Hi!

I usually lurk around here, but I've been using my current routine since about mid-November 2019 and I'm hoping to get some advice on whether I'm using my products in an effective order, if I am using the proper products for my goals, and some constructive criticism on my current routine.

Background on me: 30-year-old, mixed black woman with the Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV. I live in the California Bay Area and I work indoors. My skin type is normal, and I know that my skin just loves oils. My goals are to reduce hyperpigmentation on my cheeks, stop the random breakouts I still have here and there, have some more overall brightness and to slow the development of any signs of aging or wrinkles.

Morning Routine

- Rinse with warm water.

- Apply 3 drops of Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum (I wait for this to dry).

- Apply 3 drops of Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum (wait for this to dry).

- Spray Dehiya Beauty Hydrating Botanical Safi Mist.

- Apply a few drops of Dehiya Beauty AfterGlow Serum mixed with a few drops of either (depending on how my face is feeling): Herbivore Orchid Facial Oil, Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil, Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil, or Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil. I only mix two of these together! After application, I wait until everything sort of dries/settles on my face.

- Then I apply Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30.

- Lastly, I then apply my NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, blush, highlighter and a little mascara.

​

Nightly Routine

- Remove makeup with Mad Hippie Cleansing Oil.

- Wash my face with Dehiya Beauty The Glow Cleanser in Geranium (this is a Moroccan beldi soap) and I use this tool to gently scrub.

- Afterwards I spray Dehiya Beauty Clarifying Botanical Safi Mist (wait for this to dry).

- Apply 3 drops of Herbivore Prism 12% AHA 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum (wait for this to dry).

- Apply 3 drops of Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum (wait for this to dry).

- Apply 3 drops of Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum (wait for this to dry).

- Spray Dehiya Beauty Hydrating Botanical Safi Mist.

- Apply a few drops of Dehiya Beauty AfterGlow Serum (wait for this to dry).

- Scoop a little of Dehiya Beauty CBD Biru Balm mixed with a few drops of Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil and slather all over my face and neck.

​

My Feelings

I'm not seeing as much of a change with the hyperpigmentation but my skin overall looks brighter. It feels very soft, supple, and plump. I'm concerned that I might not being using my products in the most effective order to maximize by benefits. Any guidance y'all can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!