My 5-Step Skincare Routine for Radiant, Glowing Skin

Introduction: Why a Glowing Skincare Routine Matters

I used to think that glowing skin came down to finding one miracle product — the perfect serum or the most expensive moisturizer. But after years of trial and error (and wasting way too much money), I realized something important: radiant skin isn’t about having a million products — it’s about consistency, ingredients that work, and a simple, balanced routine.

If you’ve been struggling with dull, dry, or tired-looking skin, this post is for you. I’m sharing my go-to 5-step skincare routine that has genuinely transformed my skin over the past few months. It’s simple, it’s effective, and yes — it includes affiliate links to my absolute favorite products (no gatekeeping here 😉).

Whether you’re a skincare newbie or looking to refine your current routine, these five steps will help you build a glowy, healthy foundation your skin will love.

Let’s start with the very first (and most important) step: cleansing.

Step 1: Start With a Clean Slate (Cleanser)

Let’s be real — no matter how expensive your serums are, they won’t work unless your skin is clean. That’s why cleansing is the foundation of any effective skincare routine. For me, a gentle, hydrating cleanser made all the difference. It removes excess oil, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping my skin’s natural moisture barrier.

I personally look for cleansers with glycerin, ceramides, or centella asiatica — soothing ingredients that clean and calm at the same time.

💡 Pro Tip: I always wash with lukewarm water (never hot!) and follow the 60-second rule to let the ingredients actually do their job.

My Top Cleanser Picks:

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser – A cult favorite for a reason. Gentle, affordable, and dermatologist-approved.
• Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser – Lightweight, antioxidant-rich, and perfect for sensitive skin.
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser – Extremely soothing and ideal for reactive skin types.

Hydrating Facial Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin - 16oz

$14.24 at Ulta $15.48 at Walmart.com $15.49 at Target $18.99 at Ecosmetics.com

Step 2: Layer on Lightweight Hydration (Toner or Essence)

After cleansing, my skin always craves a little extra hydration — that’s where toner (or essence) comes in. But not the old-school, alcohol-heavy toners we grew up with. I’m talking about hydrating, skin-replenishing formulas that prep your skin to soak up all the goodness that follows.

Think of toner as a primer for your face: it balances your skin’s pH, adds a boost of moisture, and helps your serum absorb better. Personally, I apply it with my hands instead of a cotton pad — less waste, and more glow.

What to Look For in a Toner:

• Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or rose water
• Alcohol-free formulas that hydrate instead of dry
• Lightweight texture that layers well

💡 Pro Tip: If your skin feels tight after using toner, it’s not the right one. Hydrating toners should feel refreshing — not squeaky.

My Favorite Hydrating Toners & Essences:

1. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus – Intensely hydrating, fragrance-free, and perfect for layering
2. Klavuu White Pearlsation Revitalizing Pearl Treatment Toner – Brightening, luxe-feeling essence-toner hybrid
3. Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner – A cult classic with soothing rose water and aloe

Thayers Rose Petal Facial Toner 12oz Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Alcohol-Free All Skin

$9.95 at eBay $10.95 at Ulta $10.99 at Target $11.19 at FragranceNet.com $11.28 at Ecosmetics.com

How I Use It:

I pour a few drops into my palms and gently press it into my face right after cleansing. Sometimes I’ll do two layers if my skin feels extra thirsty — especially in winter.

Step 3: Target and Treat (Serum)

This is where the magic really starts to happen. Serums are concentrated skincare formulas packed with active ingredients that target your specific skin goals. For me, it’s all about brightening, hydration, and evening out skin tone — and serums have been a total game-changer.

Depending on whether it’s morning or night, I rotate between a few trusted formulas:

• In the morning, I go for vitamin C to fight dullness and give my skin a subtle glow.
• At night, I’ll use niacinamide to reduce redness or retinol when my skin needs a reboot.

💡 Pro Tip: Always apply serum while your skin is still slightly damp from toner — it helps the ingredients absorb better and makes your routine more effective.

My Favorite Serums:

1. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum – Brightening, smoothening, great for morning use
2. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – Affordable, great for oily or acne-prone skin
3. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum – Gentle retinol formula, helps fade dark spots

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream - 0.5 oz - Helps with Dark Circles & Eye Puffiness

$10.00 at eBay $14.44 at Walmart.com $14.49 at Target $19.99 at Ecosmetics.com $19.99 at Ulta $19.99 at Dermstore

How I Use It:

I take 2–3 drops, warm it between my fingers, and press it into my skin — focusing on my cheeks and forehead. I always let it sit for a minute or two before moving on to moisturizer.

Step 4: Lock It All In (Moisturizer)

After layering in all that goodness, it’s time to seal the deal. Moisturizer helps lock in hydration, protect your skin barrier, and create the smooth canvas your skin needs — whether you’re heading to bed or applying makeup.

Choosing the right moisturizer doesn’t have to be complicated. I keep it simple:

• Gel moisturizers in summer or for oily skin
• Creams or balms in winter or for dry skin days

💡 Pro Tip: Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp from your serum — it locks in hydration so much better.

My Go-To Moisturizers:

1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (Tub) – Fragrance-free, packed with ceramides, ideal for dry or sensitive skin
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – Lightweight, oil-free, absorbs quickly — perfect under makeup
3. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream – Luxe texture, barrier-supporting ingredients, no fragrance

CeraVe Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser - Normal to Dry Skin Fragrance Free 12 oz

$12.48 at eBay $13.68 at Walmart.com $13.69 at Target $15.99 at Ulta $16.99 at Ecosmetics.com $16.99 at Dermstore

How I Use It:

I gently massage a pea-sized amount into my face and neck — and always take a second to enjoy the texture. It’s my moment of self-care in the routine.

Step 5: Protect or Restore (SPF in the Morning / Mask at Night)

This is the step I used to skip — and my skin definitely suffered for it. Whether you’re heading out the door or winding down for the night, the final step in your skincare routine should either protect or restore your skin barrier.

In the morning, it’s all about SPF. If you’re doing everything else right but skipping sunscreen, you’re undoing your glow every time you step outside. UV damage is the #1 cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin dullness — so sunscreen is non-negotiable.

In the evening, I like to swap out sunscreen for a hydrating overnight mask 2–3 times a week. It’s my lazy-girl secret to waking up looking like I drank 3 liters of water and got 9 hours of sleep (even if I didn’t).

💡 Pro Tip: Reapply SPF during the day if you’re outside a lot. For overnight masks, I skip moisturizer and go straight to the mask if my skin is feeling extra dry.

My Favorites:

Morning SPF Picks:

1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+ – Invisible finish, fragrance-free, amazing under makeup
2. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 – Primer + sunscreen in one, weightless feel

Overnight Mask Picks:

1. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask – Lightweight, hydrating, K-beauty cult favorite
2. Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask – Brightening, calming, and retinol-powered overnight care

How I Use It:

In the morning, I apply a full 2-finger-length strip of sunscreen — yes, that much! In the evening, I layer on the overnight mask as the last step and let it do the work while I sleep.

Final Thoughts

Glowing skin isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency. These five steps have completely changed how my skin looks and feels. They’re simple enough to stick to and powerful enough to make a difference.

Want to try my exact routine? You can shop all the products I use through the links in each section or check out the full list below. If you found this helpful, don’t forget to Pin it or share with a friend!