My current daytime skincare routine + favourite products

Earlier this week I posted a photo to my Instagram stories to show that after a year of going without a hair cut or colour, I finally got a solid chop at a new salon (within walking distance to me!). While I was particularly excited about the new cut (and to show off Chester’s serious side eye), the majority of messages in my DMs were about:

1. How much I look like my little sister (who happens to be THREE years younger than me), and
2. Requests for the skincare products I use

Anyone who knows me knows that I take both of these queries/statements as the ultimate compliment because I think my little sister is one of the most beautiful people in the world (literally, I do), and I take a lot of pride in my skincare product lineup and routine (just ask J when he inquires about a product and I give a 10 minute spiel on why I use it and how it works). Another favourite fact? People often think I’m the younger sister, which I consider a testament to my strict skincare routine (and nothing to do with the fact that despite our three-year age difference, Meg is way more responsible than I am in every way imaginable).

I won’t lie, I was surprised when so many people reached out about my skin considering I took that selfie after returning home from a mask-wearing food shop, schlepping two large bags of groceries on a 30-minute walk home (so maybe some of my glow was, in fact, sweat from the trek).

Below, you can find my skincare line up if you’re looking to switch up your own routine or on the hunt for new products to incorporate. While I do tend to use some products at both morning and night, there are certain favourites that have been in my routine for literal years – and one newbie that I just can’t get enough of!

In an effort to be completely transparent, I don’t consider my first application of skincare part of my morning routine. I typically work out first thing in the morning, so whether I’m going for a run, heading to a workout class or doing yoga in my living room, I always wash my face with warm water, spritz Pixi Glow Mist (gives a little hydration boost) and swipe SPF over my face. After my workout, I immediately shower and that’s when my real skincare routine begins.

Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk

Why I love it: I’ve always been a mega fan of Caudalie. In fact, the Caudalie Vinosource Moisturising Cream was one of the first products I purchased when Sephora opened in Halifax (along with Christian Dior Lip Glow Balm). Creamy and gentle, this cleanser really manages to get all of your makeup off whether you’re rocking a full face or simply a tinted moisturiser, brows and mascara (hello, quarantine makeup!). I love the velvety texture of this cleanser and the fact that it leaves my skin feeling cleansed and hydrated (not stripped!).

Hada Labo Super Hydrator Anti-aging Lotion

Why I love it: I first mentioned this product in my love at first sight post and, lucky for me, it was just that. In fact this hydrating, anti-aging lotion is so good, even J has been stealing it to incorporate into his own routine. With three different kinds of hyaluronic acid, this lotion dries quickly, leaving your skin plumped and glowy. I love this so much I use it both at night and in the morning. I also think I’m seeing the anti-aging benefits peek through now that I’ve been using it consistently for three weeks.

GLAMGLOW Bright Eyes Eye Cream

Why I love it: This eye cream literally has caffeine in it. Super hydrating, this eye cream has a thicker consistency with a bit of a tint, providing light coverage and giving your eyes a fully-awake boost. Reducing signs of fatigue, this eye cream gives you a glow, hiding the fact that you barely slept the night before. Using linoleic acid and a blend of watermelon, apple and narcissus extracts, this eye cream also helps strengthen the delicate under-eye skin. What’s more perfect than that?

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Why I love it: I first bought this moisturiser in 2016 on a family trip. Rushing between gates in the Madrid airport, I made a quick detour to Kiehl’s to treat myself. I left with the Ultra Facial Cream and, while I’ve switched it up a few times, this is one product I always have in my cabinet. In fact, I’m such a fan that one year for Christmas J gifted me a limited edition version of this magic cream. Lightweight and easily absorbed, this moisturiser combines glacial glycoprotein and squalane to provide ultimate hydration. Suitable for all skin types, this cream will be a forever favourite for me.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50 Stick

Why I love it: Oh, how the times have changed. Gone are the days of laying in the sun lathered in oils. Nowadays, you’ll be hard pressed to find me without SPF both on my skin and in my bag. I love La Roche-Posay Anthelios line and usually stock up any time we’re in France (I love a good French pharmacy trip), but I especially love this SPF in stick format. Easy to carry and top up on, this SPF provides major protection to high-exposure areas of your skin. The last step in my skincare routine, I often layer up this SPF with my favourite tinted moisturiser acting as a foundation in my makeup routine.

My next skincare addition? Toner. I’ve never used a toner in my routine, but as I do more research, I’m learning it’s crucial. Toners help to balance your skin and oil production while also swiping away dead skin cells and preventing those small bumps forming on your skin. I have my eye on the below glow-inducing, exfoliating toners:

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