Hi. My name is Lindsey. And I have way too many beauty products. I blame it on that tooth paste commercial. You know the one…. “If you’re not whitening, you’re yellowing.” Yeah. If we equate that to skincare if would sound like, “If you’re not firming you’re _________”. Fill in the blank if you dare. I’m a tired mom of 4 young kids. I get a facial once in a blue moon and every time I go, I am reminded that I need to baby my skin a little. I like to switch my routine up seasonally, plus it’s always a great excuse to try something new. Today’s post is all about my current summer skincare routine.

My summer skincare routine is focused on exfoliating, dousing myself in tons of vitamins, restoring glow and sun protection (just in case my dermatologist is reading this, ha). No but really, I broke up with sun a few years ago. Thank goodness for spray tans.

I’ve done tons of research on skincare….you know, in the form of asking my friends what products they love and looking for products with LOTS of stars. I am not a doctor so always check with your dermatologist first, but here is my current summer skincare routine….

Tee | Shorts

Summer Skincare Routine:

Step 1: Cleanse – I just started using Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip because I’ve been hearing such great things about this entire line. It smells like a spa (made with essential oils) and I love that you don’t need to wet your face prior to using this product. You can also leave the cleanser on your skin for a minute before rinsing off for a deeper clean. It leaves my skin feels super clean and toned, but not stripped and dry.

Step 2  – Exfoliate. This is super important to do year round, but especially in the summer when we are sweating more. I’ve been using Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid for quite sometime time now. I apply it with a cotton ball to help unclog pores (even helps with some millia bumps I’m prone to). This product is gentle enough for all skin types and added bonus – it’s part of the Anniversary Sale!

Step 3: Tone – Ok full disclosure sometimes I skip this step and/or do it out of order, but I love the Kopari Coconut Rose Toner – super refreshing and helps tighten pores and balance/calm your skin. This product is great to use if you have issues with redness because it’s formulated with witch hazel. I also use this toner as a setting spray after make up is applied or for a little facial refresh throughout the day.

Step 4: Treat – As I mentioned before, I try to give my skin as many vitamins as possible during the summer months to replace anything that may have been depleted due to things like sun… and ugh, margaritas? The mother of all skincare products (the one estheticians will even be impressed with when you say you use it) is SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. I mean the ratings couldn’t get any higher if they tried. Yes, the price tag is a little scary, but you just need a few drops per day and one bottle will last 4-5 months. A great save version of this treatment is TruSkin Vitamin C Serum that I use every other day to stretch the life of the CE Ferulic.

Step 5: Moisturize – Prior to applying moisturizer (when I remember) I add a few drops of SkinCeuticals B5 Hydrating Gel. It’s an extra dose of hyaluronic acid and maximizes the benefits of whatever moisturizer goes on next.

Another super power product that was love at first application is Sunday Riley’s Juno Essential Face Oil. It gives your skin an instantaneous glow and really makes you feel like you are doing your face a favor. You can add a few drops to your moisturizer or use alone in place of or before moisturizer.

During the day I use Kiehl’s Glow Formula Skin Hydrator. It’s lightweight and has a subtle rosy toned shimmer for that summer glow. I alternate this with the Kate Somerville Exfoliate Moisturizer – I got this in my Rachel Zoe Box of Style so figured I would try something new.

I’m going to loop eye cream into  the “moisturize” step because I tend to apply this right after I apply lotion. Right now I am using Bye Bye Under Eye Cream to smooth and depuff.

Step 6: Protect – If I am heading to the pool or beach I use Coola Mineral Sunscreen. It has a matte finish which helps combat unwanted shine. If I’ve already applied make up and am going be outside for an extended period of time, I will use a few sprays of Supergoop Setting Spray which has an SPF of 50 and also works to set your make up. Score!

Shop My Summer Skincare Products Here:

Other random things for my skin I do in times of desperation….

Tee | Shorts

Have you guys tried facial rolling? I’m hooked!! Rollers help “exercise” your skin and I have not one, but THREE rollers for the following uses…

Jade roller (pictured)- Rollers have tons of anti-aging benefits besides reducing puffiness and encouraging drainage. By rolling the tool on your face you are increasing circulation which helps smooth out fine lines and any product applied after rolling will be better absorbed into the skin. Use it at night while watching TV or in the morning over coffee. Make lunch with one hand, roll with the other. Multitasking at it’s finest.

Ice roller – Store this baby in your freezer and break it out anytime your skin needs a wake up call (or if you have a hangover). The ice therapy tones your skin and tightens pores. Also great to keep handy if you get frequent migraines.

Glo Pro Micro-needling tool (splurge tool but part of Anniversary Sale). This tool creates micro tears in your skin (no, it doesn’t hurt), which helps to build collagen during the natural healing process. It is also recommended to use just before you apply products to your skin so they are better absorbed into your skin. I use this tool 2-3 times per week at night only. Definitely read the directions for use and recommended products to use after (i.e. stay away with anything with acid in it).

Best Beauty Buys on a Budget

I know a lot of the products I recommended above are expensive so I thought I would round up a few more options that are easier on the wallet.

Ok this post turned out WAY longer than I thought! This entire routine only takes a few minutes, but apparently I felt the need to explain everything. Please let me know if you have any questions or other recommendations. I’m always up for trying something new!