In a world filled with a variety of skin care products ranging everywhere from serums to exfoliating powders, knowing exactly what to use and in what order can be more confusing than understanding triple rainbows and the obsession in the 80s with the Cabbage Patch Kids. Although we can’t offer any useful commentary on the latter, we can break down your daily skincare routine for A.M. and P.M. in 5 easy steps!
STEP 1: CLEANSE/EXFOLIATE
Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder
P.M. only. Living in Colorado’s dry weather, we’ve learned that it is best to only cleanse skin at night and simply rinse skin off with lukewarm water in the morning. Twice a week, you should introduce some sort of exfoliation to your cleansing routine. One simple way to do this is to add a powder exfoliator like Image’s Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder ($29.90) to your cleanser, assuring that you cleanse skin, remove makeup, and get rid of dead skin cells all in one easy step!
STEP 2: TONER
A.M. & P.M. Although many people seem to not use a toner, they are great for providing skin with an extra layer of hydration and removing oil and dirt from pores. Use a toner after cleansing, especially if you have acne prone or oily skin.
The MAX Stem Cell Serum
STEP 3: SERUM
A.M. & P.M. A serum should be used everyday and should be lightweight yet full of good-for-your-skin ingredients like botanical extracts and powerful antioxidants. We love Image’s Skincare The MAX Stem Cell Serum ($93.50) which uses a multi-layered technology of nutripeptides and stem cells to support skin’s natural defense mechanisms and promote cell health.
Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
STEP 4: MOISTURIZER
A.M.: Use a moisturizer with SPF after your serum and kill two birds with one stone! Choose a moisturizer with SPF and a slight tint and you can skip wearing makeup all together! We are absolutely crazy about Image’s Prevention+ Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 35 ($35). It’s oil free and the tint magically works with all skin types! No joke.
P.M.: Our skin repairs itself at night, so that is the time to slather on your thick anti-aging night creams, retinols, or sleep-in masks.
Ageless Total Eye Lift Creme
Ormedic Balancing Eye Lift Gel
STEP 5: EYE CREAM
A.M. & P.M. Usually the most overlooked step, using eye cream both morning and night is crucial to maintaining the area around the eyes moisturized and prevent against premature aging and wrinkles. This is because the skin around our eyes is very thin and has very few oil glands, so extra care is needed in this area. Opt for a hydrating and lifting formula for daytime, like Image’s Skincare Balancing Eye Lift Gel ($35.90) and an anti-aging, tightening and soothing potent formula for nighttime, like Image’s Skincare Ageless Total Eye Lift Creme ($31.50).