Eager to get into a skincare routine but intimidated by the sheer number of products and potential steps? Have a 7-step skincare regimen but not enough time to get around to everything? Are you a student rushing between classes in the AM, a new parent with zero free time and somehow even fewer hours of sleep, or just frequently on the move?
If any of those describe you, you’ve recently been in our thoughts! We live in a complex and demanding world, so a few of us put our heads together to recommend some simple but effective skincare products for those short on time…
Emily:
When crunched for time, I rely on my vital trio of:
Note: all HGW is on sale 15% off in May 2024!
1. Start with: Apis Apotheca Barrier Function Optimizer (Toner) OR Heart Grown Wild Seasonal Hydrosol [note: all HGW is on sale 15% off in May 2024!]. Toners and hydrosols provide essential hydration for parched skin, and literally set the skin up to better absorb and retain moisture (try putting oil on dry skin vs. damp skin and you'll feel the difference!). A few sprays and I'm ready for action!
2. Next up is a serum, either Ursa Major's Vitamin C Serum OR Cocokind's Ceramide Barrier Serum (if I'm feeling fancy and luxuriating in time, both). The Vitamin C Serum helps to add hydration and balance and soothe my sometimes-irritable skin. The Ceramide Barrier Serum smooths and hydrates, keeps my skin looking fresh and nourished even on the driest of days.
3. And last but definitely not least, day cream! Once the serum has settled in a bit (but not fully dry) I apply a day cream to lock in that hydration and keep my skin feeling fully moisturized and protected all day long. Either Ursa Major's Golden Hour Recovery Cream OR Evanhealy's Blue Chamomile Day Cream. In the spring/summertime, I'll opt for an SPF day cream instead - either Ursa Major's Force Field SPF OR Cocokind’s Daily SPF.
Amber:
Aura Cacia's Sweet Almond Oil is my favorite makeup remover. Seriously, this stuff has tackled my makeup from a Distillers show as well as from Cambridge's infamous XMORTIS Goth Nights (IYKYK). It can remove makeup that took hours to apply in mere minutes, which is super-useful if you're a Goth On The Go. ;)
Dev:
Emily briefly mentioned it already, but Heart Grown Wild's Veil of Love Cleanser + Serum & Prism of the Sun Hydrosol make a wonderful and nourishing duo with no compromise whatsoever on quality.
Oil cleansers are a gentle way to flush out impurities and revitalize your skin, especially if you regularly use cosmetics. The addition of their hydrosol after an oil cleanse will support your skin with botanical nutrients and aid in both serum absorption and pH balancing. Once you've cleansed your skin, spray a light mist of Prism of the Sun over your face, and immediately follow with a layer of Veil of Love again!
Gently massage into your skin to support absorption and lymphatic drainage, and you're out the door. This approach isn't just great as a time-saver, it can also support sensitive and reactive skin types - if you need a cooling alternative to Veil of Love, Heart Grown Wild's Azul is also a great serum choice. So if you're prone to break-outs but have all the time in the world to get ready, it's still a simple and fantastic routine!
(Really don’t have time for anything at all? Ursa Major’s 4-in-1 Essential Face Wipes are great if you’re in a rush, or just for a refreshing pick-me-up during the course of your day. I always keep some in my bag just in case.)
Vicki:
Mountain Rose Herbs Witch Hazel infused with herbs!
This requires time beforehand - but once made it's easy to use - you infuse herbs in witch hazel for 2 weeks to a month and use it as a face toner - I use it morning and evening to wash my face with a cotton ball. (Looking for a more sustainable alternative to a cotton ball? Try the Reusable Cotton Rounds from Brooklyn Made or the Reusable Rounds from Last Object)
I know witch hazel can be drying, so I often put linden or elderflower in there and that makes it moisturizing! My favorite go-to herbs to infuse in witch hazel are rosemary, thyme, linden, rose, elderflower, and whatever else I have on hand that I know will work!
Shannon:
SPF is an essential skin care step that is often skipped because of inconvenience. I personally hate the feeling of thick, oily SPF on my face and spent many years just avoiding it altogether. One of my favorite products, especially in the summer, is Mad Hippie Daily Protective SPF. It's a light Mineral 30 SPF serum that blends in with no white cast, absorbs fast and is especially perfect for reapplication on the go!
There are also tinted formulas in Light/Medium and Medium/Dark for anyone looking for light coverage with SPF!
Pro tip: try keeping it in the fridge on warm days!