Glazed Skin

When you realize skincare is the real makeup routine...

I can honestly say my skin has never been better. After years of trying every cleanser, serum, and trend the internet had to offer, I've finally landed on a routine that is simple, repeatable, and actually works for me. The not-so-secret secret: hydration, consistency, and not overdoing it.

I've been wearing less makeup than ever and leaning into a glowy, glazed finish that comes from skin that is genuinely cared for — not covered up. Here is exactly what I'm using right now, morning and night.

Morning

+ A gentle cleanse to wake up the skin and create a fresh canvas.
+ Vitamin C serum for brightness and a little glow.
+ A calming centella ampoule to hydrate and support skin barrier.
+ A lightweight moisturizer pressed (not rubbed) into the skin.
+ SPF every single day, even when I'm inside.
+ Or our screen but better tinted sunscreen.

Evening

+ Double cleanse: oil-based balm first, then a creamy second cleanser.
+ A pore-refining ampoule to support smoother, healthier-looking skin overnight.
+ Tretinoin cream — keep the strength low and consistent.
+ A restorative serum for hydration, bounce, and recovery on off-nights.
+ A plumping cream for glass-skin nights or a barrier-repair cream for recovery nights.
+ Finished with a volumizing balm on smile lines and other areas needing a little extra bounce.
+ lips hydrated, eye cream, and lights out.

Weekly add-ins

+ One gentle exfoliating treatment (lactic acid, not scrubs).
+ A hydrating sheet mask after travel or a long day in the sun.
+ A caffeine mask for mornings when my face needs a stronger coffee than I do.
+ A red light therapy mask while I answer emails and pretend I'm at a luxury spa.

Cosmetic procedures

I personally love lasers and non-invasive procedures, but I've also learned that not every treatment is worth the money.

Treatments I'd Pay For Again

+ PRP Microneedling — Improves skin texture, tone, and overall skin quality. Supports collagen production.
My routine: 3 sessions per year, spaced 6–8 weeks apart.
+ Sculptra — Collagen stimulator that works gradually over time. Creates subtle, natural-looking results.
+ Carbon Laser Peel (Hollywood Peel) — A carbon mask is applied to the skin and then removed with a laser. Helps with pigmentation, sun damage, pores, oiliness, and overall skin clarity.
+ Deep Cleansing Facial with Extractions — Helps remove blackheads, congestion, and buildup while keeping the skin clear and healthy.

Don't be fooled...

Lifestyle habits matter as much as the products.

Hydration first. And let's not forget coconut water, the OG electrolyte. Eight hours of sleep on a silk pillowcase. Daily walks for circulation and stress. Limiting alcohol to week days. And, the biggest unlock — being patient. Skin takes weeks to show what you've been doing, good and bad. The goal is steady, not perfect.