If you’re anything like I am, running late is no longer a habit, but a part of your identity. Waking up before the alarm goes off is a sin, and setting an earlier-than-necessary alarm is painful. Do you want to skip the early morning skincare/makeup routine and still achieve glowing skin? What if I told you that you could? I decided to come up with the perfect skincare routine to help you achieve those results even when you’re running late.
My skincare has always been of the highest importance to me. Whenever my face feels the slightest bit oily, I become overly aware and cannot wait until I can wash it again. Aside from my skin, I also love to sleep. I wake up at 7 a.m. or earlier every day to make it to either work or my classes. It’s hard to find the motivation to wake up, wash my face, and do my makeup routine. Instead, I opt to go minimal in hopes that I can sleep in for a few extra minutes. I noticed my skin was beginning to dull and breakout because I hadn’t been caring for it. I go through this routine the night before and finish with a quick wash-and-go in the morning. This routine should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete.
prep by exfoliating
Exfoliation is key to getting rid of dead skin cells. By clearing the dead skin cells at the surface, you’re allowing your skin to absorb products with more ease. I always start my routine with warm water and a light exfoliating scrub. Any product that’s too harsh can leave your skin raw or irritated. After washing my face, I towel dry with a clean towel and then use a deep-clean toner on a cotton ball to remove any excess dirt my hands may have missed before.
deep clean with a mask
Next, I detox my face with a mask. I own several, all which serve a different purpose. Depending on whether my skin seems redder, my pores feel clogged, or my skin is looking dull determines which mask I’ll use. I paint the mask onto my face with a brush, unless it’s a paper mask, in which case I’ll just set it. I leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. At this point, not only is my skin looking and feeling better, but I’m relaxed and loosened up from my day.
moisturize while you sleep
Even if your skin is more on the oily side, it is still important to moisturize. I use a lightweight facial cream that is meant for combination skin. Sometimes I use an alternative nighttime facial mask that helps to lock in moisture throughout the night, which I then rinse off in the morning. This final step helps prevent skin from looking dull, keeps your skin firm but soft, and helps achieve that “dewy” glow. Throughout the day, I’ll spritz my face with my Mario Badescu water spray. This product helps to refresh my skin and keeps me cool to avoid sweating.
After I finish my routine, I head to bed feeling refreshed and relaxed. Not only is my skin feeling amazing, but I sleep so much better. In the morning, my face is soft and still feels clean. For good measure, I’ll rinse my skin with just water or a foaming facial wash. I’ve now saved myself 30 or more minutes, I can swipe on my mascara, and head out to start my day! Did I not tell you this would be the perfect skincare routine?
Do you have any skincare hacks or favorite products? Show us on social media by tagging us at @Cfashionista!
Featured photo by Cassidy Clark.
