What do you think when you hear, "skin care"? If you immediately think a makeup wipe, then we might have a problem. Our skin is the biggest organ on the body that we often times take for granted.

We sleep with our makeup on and often replace water with coffee more times than not. It usually takes 21 days to form a good habit, so let's find middle ground among budget, ingredients, and products that will fit into anyone's busy schedule.

1. Remove your makeup before you use face wash

Yes, your face wash alone does not remove all of your makeup. It is so important that these two steps go hand in hand to clear away all the dirt, oil, and makeup from the day.

My biggest recommendations for a remover is a cleansing oil, micellar water, or even makeup wipes. A few of my favorites are:

• BOSCIA MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil
• Neutrogena ® Ultra Light Cleansing Oil
• Simple Cleansing Micellar Water
• Garnier ® SKINACTIVE™ Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser
• Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean Deep Cleansing Milk
• Simple Facial Wipes, Cleansing

All of these are super gentle and have great ingredients for your skin.

For actual facial washes, know what type works best for you. Foaming washes work wonders for oily skin and gel consistencies are usually the best for dry and combination skin. Also, for acne prone skin do not always reach for salicylic acid. Overdrying your skin could be the reason for your breakouts. Try benzoyl peroxide and see if your results change. I suggest:

• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
• Simple Kind to Skin Facial Care Foaming Facial Cleanser

2. Use a toner.

After you use a cleanser, it is important to reset the pH balance in your skin. I vouch for a more natural toner such as:

• Rose Water
• Witch Hazel
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Tea Tree Oil

These natural toners are fantastic for getting rid of redness, excess oil, dead skin, and large pores. If you use the apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil, make sure dilute with water because it is too abrasive on its own. For example, 1/2 tbsp tea tree oil 1/2 tbsp water.

3. Wanna be boujee? Try a serum and eye cream at night

You apply serums after cleansing but before moisturizing. Serums are created to penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients. This makes them a great tool for targeting specific skincare concerns. For acne-prone skin, try a serum with active vitamin C or retinol.

These ingredients enhance skin’s repair process and reduce inflammation. For dry skin, look for vitamin E serums because it retains moisture while protecting the skin. Lastly, for everything in between trying green tea extract serums that promote cellular repair and healing at night. Three to look into are:

• Tons of vitamin C serums (even at Walmart)
• Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
• Age - Defense Skin Guardian with White Tea by Origins

The skin under your eye is the most delicate skin on your face. That skin can turn on you quickly into wrinkles, darkness, and dry patches. A few eye cream that will take care of things like this are:

• GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff by Origins
• Soap & Glory Puffy Eye Attack Turbo-Boost Hydragel
• Ceramide Eye Gel by Mario Badescu

4. Moisturizer is KEY

If you are too exhausted to do anything at least remove your makeup and use a moisturizer. Moisturizing your face will help you to look and feel younger, you will have softer, more elastic skin, and it will keep your skin hydrated. It is such a simple way to take care of your skin. My go-to facial lotions are:

• Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel
• CLINIQUE Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
• PHILOSOPHY Renewed Hope In A Jar
• Cetaphil Hydrating Night Cream

5. Exfoliate every once in a while

When old skin cells start to pile up on the surface of the skin, it can leave skin looking dull, rough, and dry. Furthermore, the buildup of dead skin cells can result in excess oil and clogged pores, leading to blemishes and acne. Find out when it is best for you to exfoliate because you can overdo it. I usually aim for once a week because it can dry out my skin. Some suggestions are:

• St. Ives Fresh Skin Face Scrub Apricot
• Bioderma Sebium Exfoliating Gel
• Aveeno® Positively Radiant® Skin Brightening Daily Scrub

6. Sheet masks are fun

Sheet masks have been all the rage, but they really beneficial. They are meant to nourish your skin because the serum in the masks are filled with various vitamins and minerals, and won’t dry out the skin compared to the paste-type face mask. The sheet on your face helps the serum to soak in your skin a little longer. They are also super cheap. Some fun but wholesome mask are:

• Animal Mask
• Yes To Mask
• I’m Real Mask

The best investment you will ever make is the one in yourself.