A Skincare Enthusiast's Top 10 Skincare Picks for a Quick Morning Routine

A Skincare Enthusiast's Top 10 Skincare Picks for a Quick Morning Routine

If you're not a morning person, waking up early can be rough. It can also be tough on your skin! That's why it's important to make sure you're using the right products and to get something that can help keep you looking fresh, bright-eyed, and awake. That's why we asked beauty blogger Nikki (@theholyglosspel) for her recommendations. Here's what she had to say:

"Being on the go and as someone who loves to sleep in, I don't have much time for a full-out morning routine. I need to look glowy and fresh for the day without needing to get up an hour earlier. 

Here are my top 10 skincare picks that will leave you looking fresh-faced and awake without the long routine. All products have their drawbacks but almost all of these have been tried and tested by my skin! Before purchasing, always figure out what works best for you first."
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Nikki Lopez
Beauty Blogger

A former student whose passion lies within the beauty scape. As a beauty blogger, she specializes in product photography, reviews, and analyses. She's also a... See More

  • Cocokind Prebiotic Oil To Milk Cleanser Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Cocokind
    Prebiotic Oil To Milk Cleanser

    Nikki Lopez

    When you first apply this cleanser, you'll notice that its texture is a gel-ish, oil-like consistency, which helps it to melt away makeup and any cream-based products. And once you've finished massaging it into your skin, the addition of water turns the "gel-like" formula into a literal cleanser!

    I love the smell of this cleanser and how it's light enough to be used in the morning. It works like a two-in-one product, making it perfect to cleanse your face with in just one step. The cleanser also helps in removing any leftover makeup that you may have had on the night before! For those wondering, it is also vegan and cruelty-free.
    $13.49
  • Cocokind Facial Toner Raspberry Vinegar Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Cocokind
    Facial Toner Raspberry Vinegar

    Nikki Lopez

    This toner works wonders in helping to remediate skin texture and is particularly useful for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Made with various nutrients, antioxidants, and acetic acid, Cocokind's Facial Toner Raspberry Vinegar helps in balancing the pH of your skin. 

    I love to use this toner in the morning to help refresh my skin and create a clean base for adding on my other products. It is the perfect addition to any shelf and makes skin feel fresh right in the morning. Cocokind is also amazing for its natural ingredients and cruelty-free model!
    $14.99
  • First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    First Aid Beauty
    Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream

    Nikki Lopez

    Every morning, I tend to get dark circles and puffy eyes. This brightening eye cream helps to fade those dark circles because of the niacinamide and Vitamin B3 complex included in the formula. My favorite way to use this is by letting it sit overnight in my mini-fridge so that it applies in the morning with a cooling sensation. 

    Using my fingerpads, I'll apply the eye cream on my under eyes and eyelids. It makes my eyes feel fresh and cooled down for the day to come. This eye cream also contains my favorite skincare "cocktail" and works wonders in helping me look awake for the rest of the day.
    $31.95
  • Lumene Valo Vitamin C Glow Boost Essence with Hyaluronic Acid Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Lumene
    Valo Vitamin C Glow Boost Essence with Hyaluronic Acid

    Nikki Lopez

    I'm always on the market for serums that can do the work of two products all in one and this serum is no exception. The formula melts into the skin and leaves your face feeling non-sticky after it dries. I also enjoy the fresh orange scent. 

    The hyaluronic acid in it also helps in adding hydration back to the skin, making it look plumper. I love to use this after it's been in the fridge and especially in the mornings. If I had a rough night, this serum works wonderfully in making my skin look less fatigued, helping to avoid any dullness.
    $24.99
  • The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    The Ordinary
    Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

    Nikki Lopez

    Hyaluronic acid is known to draw moisture back into your skin and improve the overall hydration of your skin. The Ordinary is well known for creating pure formula skincare "cocktails" to help target different skin issues. 

    When I first started using this serum, I was immediately impressed by its smooth formula that leaves a soft and fresh feeling. I love putting this serum into my fridge and using it to wake my skin up and rehydrate it. 

    A nice little tip is to apply this fresh out of the shower (on damp-dry skin) while there's still steam in the bathroom! Steam and hyaluronic acid means better absorption of the product into the skin.
    $13.95
  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    CeraVe
    Moisturizing Cream

    Nikki Lopez

    This moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, making it the perfect all-in-one product. In the morning, especially during the winter, this cream aids in absorbing moisture into the skin. Layering it with other serums leaves skin feeling plump. 

    I am always looking for ways to do as much as I can for my skin with as few products as possible. Compared to other moisturizers, this one is a staple product that's perfect for any skincare routine or when you feel like you need to start a new routine by starting over from the basics.
    $16.08
  • The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    The Ordinary
    100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

    Nikki Lopez

    To soothe redness and damaged skin, my go-to facial oil is this rose hip seed oil by The Ordinary. I love the way this facial oil feels when being used with a jade roller! It soothes redness from acne scars, destresses the skin, and works towards promoting your skin's overall health. 

    My favorite way to use this product is to apply a few drops on each cheek and my forehead and smooth it out with clean fingertips. To help the oil absorb into my skin and to give myself a "mock facial," I'll use my jade roller or facial massager to roll my face and make it feel plump with the facial oil on. I'll usually do this for two minutes before moving on to my next skincare step.
    $16.95
  • Isle of Paradise Light Self Tanning Drops Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Isle of Paradise
    Light Self Tanning Drops

    Nikki Lopez

    Isle of Paradise's facial tanning oils always made me skeptical. I was afraid that I would overdo the tanning drops and end up with a self-tan that appears too orange! However, after using it, I found that it's the complete opposite when you actually use it and it offers a nice glow for the day. 

    I apply two drops to my moisturizer (once it's in my hands!) and then apply the mixture onto my face. Not only does the product smell good, it works instantly and throughout the day, giving you a fresh summer glow. One tip: after application, immediately wash your hands. You don't want self-tanner between your fingers!
    $41.32
  • The Body Shop Twin-Ball Revitalising Facial Massager Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    The Body Shop
    Twin-Ball Revitalising Facial Massager

    Nikki Lopez

    In addition to my jade rollers, I've always been interested in other ways to massage my face. I came across this facial massager while browsing around The Body Shop and I was intrigued by its shape. When applying it onto the face, the two balls work to "tug" the skin in between themselves to help in massaging the face. 

    I love using this with facial oil (like rose hip seed oil!) and working it around my cheeks, using an upwards motion. This is also nice to place into the fridge to help with eye de-puffing in the morning!
    $8.00
  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Facial Sunscreen Image 1
    Source：amazon.com

    Neutrogena
    Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Facial Sunscreen

    Nikki Lopez

    I'm always looking for a great and reliable sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast and doesn't dry my skin out throughout the day. This sunscreen is my favorite, especially for using under my makeup. Once applied, it melts into skin and leaves it feeling and looking dewy. 

    The only drawback is the packaging of the product which can lead to wasting some product because of the "loose flow" of the spout. This sunscreen is a bit more liquidy and can cause you to pour out more than you may need.


    However, the high SPF benefits the skin. It's actually the highest compared to other sunscreens I currently have on my shelf (who are around 35-50). The sheerness of the sunscreen is also true because it leaves no white cast and blends into skin nicely. 
    $11.97