That Post-Facial Glow, Now at Your Fingertips

by Nurain Alicharan

Published Aug 13, 2019

Let’s face it, facials are pricey. As much as self-care deserves to be a priority, it can be difficult to set aside the dough for a recommended once-a-month facial. But money shouldn’t be holding you back from healthier skin—introducing, at-home facials. That’s right, you can still give your face some much-needed TLC at home. Store these products in your cabinet and that post-facial glow is right in your bathroom. Here’s our simple nine step recipe.

1. Cleanse

This one’s a given. Every effective beauty treatment starts with a fresh, clean canvas.

Our editors recommend : Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water Cloths or Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel.

2. Exfoliate

Next, eliminate dead skin cells with a gentle, but effective exfoliant. This also preps skin for the steps to come and allows for better absorption.

Our editors recommend : Bioderma Sebium Exfoliating Gel or Eau Thermale Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel.

Bonus: Don’t forget the lips!

Our editors recommend : TOM FORD Lip Exfoliator or Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Lip Scrub.

3. Essence/Toner

Hydrate, soothe and maintain your skin’s natural balance with an essence and/or toner. The fluid formula will penetrate into skin almost instantaneously. In case you’re new to essences, here’s what all the hype is about.

Our editors recommend : Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence or Mila Moursi pH Balancing Toner.

4. Peel

Let’s speed up skin renewal with a gentle peel that smooths away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, refined complexion minus the irritation.

Our editors recommend : Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Peeling Gel or Omorovicza Blue Diamond Resurfacing Peel.

5. Mask

Customize your facial with the mask your skin is dying for right now: deep cleansing, hydrating, anti-aging, firming, or the perfect combo with a little bit of each. Apply, relax and zen out.

Our editors recommend : Skin Inc Supplement Bar Facial In-A-Flash Multi-Masking Bento Set Mask-To-Perfection or Omorovicza Ultramoor Mud Mask.

6. Massage

An at-home facial doesn’t have to sacrifice the best part: the massage, obviously. Replicate an esthetician’s kneading massage with a facial roller. It’ll release and regulate energy, drain toxins, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and contour and tighten the skin. We can’t overlook the relaxation benefits, either.

Our editors recommend : ReFa Carat Face or The Sacred Ritual Clear Quartz Facial Roller.

7. Treat

Next, treat your skin with a serum that targets specific concerns with effective, active ingredients. Taking your skin’s needs into consideration, determine which serums are right for you, and apply away.

Our editors recommend : Indie Lee Banish Stick or Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum.