Okay ladies! While I love dressing up like the rest of you, I REALLY love a simple, affordable, but effective skincare routine. Over the years, I’ve tried everything—from drugstore finds to luxury brands, minimal routines to 10-step regimens. And after all that trial and error, I finally found a routine that works, and I’ve stuck with it for the past four years!
A friend of mine, who is a total beauty guru, introduced me to The Ordinary skincare line. She told me two things:
1. It’s affordable. (No more $100 serums!)
2. It’s simple but customizable. (You can start small and adjust based on your skin’s needs.)
And let me tell you—it has been a game changer!
My AM Routine
• Cleanser – Wash with cool/warm water
• Multipeptide Serum – Helps with skin elasticity and firmness
• Vitamin C (when I’m not pregnant) – Brightens and evens out skin tone
• Hyaluronic Acid – Hydration, hydration, hydration!
• Caffeine Solution (if I remember) – Targets puffiness under the eyes
• Moisturizer
• CeraVe Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 30)
Quick Tip!
I apply my regular moisturizer before my SPF moisturizer to avoid using too much of the tinted one. This keeps my face from feeling or looking oily!
My PM Routine
• Foaming Cleanser (I use this in the shower)
• Toner – Helps with any leftover makeup or buildup
• Retinol (when I’m not pregnant) – Great for fine lines and skin texture
• Multipeptide Serum
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Moisturizer
• Chapstick (Burt’s Bees is my go-to!)
Keeping It Simple
I know this looks like a lot, but trust me—it didn’t start this way! In the beginning, I only used a cleanser and moisturizer. As I got more comfortable with the brand and learned about my skin’s needs, I slowly added in products to target specific concerns (wrinkles, pore size, fine lines, dark circles, etc.).
If I’m feeling lazy or short on time, my bare-minimum routine is:
✔ Cleanser
✔ Hyaluronic Acid
✔ Moisturizer
✔ SPF
A Few Final Thoughts
✔ Start small. If this feels overwhelming, go into a store that carries The Ordinary and talk with someone knowledgeable about the line.
✔ Give it time. Your skin may need a few months to adjust!
✔ Consider your makeup. I personally don’t wear foundation anymore—just tinted moisturizer, mascara, and sometimes a little blush or contour.
If you’re looking for affordable, simple skincare that actually works, this routine has been my holy grail for the past four years!
How Long Does My Skincare Last?
One of the best things about this routine is that it’s not only affordable, but the products last a long time! On average, my supply lasts about 3 months, depending on the product.
Here’s a breakdown:
• Toner & Moisturizer – I go through these the fastest, so I buy double and don’t have to reorder for 4-5 months.
• Serums & Treatments – These typically last 3+ months since you only need a few drops per use.
• SPF Moisturizer – Also lasts about 3 months, since I layer it over regular moisturizer to make it stretch further.
Pro Tip: If you want to avoid running out, stocking up on essentials like toner and moisturizer ahead of time saves last-minute trips to the store (and potential shipping delays!).
Here are the links to the exact products I use:
- Squalene Cleanser (AM) https://amzn.to/3F3nJg2
- Multipeptide Serum: https://amzn.to/4i1wc1J
- Vitamin C: https://amzn.to/4iH3IdR
- Hyaluronic Acid: https://amzn.to/4h5K75I
- Caffeine Solution: https://amzn.to/4ioNqG9
- Moisturizer: https://amzn.to/4kmfdJ8
- CeraVe Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 30): https://amzn.to/4hnGaJX
- Foaming Cleanser (PM): https://amzn.to/4khheq9
- Toner: https://amzn.to/4ki0eQx
- Retinol: https://amzn.to/4kAcD2q
- Chapstick: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00076TOUO/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_63XGXHV30ZQ17Z1C1RKD?linkCode=ml2&tag=edenandelegancecowebsite-20
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