Work From Home Morning Skincare routine with Jessica + Madeleine

As social media managers deeply involved in the beauty industry. Drawing from our experience working closely with beauty professionals and brands, we’ve encountered countless AM and PM skincare routine blogs and vlogs, keeping some of the professionals top tips and tricks in our book of beauty hacks.  As we share our morning skincare routine with you, our hope is not only to introduce you to potential new products but also to spark inspiration for your morning skincare rituals.  

Let us start by saying, we hate to be THOSE girl – you know, the ones with an 8-step skincare routine. Despite our ‘less is more’ mantra, our morning skincare routines are among our favorite daily rituals for both of us.  

Disclaimer: Before we dive into the details, a gentle reminder - these products cater specifically to our skin. Even if your skin shares a similar type, we strongly advise seeking professional guidance from an aesthetician, dermatologist, or both, for personalized product recommendations. While the products we discuss are beloved, it’s important to note that they represent only a snapshot of our current favorites.

Madeleine’s Morning Skincare Routine

For me, my skincare rituals and monthly facials represent an unwavering commitment, serving as both a sanctuary and a safe space. For the most part, I follow each step listed below; however, on mornings when I am rushing to get out the door, I may forego an indulgent ice facial.

Step 1: Daily Affirmations

I believe that as social media managers, it's easy to fall into the comparison gme. Starting my day with affirmations helps me get in the right mental state. Here is one of my favorites that I listen to every morning for self-love, self-esteem, and confidence.

Step 2: Cleanse

I have used a lot of face cleansers over the years, and ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser for all skin types is hands down my favorite. I have oily skin and am always a little skeptical when I see anything marketed for “all” skin types. I don’t know how well this works for dry or combination skin, but I will say it is indeed a gentle cleanser. My face never feels dried out after using it, or leaves a gross residue like some cleansers can. I also love using ZO’s face polish two to three times a week for gentle exfoliation; it was even voted by Women’s Health as the best face scrub for oily skin, so if you’re an oily skin girlie like me, this scrub is worth the splurge.

Step 3: Ice Facial

You may have seen Contour Cube on Shark Tank or if you Keep Up with the Kardashians then you know this was on Kendall’s must-have list in 2023. After facing persistent under-eye bags every morning, despite my efforts to stay hydrated and keep sodium at bay, I found my secret weapon – the Contour Cube.

Now, I could have opted for a generic version on Amazon, but there's something extraordinary about the authentic Contour Cube. It's more than just a tool; it's a connection to a story that resonates with me. If you haven't already, take a moment to explore the narrative behind this wonder. Founder and creator Sarah Forrai's story adds a layer of depth to my morning ritual, making it more than just a skincare step – it's a journey with a purpose.

Step 4: Vitamin C

Being glued to screens for most of the day can take a toll on my skin. To combat the effects of blue light exposure and promote overall skin health, I incorporate a serum into my routine. I’m not going to lie to you all; I was 'influenced' after seeing my favorite TikToker Avery Woods use Olehenriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum in one of her GRWM videos. In the past, I have used Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, which, spoiler alert, is Jessica’s favorite. I will say, though, that I have received more comments about my skin seeming more glowy, and no mom, I’m not pregnant. Maybe it’s the daily affirmations boosting my confidence, but I would like to believe it is this serum.

'Avery Woods bought Olehenriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum, so I went out and bought Olehenriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum.' - Madeleine Digan, Avery Woods #1 fan (not a stalker)

Step 5: Eye Cream

Having a good eye cream is a non-negotiable for me, since I wake up with designer bags under my eyes. As a social media manager, my eyes are constantly on the screen, which can lead to tired-looking eyes. To combat puffiness and dark circles, I apply a nourishing eye cream. The gentle massage during application also serves as a quick moment of self-care before diving back into the digital world.

Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream is a newer eye cream I have been trying for the last month and a half, thanks to, yet again, Avery Woods, and I am loving it! But then again, I feel like every product Summer Friday’s has ever produced is gold. Like, have you ever tried their Jet Lag mask? If not, be sure to check it out, especially if you’re someone who travels a lot.

Step 6: Moisturize

After experiencing the wonders of Summer Fridays, my beauty obsession extended to another incredible brand—ILIA BEAUTY. Their Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Skincare Foundation? Pure perfection. The Fullest Volumizing Mascara? A non-negotiable for days without eyelash extensions. And now, their Base Face Milk Essence & Lightweight Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid feels like a refreshing sip of water for your skin. Oh, and can we talk about their packaging? Well, maybe I'll save that delightful discussion for another blog post down the road.

Step 7: SPF

Can I just say, thank God the SPF game has changed since the '90s, if not before then? Gone are the days of greasy and oily formulations that haunted my skincare routine. Now, I can't imagine a day without my Summer Fridays Shade Drops SPF 30. This mineral sunscreen, a league above the rest, forms a protective layer against UVA and UVB rays, making it a non-negotiable for my daily routine. Let's not forget—it's not just the sun we're shielding against but the relentless glow from our screens. Evolution has truly made SPF an essential, and for someone with oily skin, the transformation is nothing short of a skincare blessing.

Step 8: Lip Balm

Have you ever 'discovered' a product before all your favorite influencers, and a few months later, they all seem to be talking about it or at least getting PR packages, for said product? Well, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is one of mine. I am a lip balm addict—you know the type, the one who has 300 lip balms on her at all times but never seems to finish any of them. Well, friend, this lip butter is different. I can proudly say I have finished multiple of these.

Jessica's Morning Skincare Routine

Step 1: Water + Vitamins/Supplements

I recently ditched coffee and while it's been a struggle, I now reach towards water and my vitamins/supplements instead of coffee.

Step 2: Ice Roller

Ok, I have a confession to admit to you all... this is my favorite part of my skincare routine. I also love a cold blast before I end my showers (biohacking).

Step 3: Cleanser (and I LOVE these Clean Skin Club towels lately)

One of my favorite ways to treat myself is a monthly facial at Glowbar, and they use this cleanser. So naturally, I had to bring it home and use it as well. If you're local to a Glowbar, definitely check them out, they offer expert facials in only 30 minutes. Even though I love self-care I love my time even more.

Step 4: Vitamin C Serum

I am a huge fan of anything Sunday Riley at the moment, and their CEO Glow Vitamin C Serum is my go to right now. BUT always follow this up with the next step...

Step 5: SPF

SPF always! I'm a Florida girl so I feel like I've always had SPF in my skincare regimen (I'm sure my esthetician is super happy about that one) Depending on what I'm doing that day, I'll switch up the SPF that I'm using. Any SPF with a tint is always my go to.

Step 6: Eye Cream

I'm a 90s baby, so eye cream is now a non-negotiable in my skincare routine. I also like to ice roll after using my eye cream for an instant de-puff.

Step 7: Moisturizer

My skin is DRY! Maybe because I mentioned I'm a Florida girl now living in the NYC metropolitan area?! This moisturizer has been so helpful on my dry skin, especially during winter months.

Step 8: Lip Balm

Finally, I'm ending my routine with a lippie and will keep this on my work desk (and another in my bag) throughout the day.