Compassionate AM and PM Skincare Regimens Featuring Beloved Products – Oh She Glows

Hello everyone! I trust you’re all doing well and keeping safe out there. This post deviates from my standard recipe content, but it’s something I’ve been requested to do for quite some time, and I’m pleased to finally share it. It’s quite extensive! Don’t miss the end of this blog post, where I’ll be revealing an exciting live event in honor of Oh She Glows for Dinner (debuting next week!). I would love for you to join us on Oct 14th at 7pm EST!!

Skincare is an incredibly personal experience, and I certainly don’t assume that what works for me will work for you or that you should adhere to my routines, as we all have very different skincare necessities. However, I find it fascinating to see the skincare routines that others use (I’ve developed a bit of an interest in it lately). I hope you find this post enjoyable!

As a teenager, I recall using harsh acne treatments and cleansers that would strip my skin, including extremely rough scrubs. I endured numerous bad breakouts during my teenage years and often felt quite insecure. I wish I could give that girl a comforting hug. My skincare routine has transformed over the years as I’ve learned more about my evolving skin and which products and ingredients truly work for me. It’s worth noting that I only established a consistent skincare routine in the last couple of years. When Adriana and Arlo were younger, I was fortunate to wash my face and apply moisturizer before bed, as I was typically too exhausted. Besides that, I was managing ongoing allergic reactions, so I was particularly cautious about introducing new products and rarely did. If you find yourself in a similar phase, be gentle with yourself and remember that it’s okay not to have a perfect routine, or any routine at all. Focus on what brings you joy and fits your needs, regardless of where you are in your journey. Now that my kids are a bit older (and I seem to have partly figured out what was behind my allergic reactions), I’m really enjoying getting back into skincare because it allows me to slow down and indulge in some self-care. It’s become a cherished part of my day!!

Without further ado, here are the cruelty-free products I’m currently using. I’ve also included my morning and evening routines below. Please note that I’m not claiming to be a skincare expert; I simply love learning about it and see this as an ongoing personal journey!

As always, this post is not sponsored. As you may know, I don’t engage in any sponsored content…this choice was made a long time ago, but I like to remind new readers about it occasionally. 🙂 I also bought all the products listed (none were given to me). However, there are affiliate links for some of the products mentioned, so if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission. Your support is always appreciated!

First, a little background on my skin type for context:

Combination skin (mix of dry and normal/oily areas)
Reactive (easily flushes)
Susceptible to hyperpigmentation
Still working on minimizing melasma from my two previous pregnancies, and progress is slow!

Thanks to Eric for snapping this photo of me (this picture makes me laugh…I look a bit creepy staring at myself while applying a mask).

Facial Cleansers

In the evening, I follow a double cleanse method as it effectively removes sunscreen and makeup. I begin with a nourishing cleansing balm, followed by a jelly cleanser as my second cleanse. In the morning, I just use the jelly cleanser since my skin doesn’t need as much cleansing.

The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm (150 mL: $12.99 CAD/$9.76 USD; this product contains no animal derivatives, though they aren’t vegan certified yet)

This rich and thick cleansing balm sells out frequently for good reason. It’s so luxurious to use (I love giving myself a little facial massage during application). It boasts an excellent price point for a cleansing balm, and I find that it calms my skin and softens it! My only issue with this balm is the difficulty in squeezing it out of the tube…I’m talking major arm workout. I hope the brand reconsiders the packaging in the future.

Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser (100 mL: $32 CAD/$24 USD, vegan)

I appreciate that this cleanser doesn’t leave my skin feeling parched! It’s gentle and moisturizing—just one small pump provides enough lather for a full face!

Serums

The Ordinary Niacinimide 10% + Zinc 1% (30 mL: $5.90 CAD/USD, vegan)

Targets: balances oil production, diminishes acne appearance, brightens skin tone

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane (30 mL: $6.70 CAD/USD, vegan)

Targets: fine lines, sun damage, uneven texture (note: I plan to move on from this retinol as it doesn’t absorb as well as I’d prefer. I think I’ll try The Inkey List 1% retinol as soon as it’s available again!)

