I’ve been promising to share my updated beauty routine for a while now—and finally, here it is! Whenever I sit down to write these posts, I always find myself struggling to condense things, because I really am a beauty junkie at heart. I love testing new products, mixing them into my lineup, and then seeing what sticks long term. So fair warning: this might get a little detailed. But if you’re like me and you love hearing about skincare and makeup, then you’re in the right place.
This is my morning routine, the version I rely on before heading out for the day or getting ready for a shoot. I’ll share my nighttime ritual soon, but for now, let’s dive into the products that keep my skin glowing and my makeup lasting.
Skincare First
I’ve learned that the key to good makeup is good skin. If my skin feels dry, flaky, or irritated, nothing sits right on top. So I put just as much effort into prepping as I do into applying makeup.
Cleansing: Every morning starts with a washcloth and the Fresh Soy Cleanser. I love using a slightly gritty washcloth because it gives a gentle exfoliation without feeling harsh. It wakes my skin up instantly.
Toning: Next, I swipe on the Dear By Tone Up Booskin toner with a cotton pad. It balances my skin and preps it for everything that comes after.
Serum: Then comes my favorite step: Hylamide Glow Serum. My skin gets ghostly pale in the winter, so this serum’s subtle radiance is a lifesaver. It doesn’t make you look shimmery—just healthy and awake, like you’ve slept more hours than you actually have.
Masks & Cream: If time allows, I’ll treat myself to a Korean sheet mask before makeup. Otherwise, I layer on Dr. Jart’s Cermadin cream. This is my go-to for keeping my skin hydrated and protected, especially on freezing cold mornings when we’re shooting outside. It’s rich, cushiony, and doubles as the perfect base for foundation.
SPF: No matter what, I never skip sunscreen. For years I’ve sworn by MISSHA’s Waterproof Sun Milk. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t interfere with my makeup. On days when breakouts creep in, I’ll tap on an acne serum just before SPF to speed up healing.
Primer That Works Overtime
Before foundation, I always reach for Bare Minerals Skin Revver-Upper. It has glycolic and salicylic acid, which give my skin a quick plumping boost. The only downside? The smell isn’t exactly luxurious. Still, the results make it worth it.
If I know it’s going to be a long shoot day, I layer Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer on top. This stuff is magic—it essentially makes your makeup waterproof. Rain, sweat, humidity—nothing budges.
Foundation Favorites
Foundation is where I like to play. I rotate between a few, depending on my mood, my skin, and what the day calls for.
CoverFx Custom Cover Drops are my current obsession. It’s a concentrated pigment serum meant to be mixed into skincare. For a skincare enthusiast like me, this feels revolutionary. I blend a drop or two with a honey-based skin oil and stipple it on. The result? The dewiest, most luminous complexion you could imagine.
When I want something more tried-and-true, I reach for Bare Minerals Broad Spectrum Foundation in Fair. I’ve been using Bare Minerals since I was 13, and it still feels like a safety blanket in my makeup bag. It photographs beautifully, never looks cakey, and it’s the one I trust when my skin is breaking out.
Concealer, Glow, and a Touch of Bronze
Concealer: My newest discovery is Benefit’s Erase Paste. It’s salmon-tinted, which means it cancels out dark circles under the eyes like magic. It’s thick and emollient, so you only need the tiniest dab.
Highlighter: I’m all about radiant skin, and lately I’ve been addicted to BECCA’s Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured in Moonstone. I actually wear it underneath foundation for a lit-from-within look because the glow is intense. It’s like flipping on a light switch for your face.
Bronzer & Contour: To bring a little warmth back, I use the BECCA Lowlight/Highlight Palette. Even on my fair skin, it blends in naturally without looking muddy. I’ll sweep it along my temples and the hollows of my cheeks for soft dimension.
Why This Routine Works
I know this sounds like a lot of steps—and honestly, it is—but each product serves a purpose. My skin feels hydrated and protected, my foundation has staying power, and I get the glowing finish I love without sacrificing comfort. The combination of skincare-driven products and long-wear makeup has been a game-changer for me, especially during packed days when I don’t have time for touch-ups.
Final Thoughts
This routine might evolve in small ways—because let’s be real, I’ll always be trying something new—but these are the products I keep coming back to. They’ve earned a permanent place in my morning ritual.
If you’ve been curious about any of the products I mentioned, I’ll link them all so you can explore for yourself. And don’t worry, a full nighttime beauty routine post is on its way soon (and if you think I’m detailed in the mornings, just wait until you see my PM lineup!).
For now, this is how I start my day: with clean, hydrated skin, a dewy foundation mix, and a little extra glow. Because when your skin feels good, everything else—makeup included—just falls into place.
