Soaking in the last weeks of summer: my current skincare and makeup routine

At Home By Elena

These last weeks of summer have me focusing on two things: keeping my skin well cared for and getting that fresh, glowy finish I love. I've been leaning into the dewy, almost glass-skin look we've been seeing everywhere, but in a way that still looks like real skin. This is the skincare and makeup routine I've been reaching for lately — the products that are actually earning their place on my bathroom counter and in my makeup bag.

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My Skincare Routine

Morning

Prequel Gleanser Face Wash

This leaves my skin incredibly soft without ever making it feel dry or stripped. The Amazon listing I'm linking right now is a set of two bottles. If you'd rather try just one first, Target also carries it individually.

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REMEDY Vitamin C Serum

I really love this brand right now. This serum has a lovely milky texture that feels much more hydrating than some vitamin C serums I've used in the past. I apply it first and let it fully absorb before moving on to the next layer.

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REMEDY Copper Peptide Serum

I use this immediately after my vitamin C once the first serum has fully absorbed. It gives me another layer of hydration, and REMEDY specifically formulates these products to work together. I love the way this combination feels on my skin.

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Prequel Half & Half Moisturizer

I intentionally choose a lighter moisturizer in the morning because I'm already layering two serums underneath and sunscreen on top, followed by makeup. This keeps everything comfortable and hydrated without making my morning routine feel too heavy.

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ROUND LAB Birch Juice UV LOCK SPF 45

I rotate this with House of Hur Tropical Dew. Korean sunscreens have become a favorite of mine because they feel so comfortable and hydrating on the skin. I apply generously to my face, neck, ears, and décolletage.

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Evening

Paula's Choice 2% BHA

My absolute holy grail. I genuinely can't imagine my routine without this one. It has made such a noticeable difference in my skin — especially my texture and overall complexion — and it's one product I know I'll keep coming back to.

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Prequel Retinal Renew 0.2%

I recently incorporated this into my routine. I used to use Naturium and had previously featured it on my blog, but I'm no longer using that brand. With brands being held accountable for how they operate and the need for companies to do better, I decided to make a change. Prequel is a brand I trust, and this retinal has become my replacement.

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Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Cream

At night I go for a heavier moisturizer. This one feels rich without being greasy, absorbs beautifully, and leaves my skin soft with a really nice glow. I prefer keeping my moisturizer focused on hydration and barrier support without adding extra active ingredients, since I already have those covered elsewhere in my routine.

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I alternate my nighttime actives rather than layering everything together. Paula's Choice BHA is used twice a week, while Prequel Retinal is used on the other nights. I don't use them together in the same routine.

Eye Area, a Few Times a Week

Abib PDRN & Kojic Acid Eye Patch Duo

I love that this duo gives me two different options for the eye area. The PDRN patches focus on hydration and helping the skin look plumper and more refreshed, while the kojic acid patches are designed to target the look of discoloration and uneven tone. Abib is still my favorite eye-patch option.

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Grace & Stella Eye Patches

A Costco find and a really good value option. They absolutely work, and I like having them around, but Abib is still my favorite. These do slide around a little, so they're best for sitting down with your coffee while you wait for them to do their thing — not exactly the eye patches I'd choose if I were running a marathon.

My Makeup Routine

MAKE Beauty Diffusion Dew Skin Tint

Sheer-to-medium, buildable coverage with the most beautiful lit-from-within finish. There's been some discussion online about whether this has shimmer or glitter, so here's my honest take: yes, there is an extremely fine amount of shimmer, but I only see an occasional tiny speck when I'm looking in a magnifying mirror. You're definitely not walking around looking like a vampire in daylight. 😂 What I actually notice is the finish. I have literally caught myself looking at my reflection when I walk past a mirror because the skin just looks so pretty.

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Catrice Under Eye Brightener

My go-to color corrector for the brown discoloration under my eyes and on my lids. It adds just enough warmth and brightness to neutralize the darkness before concealer without looking heavy.

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Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer

One of my favorite complexion products right now. It gives the prettiest dimension without ever turning orange, and the formula glides beautifully over the skin. It's one of those products that makes adding a little warmth and shape to the face feel effortless.

Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Blurring Powder

My pressed powder for when I want to take down a little shine and softly blur the complexion without making my skin look flat or overly powdered. It keeps that polished finish while still letting the skin look like skin.

Rhode Pocket Blush + Peptide Lip Tint

Genuinely obsessed with both of these. The marketing may skew younger, but the formulas work beautifully on 40s skin. The Pocket Blush has that dewy, moisturizing texture I love and gives the cheeks a fresh, juicy finish. The Peptide Lip Tints are genuinely beautiful on too, and the liners contour the lips beautifully. My only complaint is that the lip color fades pretty quickly — within about an hour for me. If you don't mind reapplying often (I don't), I still think they're worth it.

Good skincare underneath is what actually matters most. You're never going to get glass skin from makeup alone — it's a good skincare routine plus a few well-chosen complexion products on top.