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1 (15 mL: $60 CAD/USD, vegan)

Targets: textural damage, uneven tone, enlarged pores, loss of radiance

NIOD Re:pigment (15 mL: $39 CAD/USD, vegan)

Targets: hyperpigmentation

NIOD Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate (15 mL: $68 CAD/USD, vegan)

Targets: dynamic lines, static lines, fine superficial under-eye lines, loss of elasticity (especially upper eyelids), dark circles, puffiness, and uneven texture.

Vitamin C Serum

Timeless Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum (1 oz/30 mL: $34.55 CAD/$25.95 USD, vegan)

This is a delightful L-ascorbic acid serum that works to brighten and smooth my skin! I’ve previously experienced issues with sticky or heavy vitamin C serums, but this one features a watery consistency. I store it in the refrigerator.

Moisturizer with SPF

EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Moisturizing Physical Sunscreen (Tinted) (2 oz/60 mL: $45.33 CAD/$35.50 USD)

combined with…

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 (original tint, 1.8 oz/53 mL: $49.52 CAD/$39 USD)

I rarely go a day without sunscreen. I also wear hats religiously outdoors…you’ll hardly ever catch me outside without one. During peak sun hours in the summer, I resort to a goofy-looking wide-brim hat, a fresh layer of facial SPF, and mineral sunscreen on my body. Though I can’t erase all those years of sun tanning in my youth (oh the regrets), I’ve pledged to protect my skin now and in the future.

After discovering that my previous go-to sunscreen from Paula’s Choice wasn’t entirely mineral-based like I believed (huge thanks to a few OSG readers for pointing this out!), I embarked on a mission to find the ultimate physical sunscreen. I really enjoy the tinted one from EltaMD linked above since it doesn’t leave a white cast. Unfortunately, the tint is slightly too dark for my skin tone. I now mix the EltaMD with Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 (also linked above) and I’m IN LOVE. It allows me to craft the perfect custom shade to match my skin tone. The combined finish of these two sunscreens is also more matte compared to using EltaMD alone. When applied together, they create a more even skin tone.

Night Cream

A rich moisturizer is the final step in my evening skincare routine, locking in my serums. Currently, I’m in between night creams as one I adore (Herbivore Pink Cloud Moisture Cream, vegan and shown in this post) might be discontinued (though I’ve noticed it’s still available at select physical Sephora locations). I also love Drunk Elephant’s Protini Polypeptide Cream (vegan), but I’m not a fan of the packaging.

Oils

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil (30 mL: $9.80 CAD/USD, vegan)

I don’t use many oils, but this is a staple of mine that I apply some evenings. It gives my skin a lovely glow! When my skin feels especially dehydrated, I’ll add a few drops to my evening moisturizer or apply it underneath my moisturizer.

Masks

Tatcha Violet-C Radiance mask (50 mL: $117 CAD/$88 USD)

This mask, which I’ve just recently discovered, features vitamin C and AHA’s sourced from seven different fruits (as shown in the mirror photo above). The most notable benefit I’ve noticed with this mask is how smooth and moisturized my skin feels afterward. It’s excellent for achieving a smooth makeup application. While I’ve experienced subtle brightening, it hasn’t been as pronounced as I hoped. Due to its high price point, I’m uncertain whether I’ll repurchase it. Overall, I like it, but I’m always on the lookout for something better—I love trying out new products!

Chemical & Enzyme Exfoliants

Since I don’t incorporate any chemical exfoliants into my daily morning or evening skincare routines, I prefer to use a peel once a week. I always patch test new products, but this is especially critical with peels. The Ordinary offers a helpful guide to patch testing here.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA (30 mL: $6.80 CAD/USD, vegan)

I mainly use this lactic acid for KP (Keratosis Pilaris), which I’ve had on the back of my arms. Its gentle chemical exfoliation effectively smooths and softens bumpy skin with regular use while keeping the skin hydrated simultaneously. I often forget to apply it, but when used consistently (every other day), it significantly improves the texture of my arms! Of course, this can also be applied to the face, and it comes in a gentler 5% formula, if needed.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (30 mL: $7.20 USD, vegan)

This is an exceptionally effective chemical exfoliant for my skin, but caution is essential as it’s not suitable for everyone. Prior to using, I patch tested this peel on my inner forearm for 10 minutes (the maximum recommended time). After waiting 24 hours for any reaction, I applied it to my face for just 1 minute for the initial application. On the second application, a week or two later, I left it on for 2 to 3 minutes, gradually increasing the time from there. My skin tolerates this mask perfectly well within the recommended ‘up to 10-minute’ limit, but I wouldn’t recommend it to those with sensitive skin. The Ordinary advises that “it is only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation.” It’s also crucial to ensure your skin is dry before application—no moisture should be present. Regardless, this mask leaves my skin glowing and smooth; it’s truly a must-have for me. I’ve discovered I only need to keep it on for 5 to 8 minutes max for excellent results—less really is more.

