My Winter Night Routine
It's All About Hydration, Baby
I don't think I've ever been as committed to skincare as I have been the last 11 months. Once I had set my intention and clarified what my skin goals were, it was all about finding the right products that not only suited my skin, but elevated it without breaking the bank. That's why I'm k-beauty obsessed, because you really do get potent product with rich, natural ingredients and it's affordable.
As a black woman, my forever-focus is to manage my hyperpigmentation and skin brightness. And now that the desert as settled into winter weather, I've had to switch-up my more relaxed summer routine for a more robust winter one.
I'm talking 7-steps of moisture babies!
Because winter = dryyyyyyyyy.
THE CLEANSER
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
I use this cleanser both day and night, and adore how gentle yet effective it is. Formulated with tea tree oil and natural BHA, it removes excess oil and dead skin while refining texture. The low pH means none of that stripping hell, so my natural oils are kept balanced and my skin is soft, moist and happy.
THE EXFOLIANT
Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish
This cruelty-free scrub is a recent find and favorite. I needed an exfoliant that could gently clean my skin on a deeper level. Containing black sugar, shea better and cranberry oil, the texture itself feels the most natural, homemade almost. I use it about once a week, when I feel like I need a deep clean, to prevent excess sebum build-up and give my self a skin brightening boost. Plus it's perfect for those with sensitive skin!
THE TONER
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
I've come across plenty of toners, but this is a particular favorite because of how happily my face drinks it up. I've got spotty skin, so I needed a toner with acids and this is packed with AHA and PHA plus willow bark and five kinds of cica extracts to calm the skin. Again, this is so gentle on the skin that I literally pour into my palms - no cotton pads needed - and directly pat into my face for maximum absorption.
THE ACIDS
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Meet my blemish ass-kicking power duo and literal holy grail beauty items. As a lover of gentle acids - such as glycolic acids, AHA's and BHA's - I use these guys to flush out impurities, breakdown bacteria and dissolve whiteheads, blackheads, all of the heads. My skin is gentle, so I only use them about twice a week (separately) and strictly at night. The next morning I always make sure to double-up on the sunscreen too, because acids and sunshine are not friends!
THE SERUM
The sweetest of all serums, this is the first Beauty of Joseon product I've tried and by no means am I disappointed. I needed something to replace my The Ordinary Niacinamide serum addiction and this bottle did the trick. Packed with 60% propolis and 2% niacinamide, this serum is both rich and smooth in texture for instant absorption without all the icky sticky. The niacinaminde helps treat hyperpigmentation while the propolis helps fight inflammation, all while keep my skin hella hydrated.
THE MOISTURIZER
COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream
I've fallen hard for propolis, and it's all thanks to this cream. I've been using this product for 6 months now, and I can't imagine using anything else. Lightweight and anti-oxidant rich, this cream is packed with propolis, honey, and royal jelly extracts and not only leaves my skin feel plump and moisturized but nourishes it. You can literally tell the difference in the way your skin bounces the morning after!
THE MASK
Dear, Klair’s Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask
I have at least two packs of these sitting in my fridge drawer at all times. The Dear, Klair's Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask is a cult favorite and for good reason. The bamboo charcoal mask is packed with erythritol, willow bark extract, licorice extract, tea tree leaf oil and centella to cool down skin and relieve redness and irritation. I love to pop this on my face after a particularly deep or intense cleansing routine as an added boost of moisture.