I was listening to a podcast on 2021 beauty trends and the big prediction for this year is that consumers will scale down from multi-step beauty routines to more streamlined processes. 2020 was a big year for skincare, and as consumers added products to their beauty routine, a number of them found that their skin had begun to revolt against all the products. This streamlined beauty trend is the natural adjustment from 2020, helped along by some new product launches.
Of course, Clinique is the OG 3-step system, but there’s a lot of excitement around Fenty Skin’s new line.
Personally, I like trying new products from different brands, so dedicating my entire routine to one product line is unlikely, so instead I’m sharing my current routine including current and past favorite products.
My current products are available at Sephora, with the Sephora CLEAN seal, which means they are formulated without Parabens, Sulfates: SLS & SLES, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Formaldehydes, Formaldehyde-releasing agents, Retinyl Palmitate, Oxybenzone, Coal Tar and more.
Step 1: Cleanse
Ever since I switched to oil-based cleansers, I haven’t looked back (except for a short period where I couldn’t use them post-microblading). I’m a big fan of Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil ($30 at Sephora). I like this product because it’s gentle but very effective, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
I’ve previously used Revival Body Care’s Goddess Facial Wash ($20 on the Revival Body Care website), and I really like how gentle yet effective this is as well.
Please note that I don’t wear waterproof mascara, so I don’t know how effective this cleanser would be against the staying power of waterproof. But for everyday mascara, this works very well. I use a reusable bamboo washcloth to gently wipe my lashes off and then I don’t have raccoon eyes.
Step 2: Exfoliate
I still wear sunblock every day, so this remains an essential step.
I’m currently using Tatcha’s Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder ($65 at Sephora) and I can truly feel the difference in my skin after I use it. This is a little pricey, but I’ve been using mine for nearly a year and there’s plenty to go.
I’ve previously used KORRES Wild Rose Exfoliating Cleanser ($28 at Sephora). I like the smell of roses, and this smells very much like roses. If you’re not a rose kinda person, you will not like this. But being that I am, I’m very happy with this product that I’ve found to be gentle enough to use every day.
Step 3: Moisturize
I’ve been using the Tatcha The Water Cream ($68 at Sephora) for several months - I bought full-size versions after falling in love with samples. I use the Water Cream at night and during the daytime because it’s so light on the skin and yet so hydrating that it’s not sticky or weird for daytime use.
2-3 times a week, I substitute Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Face Mask ($49 at Sephora) for the Water Cream to get in some anti-aging retinol now that I’m 40. This is a much more gentle version of retinol and I haven’t noticed any flaking from it.
I tested an eye cream for several months and then abandoned it because I couldn’t tell if it was working. I’m not convinced it’s an essential step in a skincare routine.
Step 4: Sleep!!
You will notice that while my skincare is not quite “luxury”, I do use premium products. That’s not to suggest that there aren’t great drugstore brands out there, they’re just not really on my radar. Have a product you love or want me to try? Drop it in the comments!!
