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In my early twenties as a brand-new mom, my skincare routine was as simple as it gets. At the end of long nights, I would grab a diaper wipe from the bedside and use it to take off my makeup while nursing my baby to sleep. That was my routine for years.
To be fair, it was still an upgrade from my teenage years, when I would sleep in my makeup for days at a time. Looking back, I’m just grateful we didn’t have high-quality phone cameras documenting everything back then.
As I started approaching 30, I realized it might be time to take better care of my skin—and myself.
Part of that realization came from wanting to age a little more gracefully. I haven’t done anything extreme, but the products I’ve incorporated into my routine have made a noticeable difference. More importantly, I want to feel good. I talk about this often with my jewelry business—why I wear earrings and why those small details matter. As moms, we pour so much into our kids, and that’s a beautiful thing. But there comes a point when we have to take care of ourselves, too.
And yes, that often comes with guilt. Spending money on yourself can feel unnecessary. I’m not someone who buys $69 toner pads or $85 moisturizers. That’s just not realistic for me. So I’ve found a handful of products that are affordable, simple, and truly effective—products I repurchase before they even run out, which says a lot.
Keeping my routine simple has been key. It saves time, keeps costs manageable, and helps me stay consistent. Even on busy, chaotic days, these small habits help me feel more like myself.
Here are five tried-and-true products that have made a difference in my routine.
The first is a cleansing balm makeup remover. This completely changed how I take off my makeup. It has a light citrus scent and melts smoothly into the skin, breaking down everything effortlessly. I start by using a microfiber makeup cloth, then apply the balm, and finish with a warm cloth to remove it. My skin feels clean, soft, and moisturized every time. Definitely a major upgrade from diaper wipes.
Next are the Medi-Cube toner pads. I discovered these after noticing how incredible a friend’s skin looked—completely makeup-free and glowing. I’ve struggled with small bumps along my jawline and cheeks, and while I don’t love harsh, gritty exfoliants, these toner pads gently smooth my skin. I try to use them once a day to keep things budget-friendly, and even then, they last a long time. I once stopped using them for a couple of weeks and immediately noticed those bumps coming back. That alone convinced me they’re worth it.
The third product is the Medi-Cube peptide face serum. This has been a game changer for hydration and overall skin tone. My skin feels more even, and I’m much more comfortable going without makeup. I’ve also struggled with dryness, especially during winter, but since using this serum consistently morning and night, that dryness has significantly improved. My skin just feels healthier.
The fourth item is a hair perfume that was gifted to me for my birthday. I use it on my hair and lightly as a regular fragrance. The scent is soft and not overpowering, which is important to me since strong fragrances can give me headaches. It’s become one of those little luxuries that feels special without being excessive, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing it.
Finally, a lash and brow growth serum. If you grew up in the early 2000s like me, you might understand the over-plucking phase. I’m still recovering from that. This serum has genuinely helped. I’ve noticed fuller brows and longer lashes, even years after microblading that has since faded. It’s been encouraging to actually see progress.
These are the products I keep coming back to. They’re not trendy or one-time favorites—they’ve earned a permanent spot in my routine. They’re affordable, effective, and easy to incorporate into everyday life.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about skincare. It’s about finding simple ways to take care of yourself without guilt. You deserve to feel good, even in the middle of busy motherhood. And sometimes, it starts with something as small as washing your face at the end of the day.
