With the Pandemic still ongoing, masks are making it very difficult to pile on thicker products. Thicker products tend to build up along the edges of the mask and as a result, some areas of the face have too much product and others parts (particularly the mouth area) have none. So after trial and error, this is the routine that works for me!
I have been this for almost a month now and not a pimple in sight (my skin is soft, so soft). You don't have to use the exact same products I mentioned, but these were the ones that I had available and worked for me.
Refresher - Kiehl's Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist ($36 USD)
The purpose of this step is to wake up your skin and allow it to feel "refreshed", softened and moistened so it will be ready to accept and absorb products easily. I like this mist because it not only does what I want it to do, but it also helps my skin retain and adds in moisture while being lightweight at the same time. There is a slight stickiness but it goes away within minutes and won't transfer to your mask.
Serum (optional)
If you must apply a serum this is the step to do it. This step is optional and is needed only if your skin has very specific needs (e.g. dark spots, or very specific fixes). I didn't suggest a product since this is for those who must use a serum and everyone's needs are different.
This is the most ideal step to apply a serum because the first mist has already softened your skin and allows it to absorb products (while the next step will seal everything in).
Hydrator and Barrier - innisfree Olive Real Oil Mist ($12 USD)
The purpose of this step is to seal everything and making sure that there is a protective barrier. Innisfree's Olive Real Oil Mist does this. The olive oil not only hydrates the skin but also creates a small protective layer. I chose this mist because it doesn't leave any residue or oily gunk, like a lot of facial oils do.
Moisturizer (optional)
Preferably for drier climates and days, you feel you just need a little more of a boost. If you find the need to apply a moisturizer, this will be the step to do it. I only do this once a while (as in... once a week or less).
Since the second mist already hydrates and provides a good barrier... this step is optional and only if you feel the need (listen... or... feel your skin and see what it wants) I usually only add in this step if my skin is still very dry after the second mist or I know the humidity levels will be very low (e.g. in a room full of AC). I wouldn't suggest adding this step as part of this regular routine because moisturizers can leave residue and defeat the purpose of this routine.
Hope this helps :)