AlumierMD Enzymatic Peel

This extraordinary enzyme peel mask contains 10% lactic acid alongside fruit enzymes for a gentle yet effective exfoliation. I purchased it from my sister Kristi, a trained skincare specialist with AlumierMD, who is incredibly knowledgeable! You only need to apply this enzyme mask for a few minutes, making it great for those moments when you’re pressed for time. If you want more information about this product or AlumierMD products in general, feel free to reach out to Kristi at [email protected], say hi, or follow her on Instagram 🙂

Moisturizing Lip Balm

Summer Fridays Vegan Lip Butter Balm, Vanilla (15g: $29 CAD, $22 USD)

I absolutely adore this balm! Summer Fridays describes it as a “silky vegan lip mask that hydrates and soothes dry lips while sealing in moisture.” I completely concur. I’ve tried several vegan balms, and this one is my top pick so far. I apply it both morning and night, plus before venturing outdoors in chilly weather!

Light-emitting Diodes (LED) Low-level Light Therapy

Project E Beauty Photon Face Rejuvenation Face & Neck Mask ($260 CAD/$195 USD)

Things are getting CREEPY over here! I’ll start with what I dislike about this LED mask and wrap up with the positives. What I don’t love: the mask is heavy on my face (especially on the bridge of my nose). I typically use the LED mask while reclining in bed, holding it slightly lifted off the bridge of my nose. I’ve noticed that if I keep my upper arm resting on the bed rather than suspended in the air, my arm doesn’t tire as easily, but it remains a bit cumbersome.

Now, onto what I appreciate about it, which is why I continue to use it—I’ve witnessed results. And truly, my expectations were modest. I consistently use this for 20 minutes, five to six times each week, noticing that my skin has become subtly plumper and firmer over several months. My skin feels smoother and softer as well. I love that this mask comes with a neck attachment. My neck, which used to have a rough texture, now feels softer and visibly smoother.

Initially, I thought I was merely imagining the results and questioned whether they were attributable to my skincare products, so I conducted a little experiment. I tested this LED light on my thigh/knee area where I apply no serums. To my surprise, I noticed the same outcomes—skin softening and slight plumping. Therefore, I am confident that the red LED light is positively impacting my skin (consistent usage is vital). While this LED mask offers numerous wavelength options, I exclusively utilize the red light, which can help stimulate collagen production and has significant research backing (as seen here, here, and here). Additionally, utilizing this device has compelled me to take 20 minutes for relaxation—something I seldom made time for. I now look forward to lounging on my bed, closing my eyes, and unwinding while tuning into various Youtube channels (as close to meditation as I’ll probably get, but I’m grateful!). Overall, I’m not entirely satisfied with this product due to its discomfort on the bridge of my nose, so I would recommend exploring different brands.

UPDATE: I recently acquired this flexible Aduro 7+1 LED Face Mask after a recommendation from a blog reader, and I’m enjoying it immensely. It’s far more comfortable than the Project E Beauty mask that I’ve been using for the past six months. The downside? It’s a bit pricey, and the import/duty fee set me back $100 CAD. The upside? The product arrived just three days after I submitted my order.

My AM + PM Skincare Routines

Recently, I alternate between the following morning and evening routines. In other words, from the lists below, I select only one morning routine and only one evening routine each day, attempting to rotate them fairly equally. The products within each routine are listed in the order of application as well. For instance, if I mention NIOD Re:pigment before The Ordinary’s niacinamide, it indicates that I apply Re:pigment first, allow it to absorb for about 30 to 60 seconds, and then proceed with niacinamide.

I developed these routines by consulting with DECIEM representatives to determine which products can be layered together (and the proper order) and which ones should not be mixed. I also love referencing The Ordinary’s Regime Guide and this helpful conflict chart found on the DECIEM Chat Room as resources.

Morning routine #1:

Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser

NIOD Re:pigment

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%