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I never thought skincare would become such an important part of my daily life—until I hit my mid-30s and became a mom. Between the sleepless nights and long workdays, my skin needed more than just a splash of water in the morning.
Not to brag, but people constantly ask me what my secret is for glowing, healthy-looking skin. And honestly? I’ve never had a professional facial! Instead, I stick to this simple, effective 7-step skincare routine that I follow right at home.
If you’re over 30, a busy mom, or just someone who wants that fresh, radiant skin without relying on heavy makeup—this routine is for you.
1. Double Cleanse (Night Only)
On days I wear SPF or light makeup, I start with a gentle cleansing balm or micellar water to melt it off. Followed by a deep cleanse using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. Always pat dry with a clean face towel to prevent bacteria buildup.

2. Exfoliate (2x a Week)
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps my skin absorb products better. I use Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser twice a week—no more, no less—to avoid irritation.

3. Toner for Balance
Using Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner, I gently swipe my face with a cotton pad to remove any leftover residue and restore pH balance. This step tightens pores and refreshes my skin like nothing else.

4. Targeted Serum (Optional but Effective)
If my skin feels dull or dry, I add a vitamin C or hyaluronic acid serum. This is a bonus step, but it’s a game-changer for brightening and hydration.

5. Hydrate + Seal with My Secret Mix
Here’s my holy grail combo: a quarter-sized dab of Vaseline mixed with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. This mix deeply moisturizes while locking in hydration. My skin stays soft, dewy, and glowing all day long—even when I skip makeup.

6. Eye Cream or Vaseline on Under Eyes
I lightly dab Vaseline under my eyes at night to prevent dryness and fine lines. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use an eye cream—but honestly, Vaseline does the trick.

7. Lip Hydration (Always!)
I never skip my lips! I apply a thin layer of Vaseline on my lips before bed and in the morning. No more chapped lips—just a soft, natural pout.

Bonus Tip: Skip Makeup When You Can
I work from home, so unless I have a Teams meeting, I don’t wear makeup. This break gives my skin time to breathe, recover, and glow naturally.
Final Thoughts
That’s it! Simple, affordable, and effective. I may not go to fancy spas, but this 7-step skincare routine keeps my skin glowing—and best of all, it fits into my real life as a working mom.
💫 Want glowing skin too? Here are the Kiehl’s products I personally use and love:
- Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
- Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser
- Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
- Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
- Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
What skincare step can you not live without? Share it in the comments —I’m always looking to add more glow!