Morning skincare routine with Kiehl's

Happy Sunday loves. It's been a while since I've posted anything beauty-related, so I thought I would share half of my skincare routine today. I have and still suffer from acne, but after experimenting with different products over the last few years, I think I've finally found the perfect routine for my skin. And I'm not saying that skincare products are the only things that have helped to improve my breakouts - a healthier lifestyle and also acne medication have saved me just as much. 

You can tell just by looking at the products I use that I'm a huge fan of Kiehl's. I think I first started using their products when I ran out of a charcoal mask I was using, and was looking for something similar to clean out my pores. There's a Kiehl's shop in Shibuya station, so I dropped in one day and found a clay mask that claimed to detoxify and clean out your pores effectively. Well, I bought it, and amazingly, it worked. Like, really well. I've literally gone through at least 10 of those little containers since then and still use it every night. Since their Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque worked so well, I continued to go back to Kiehl's to try their other products, and they're always generous with samples - I'd try a sample, and if it worked, I'd buy the product. And here is only part of my skincare collection.

My morning routine is actually much more simple than my night routine (believe it or not). I wash my face with Kiehl's Centella Skin-Calming Facial Cleanser to gently remove skin impurities, and I love that this is especially made for sensitive skin types. Next, I spray my face with Avene Thermal Water (yes, I know this isn't a Kiehl's product but it works too), and gently rub it into my skin. I don't really like the thought of tap water being the last kind of water going into my pores before I begin my routine. Then, I use a cotton pad to apply Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence, which is THE BEST toner I've ever used. I saw an immediate difference in the texture of my skin after using it a few times, and noticed the small spots on my chin and cheeks disappear. Now, the next two steps are important. I then apply Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, which is a powerful serum with continuous delivery of 10.5% pure vitamin C. The texture and the appearance of my pores have greatly improved, and I believe my foundation stays put longer during the day. After this serum, I use Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate, one of their newer products. I was actually steering away from facial oils, thinking it would make my skin more oily, but the sales associate said after she used this product, her skin became less oily and brighter. I began using the samples first, then decided to give it a shot. A little goes a long way! Finally, I end my routine with Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator, which is a great moisturizer for sensitive skin like mine that reddens easily (this is probably genetic though). And can't forget the sunscreen - I use Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Sunscreen every single day no matter what. I've been using sunscreen since middle school, and I don't think I'll ever regret it. I'm always appalled when some of my girl friends tell me they never use sunscreen on their face... very bad.

Well, here is my morning skincare routine! Do you use any of the same products I use? What are your skincare essentials? I'd love to know in the comments. Have a great weekend!

*This is not a sponsored post.