

I was a firm believer in Cetaphil moisturizer. (I still use the cleanser. It’s my favorite.) I thought it was all I needed. But then, pesky little tiny fine lines magically appeared one morning. FML.

I literally spent the whole day reading blog after blog after review after blog on all kinds of creams and face shit, and damn near drove myself insane. Over little tiny fine lines.

After a stupid amount of research, picking my clients’ brains, and bugging Little Sister, I have seen the light, y’all! My skin has never felt (or looked) better.

The following products are absolutely 100% necessary in any woman’s life (especially those with sensitive, reaction-prone skin):

1. Clinique Superdefense SPF 20 Age Defense Eye Cream – An eye cream with SPF? YES YES YES. No burning or irritation, either. This stuff is fabulous. It’s instantly brightening, and diminishes the need for under-eye concealer. I hope Clinique makes this stuff forever. I LOVE it.

2. Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant by Eminence Organic Skin Care – Would you laugh at me if I told you I exfoliated for the first time EVER two weeks ago? I know, I’m an awful woman. But better late than never, right? Thanks to Little Sister and her five-star facial at The Ritz, I was introduced to this incredible miracle powder. I shake a little powder onto my fingertips, mix it with my cleanser (or water) and indulge in an at-home facial. Every day. The rice powder absorbs oil, while the lactic and salicylic acids remove dead skin cells. The strawberries and rhubarb infuse skin with antioxidants, and it’s gentle enough to use twice a day. Divine! **Be wary of online sites who claim to sell this product. I suggest going directly to a spa to buy. Eminence has a spa locator on their website, and it’s extremely easy to use.

3. Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Serum – Am I the only one who didn’t even realize serums existed? Where have I been living? A hole? This serum by Origins is powerful, and worth your money. I’ve only been using it for a week and I can already tell a difference in my skin. I am literally glowing. Tight and glowing. (You can use this in the a.m. AND p.m.)

4. Origins Plantscription SPF 25 Anti-Aging Cream – A moisturizer with an SPF is an absolute must; and this anti-aging cream does the job well. It does smell a little like sunscreen, so if that bothers you steer clear. But, it goes on sheer and smooth; and it’s flawless under makeup. I love how creamy this stuff is. My face has never felt more moisturized (and youthful)!

5. Origins Plantscription Powerful Lifting Cream – Ok, this cream is a DREAM. I’m not exaggerating when I say I wake up with a firm face. I smear it on at night, and in the morning my face doesn’t look worn out (even at 5:45 a.m.)! And y’all, it smells so, so good. I use this as my night cream, but you can apply this daytime and nighttime. I’m sure it’s great under makeup too. I just prefer a cream with an SPF during the day.

And now, for my absolute favorite product of the moment…

6. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask – This is a miracle mask, my friends. I’ve never been a fan of masks due to my fear of my face peeling off or a catastrophic reaction. But after receiving this mask as a free sample, I am sold for LIFE. After just one use, the blackheads on my nose and chin were almost all gone. And my pores were noticeably smaller. After the second time, my face was even better. The active charcoal lifts impurities out of the skin, so don’t use this mask right before a big event. You might have some minor breakouts, but that’s just the mask doing its job. You can even use this mask as a spot treatment, or a cleanser (depending on your skin type). Whatever the use, you will be pleased.

As you can see, I am super into Origins skincare right now. I recommend getting a mini facial at the Origins counter to get the most out of their amazing products. They can tell you exactly what you need if you’re a little iffy on buying beauty products. Plus, you get free samples!

So here’s my exact skincare routine as of late:

Morning
– Cleanse and exfoliate
– Spot treatment (if needed)
– Serum
– SPF moisturizer
– SPF eye cream

Night
– Cleanse and exfoliate
– Spot treatment (if needed)
– Serum
– Lifting cream
– Eye cream

If you have any questions on my skincare routine, or any of the above products, leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to answer your question.

Stay fit (and beautiful), friends! Xo