If you've ever fallen down a skincare hashtag on Instagram or TikTok, you may have emerged feeling like you needed 16 steps in your skincare routine and that turmeric and yogurt are a must for your pantry AND your vanity. However, while a carefully curated multi-step skincare routine has its benefits, it's not necessary as an everyday routine for everyone. Some brands have taken the guesswork out of the routine with products formulated to work together. Check them out below!

Bolden Skincare

This Black-owned brand has a Clear Skin Kit that includes one of my current favorite sunscreens. In addition to the Brightening Moisturizer with SPF 30, it contains a gentle cleanser, a light exfoliating toner, and a nighttime serum with 10% glycolic acid. Explore the other specialized kits here. (Use code FACEFLAWLESS at checkout.)

Romer Skincare

Romer has a 3-step routine that is super simple.

Cleanse - a gel oil cleanser recommended for twice-daily use. While it is recommended for use as a makeup remover, I would opt to remove makeup first, especially on the eyes or any long-wear makeup.

Moisturize - A lightweight moisturizer that can be used day and night. If you use it during the day, follow it with sunscreen. See here for some suggestions.

Treat —I think this might be the hero product. It is highly nourishing with niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Bakuchiol, carrot seed, prickly pear oil, and CBD. 

Baesix 

Baesix (pronounced Basics) is a skincare line made for you and BAE. It clocks in at 6 steps, but you can mix and match based on your skincare needs. It includes sunscreen, so you can truly get a complete daytime regimen from this line. 

Bare Face Friend Face Wash  - it's a gentle cleanser with lactic acid and gluconolactone to provide gentle daily exfoliating. I recommend removing makeup before use.

Ready Set Glow Brightening Antioxidant Serum — It contains niacinamide, arbutin, and copper tripeptides to help brighten skin, while sodium hyaluronate and bamboo extract help with moisture and overall skin plumpness.

Swipe Rite Daily Face Swipes — These pre-moistened dual texture pads contain various ingredients to refine skin texture and give you an overall glow. They are recommended for daily use. I noticed a difference in my skin after a week of everyday use.

All Day ErrDay Moisturizer with SPF 35 +++ — this is undoubtedly the sheerest sunscreen with Zinc Oxide I have ever used! It goes on like a serum and keeps my skin moisturized. Unfortunately, unlike other sunscreens I have used, the amount of zinc oxide in the product isn't stated on the package.

Mazzk - Overnight Reviving Mask — is formulated to give skin an overnight boost. It contains ingredients to brighten skin, boost moisture and refine texture.

Keep Rollin' Eye Serum — Keep the peepers fresh and poppin' with this hydrating eye cream. It includes hyaluronic acid to boost moisture, vitamin C and bakuchiol, and other botanical ingredients to help improve brightness and texture.

Buttah Skin 

This is another Black-owned brand. The kit includes three products, two of which are automatically included, with the third being a choice of three moisturizers.

Cleanser - a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that cleans without drying out the skin and can be used twice daily. I recommend removing makeup before use. This was also featured in this post.

Vitamin C Serum — brighten up your life with this lightweight serum containing L-ascorbic acid, Ferulic acid, and sodium hyaluronate. Though it's light, it has excellent moisturizing properties.

Your choice of an Oil-free gel moisturizer, moisturizing cream, and virgin Shea butter. It's an oil-free gel or moisturizer for me.

Uncovered Skincare

This minimalist skincare brand creates formulas to "enliven and nurture skin." There are two kits to choose from based on your skincare needs. One to Hydrate, Smooth & Firm, and the other to Nourish, Soothe and Protect. Both regimens include the following: 

Refreshing Cleanser  

Balancing Toner 

Hydrating Eye Cream 

Advance Moisturizer

I’m all about smoothing and firming right now.

Fre Skincare 

This 123 Fre set is as simple as it gets for a daytime routine because it includes sunscreen. It's marketed for 'Women Who Workout,' but tbh, it's for anyone with skin. It was a fave in my gym bag when I used to work out in the gym. You can cleanse, revive and protect easily, regardless of your skin type. And if you so choose, add some of the brands' other items to round out your routine.

Step 1: Purify Me is a mild exfoliating hydrating cleanser for daily use 

Step 2: Revive Me is a revitalizing serum that delivers lots of moisture without being greasy.

Step 3: Protect Me contains chemical sunscreen ingredients so it won't leave a white cast on darker skin tones. It provides SPF 30 when used as directed. 

These predesigned kits give you the skincare basics and beyond. However, your skin may require more focused attention, for example, brightening, improved texture, wrinkle reduction, or acne. In that case, you may add a targeted treatment product such as vitamin C for antioxidant protection and brightness or Retinol for acne treatment or to refine the skin and boost collagen production. Products you choose to target specific problems are usually applied after cleansing and toning but before your moisturizer. The rule of thumb is to use products based on viscosity — going from lightest to heaviest.  

You may even opt to add a once-weekly treatment such as a clay mask or exfoliating mask. The mask is generally applied after cleansing.

Figuring out a skincare routine shouldn't be a scary process. It can be as easy as picking up one of the kits above and adding a product for targeted treatment. However, if you still have questions regarding which products to buy or where they should fit in your routine, check out our Virtual Skincare Consultation.