Kirsten's Cruelty Free Skincare Routine

As someone who's really struggled with their skin, I'm very diligent about my skincare routine. I've found what works best for me is a very simple, minimal routine. I used to use twice as many products and honestly my skin wasn't any better than it is now that I'm back to basics! I'm 29 so I'm starting to focus more on anti-aging rather than blemish control. My main focus with skincare is sun protection and moisturizing. 

Morning 

In the morning I wash my face with Acure Radically Rejuvenating Cleansing Cream and warm (not hot!!) water. This cleanser is super moisturizing and makes my skin feel so soft! After I pat my skin dry with a clean towel, I apply a squeeze of vitamin C serum. Right now I'm using Mad Hippie Vitamin C serum which is great but there are cheaper alternatives if you're on a tight budget. Vitamin C is great for your skin because it helps repair and prevent sun damage and it boosts collagen production, all of which help keep your skin youthful! I also struggle with a lot of redness in my skin and find that vitamin C helps with my discoloration as well.  Next up is moisturizer. I really love Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream , it's light but it keeps my skin really hydrated. If you're a strict vegan you might want to skip this one, it contains beeswax. The last step in my morning routine is sunscreen. I use Sun Bum Broad Spectrum SPF 50 it's reef safe and it's great to wear under makeup, it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a white cast. 

Night

At night my routine is even simpler! I double cleanse which means I start with an oil cleanser and then use a water based cleanser. This technique has made a huge difference for me! My skin is so much clearer since I started removing my makeup with an oil cleanser instead of micellar water. The double cleanse gets your skin really clean without drying it out. I use the Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil by applying it to dry skin, making sure to massage my closed eyes and lashes to get all my makeup off. Once you do that you'll look like a raccoon...

so I use a reusable cotton pad to wipe away all the melted makeup, then rinse my face with warm water and move on to my water based cleanser, which is the same one from Acure that I use in the morning. I finish off my nighttime routine with the same moisturizer I use in the morning. If your skin is extremely dry you might want to try a heavier moisturizer for nighttime, but for my skin which is normal-oily I find a light cream does the job. 

I also use sheet masks every week or two (or whenever I remember!) after my nighttime routine. I recently bought a bunch from the Korean skincare site Peach and Lily and I've been really happy with everything I've tried so far! I personally look for masks that are super hydrating and reduce redness such as this one. 

Everyone's skin is different, so what works for me might not work for you, but I hope you check out these cruelty free brands and find the perfect fit for your skin! 

xo Kirsten