After over a year of requests, I’m finally sharing the deets on my go-to skincare products! Not that they were a secret or anything special; it’s just that I remembered when I ordered new skincare products over 16 months ago, I promised you guys that I would share it after I tried it and felt like it was worth sharing. Well, it’s now worth sharing! LOL!

But, before I get into the products, two things: 1. a disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist, so do not take this post as law or prescribed treatment to any of your skin issues. Yes, these products have worked well for me, but, be sure to consult a professional for your own skincare needs. 2. a breakdown of the basics. No matter the products you use, there are a few steps that one should consider adopting into any skincare routine. I made a little graphic and listed the steps below.

1. Cleanse

2. Exfoliate

3. Tone

4. Serum

5. Moisturize

6. Protect

Cleansing happens in a few seperate steps. There’s makeup/product removal, where you can use makeup remover wipes (I love these from Shea Moisture) or an oil based makeup remover, like my favorite from Farmacy.

You should, also, have a facial cleanser to actually clean your skin and remove any residual dirt, makeup and oils. My favorite is the clarifying cleanser from Bolden USA. Honestly, I love the entire Bolden USA system and have been using it for over 16 months, now. It’s a brand founded by women of color and according to their site, their products are formulated to “tackle the #1 skin complaint for women of color --hyperpigmentation. Their solution is a simple 4 step process that stops breakouts and fades existing dark spots. This process truly works because it is based on a deep understanding of the cycle that leads to hyperpigmentation.” The system includes a cleanser, toner, nighttime repair serum and moisturizing sunscreen. They also offer additional add-on products, like their overnight spot treatment and gel mask; both of which are amazing!

I exfoliate every other day and, actually, do so while cleansing. I apply the cleanser with my hands and then use these charcoal-infused facial sponges to rub the cleanser in circular motions to clean and remove the dead skin cells.

About every three days or so, I take exfoliating up a notch by using this Japanese exfoliant, called Cure Natural Aqua Gel. This Japanese face cleaner gently catches dead skin on the surface of the skin and removes it with a unique activated hydrogen water formula.

I do all of my cleansing and exfoliating in the shower; it’s just easier to control the mess there. Once I’m out, I begin the process of adding all the good stuff on. I start with my Bolden brighting toner, then I apply this vitamin C serum from Ole Henriksen. It is a part of the Let’s Get Luminous Brightening Essentials kit that comes with their Banana Bright Eye Cream and C-Rush Brightening Gel Cream moisturizer, which I use after the Bolden repair serum.

I finish things off with a layer of protection by applying a sunscreen. There’s a sunscreen built in to the Bolden USA moisturizer, so that can be used solo. If I’m wearing a the Ole Henriksen moisturizer, I apply some Black Girl Sunscreen. That’s literally the name of the sunscreen! As you may have guess, it’s made specifically for us melinated girls, but it’s also infused with natural ingredients and is paraben free, fragrance free, oxybenzone free, octinoxate free, silicone free and aluminum free. The best part about it is that is doesn’t leave us brown girls looking all grey!

And they may not be mentioned above, but they’re still a part of your face, so take care of your lips, ladies! Keep them soft, supple and moisturized with ____. I love the LaNeige Lip Sleeping Mask and wear it like any other chapstick or lip balm. It’s not just good for at night either; I wear this stuff all throughout the day.

Now you may wonder, where do I keep all of this stuff!? Well, it’s all in a little napkin basket that I got from IKEA and I keep it inside our bathroom vanity. When it’s time to apply everything, I just pull out the entire basket, go through all of my steps and then return the basket back to inside the vanity. Everything’s all in one place, so I never miss a step!

So, now that you’ve seen my go-to products, head to my IGTV channel by clicking here to see how I use them! If you have any questions, just drop them below! Would also love to hear about your go-to products, so share the deets!