Most Saturdays look the same for me. I wake up, worship my dog for a bit, and get dressed for a workout class that I’m legally unable to cancel. After years of perfecting and investing in a solid morning and evening skincare routine, you’d think the next logical step would be to go to my bathroom and lay it on heavy. But I’m faced with a skincare dilemma; my class isn’t for another two hours and I don’t want to leave my skin totally bare until then, but at the same time I know I'll be sweating it all out and showering right after. Doing my entire skincare routine twice in one morning puts me at risk of over-exfoliating, over-cleansing, and quite literally throwing my product down the drain. What I need is some kind of abbreviated routine—a modified version of the real thing—one that’s gentle, affordable and will get me through the first few hours of my day before it's time for the full she-bang. I call it one of my "In-Between Routines." Like a skincare snack. Here is what the rest of my Saturday looks like.
8:30 AM
I skip cleansing for now because I know I’m about to sweat and do a thorough wash after class. Instead, I swipe Thayer's Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera across my face using a cotton round. It smells great and refreshes my skin without stripping it. Plus it’s a guilt-free click to reorder on Amazon. Next, I apply a full pipette's worth of Glossier Super Bounce. My skin drinks this stuff and it gets rid of that tight-skin feeling I often wake up with. For moisturizer I love to use Bobbi Brown Repair Nourishing Milk or Glossier Priming Moisturizer. They’re both hydrating but light enough that I don't feel like I'm clogging up my pores before a workout.
I finish up with lip balm, probably Aquaphor Lip Repair, and I’m ready to go.
11:30AM
I’m back and I’m showered. This is my moment for a belated, full-blown morning routine. That’s a whole other story that I won’t get into now but let’s just say it involves a lot of responsible exfoliating, essence slathering, and serum layering.
2:00PM
This is when I like to do a midday refresh. For me, moisture is the first thing that fades throughout the day and I hate looking in the mirror and seeing my under eyes drying out or my lips starting to chap. Some Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist and a dab of Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream really does the trick for my complexion and Balm Dotcom in Cherry brings my lips back to life with some added tint.
7:00PM
I’m home after a full day and it’s time to get ready for my night, probably a friend’s show or a bar with some dancing. Normally, when transitioning from day to night I just re-apply some makeup bits and call it quits. But when I want to feel really good, I like to start from scratch.
To take off my daytime makeup I use CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, the same one I keep in the shower or, if I'm feeling too lazy to involve the sink, I use cotton rounds with some Bioderma Sensible H20. I know cleansing too much can be harsh, but both these options feel super gentle.
After that I use Mizon Mela White Defense Capsule Essense. I recently placed my first order on Peach & Lily and I like the brightening and hydrating benefits this gives. I also love the pink packaging.
Next, I put on more Glossier Super Bounce and Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. The combo is hydrating and primes my skin for a dewy base and crease-free concealer. I finish off with Mizon All-in-One Snail Repair Cream (only $19!) and few drops of Aromatica Neroli Brightening Facial Oil. Both are from the same Peach & Lily haul.
Midnight or later
Even if it’s late I always indulge in a lengthy evening routine. You can catch me at 2AM falling asleep on the couch wearing a thick layer of Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant.
—Bela Yousif
