CLEANSER

I have tried an endless amount of cleansers throughout my life, but nothing comes close to this one. My rule with cleansers is: the simpler, the better. You don’t need any fancy cleanser as long as it does the job. This specific product is extremely easy to find in stores. I started using it when I was still living in Italy, and I have never stopped since then, as it is a simple formula and affordable.

ACNE PADS

Acne pads are a new addition to my skincare routine, as I only started using them once my dermatologist recommended them to me. The brand I usually buy is ZO Skin Health by Zein Obagi. I wipe my face with these acne treatment pads twice a day, in the morning and evening. The product linked on the side is similar to the one I use in terms of ingredients, which makes it a great (and more affordable) option.

MOSTURIZER

I LOVE THIS MOSTURIZER. Every since my dermatologist recommended The Bioderma Sebium Hydra when I was 14, I have taken it with me everywhere. The simple formula allows for smooth and hydrated skin without causing any irritation. This is also one of the only hydrating cream which I do not need to reapply more than once a day, making it a great investment. Especially right now during my Accutane treatment, this beauty saves me every day. Another great advantage of this product is that it’s definitely affordable for being a skincare product.

SPF

This step is the one everyone forgets, but also extremely crucial. Do yourself a favour and use SPF daily. The wrinkle-free skin of your 40-year-old self will thank you. And if your main concern is that you won’t get a tan, don’t worry you still will.

MAKE-UP REMOVER

Removing my make-up involves many different steps, but I always start by applying the Bioderma Sebium H2O. As for eye make up, coconut oil is simply the best, especially for removing mascara. The Bioderma make-up remover also comes in travel size, which is the cutest packaging you will ever see. Although all these products are great, always remember to rinse your face with the cleanser afterwards!

SCRUB

Scrub can be extremely beneficial and dangerous at the same time. If used too often, it can remove the natural oils which play an important role in the composition of the skin and cause irritation. However, one of the benefits of including the scrub in your skincare routine is the ability to remove dead skin cells and make the texture smooth. This particular scrub is a great option for sensitive skin. I only apply it in at night after the cleanser once a week or so, and it works great, especially after a workout.

PORE REFINER

This is also an optional step. However, the pore refiner helps reduce the visibility of the pores and contributes to a smoother texture. The ZO Skin Health Instant Pore Refiner is the exact product that my dermatologist recommended but after using it for a few months, I can say this step is definitely not mandatory.

FACE MASKS

I don’t know who invented face masks, but I am eternally grateful to him/her. When it comes to face masks, it is easy to find cheap ones which are filled with scented ingredients and formulas which don’t really do anything to your skin. These products are usually the sheet masks which you find at drugstores and Sephora. My personal favourites which I have used for years are the two linked on the side. I first discovered Dr Botanicals through a collaboration I did, where they sent me the Superfood sleeping mask. I had never tried sleeping masks before that, and I honestly don’t know why as they are amazing. Sleeping masks allow you to do a deep cleanse by not affecting your routine at all, as they do not require you to wait at least 15 minutes and rinse afterwards. All you need to do is apply it before going to bed, sleep and rinse in the morning. The second mask linked on the side is the one I am currently using, which is a quick and easy mask for busy queens. It only takes 10 minutes for it to work!