Kelly Driscoll

There are two times of year that signal massive changes in my skincare routine. Winter and summer.

Living in a four-seasons climate has its benefits – lots of different activities, a large wardrobe and of course an ever-changing landscape. But it can also wreak havoc on my skin if I’m not ready.

While winter is still my skin’s number 1 enemy, summer still poses its challenges if I’m not prepared for them.

Luckily, I am!

Today I wanted to share with you all the products I have on current rotation to treat my dehydrated, combo and sensitive skin. It’s a skincare basket tour!

The basket is an invention of necessity. My collection is getting rather large with different press samples, products that are reserved for occasional use, masks galore and the like. Plus I’m often on a strict testing schedule with products (welcome to blogger world) so the basket is a physical reminder of the products I’m choosing to use at the moment. No hunting on shelves – everything I need is right here (makes deciding a lot easier). Plus, it’s made for traveling right in front of the TV so I can maximize that self-care time!

*These are products on rotation; I don’t use these all at once!*

Cleansers:

Probably the least thrilling category of products in my mind, I’ve been happy keeping things super simple lately.

Solved Skincare Coconut Cleansing Pads have been a bit of a revelation in my 1st cleansing collection. These were sent to me by Sokoglam as part of their new curations for June, and I can see why they’re so excited about them. These boast 3 ingredients, no alcohol, no fragrance and no essential oils – a sensitive skin type’s dream! These also zap makeup off my face with little effort, and the formula is not heavy or waxy and washes away cleanly. (Soko Glam Exclusive)

Krave Matcha Hemp Cleanser has slowly but surely become the only cleanser I’m reaching for lately. This beauty has won my heart with its simplicity. Ingredients are mild, no fragrance, no essential oil, no alcohol. pH level is formulated around the ideal 5.5 and the formula works effectively with no dryness or stripping action. Of all my current cleansers, this is the only one that doesn’t give me pause (no tea tree or other essential oils that can be troublesome). (Krave Beauty | Beauty Box Korea)

Toners/Essences:

My most favorite step and one that I lean on even more in summer time. Why? Weightless hydration, that’s why! My skin likes to swing between oily and dry, but summer heat seems to bring the shine in my skin out – right to my forehead that is! Toners are a great way to treat the skin from deep inside without the weight or stickiness that can come with heavier essences or serums.

Essences:

I’m in massive love with the Missha Time Revolution Artemisia Treatment Essence! This is double fermented mugwort extract and nothing else! Mugwort is extremely effective at soothing irritated skin, and this serves as a weightless alternative to traditional soothing treatments that usually come in a rich cream format. This absorbs quickly into the skin and is thinner and more watery than most toners, thus I find it best to use directly after cleansing and before hydrating toners. This seems to have the added benefit of allowing other layers to absorb more effectively. (Amazon* | Jolse)

Purito Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence has had a steady presence in my routines over the last few months, but I particularly started to appreciate it when I learned this is one of the rare Purito products that was essential oil free! Since I’ve been trying to lessen my use of EO’s it’s been a nice addition to the skincare basket. This is something I whip out for some gentle brightening benefits with its high content of fermented ingredients and niacinamide. (Amazon* | Yesstyle*)

7 Skin Method Toners:

These are products that are super watery, hydrating and the best for layering up many times to create a cocoon of hydration for my parched skin!

Keep Cool and Soothe Bamboo Toner, not much more to say here, I really rave about this one and I’m still going strong with it. (Read the full review here) I actually tried to NOT use this in my routine once I had finished up my first bottle, trying to focus on other open products first, but I ended up craving the deep hydration it gave my skin so I opened my backup! (Amazon* | Yesstyle*)

Tia’m Vita B5 Toner has been a newcomer to my routine that I’ve fallen hard for. This is full of panthenol (the vitamin B5) and I couldn’t be happier about this! Panthenol is super for sensitive skin because it’s gentle, soothing and hydrating. But it also has the ability to help repair your lipid layer (hello moisture barrier) and in this toner format, adds no weight to the skin! (Amazon* | Yesstyle*)

Balancing Moisturizing Toners/Essences:

I like to start the moisturizing process (aka, sealing in the hydration process) with light layers where I can.

Laneige Cream Skin Refiner has been a real exciting discovery for my skin. This product sells like hotcakes in Korea and I totally get it. It’s like a 2-1 toner/moisturizer. This is ideal for those with more dry and dehydrated skin, although some oily skin types have reported using it in place of a moisturizer! (Yesstyle*)

Olivarrier Dual Moist Hyaluron Essence is a favorite to start sealing in the hydration from my toners. All good skincare comes down to balancing your oil and water, and this is such a beautiful product to do that. The marriage of hyaluronic acid and squalane in this just makes my skin so happy! (Amazon*| Yesstyle*)

Serums:

Need a lightweight, gel-type serum that won’t add weight or richness to the face while still delivering repairing minerals, amino acids and antioxidants? Look no further than the Keep Cool and Soothe Bamboo Serum. One of my favorite simple, but powerful serums that layers like a dream without suffocating the skin! (read full review here) (Amazon* | Yesstyle*)

Iunik Noni Light Oil Serum is the perfect replacement for a heavy facial oil in the hot summer time. If you’re familiar with the Iunik Propolis serum, the texture is the same light and pillowy feel on the skin, and yet this is jam-packed full of argan, macadamia, rosehip and jojoba oils! This layers up without any shine on my skin yet still gives me the balancing feel of a light facial oil. (Amazon* | Yesstyle*)

Creams:

I gotta get my dose of ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol, and I’m still plugging away at my Krave Great Barrier Relief. This is so far proving to not be too heavy for hot days, but I’m also adjusting other layers to accommodate it’s emollient-ness. (Krave | Beauty Box Korea)

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is an oldie but a goodie! Since I’ve been avoiding essential oils where I can and I’m finding my super emollient creams are making my forehead an oil slick by 11 a.m., I’ve been leaning on my CeraVe to get the job done. While it’s a heavier cream, its mostly water and occlusive ingredients make it a great non shine-inducing choice. (Amazon*)
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