I’m a Beauty Editor & These Are the 5 Skincare Products I Use Every Single Morning
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
Dunno about you, but I am ~obsessed~ with reading people's morning routines lately.
From productivity hacks and how many coffees they're drinking, to what time they actually wake up, there's something pervy about hearing the intimate details of a stranger's everyday life.
I can tell you right now - my work from home morning routine leaves a lot to be desired.
But if there's one thing I do religiously every single day, without fail, it's my morning skincare routine.
Am I wearing gold hoops and a chic robe with freshly-straightened hair while I'm doing it?
Absolutely not.
You'd be lucky to catch me in a bra these days... moving on, shall we?
My Morning Skincare Routine For Dry Skin.
First up, a disclaimer:
You do not need to buy every single skincare product I mention in this article.
I'm constantly trialling different products for work, which means I usually have a couple of different options for each category on rotation.
No one needs four different hydrating serums that all contain similar ingredients. Just one will do the job!
You should also know my skin type and skin concerns, because unless yours are similar, what works for me probably won't work for you:
- I have dry skin prone to dehydration.
- My primary skin concern is hyperpigmentation.
- I don't want to get rid of my natural freckles, but I'm trying to fade the look of sun damage as well as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (little dots that get left behind after you've had a pimple).
- My second skin concern is dehydration, which can lead to uneven skin texture and emphasised fine lines and wrinkles.
Don't know your skin type? Check out this guide to beginner skincare on YouTube below.
No matter what products I'm testing, my morning skincare routine always consists of five steps:
1. A hydrating face mist, because it just feels really good.
2. A vitamin C serum to brighten skin, fade the look of hyperpigmentation and protect my skin from free radical damage.
3. A hydrating serum containing ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3) and hyaluronic acid.
4. A moisturiser for dry skin with a creamy, thick-ish texture.
5. A broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Below, you'll find a list of the skincare products I'm using and loving right now.
Some are new favourites that've just launched. Others are cult products from brands I've loved for years.
You can watch my full morning skincare routine in the YouTube video below!
1. The Best Face Mist(s).
Controversially, I don't use a cleanser in the morning because I find they make my skin feel stripped and tight.
I rinse with cold water only, so the real first product step of my morning routine is a mist.
Genuinely, I used to think face mists were bullsh*t and a waste of money. Now, I don't do my skin care without one!
Not only does it feel beautiful, but misting adds extra moisture and helps my serums glide on and sink in better.
A face mist is not a must-have product, but they're nice to have if your budget allows and/or you have dry or dehydrated skin.
Two mists I love are:
- Murad Prebiotic 3-in-1 MultiMist - I've repurchased this unscented soothing, hydrating face mist several times, but it's currently sold out (waaaaaah!).
- SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist - This calming, anti-inflammatory mist launched recently. It also smells a bit like a lamb roast... it's grown on me.
Shop my favourite face mists here:
2. The Best Vitamin C Serum.
I'm always happy to give any new vitamin C serum a chance - I'm currently enjoying the new vitamin C formula from asap skincare.
But really, there's only one I buy over and over again.
Yep, it's the really expensive SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum - 30ml that smells like hot dog water. Or a Christmas ham that's been left out in the sun.
You can read more about what makes this cult vitamin C serum so damn good here, but personally, nothing has made a greater impact on managing my hyperpigmentation.
You only need two or three drops, a little goes a long way.
Shop SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic here:
3. Best Hydrating Face Serums.
Next, I'll apply a pump or two of a hydrating serum containing ingredients like niacinaimde (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides or all of the above.
These keep my skin barrier healthy and help the skin to retain moisture, which in turn addresses my dehydration and skin texture concerns.
As I mentioned above, beauty editors probably use more skin care than the average person. A very privileged perk of the job.
Here are a couple of the different hydrating all-rounder serums I use, depending on how my skin's feeling... and what I've remembered to repurchase:
- Beaute Pacifique Serum Symphonique Hyaluronic Serum - 30ml - This buzzy new serum contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea AND niacinamide to fight dehydration. The gloriously silky texture sinks into the skin and gives an instant glowy, plump effect.
- Dermalogica Smart Response Serum 30ml - A four-in-one hydrating, soothing, brightening and firming serum with a smooth, creamy texture. (Read my full review here.)
- asap super B complex 30ml - The best-selling vitamin B serum on Adore, loved for how it keeps skin hydrated and radiant.
Shop my favourite hydrating serums here:
4. Best Moisturiser For Dry Skin.
My dry skin prefers moisturisers with a thick, emollient texture over water-based gels or thin lotions.
Beaute Pacifique SuperFruit Creme - All Skin Types 50ml is my favourite by far. I've been using it on and off for three or four years.
The texture is just right - nourishing, but not too thick or greasy. I also love the comforting scent and feel it leaves on the skin.
That said, I also use and love more affordable moisturisers from chemist brands. And in summer, I often skip moisturiser completely and go straight to a hydrating sunscreen.
Shop my favourite dry skin moisturiser here:
5. Never Forget Sunscreen!
The final step will always be applying an adequate amount of a broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen.
(Apply and reapply as directed, always read the label, you know the drill.)
Sunscreen isn't the only form of sun protection - wearing protective clothing, a hat and sunnies, and seeking shade is important too - but you might as well tip your serums in the toilet if you aren't wearing SPF every day.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen 75ml has a hydrating formula that's great for dry skin types.
Plus, it gives skin a radiant, soft-focus finish similar to a makeup primer!
Want to read more Adore staff beauty routines? Check out these Beauty IQ articles below:
