Woohoo! If you’re reading this, that means that you have your skin care foundation nailed down. Phase 1 = complete! If you’re not sure what I’m referring to, start here!

The great news is that once you have the three products that make up Phase 1 complete – cleanser, toner and moisturizer – you won’t really need to adjust them. I don’t suggest testing or swapping these products out unless your lifestyle changes [like pregnancy] or something goes haywire with your skin. There is no sense of messing with the bottom blocks of a pyramid if they are holding everything up.

In phase 2 and 3, you’ll have lots of options to play with serums, test anti-aging products, vet through different types of acids and more. I find that these products are often preventive maintenance so they are important to start using in your 20’s to feel your best through every decade that follows!

For all three product suggestions in Phase 2 of building your skin care regimen, you’ll spend under $125 by using code ‘MINDY’. Let’s dive in.. 

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PHASE 2: HOW TO BUILD A SKINCARE ROUTINE

1.EYE CREAM
Every girl should be using an eye cream because it’s an area that shows the first sign of aging. This is often the product older, wiser women say they wished they started sooner.

Not only can eye creams help against premature signs of skin aging like fine lines and wrinkles, it can also target the look of dark circles, dryness, and puffy-looking eyes.

Whether you’re climbing the Corporate America ladder that could use some depuffing from all the long work hours or a new mom that’s facing dark circles, we can all benefit from a great eye cream!

Since starting my blog in 2014, I’ve tried 15+ eye creams. Most do nothing, some are too light, some are too watery and some feel way too harsh. 

I’ve found that this eye cream is my favorite. It’s actually the product that got me hooked on my favorite skin care brand!

I discovered this because I was struggling with dry patches around my eyelid from a horribly cold New England winter and this eye cream healed my skin in less than a week. Not only that, but with repeated use my under eyes are super hydrated and plump. It’s a thick consistency, but it soaks up quickly.

I love that it not only soothes dry patches and hydrates skin, but it’s super gentle and the perfect consistency. Not thin, but not too thick you can’t wear it under your concealer. 

And I’m not alone in my love for this product because in clinical trials, 90% of women said they preferred this eye cream over others they have used in the past. 90%!!

I apply mine in the morning before my make up and also at night on a clean face.

SHOP: TULA REVITALIZING EYE CREAM – $52, BUT ONLY $42 AFTER USING CODE ‘MINDY’ AT CHECKOUT

2.SERUM
Serums are the product that there are a million different versions of from a millions brands that help with a million different things. Save targeted serums for later down the line after you get your beginning skin care routine under your belt. Let’s just keep this simple.. 

This illuminating serum will address the issues any 20 or 30 year old is probably facing – uneven texture, dark spots, dullness and uneven skin tone.

We all want a smooth texture, clear complexion that’s glowing, right? That’s what this serum will do.

And don’t just take my word for it. I’m data driven so if you are as well, here are some stats from clinical trials:

95% of women said the texture of their skin appeared smoother and more radiant.

95% of participants agreed their skin appeared more luminous after just 7 days.

100% of women said their skin looked healthy and renewed after just 7 days.

Two more important details:

Serums are often an ‘investment’ product for skincare as they cost a pretty penny. Just know that this bottle lasts me over 8+ months when used five days a week.

Serums are a gradual change, but vital for healthy skin and treating problem areas. Think of them as the multivitamin for your skin. You may not see a change over night, but in the long term you’ll be thankful you started them early as you’ll be working proactively rather than reactively. 

I apply my serum five days a week after my toner and before my moisturizer at night.

SHOP: TULA ILLUMINATING SERUM – $68, BUT ONLY $55 AFTER USING CODE ‘MINDY’ AT CHECKOUT

TULA SKINCARE SUMMER KIT3.EXFOLIATOR
No matter what your skin type is, everyone should be exfoliating. Removing the top layer of dead skin allows products to penetrate into your skin more effectively, remove gunk from your pores and make stubborn dirt and oil go away.

Since the dry, dead skin cells are removed via an exfoliator, you’ll find that skin’s texture will be more even and your complexion will be less dull. 

There’s two types of exfoliators: chemical and physical. And for each, there are so many options between cleansing brushes, microdermabrasion devices or face masks and serums, but usually most affordable way is to find an exfoliating facial cleanser.

I love this sugar scrub because it’s effective, yet super gentle. It’s technically both a physical and natural chemical exfoliant, but don’t let that scare you.. it’s super gentle! 

Selecting a facial exfoliant in serious business. We all probably remember the St. Ives apricot face scrub from high school which was later proven to cause serious skin damage because the primary exfoliating ingredient is crushed walnut shells which have jagged edges that causes micro-tears in the skin when used in a scrub. Ow! Opt for a gentle sugar scrub that naturally disintegrates with water so that removal of dead skin cells happens and no micro-tears are created.

Here are the key ingredients in my favorite sugar scrub:

Sugar: A natural physical exfoliator that also promotes skin’s hydration.

Papaya: Chemically exfoliates while helping revive the look of dull skin.

Pineapple: Natural enzyme that promotes skin’s radiance.

Probiotics: Helps skin lock in hydration and maintain balance.

I use my face scrub twice a week. While all skin is different, be conscious of what products and tools are using in order to not over exfoliate. Consult your dermatologist too!

SHOP: TULA EXFOLIATING SUGAR SCRUB – $32, BUT ONLY $26 AFTER USING CODE ‘MINDY’ AT CHECKOUT

1.EYE CREAM

2. SERUM

3.EXFOLIATOR

Don’t forget to check out this blog post where I walk you though how to apply your skin care products in the most efficient and effective order and this blog post where I dive into the science behind skin pH levels and why they are the root cause of almost all skin issues. 

Don’t forget you can use code ‘MINDY’ to receive 20% off Tula’s entire site. Xo Mindy

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Servello & Co. Interiors

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Hi there

I'm a Maine native residing in the Boston 'burbs sharing my love of interiors through decorating my husband and I's first home.

Through this experience, I discovered I have a knack for curating spaces that feel warm, cohesive and inviting. That passion turned into friends and family asking for interiors help and now we are here! 

Home should be a place you love to be. I'm here to help you achieve that!