It's that time of the year again—summer vacations are coming to an end and it's time for us to return to the real world. If you're anything like me, sunscreen, pool chemicals and sun exposure have left your skin dehydrated, dull and in need of some extra TLC. But with a busier schedule and back-to-reality blues, who has time for a complicated, 10-step routine?
Luckily, I've found the perfect daily routine that has saved my skin, and is get this—it's quick and easy! Together, these products cleanse and purify, re-hydrate, gently exfoliate and deeply condition my skin. It's clear, happy and moisturized in three easy steps (and one more on pampering days). I use these steps morning and night, and have seen a dramatic difference in the clarity and texture of my skin.
STEP 1: CLEANSE WITH DR. ALKAITIS PURIFYING CLEANSER
I start and end my day with this beautiful creamy gel cleanser. It removes dirt, oil, makeup and residue without leaving the skin feeling stripped or dry. It's a truly unique formula that rinses away, yet leaves my skin feeling hydrated and plump.
STEP 2: TONE AND RE-HYDRATE WITH KAHINA TONING MIST
After I pat my face dry with a clean towel, I lightly mist my skin with the Kahina Toning Mist. The aloe leaf juice base hydrates the top layer of my skin instantly, while enveloping me in a soft rose-scented hug. I used to consider toning an optional step, but now I couldn't be more of a toner advocate. It instantly re-hydrates your skin after cleansing, balances your skin's pH, and preps it for moisturizer. With the scent and experience of the Kahina mist, it has easily become my favorite step of my routine.
STEP 3: MOISTURIZE WITH ELDE COSMETICS HYDRATING MOISTURIZER
After misting while my skin is still damp, I apply one pump of the Elde moisturizer all over my face including around the eye area. If you're new to green beauty, this moisturizer is a perfect first transition product. I am wowed every time I use it, and my skin has been thanking me with bounce and glow that it's never had before.
WEEKEND BOOSTER STEP: EXFOLIATE AND PAMPER WITH LEAHLANI MERMAID MASK
If you don't know, now you know about the yummiest green mask in all the land! The Mermaid Mask is a thick, honey-textured mask with small exfoliating granules that I use whenever my skin is feeling dull and in need of something extra. About twice a week, I spread a thin layer of this on my entire face and a bit down my neck. I let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then pop in the shower to wash it off (it can be a bit messy). As I rinse, I gently rub my skin in tiny circles to get full use out of the fine exfoliating granules.
These four wonder products work together beautifully, and make for a super easy, simple routine. You can of course, add serums, treatments, or other additional steps to personalize it further, but day to day, this routine has kept my skin healthy, even and glowy.