I used to be terrible about taking care of my skin. I slept in my makeup, only washed my face in the shower and my lotion would sit on my counter for weeks without use. I didn't have a terrible time with acne, so who cared? If I ever had a breakout or noticed that my skin seemed extra dry, I just shrugged it off as being part of my skin type. I never really did anything to actually prevent and repair it.

Throughout the years, I did get much better about putting in effort to make my skin look and feel its best. The only problem is, however, that I didn't always know what to use and what products were worth buying.

After a summer that I have dubbed the summer of skincare, I have built a list of cleansers and moisturizers that have now become a part of my personal routine. While different products work for different skin, I wanted to share what has helped mine dramatically in case anyone is searching for ways to give their own skin that healthy glow in time for school to start.

1. Makeup Removal

Whether I am going to bed or taking a shower, I like to have all of my makeup off so that I can properly remove it before deep cleaning my face. My favorite thing of all time to use to remove eye makeup and matte lipstick is natural coconut oil. Oil breaks down makeup like no other and helps clean off eye makeup without a lot of harsh rubbing. After all of the heavy stuff is taken care of, I like to squirt some micellar cleasing water on a cotton round to take care of all my blush, highlighter, concealer and foundation. Just note that micellar waters may not always work best with oily skin.

2. Cleansing

There a few cleansers and masks that I wanted to add just because my face always feels so great after using them, even though they should not be used every single day. First, I'd just like to talk about my latest find. Though I can't really read the label, it is a charcoal mask manufactured by Daiso Japan. I find that pore strips are expensive and never clean my pores as much as I'd like, but this mask is amazing. However, it should only be applied to your nose, chin, and forehead. I ignored the warnings and thought that I would be tough enough to put it on my entire face. Ripping it off was extremely painful and I do not recommend it.

Some calmer masks include the Freeman masks you can probably find at your neighborhood Walmart. My personal favorites are the Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Mask (which I use about twice a week) and the Sparkling Pear Pore Cleansing Mask. They're super cheap and super effective and I love them both.

Now, on to something that I just started using this summer but has really made a difference. Yes, toner smells strong and may feel drying at first, but it really helps clean up anything that may have been left behind. I use the Clean & Clear Essentials Deep Cleaning Toner for sensitive skin and am in love. My skin has been clear and fresh, even after days when I really pile on the makeup.

3. Moisturizing

Most moisturizers do the trick just fine, but I have naturally dry skin so I tend to take a few extra steps. Once my toner is dry, I add a bit of Pure Hydrating Argan Face Serum to my skin and rub it in on my forehead and both cheeks. Once that feels like it has set in, I add Olive Oil Eye Cream under and around my eyes. Finally, I put on CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, recommended to me by my dermatologist. Of course, I only add this much moisturizing products to my face before bed as the serum especially makes it appear to be oily.

4. Lips

With dry skin comes dry lips. Since my lips are also sensitive, drugstore lip balm often doesn't hydrate them enough for my liking. My new favorite discovery is Zumbo Kiss and it works wonders. Also, I liked to apply my all-time MVP skincare product Aquaphor to my lips every morning and night to keep them extra soft.

5. Acne

Especially now since I'm in my twenties, I haven't really ever had very bad acne. However, I do get the occasional breakout and annoying little blemishes on my face. I've never seen this anywhere other than the Internet and it makes your face smell like a science project, but it works. Before bed, I add Sulfur Ointment Acne Medication to any spots I notice and they are always smaller if not completely gone by morning. It's a miracle.

Like I said, not every product works with every skin type and my specific skin is normal to dry. However, if you've been looking for a new product to make your skin look extra healthy, these are my personal recommendations.

Glow on.