Skincare Must-Haves: Essentials for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Hey gorgeous! Taking care of your skin is one of the best ways to feel confident and radiant every day. As a cosmetologist, I’ve tried a LOT of skincare products, and I want to share the top basic essentials that need to be a part of your skincare regimen and that can help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing—no matter your skin type.

Whether you’re just starting your routine or looking to refresh it, these basic essentials are needed to achieve that perfect glowy skin! Let'ts get intho our skincare must-haves!

1. Gentle Cleanser

A good cleanser is the absolute foundation of any skincare routine. It removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. My 2 favorite go-to everyday cleansers are 

1)CLEARSTEM GENTLECLEAN CLEANSER (Purchase Here)

Purifying, Balancing, Calming

GENTLECLEAN is a daily, non-drying cleanser for all skin types, especially acne-prone or sensitive skin. It is designed to hydrate as it cleanses, removing makeup and impurities while protecting your skin's barrier. This cleanser is a holy grail for your skin and is highly effective at maintaining your skin's hydration.

2)LA ROCHE-POSAY HYDRATING GENTLE CLEANSER (Purchase Here)

Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a daily face wash for normal to dry, sensitive skin. Formulated with La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3, this face wash gently cleanses skin of dirt, makeup, and impurities while maintaining skin's natural moisture barrier and pH.

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2. Toner or Mist

A light toner or facial mist helps to refresh and hydrate your skin, prepping it perfectly for moisturizer. Bonus if it includes antioxidants or soothing botanicals to help protect your skin. It is crucial to add a toner to your skincare routine! A toner balances your skins PH, removes leftover impurities, hydrates and preps the skin, soothes and calms the skin, minimizes the appearance of pores, and controls access oil. 

Stylist’s Tip:

Choose a toner that fits your skin type and concerns—hydrating toners for dry skin, balancing or mattifying toners for oily skin, and calming toners for sensitive skin. Using the right toner consistently can really level up your skincare game!

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3.Moisturizer

Moisturizer is super important for keeping your skin healthy and happy. Here’s why:

• Keeps your skin hydrated so it doesn’t get dry or flaky.

• Protects your skin from things like pollution and weather.

• Helps your skin look smooth and soft.

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles by keeping skin plump.

• Makes makeup go on easier and last longer.

• Calms and soothes irritated or red skin.

Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so choose a moisturizer that feels good for you! Here are my top favorite moisturizers! 

CLEARSTEM HYDRABERRY moisture mask (Purchase Here)

I love applying this one right before bedtime. 

TATCHA DEWY SKIN CREAM  (Purchase Here)

Feels so good on my skin and leave it looking so beautiful and dewy.

BOBBI BROWN VITAMIN ENRICHED FACE BASE (Purchase Here)

My absolute go-to moisturizer to use before applying your makeup. It is the perfect skin prep right before makeup and lays perfectlyyyy under my makeup. Cannot recommend this product enough! 

CeraVe DAILY MOISTURIZING LOTION (Purchase Here)

My favorite “inexpensive” moisturizer. A very simple and universal face moisturizer that I love to use in the morning or in the evening. 

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4. Facial Serum

If you’re ready to level up your skincare routine, a facial serum is where the magic happens. These lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas are packed with powerful ingredients that target specific skin concerns like dryness, dullness, fine lines, breakouts, and more. Unlike moisturizers, serums are designed to go deeper into the skin and deliver real, noticeable results—think of them as your skin’s secret weapon.

How to Choose the Right Serum for Your Skin Type:

Serums are all about customization. Here’s how to pick the perfect one for your skin’s unique needs:

🌿 For Dry or Dehydrated Skin

Look for:

• Hyaluronic Acid

• Glycerin

• Squalane

These ingredients draw moisture into the skin and help lock it in—leaving your skin plump, smooth, and super hydrated.

✨ For Dull or Uneven Skin Tone

Look for:

• Vitamin C

• Niacinamide

• Licorice Root Extract

These brighten and even out your skin tone, fading dark spots and giving you that fresh, radiant glow.

💧 For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Look for:

• Salicylic Acid

• Niacinamide

• Tea Tree or Zinc

These help control oil, clear pores, and reduce breakouts without over-drying your skin.

🧖🏻‍♀️ For Sensitive or Redness-Prone Skin

Look for:

• Centella Asiatica (Cica)

• Aloe Vera

• Chamomile

These calm irritation, reduce redness, and support your skin’s barrier without causing flare-ups.

🕊️ For Anti-Aging or Fine Lines

Look for:

• Retinol or Bakuchiol (gentler plant-based option)

• Peptides

• Vitamin E

These ingredients smooth fine lines, improve elasticity, and help firm the skin over time.

💡 How to Use a Serum:

• Apply after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizer.

• Use 2–4 drops and gently press into your skin—no rubbing needed.

• Use day and/or night depending on the serum (always wear SPF if you’re using Vitamin C or Retinol!).

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5. Eye Cream

The delicate skin around your eyes needs extra care. An eye cream can help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Ingredients like caffeine and peptides are great for keeping that area refreshed and smooth.

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6. Weekly Exfoliant

Exfoliating is one of those skincare steps that can completely change the look and feel of your skin—when done right. It helps remove buildup, refresh your complexion, and allows your products to work better. Here’s why it’s a must in any skincare routine:

1. Removes Dead Skin Cells

Over time, dead skin builds up on the surface of your face, making it look dull and rough. Exfoliating clears that away, revealing fresh, smooth skin underneath.

2. Brightens Your Complexion

By removing buildup, exfoliation helps your skin look more radiant and even-toned—hello, glow!

3. Helps Clear Pores & Prevent Breakouts

Exfoliating clears out excess oil, dirt, and debris from your pores, helping to reduce blackheads and breakouts.

4. Improves Product Absorption

With that layer of dead skin gone, your serums, moisturizers, and treatments can soak in better and work more effectively.

5. Smooths Skin Texture

Regular exfoliation helps soften rough patches, improve skin texture, and leave your face feeling baby-smooth.

6. Can Help Fade Dark Spots & Acne Scars

Gentle, consistent exfoliation encourages cell turnover, which over time can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and acne marks.

PRO TIP

Only exfoliate 1–3 times a week (depending on your skin type), and always follow with a moisturizer. Avoid harsh scrubs—gentle chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs) are usually better for your skin.

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A Quick Tip Skincare Tip:

Stick with your routine and give your skin time to respond—it’s all about consistency. Start with a few essentials and build your routine gradually.