A skincare routine for people who don’t do skincare routines

Five minutes, a handful of products, and absolutely no interest in a 12-step routine.

I mentioned last week that getting dressed in the morning has become one of the ways I differentiate the days from each other in this postpartum era. As I was “washing my face” the other day, I realized that the five minutes I have in the bathroom to myself before my husband walks out the door for the day is another little part of the morning that I really look forward to.

That struck me because I've never been much of a skincare or makeup expert. Over the last couple of years, I’ve been trying several products. Before that, I was pretty loyal to my friend Susie's skincare line, Echo Vie. She made the toner and face oil I used for years, and when she closed her business while courageously battling breast cancer, I had to figure out what I was going to use instead. But truly, I will simply not spend more than five minutes, baby or no baby, on any kind of skincare routine.

Similarly to getting dressed in the morning, washing my face and putting on a few simple skincare products has felt like a little luxury over the past several weeks. With a newborn, there aren’t a lot of things I can count on happening exactly when I want them to. But I’ve found that washing my face and putting on a few skincare products has become a tiny ritual that makes me feel like I’ve started my day.

It’s sort of like making your bed in the morning. It’s not going to change your life, but it’s a little victory. One small thing is done, and somehow the day feels a little more under control.

And I think that's probably the most skincare-person thing about me: I like the ritual of it, but I don't actually want skincare to become a hobby. Oh, and I get facials every couple of months. I LOVE them. Probably because I just get to relax and enjoy. :)

I’m not interested in a 12-step routine. I don’t want a bathroom counter covered in products that I have to remember to use on alternating nights. And I definitely don’t want to be convinced that I need seventeen different serums because someone on the internet told me my skin is secretly missing something.

I just want to take care of my skin with a few products that feel good and are easy to use. And I feel like the products I’m using right now are really great so I thought I’d share my 5 minutes of pure bliss with you.

So here’s my very simple, truly five-minute skincare routine. And if you’ve used any of these or have any other favorites, leave a comment and share the details! :)

Everything is linked below except the Belly Balm that I was using during pregnancy, Eucerin and Native deodorant you can get at CVS, the Body Butter that is as good as it sounds, the Salty Face Tanning Water I have out in hopes I will try it, and the hand towel I recently got and am obsessed with.

1. Splash water on my face

If I have time for an everything shower, I’ll do a more thorough wash with this Salt & Stone Body Wash, Osea Ocean (face) Cleanser and exfoliation using this BufPuf (it may not look like much, but it works), and if you want something a little more luxe, I also love this one from Goop.

Most mornings, though? I’m just splashing water on my face.

2. Toner

I use this Burt’s Bees toner with a little cotton pad.

Nothing fancy. I buy it at CVS.

My facialist told me toners don’t have to be expensive, so I’m going with that.

3. Liquid Silver

This is probably the product in my routine that I’m most enthusiastic about. I just ordered a new bottle because I’m close to running out.

I’ve been using it for a few years now, and I love it. It also has SPF15, which is an added bonus. You’ll see as you keep reading that I don’t wear sunscreen daily like we’re told we’re supposed to, but at least I have a little protection.

I can’t tell you exactly what it’s doing, but I can tell you that the moment I put it on my skin, my skin feels better.

That’s one of my favorite tests for any product: do I actually notice that I’ve used it?

With this one, the answer is yes.

P.S. If you are looking for a good daily sunscreen, I can recommend the Salty Face Daily Sun Shield. I use it when I know I’m going to be in the sun a lot. It’s just too many steps for me for everyday use.

4. Ilia Face Milk

This is my current moisturizer and I really love it.

It’s lightweight, but it works, which is pretty much my ideal combination.

In the winter, when my skin gets really dry, I use this Day Cream, but right now I’m still really enjoying this.

5. Osea Ocean Eyes

I love how it feels when I put it on. The roller is cold and almost feels like a quick ice roller, but with hydration. I’ve been using it for a little over a month now and it looks like hardly any is gone - so it’s going to last me a long time.

Everything linked above and below is pictured here :)

Two More Things Worth Mentioning

As I was writing this, I realized there are two other products that really deserve a mention.

The first is these Koji Pads. This was a gift from my sister who is far more up on things when it comes to skincare, and I have to say, I am sold on them. I’ve been using them at night, although I think you can use them in the morning too. My face feels so refreshed after using them. Who knew something so small could make such a difference!

The second is this Super Serum Skin Tint by Ilia (I wear ST5 Bon Bon). I can’t say enough about how much I like this product - it’s hydrating and the perfect amount of coverage to even out your skin without making it look like a full face of makeup. You can apply it with your fingers, but I use their brush because it’s easier, and less messy, to get an even application.

I don’t really wear much makeup, but I wore this, Jones Road Miracle Balm (I have Dusty Rose), and mascara to my sister’s rehearsal dinner and genuinely felt like I had gotten my makeup done.

It’s so lightweight and actually feels moisturizing, so you don’t really feel like you’re putting makeup on.

It might be my favorite makeup product I’ve ever tried. Highly, highly recommend if you’re in the market.

I think ultimately I want from skincare: a few things I genuinely like, that I'll actually use, without feeling like I need to constantly add something new. Which, now that I think about it, is probably also what I want from my wardrobe. I don't need more things. I want the right things, and I want to enjoy using them.

September’s Top Sellers

Since we’re at the end of the month, here’s a look back at what you actually clicked on and bought this month. I always love seeing which things actually make it from a post into your closets and lives. And thank you, as always, for supporting my work - I don’t take it for granted!

Here are your top 5 favorites:

1. Babas - You loved the Leopard and Kare Kare the most!

2. The Fonteyn Jane

3. The Jo Shirt - My all-time favorite button up

4. The Vico Mule

5. The Felted Wool Wrap Coat

And if you missed any of these, here are the posts they came from: