I created a quick video this week to show my pre-workout skincare regimen. That video inspired this long winded post (sorry!) regarding products I used in the video and also other products in my everyday beauty rotation. And even a few products in my online carts or that I haven't tried yet, but have amazing reviews! Ultimately, do what makes you happy but I hope you find this blog post helpful and insightful to you creating a daily routine that works for you! But whatever you do, so something that makes you feel healthy and strong and gives you the confidence to get up and continue to move your body, every single day.
Happy viewing!
5 Minute Pre-Workout Skincare Routine
Step 1: Pull your hair back!
I always try to do a little something extra with my workout hair. Add a braid or a fun clip/barrette or a favorite workout hat. You will feel cute while you're putting in those miles and burning those cals! Whatever it takes, right?
Hair
Pearl Hair Clips (12pcs) - $7.99 I love this sweet little set of VERY AFFORDABLE pearl hair clips for jazzing up my hair accessories!
Acrylic Resin Alligator Hair Clips (12pcs) - $3.99 Here's an even better deal to get two sets for the price of one! I love these acrylic resin alligator clips as well for a fun accessory on date night!
Thick Seamless Cotton Hair Bands for Thick Hair (Neutral Colors) (100 pcs) - $11.59
I've been using these for years ever since my personal trainer (before my wedding!) gave me a pack of them as a gift. They truly hold your hair up during a workout without causing split ends or other damage. Take it from the expert!
Step 2: Exfoliate and/or cleanse your face!
Make sure your face is clean, clear and ready for the day! Here's a few of my favorite facial cleansers that I rotate between on a regular basis, depending on the natural moisture level of my skin.
Facial Scrubs/Cleansers
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub - $9.99 This is a great affordable facial scrub to exfoliate your face before applying any other parts of your skincare routine. It feels fresh and tingly like it is scrubbing away all your regrets from the night before. Lol. You can use this in combination with your facial cleanser or in lieu of your facial cleanser, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. Thanks for turning me on to this affordable drugstore brand Erica! ;)
Origins 'Checks and Balances' Frothy Face Wash - $24.00 This is a recent find and new favorite for me! I wouldn't classify it as a cream cleanser or a gel cleanser. It is somewhere in between. But it's super lightweight, soft and luxurious feeling. A little bit (I'm talking a pea-sized amount) will go A LONG WAY. The Origins brand in general is becoming one of my go-to brands for my sensitive skin.
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser (5 oz) - $21.00 This is an awesome brand and facial cleanser for sensitive skin. They always use clean ingredients and there's also a foaming version of this one if you like the texture of a foam better for washing your face. No fragrance or parabens or sulfates to harm your skin either!
Step 3: Prep your skin with toner & vitamin C spray or facial mist.
I can't emphasize enough how important this part of your routine actually is. Waking up and just throwing on some moisturizer is better than nothing obviously, but our youthful days are numbered. And following a precise skincare regimen will ensure we look as young as possible for as long as possible!
Toner & Facial Spray
MUJI Facial Cotton Pads (Unbleached)(180pcs) - $6.15 These are the holy grail cotton pads for all things skincare! Some cotton pads have abrasive fibers that can scratch the skin's surface and cause damage. Others have such a smooth surface, that any liquids applied to it simply roll off. These MUJI pads are as absorbent as they are soft. Highly effective! And $6 will buy you enough for 6 months!
Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner Aloe Vera Formula (Rose Petal)(12 oz) - $10.95 I love this facial toner! Use it after you wash your face to prep your skin for moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup. A good toner will get off any excess residue on your skin before applying your normal regimen. No more workout zits!
Valo Vitamin C Glow Refresh Hydrating Mist - $14.99 I can't remember how I stumbled upon this product but I was looking for a hydrating Vitamin C spray to use after toner and before moisturizer. This spray is SO REFRESHING! You can use it under or over existing makeup for brightening skin and on-the-spot replenishment. ***I totally forgot to include this product in my skincare video above, but it is AMAZING. I use it every single day.***
Step 4: Apply eye gel or eye cream (optional) to refresh and your sleepy eyes.
While this step is totally optional, do not underestimate the refreshing feeling of applying a cooling eye gel or cream under your eyes before a workout. Not only is it nourishing for dry or sensitive skin, but it also combats those dark circles, puffiness, and redness.
Eye Gel/Eye Cream
SPLURGE: LANCÔME Énergie de Vie Illuminating & Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel (0.5 oz) - $42.00 This cooling eye gel is a definite splurge, but the small stainless steel rollers on the top of the product feel oh so nice when rolling under your eyes. It works great for de-puffing.
***PRO TIP***: If you're lucky, you can snag this product at T.J.Maxx or Marshalls on a good day, and at nearly half the cost!
SAVE: Origins No Puffery™ Cooling Roll-On For Puffy Eyes (0.5 oz) - $29.00 This is also a favorite cooling eye gel for puffiness and redness! It has one stainless steel roller ball on top instead of three smaller ones, so it feels a little different than the one above. It too can also be found at T.J.Maxx on a good day!
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème (0.5 oz) - $39.00 I just recently purchased this during the Sephora VIB Sale at the behest of several influencers. I haven't tried it yet, but I am anxiously awaiting its arrival so I can let you know how it is. I realize it's a high price tag for such a small product, but I hear that a little bit goes a long way. Can't wait to get my hands on it and let you know how it really is!
Step 5: Moisturize and apply serum, tanning drops (optional) & sunscreen (NOT optional!)
This is the fun part! I like to combine my moisturizer with my hydrating serum and tanning drops. You can not mess this up. Do whatever feels easiest for you. Separate them all and apply one by one or combine them all and apply like I do. There's no wrong answer. And since this is pre-workout, I usually use a moisturizer with built-in SPF. Two for one, baby!
Moisturizers/Tinted Moisturizers (with SPF!) - NOT OPTIONAL ;)
MUST HAVE: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 40 (2 oz.) - $24.00 If you're unsure of where to start with your pre-workout skincare routine, then this should be your go-to product for everything. Seriously, if I put nothing else on my face in the mornings, I ALWAYS use this. It is super hydrating, lightweight, goes on sheer and dries quickly without any greasy residue or tinted color. With a 40 SPF too, you are sure to get 100% coverage from harmful rays. This item is NUMBER 1 on my must-haves list. Love this brand and product so much. Also great for sensitive skin. And so well priced!
Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer (1.35 oz) - $45.00 When I became a Beautycounter consultant last year, this quickly became one of my favorite products. Even though I no longer sell for the company, I am still a brand loyalist. They use only high quality natural ingredients. And this particular product goes on translucent and glowy. I wear No. 2 which works for a surprising range of skin tones as well.
Origins GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer (1.7 oz) - $39.50 This two-in-one tinted moisturizer with built-in 40 SPF has quickly becomes one of my favorite products in the world! If you can believe it, the Ulta sales gal told me about this product when I was on the hunt for a lightweight tinted moisturizer or foundation but effective with sunscreen for my 10 year old niece who is just just starting to get into makeup. I saw how light and beautiful it looked on her fair skin as well as my olive skin and had to buy some for myself as well! Great all-around tinted moisturizer for every skin type. This is the secret to my glowing face in my Instagram stories! Just wash your hands after application as there will be some slight coloration.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Face & Body Melt In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 (5 oz) - $35.99
This is another great skincare line and product that has amazing reviews. I included it here as such. I have not tried it YET, but with an SPF 60, and Atlanta's hot summer on the horizon, I may have to add it to my beauty cart STAT. And 5 ounces for $35? That should last you a while! Definitely a good bang for your buck. Also available at a ton of different places including Ulta, Target, and Amazon.
Serums
Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil (1 oz) - $68.00 Now I realize the price tag on this serum may be intimidating, but I'm here to tell you that in the six or so years I've been using it, I've only ever purchased it twice and use it pretty much every day. So that goes to show you how little you need for a dewy beautiful glow! If its good enough for its supermodel founder Miranda Kerr (Victoria's Secret - google it), then it is definitely good enough for me. And it's also rich in anti-oxidants and other anti-aging properties from the noni fruit.
Niu Body Glow Luminizing Facial Serum (1oz) - $24.00 I actually discovered this serum in a recent FabFitFun box. (Let me know if you'd like me to send you a FREE starter box. Just pay shipping. Each Starter Box, valued at over $75, comes with 3-4 full-size premium products.) I've grown to really like this serum. Since it is so affordable, I find myself using it more for every day and saving my more expensive Kora serum for nights out or special occasions. This serum in combination with the Origins tinted moisturizer above gives THE BEST glow. They should really be sold together because they compliment each other so well.
Herbivore Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil (1 oz) - $58.00 If you're looking for an alternative to your traditional serums above, then this is for you! With CBD, aminos, and Ashwagandha (an herb used in Ayurvedic healing practices that help the skin cope with environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, lack of sleep, daily stress, and more), this serums helps promote a more balanced emotional well-being in addition to its nourishing benefits. It also gives a beautiful glow.
Self-Tanners for Face & Body
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops (1oz) - $29.00 @laurmcbrideblog first introduced these self tanning drops to me last year. I first started with the Medium color ones and only to my face. I could definitely upgrade to the Dark version for my body now and continue to use the Medium for my face. A simple drop or two to your everyday moisturizer, sunscreen or body lotion and applied by hand, will give the best most subtle tan. Great product for beginner self tans. Make sure to wash your hands after application to prevent staining.
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist (2.7oz) - $30.00 One of my favorite accounts to follow, @chrislovesjulia shared this tanning facial mist she uses daily, and I snagged it ASAP. She has the most radiant beautifully bronzed skin. It's so refreshing, and just adds that subtle touch of warmth to your face without having to use a mitt or your hands to apply it. And it smells tropical!
Bali Body Ultra Dark Self Tanning Mousse (6.7 oz) - $30.95 I just ordered this one! But even as a newer product, it already has a huge cult following amongst influencers. I'm told it is less streaky than your average self body tanner and does not give you that "orange-y" tone when applied. Y'all, when you start to see me show up on Instagram 3 shades darker than my current tone, you'll know this product is working. :) More to come on that later...
Step 6: Apply concealer (as needed).
As this step is totally optional, I feel like I have an added boost of confidence when I do it. A little bit of concealer goes a long way to helping hide those subtle imperfections and redness that make make you self conscious otherwise. Again, your call. But I definitely do it when I'm more tired or experiencing darker under-eyes than usual. Oh and blemishes. Need I say more?
Concealer
Becca Cosmetics Aqua Luminous Perfecting Concealer (0.18 oz) - $32.00 I happen to scoop this concealer up during a T.J.Maxx beauty haul. This is also how I like to try out new products if I'm not sure how they may effect my skin. It costs half the price of retail usually, and only because they slightly tweaked the packaging. This particular concealer has been a recent favorite because it goes on so sheer and adds such a nice subtle lift to my under-eye. I do not use it for covering up blemishes. In my opinion, it is just too subtle for that. I wear the lightest of all their shades: Porcelain.
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer (0.33 oz) - $27.00 I know it sounds cliché, but this is the holy grail of concealers used by influencers and celebrities alike. I do not use it for full coverage under-eye concealer. Instead, I use it solely for spot blemish coverage since it is pretty thick. I feel like it goes on a bit more cake-y under the eye, but that's just me. I'm sure other people might disagree with that based on their experience. The only place I want cake is in my belly! I wear shade 12S Fair for reference.
BareMinerals Stroke of Light Luminous Eye Brightener (0.33 oz) - $16.99 I've only used this product a few times, but love using it under-eyes as a light coverage veil. It helps with redness and feels lightweight. Great affordable big box store option that is comparable to the Becca concealer above.
Step 7: Remember to wear sunscreen on your body!
As if I couldn't emphasize the importance of this enough, I hope that I bother you so much about using sunscreen that you can't HELP but listen to me, just to get me to shut up about it. Body sunscreen included. Lol.
Body Sunscreen
Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Guava Mango (5 oz) - $28.00 There is simply no amount of money too high that I am unwilling to pay for quality sunscreen. Coola is one of THE BEST brands out there when it comes to clean ingredients and quality sun protection. This one specifically goes on just like lotion with SPF 50 and smells like you just came from an island getaway. I own and love all of their sunscreens but this one is probably my favorite. I probably even need to do a re-stock myself.
Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50 with Vitamin C (6 oz) - $21.00 I've been using this spray sunscreen for years now and I have to say, it is a definite winner in my book. It goes on clear so there's no need to "rub it in." And it contains anti-oxidants and Vitamin C for protecting your skin from damage and free radicals. Did I mention it's SPF 50? Yeh, its goooood. And very reasonably priced in my opinion.
Sol De Janeiro My Sol Stick SPF 50 (0.8 oz) - $26.00 This sunscreen stick comes from the makers of the Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream that you may have already heard about. While I haven't tried it personally, several of my reputable go-to skincare experts recommend this one and it also has amazing customer reviews on several sites. The convenience of a stick that rolls on your skin seems not only great for travel, but also lightweight and not bulky. Adding it to my list to try in the near future!
Step 8: Opt to use a setting powder or spray (optional).
My only recommendation for wearing setting powder or spray is if you don't already use an existing sunscreen on your face, this can help with that (if you use a product with SPF). Or if you tend to sweat a lot during exercise, this can help combat the moisture you create when you workout, keeping you dry and chic AF.
Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45 (0.15 oz) - $30.00 I use this setting powder quite a bit when I am in a hurry and don't have time to do a full skincare routine. With an
SPF 45, I know my face will be protected with nothing else on my face and if I've done my routine, it will help KEEP everything I've done in place. Truly translucent in coverage and mattifying to help with sweat.
Coola Makeup Setting Spray Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 (1.5 oz) - $36.00 This is another option for setting your makeup with a liquid spray, which feels hydrating and also protects with SPF 30. So refreshing, even before a workout! And keeps everything where its supposed to be.
Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray (4 oz) - $33.00 I haven't tried this product but it has great reviews and is used by a ton of awesome fitness influencers who approve it for even your grimiest sweat sessions! Worth a try for sure.
Step 9: Don't forget to hydrate your lips!
I have to admit, this is one of my most often overlooked parts of my skincare routine. I find myself in a hurry and just saying, "I'll get to it later" and then the whole day has passed and my lips are dryer than the Sahara Desert. Needless to say, don't be like me. Remember to hydrate your lips!
Lips
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30 (0.15 oz) - $3.99 This lip balm is my favorite out of this bunch, not only because it is super hydrating, but it is small and conveniently fits in any of my pockets! It has 30 SPF for UVA/UVB sun protection. And you can't beat the price! And because it's a mineral sunscreen, it works better than their other flavored lip balms that do not contain SPF. This one has a tropical flavor. My only complaint is that it leaves a small white-ish stain on your lips after application. But I feel like the whiteness fades with wear. So it doesn't really bother me, but it may bother you. I actually line my lips first before using it so it lessens the white-ish hue.
Dr. PAWPAW Original Multipurpose Soothing Balm (0.85 oz) - $8.00 I love this lip balm for so many reasons, but mostly because of how nourishing and moisturizing it is. For those of you like my mama, who swear by Carmex or Vaseline, this will surprise and delight you! It is also multi-functional in that it can be used for not only lips, but also for stray hairs (flyaways), cuticles, and skin irritations! This is also a celebrity must-have for stars like Jennifer Aniston. It definitely has a more substantial lubricating feel, but does not feel greasy to me.
Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30 with Acai (0.5 oz) - $9.50 I use this as a straight up alternative to lip gloss. Apply this in combination with your favorite lip liner, and you are good to go! And as always, the SPF 30 is just an extra protective barrier from the sun's damaging aim to forever chap your lips.
Tools
Jade Roller and Gua Sha Set Massager Tool - $21.95 I find it so relaxing to grab this tool out of my beauty mini-fridge and apply the cool jade to my face. There are so many techniques and theories surrounding jade rolling, but I have personally found it most useful around my crows feet (on my forehead) and under my eye for puffiness and dark circles. You can also use this gua sha tool for your cheekbones and jawbone as well for slimming your face.
***I personally choose to use this tool AFTER toner and BEFORE moisturizer but I believe a lot of people use it WITH their moisturizer or serum. I just feel like a lot of moisturizer goes onto the jade roller instead of on my face, which seems wasteful. Just a personal preference!***
SPLURGE: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge/Beauty Blender (2pcs) - $9.99 I love the flat edge of this blender sponge because I feel like it applies my tinted moisturizer and foundation better. Always moisten your blender before use!
SAVE: Amazon Multi-colored Makeup Sponge Set (5pcs) - $8.99 These Beauty Blender dupes are the real deal. The quality is the same if not better and you can't beat the price.
Whew! I don't know about you but I'm exhausted from writing all of that! It is now 10:30pm on Day 2 of writing this post and I am happy to report that this is a great starting point for beginner skincare. It works for your pre-workout routine especially, but it is also a great beginner regimen for everyday skincare. I hope you find it useful and don't hesitate to comment below or shoot me any questions at hello@mollylorene.com !
Thanks for reading and cheers to healthy, radiant skin!
Protecting your skin and mine,
Don't forget to follow the adventures over on the 'gram if you don't already: @molly_lorene
