I’ve always been a beauty junkie, but it was not until recently that I realized just how important skincare is. You can buy all the expensive makeup in the world, but unless you have a solid base, it’s never going to look #flawless.

When it comes to skin, everyone is different. I’ve tried a lot of different skin care brands, from drugstore to high end, but the past few years I’ve mostly transitioned to Kiehl’s and my skin has never looked better.

If you have one in your area, I highly recommend visiting a Kiehl’s store and talking with one of their employees. Tell them your skin care woes and what you’re hoping to achieve – do you want to a radiant glow? Do you have too much glow? Fine lines? Doesn’t matter – they can help.  I’m not sure what training process their associates go through, but they continue to impress me with their skincare knowledge every time I stop in.

Like I said, everyone is different, but I wanted to share my favorite skin care products I use on a regular basis. My skin is on the dry side and I tend to get redness around my nose and cheeks. I usually battle a few breakouts once a month around “that time of the month”.

Cleansing

This is about the only step in my routine where I don’t use Kiehl’s. I’ve used this Boscia cleanser and Clarisonic duo for almost a year now and can’t say enough good stuff! The cleanser helps keep breakouts at bay, but is gentle enough to use on a twice daily basis and doesn’t dry me out. It’s unscented and very gentle on my sensitive skin. In the morning, I usually pump a drop on my Clarisonic for a nice exfoliated glow. I use the “sensitive” brush head to avoid irritation. At night I will just apply with my fingers and gently scrub to take my makeup off.

Toner

After cleansing, I use this toner from Kiehl’s. I’m actually not even sure if it’s considered a “toner”, but it’s meant for post-cleansing, pre-moisturizer. I pour a couple drops into my palm and press the toner into my skin. It helps with moisture and allowing the rest of my products to absorb properly into the skin. The bottle is huge and lasted me well over 6 months. Product details from kiehls.com:

Moisturizing (Step 1)

This is a product I recently added into my routine (about a month ago). After speaking with Kiehl’s  about my dry skin (and the impending MN winter coming), they recommended that I try this serum. I instantly noticed a difference in my skin after ONE use. It’s purpose is to moisturize the deeper layers of your skin to help achieve a healthy glow. After using for over a month now, I can totally notice the difference. The true test will come when the temps start dropping, but so far, it’s one of the best products I’ve tried for dry skin that doesn’t cause your skin to be overly greasy. Product details from kiehls.com:

• Utilizes next generation liquid-to-serum technology to intensively hydrate skin’s deepest surface layers
• Clinically demonstrated to help correct the signs of age-related dehydration
• Youthfully plumps skin, smoothing the appearance of fine lines & rough texture
• Formulated with a potent complex of 15% plant-based Glycerin and Shiso Leaf Extract

Moisturizing (Step 2)

These two are essentially the same, but one is for the day and one is for night. After applying my serum, I’ll put a couple drops in my palm and just like the toner, I’ll press the oil into my skin until it’s fully absorbed. I know some people are scared of using oils on their face, but these are lightweight and don’t feel slick on your face. Product details from kiehls.com:

Midnight Recovery: A replenishing nighttime oil that visibly restores the appearance of skin by morning.

Extra Moisture (if needed)

If I feel like I need a little extra moisture, I’ll also add a little of this moisturizer after applying the oil. I’ll sometimes alternate this moisturizer in place of the oil if my skin is acting up. It’s a thick moisturizer, but feels lightweight when applied. Product details from kiehls.com:

Nighttime Eyes

I use this eye cream at night by lightly patting it on my undereye area, making sure not to tug on my eyelids. For now, it’s mostly preventative for me to keep those fine lines away as long as possible! Product details from kiehls.com:

Daytime Eyes

For the day, I’ll do the same application with this eye cream. This stuff is especially great if you’re lacking sleep and need to send your bags packing. Product details from kiehls.com:

• Gently moisturizes the delicate eye area
• Does not migrate into eyes
• Ophthamologist- and Dermatologist-tested
• Highly effective natural ingredients provide daily hydration for sensitive eye area
• A customer favorite

Breakouts 

As I mentioned before, I normally get a few pimples around my time of the month. I’ve been using this spot treatment when I start noticing them pop up, but to be honest, I don’t think it really helps. They’re always pretty difficult to get rid of and this stuff doesn’t seem to help expedite the process. Still searching for a great spot treatment of anyone has a recommendation to try! Product details from kiehls.com:

And that concludes my favorite skincare products! Have you tried any of these products? If you have your own personal favorites or recommendations, please let me know in the comments below!