Skin care is everything to me. If I'm having a bad day, I'll go home and plop a face mask on. Of course, a face-shaped sheet fabric isn't going to solve my life's problems, but it doesn't hurt to hope it will!

In all seriousness, taking care of your skin is absolutely necessary for living your best life. Although genetics plays a great role in the nature of your skin, good skin doesn't fully depend on your DNA. It depends on your daily habits, diet, and ultimately the TLC you give it. Everyone has different needs when it comes to their skin. However, we can all follow a general guide when it comes to knowing what types of products to use. Here is your guide to the ultimate skin care routine!

1. Cleanse

You can't begin without a squeaky clean face. The first thing I do when I wake up, or alternatively when I'm going to bed, is wash my face. It's important to invest in a good cleanser. A cleanser removes the makeup, dirt, and oil off of your face and lets your skin breathe. I like to use a makeup remover wipe to get rid of all my makeup before I go in with my cleanser. To get the most out of your cleanser, look into getting one that fits your skin's personal needs.

2. Exfoliate

Now this is something you shouldn't be doing every single day, but more like once to a few times a week based on your skin type. Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells and gives you a really clean and polished look. Exfoliating my skin makes it feel more alive. You don't have to be too specific on the type you get, but look out for ones that contain natural ingredients.

3. Tone

This is a step that many people either don't know much about or skip over completely. Realistically, using a toner isn't the most important thing, but it is essential if you want to get the most out of your skin care routine. Toner helps you feel clean and refreshed. It also helps to remove any leftover makeup that may have been left on your face. There are two ways to use it: either spritz it onto a cotton pad and dab all over your face, or directly spritz onto your face for more of a cooling effect.

4. Moisturize

Regardless of what skin type you have, moisturizing is super important. I have really dry skin, and therefore, a good moisturizer is a must for me. Moisturizing your face will keep it soft and supple. Personally, my skin feels a bit dried out after I use cleanser, and moisturizing it feels like I'm bringing it back to life. There are different types of moisturizer based on your skin type. It is important to get the right type as they all serve different needs.

5. Eye cream

I don't know about you, but even the bags under my eyes have bags. The area under your eyes is extremely delicate, therefore, it is important that we give it specialized care. Using a good eye cream every night is essential in the longterm appearance of your under eyes. Eye cream will keep the area hydrated, smooth, and elastic. It can also prevent fine lines and wrinkles in the future. Many people will tell you that you don't need one at your age, but it is honestly better to start young. Your future self will thank you!

6. Face masks

There's nothing I love more than putting on a face mask after a long day. Whether it be a clay mask, a sheet mask, or a peel-off mask, it's the perfect way to end the day. Walk into the nearest Sephora and you'll find hundreds of different masks, so I'd suggest experimenting and finding one that makes your skin feel the best.

7. DRINK WATER

I can't write an article about skin care without mentioning good ole H2O. Water is your skin's best friend. Just like any other part of your body, your skin is an organ, and it is made up of cells. If your skin isn't getting the sufficient amount of water it needs, it will show on your face. Drinking lots of water will clean out the toxins in your body and skin. Obviously, nothing happens overnight. But increasing your water intake will improve your skin's complexion and give it a glow. In addition to drinking water, you should also eat lots of fruits and vegetable in order for skin to function at its best. I mean, hey, you are what you eat.