My Updated Morning Routine – March 2021

Well, according to my previous posts, it’s been around six months since I last showed you guys what I’m using in the morning. Especially now that my skin is behaving post Dermalogica peel. And I have enough newbies in my routine now that I’ve been using for a hot minute to justify a post like this. So, let’s get into my routine!

STEP 1 – CLEANSE
OK, it’s not all new. I’m still pretty much exclusively using the BIODERMA MAKEUP REMOVING MICELLE SOLUTION – $29.95 as my morning cleanse. And until I find a cleanser that I like better, it’s probably going to stay that way.

STEP 2 – TONE/FIRST MIST
Here is where we start to see some newness. I was using an amazing misting toner from Henry & Lexi for a while there. But I am currently out of that one. So I am alternating between the MERE PHYTOSPHERE IONIC DERMAL CORRECTIVE TONIC – $49.00* and the PYUNKANG YUL MIST TONER – $18.00. The Mere Toner has probably the finest mist I have ever used and it feels so soothing on the skin. The Pyunkang Yul Toner is fragrance free, but a bit on the strong side, mist wise. Both are pretty great.

STEP 3 – TREATMENT
While my skin is still slightly damp from the toner, I’ll usually go in with my serums. And at the moment, I’ve been using the EMMA LEWISHAM SKIN RESET CONCENTRATED PIGMENTATION SERUM- $139.00. I do have a review of this in the works (ETA mid-late April). But this has replaced my Vitamin C and my Niacinamide in my routine. I’ll take 1-2 pumps of this and slowly pat this into my skin. I’ll usually take a short break after application to really let it settle in.

STEP 4 – EYE CREAM
After giving my serum a chance to soak in, I’ll usually dot on a little bit of eye cream. And I’m still using the TATCHA THE SILK PEONY MELTING EYE CREAM – $96.00. This might take me 5 years to get through because you need so little of it. Also, I’ve gotten really bad at remembering to use eye cream.

STEP 5 – SECOND MIST
I recently learned that moisturisers absorb better into slightly dampened skin. So before I go in with my moisturiser, I like to give my skin a quick spritz of something. Also, it’s a nice, refreshing touch while the weather is on the warmer side. I sometimes go in with the Mere toner. But more often than not, I’m using the LA ROCHE POSAY THERMAL SPRING WATER – $25.95. It’s light, it’s fragrance free and it makes me feel like a rich woman when I do it!

STEP 6 – MOISTURISE
My choice of moisturiser will usually depend of which sunscreen I’m wearing that day. If I’m wearing a more hydrating sunscreen, I’ll usually skip this step entirely while the weather is warm. But when it’s cooler or I’m wearing a more mattifying sunscreen (which is most days ATM), I’m alternating between the MERE PHYTOSPHERE ELEMENTAL 360 CELL ACTIVE FACE CREAM – $62.00* and the SUMMER FRIDAYS CLOUD DEW OIL FREE GEL CREAM – $67.00. The moisturiser from Mere is very much a cream. Quite thick in texture, but smooths out beautifully and it gives all day hydration. The Summer Fridays one, you already know how I feel about it. It’s basically my new favourite moisturiser.

If I feel like my skin needs it, I’ll also pop on a little bit of face oil. And my go to has been the BETTYQUETTE GET UP AND GLOW HYDRATING FACE OIL – $45.00*. This is such a light, luxurious feeling oil that soaks right into the skin. I love it

STEP 7 – SUNSCREEN!
There is not a universe in this world anymore where I go out without sunscreen. And I’m currently switching between three. The BONDI SANDS HYDRA UV PROTECT FACE LOTION SPF 50+ – $22.95, the CANCER COUNCIL FACE DAY WEAR MOISTURISER MATTE SPF 50+- $14.99 and the ULTRA VIOLETTE LEAN SCREEN MINERAL MATTIFYING SKINSCREEN -SPF 50+ – $45.00.

All three of these are very different. The Bondi Sands is by far the most hydrating and I usually wear it on it’s own without moisturiser. The Cancer Council one is a slightly thicker formula and goes on matte. And the UV one is a Zinc based sunscreen that also has a mattifying effect. But I apply them all the same. I do the three finger trick (usually 7-8 pumps) and smooth it all over my face. Making sure that I’m also applying to my neck, chest and ears.

And that is my updated morning routine! It’s a bit more involved than my last few, but I’m always testing new stuff out to recommend to you guys. What is the one staple in your skincare routine? Let me know in the comments below

Cheers and love
Emily xo