A Beginner-Friendly PM Skincare Routine That Actually Works
Because nothing humbles you faster than doing a full routine… and still waking up with a pimple - Ale Jay
I’ll never forget… I posted a video recently, and someone commented: “Girl… your skin.” Fifteen thousand likes later and my entire comment section turned into a skincare Q&A. I couldn’t scroll without seeing “Drop the routine,” “We need the skincare,” and “What are you using?!”
And listen… if you know anything about this page, you know we do not gatekeep over here. I love beauty, I love sharing what works, and I love when y’all notice the glow.
So today, I’m walking you through my full nighttime skincare routine. This is the exact routine that’s helped clear my texture, keep my skin hydrated, and make me feel confident even on no-makeup days. It’s simple, consistent, and easy enough for you to start tonight.
Step 1: The Oil Cleanse
The first thing I do… no matter how tired I am… is grab my Dermalogica Precleanse Oil and melt the day away. Makeup, sunscreen, dirt… all of it just disappears. I rub it into my dry skin for a full 60 seconds—this isn’t a race. I want that oil to really break everything down before I rinse it off with warm water.
It’s like a reset button for my face… erasing the day so I can start fresh.
Step 2: The Gentle Cleanse
That first cleanse? That was just the warm-up. Now I go in with my Youth to the People Kale + Green Tea Superfood Cleanser, this stuff is gentle, but it does not play when it comes to actually cleaning your skin.
I always emulsify it with a little water, let it foam up in my hands, and then massage it into my face for a full 60 seconds. It’s honestly my favorite part of the routine. It smells fresh, feels spa-like, and gives me that clean-but-not-stripped feeling every single time.
This is when I feel like… okay, now we’re really getting somewhere.
Step 3: The Toner That Brings Skin Back to Life
After double cleansing, my skin usually looks a little… tired. Not bad, just like it’s asking for a little love. That’s when I reach for the Rhode Glazing Milk, it’s technically a toner, but honestly feels more like a drink of water for your face. It’s lightweight, milky, and instantly calming.
I skip the cotton pad and press it in with my hands, so none of it goes to waste. Within seconds, my skin starts looking hydrated, plump, and like it wants to be seen.
If you've ever looked in the mirror post-cleanse and thought, “Why do I look stressed?”, this fixes that.
Step 4: Treat the Dark Spots
Dark spots? Yeah… they’ve had me in a chokehold for years. But this step right here has been a game-changer.
I’ve been using the Anua Dark Spot Correcting Serum, and let me just say, it’s giving real results without the drama. It’s super lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave any weird residue. I actually found it after falling into an Amazon review rabbit hole (you know the ones), and the before-and-afters were too good to ignore.
I just take a few drops and press it into the areas where I’ve had stubborn hyperpigmentation. It’s gentle, but consistent use really does something. We love a product that quietly does its job.
Step 5: The One Product I’ll Never Stop Buying
Okay… let me just say this now:
If they ever discontinue this product, I will shed real, dramatic tears. The product? Neutrogena Retinol Oil.
This has been my go-to for over two years. I started slow… once a week, watching how my skin responded. Now, I use it every single night. It’s helped with texture, fine lines, and just gives me that glazed look before bed.
It’s like skincare for grown-woman skin. Not harsh, not drying. Just glow.
Step 6: Lock it In
You’re gonna be tempted to stop here. I get it. But don’t skip moisturizer.
Lately, I’ve been using the Farmacy Halo Honey Moisturizer. It’s thick, it’s nourishing, and my skin loves anything with honey. I apply a nice layer to seal in everything I’ve done so far… and when I wake up, I still feel hydrated.
That’s the key. Products are great, but consistency and sealing it all in? That’s what gets results.
The Routine That Actually Works
Skincare isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding what works, doing it consistently, and giving your skin what it actually needs.
This routine has been my go-to for months now, and I truly believe it’s why my skin has been looking and feeling its best.
If you’re starting your skincare journey, or you’ve been stuck in the “trying everything and nothing works” phase… I’ve been there. And I hope this routine helps you feel a little more confident, a little more glowy, and a lot more in love with your skin.
Til next time,
Ale Jay