Ultimate AM Skincare Routine (Only 4 Steps)

Skincare has always been one of my passions. But over the years, I’ve come to understand that simplicity is key. It’s not about having a 12-step ritual in the morning, it’s about finding what genuinely works for you and being consistent with it. That’s why I’ve boiled down my morning routine to a mere four step skincare routine that is easy to follow and provides amazing results. Today, I want to share my simple AM Skincare routine that keeps my skin glowing all day, every day.

My 4 Step AM Skincare Routine

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Step 1: Splash Water on My Face

Yes, you read that right. The first step in my morning routine isn’t a fancy cleanser or an exfoliating scrub. It’s just plain water. But trust me, there’s a method to the simplicity.

Each morning, I give my face a gentle splash of lukewarm water. Not too hot, not too cold. The idea is to gently wake up the skin and prepare it for the following products. It also helps to refresh the face, remove any leftover traces of overnight skincare products, and provide a clean canvas. Plus, this method is excellent for all skin types, whether you’re dry, oily, or somewhere in between.

Step 2: Eye Serum

The skin around our eyes is incredibly delicate, so it deserves extra TLC. My choice of product for this step is a lightweight eye serum. Unlike heavier creams, a serum has a thinner consistency, allowing for faster absorption and targeting specific concerns such as puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines.

Applying the eye serum is quite straightforward, and I love the applicator on the one I use. After applying it, I gently tap the product around my eye area using my ring finger (as it applies the least amount of pressure). This method ensures minimal tugging and pulling, preserving the skin’s elasticity. Within minutes, I can feel my eye area becoming plump, hydrated, and revitalized.

What I Use:

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Hydrating Eye Serum for Dark Circles

Why It Stands Out:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its incredible hydration properties, hyaluronic acid holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. This ingredient ensures that my eye area remains plump, reducing the appearance of fine lines and maintaining that youthful bounce.
• Caffeine: A true wake-me-up for the eyes! Caffeine is renowned for its ability to reduce puffiness and revitalize the skin. On those mornings when I’ve had less than an ideal amount of sleep, this ingredient ensures my eyes look awake and refreshed.
• Cost: It’s affordable and won’t break the bank!

Its gentle yet potent formula is perfect for sensitive skin like mine. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly, making it an ideal base for makeup. Most importantly, it helps with my dark circles, brightens my eye area, and doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes and skin.

Pro Tip: I store my eye serum in the refrigerator for an added cooling effect and enhanced de-puffing. Applying it chilled every morning not only intensifies the refreshing sensation but also aids in reducing morning eye puffiness even more effectively.

Step 3: Vitamin C Serum

After giving my eyes their dose of hydration, it’s time to move on to the rest of the face. If one product has been a game-changer in my AM Skincare routine, it’s the Vitamin C serum.

Why Vitamin C, you ask? Well, it’s an antioxidant powerhouse. It not only helps brighten the skin, giving it that radiant glow, but also protects against free radicals and environmental aggressors. Over time, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in dark spots, a more even skin tone, and an overall healthier complexion.

When applying the Vitamin C serum, I use about 4-5 drops for my entire face. Starting at the center and moving outwards, I gently press the product into my skin, ensuring every inch gets its dose of this liquid gold.

What I Use:

MaeLove Glowmaker: The Vitamin C Serum That Truly Shines

MaeLove’s Glowmaker has carved out its unique niche in the expansive world of Vitamin C serums. A cult favorite among skincare enthusiasts, this serum promises to bring out the skin’s natural luminosity, and it certainly delivers.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Potent Antioxidants: MaeLove’s formulation isn’t just about Vitamin C. It’s enriched with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, creating a potent antioxidant trio. This combination helps brighten the complexion and protects the skin from harmful free radicals and environmental stressors.
• Hydration Boost: One of Glowmaker’s standout qualities is its ability to hydrate the skin while delivering its potent actives. Thanks to the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid, the serum ensures the skin remains plump and moisturized throughout the day.
• Lightweight and Absorbent: A common concern with Vitamin C serums is their texture. However, MaeLove’s Glowmaker boasts a lightweight formula that’s easily absorbable, making it suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.
• Usage Tips: For best results, apply a few drops of Glowmaker in the morning after cleansing and before sunscreen. This ensures maximum protection from environmental factors while giving your skin a radiant boost.
• Cost: Compared to other Vitamin C, Glowmaker is affordable and costs around $32 a bottle. Plus, they have a 100% day happiness guarantee.

MaeLove’s Glowmaker isn’t just another Vitamin C serum; it’s a symphony of carefully selected ingredients designed to make your skin radiate with health. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned expert, this serum promises to be a glowing addition to your regimen.

Step 4: Sunscreen

Last but certainly not least, sunscreen. No AM skincare routine is complete without it. Regardless of the weather or season, sun protection is crucial. Those harmful UV rays are out there 365 days a year and are responsible for premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer.

I opt for a broad-spectrum SPF that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Applying it generously on my face, neck, and décolletage, I make sure that every exposed part of my skin is protected from the sun’s harmful effects. Remember, sunscreen isn’t just for sunny days at the beach. Make it a daily habit; your skin will thank you in the long run.

Slap on that sunscreen! We’re trying to age like fine wine, not sun-dried tomatoes.

-Love always, Naomi

What I Use:

EltaMD UV Clear Daily Face Sunscreen, SPF 46

Product Overview:

Experience the best of sun protection with EltaMD UV Clear Daily Face Sunscreen. Specially formulated for those who demand more from their sunscreen, it offers SPF 46 protection while catering to the unique needs of sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Key Features:

• Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Protection: Guard your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays, minimizing the risk of sunburn, skin aging, and potential sun damage.
• Oil-Free Formulation: Say goodbye to greasiness. EltaMD UV Clear provides high-level sun protection without that heavy, oily feel, making it perfect for everyday wear.
• Zinc Oxide Infused: A trusted mineral sunscreen ingredient, zinc oxide sits atop the skin, reflecting the sun’s harmful rays and offering a physical barrier of protection.
• Caters to Sensitive and Acne-prone Skin: No more sunscreen-induced breakouts or irritation. Its gentle formulation ensures that even those with the most sensitive or acne-prone skin can wear it comfortably.
• Lightweight & Silky Finish: Not just protection, this sunscreen feels like a luxurious skin treat. Its lightweight nature ensures seamless blending, leaving a silky, non-sticky finish.
• Usage Tips: Apply generously to your face 15 minutes before sun exposure for maximum efficacy. 
• Cost: I use this daily, and it lasts me for a bit over six months. The average price is $41. That’s about $6.50 a month. 

There you have it, my simple yet effective AM Skincare routine. Four steps may seem minimal, but each one plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and beauty of my skin. I believe that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. It’s about understanding what your skin truly needs and consistently delivering that with love and care.

If you found this post interesting, you may want to read more about my favorite skincare cleansers or foundations.