Skincare routine

Skincare routine steps.

My core steps: cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and of course - sun protection.

Let’s break it down:

• Right now, I’ve got four all-time favorite cleansers on my vanity: Chanel La Mousse, Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, and Clinique Cleansing Balm.

Chanel La Mousse – a creamy texture that transforms into a rich, dense foam upon contact with water. I love that squeaky-clean skin feel, and this mousse delivers - it deeply cleans pores, removes excess oil (a lifesaver in summer when heat clogs everything instantly), and takes off light makeup. The large size and minimal product usage totally justify the €53 price tag.

Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel – My favorite category: cry and pay - €74. But trust me, worth every cent. For the first time in my life, a face cleanser doesn’t just clean - it hydrates, improves skin tone, and refines texture. In summer, when I can’t stand layering creams, this is my savior. I cleanse, swipe a cotton pad with toner, mist some thermal water, and that’s it. Skin feels amazing - plump, nourished, and glowing.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – hands down, the best enzyme cleansing powder I’ve ever tried. Gentle exfoliation to mirror-like shine, no joke. I use it twice a week - it removes dead skin, tightens pores, reduces pigmentation, and smooths out fine lines. Apply after your regular cleanser: mix a small amount of powder with a few drops of water, lather it up in your palms, and gently buff your face in circular motions. Price: €74. A full-size bottle lasts me a whole year, so don’t skimp.

Clinique Cleansing Balm – my go-to for removing heavy evening makeup. Important: apply it with dry hands on dry skin. The balm melts into an oil-like texture and effortlessly dissolves any makeup, even waterproof mascara. Only downside - dipping fingers into the jar isn’t the most hygienic thing, so a beauty spatula saves the day. €21, lasts a decent amount of time. Highly recommend.

• Toning: a step you shouldn’t skip. I don’t splurge here, but still, meet my staple:

Caudalie Grape Water – 100% plant-based formula with a subtle grape aroma that creates a refreshing mist. €8 for a large bottle? Perfection.

• Moisturizing – my favorite step. If you know me (and if you don’t, now you do), I love slathering on creams - liberally, frequently, and generously. Take notes:

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor – a staple in my routine for four years now. SPF 30 included (a must-have in summer to avoid layering multiple products), contains niacinamide, and delivers a dewy glow I live for. €38—totally fair.

Weleda Skin Food – made famous by Hailey Bieber, but I swear by the original heavy-duty version. Love its thick, rich texture - you only need a pea-sized amount for the entire face. Works wonders on damaged, dry skin, especially in winter when indoor heating + brutal wind wreak havoc. Costs €9 but works like a €50 cream. A paradox. (If you’re acne-prone, skip this one).

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair – This magical little bottle, priced at €103 for 50ml, has been terrorizing my bank account for six years now. And honestly, this is the only kind of abuse I’m willing to tolerate. No matter how many times I try to find a replacement, I always come back to it. It works wonders - firmer, lifted skin, refined texture, and faster healing of blemishes and irritations. Every cent is well earned.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base - I've had a long-time love affair with Bobbi. Back when I was a student, I’d save up just to buy their lipsticks. The packaging and brand presentation always hit me right in the heart. The Face Base first landed in my hands along with a bunch of samples - I tested it, and it’s been a permanent resident in my bathroom ever since. It’s a rich cream, and before applying it, I gently warm it up in my palms. It hydrates the skin and blurs pores. For someone like me, who rarely uses foundation, it’s been a game-changer. Think airbrushed, natural skin - without makeup. €98 for 100ml? Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and just pay.

Dr Irena Eris VitaCeric Day Serum - I’m obsessed with the dewy skin effect in everyday life, but in summer, it can turn against me - controlling sebum under the sun is a must. That’s where VitaCeric steps in. The serum mattifies the skin, but the light-reflecting micro-particles bring back that coveted glow I’m always chasing. The texture is a bit dense for a serum, but I actually love that - it’s a matter of personal taste. 30ml will cost you €52 - pretty reasonable.

• The ultimate skincare hack: face masks. Both sheet and cream-based.

Masqmai Collagen Masks – Europe’s answer to Korea’s Biodance 6-hour masks. Thanks to these, I mastered sleeping on my back because the results are worth it. Wake up looking like a porcelain doll. €30 for a pack of 4? I’ll take two.

Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Mask – my SOS mask for post-flights, exhausting days, or when I’m sick. Instantly revives my face. The cut and material of these masks? Perfection- hence the €9 price tag per sheet. (Still, I do have occasional regret over the price).

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque – a regenerative mask from the Age Smart line (marketed for 40+, but I love preventive skincare). Apply a thick layer after cleansing - dry areas drink it up instantly, filling in fine lines and evening out skin tone. Leave on for 15-25 minutes, then remove with a warm, damp towel. Finish with moisturizer. P.S. Victoria Beckham’s favorite mask - so even at €75? Sold. Posh.

• SPF - final touch. Never skip sunscreen - unless you want pigmentation and premature aging (I definitely don’t). My two go-to’s:

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (SPF 30) – lightweight gel texture, slightly matte finish, no fragrance, and most importantly - non-physical filters (so no white cast). Perfect for city life, and makeup sits on top like a dream.

Supergoop Glow Stick (SPF 50) – an oil-based stick, ideal for beach days. Gives solid protection while keeping your skin plump and hydrated instead of shriveling up under the sun.

€40 and €23 may be a bit unfair price-wise, but we move.

So, there you have it - my routine, all my secrets, and exactly where to find them.

Hope this was helpful 💛