my skin care routine
Skincare is one of my sources of joy. Perfect for my sensitive and breakout-prone skin, this natural routine keeps my skin (relatively) clear while pampering it. My skin is far from perfect and I undoubtedly still struggle with fully loving and accepting myself, but these products have helped me become a little more confident in the skin I am in. So here’s makeup-free Shira, flaws and all, showing you all my everyday skin care routine.
Step 1: SPF
I only wash my face at night, so every morning I just apply The Beet Shield all over my face. This Korean beauty sunscreen provides protection not only from the sun, but also from environmental aggressors and pollutants. It is lightweight, fragrance free, and gives me a nice dewy glow without breaking out my sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Beetroot Extract, Vitamin C, and Allantoin
Step 1: Cleanse
First things first, I wash my face with Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser. Without any fragrance, parabens, and chemicals, this cleanser is the perfect product to give me a deep yet gentle cleanse. I massage this cream cleanser into my skin for 60 seconds and then rinse it off with lukewarm water followed by a splash of cold water to tighten my pores.
Key Ingredients: Cotton Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Aloe Vera
Step 2: Mask
Twice a week, I apply this Illuminating Turmeric Face Mask from Agrestal Beauty, a Black-owned DMV based skincare brand. This has played a huge role in improving my skin’s texture, inflammation, and radiancy. After drying, I rinse it off with warm water and it never fails to leave my face soft and smooth.
Key Ingredients: Turmeric Powder, Bentonite Clay, Neem Oil, Honey, and Lactic Acid
Step 3: Tone
Toning is so important, as it rebalances your skin’s PH levels after cleansing, removes dead skin cells, and adds essential hydration. My all time favorite is Thayer’s Witch Hazel with Rose Water. Applying this aloe vera-based formula with a cotton pad relaxes and revitalizes my skin. It feels like a spa but for a fraction of the price.
Key Ingredients: Witch Hazel, Rose Flower Water, and Grapefruit Seed Extract
Step 4: Oil/Serum
This is my favorite step because it makes me feel more bougie than I really am. On days where my skin is breaking out and needing a little extra love, I apply the Restore Serum from my favorite Black-owned business: Nolaskinessentials. I will then massage my face with Oleo Botanicals’ Rose Seed Hip Oil for moisture and balance. These two products together give my face a glow that lasts until the morning and throughout the day.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and Tea Tree Oil
Step 5: Moisturize
Next, I apply the smallest amount of Ultra Repair Cream from First Aid Beauty. This line was tailored for dry and sensitive skin and works to repair and nourish my skin while I get my beauty sleep. Its calming formula has really helped my redness and irritation. For my heavy-duty moisture during the winter, my go to product was shea butter that my friend handmade for me, but you can also get some from Oye Shea Butter to support another incredible Black owned business.
Key Ingredients: Oatmeal, Shea Butter, and Eucalyptus Oil
Step 6: Hydration Sealant
To seal it all off, I love to spritz my face with Pholk Beauty’s Honeysuckle Rose Face Mist. It helps reduce my pores and is incredibly refreshing, plus I just love the scent.
Key Ingredients: Honeysuckle Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol, Geranium Oil, and Basil Oil
