Before applying cosmetics, the perfect morning routine consists of a quick rinse, your favorite moisturizer and obviously SPF. However, there's one step you can add that makes a pretty big difference in not only your complexion but also the way your makeup holds up throughout the day.
We're talking about some light exfoliating action, ideally with a product you can use every day that doesn't require you to wash it off (because there's no time for that). Morning exfoliants help nix dead skin cells, dirt, sebum and makeup residue to reveal the healthy, happy, glowing skin underneath. They are available in thin, water-like solutions that you pat on, as exfoliator-moisturizer hybrids, and also as pads that you wipe over your skin. Read on for the best no-rinse exfoliants for your skin.
For a gentle burst of coolness in the morning, swipe on a little bit of this tonic. True to the brand, it contains a luxurious blend of botanical extracts (including chamomile, lavender, clove and rice) along with spearmint. The inclusion of coconut acid, witch hazel and caffeine helps buff away dead cells and tone and tighten skin, while plant oils help hydrate.
If you prefer a pad over liquid, try these exfoliating pads from Nip + Fab. They're made with glycolic acid to exfoliate, witch hazel to tone, hyaluronic acid to plump and blue daisy to soothe. Simply swipe it on after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Make sure to follow with at least SPF 30 since glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Pestle & Mortar is an Irish skin care brand that hit the U.S. beauty scene in 2015. It stands out particularly for its slow and brilliant launches versus inundating consumers with a ton of SKUs. In fact, the brand launched with just one product — its now-famous hyaluronic acid serum.
This toner is the newest launch and it's formulated with exfoliating glycolic acid and niacinamide, toning witch hazel, and soothing and brightening botanical extracts, including white daisy, cucumber, aloe, green tea and willow.
Last year, Glossier released Solution, which promised to be the end-all, cure-all product for acne-prone skin types. Its claims were met with some skepticism, but the results are in and the gentle exfoliating product has a ton of loyal fans. It's made with a 10 percent blend of AHA, BHA and PHA to help slough off dead cells and dissolve plugs in clogged pores. The addition of aloe and niacinamide help keep skin happy and healthy.
