In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, our skin often mirrors the chaos—stressed, tired, and in need of a little extra care. In the vast landscape of skincare, it’s easy to get lost in the many products, steps, and promising transformative results. Yet, as I’ve navigated the ever-expanding world of serums, creams, and toners, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty in simplicity in skin health. I’ve always been a less is more girl. Because even when I’m not on the road, I still like to be ready-to-go with simplified clean skincare.

Minimalist Skincare Routine

Skincare isn’t just a routine; it’s a ritual—an everyday commitment to yourself. However, in a world where time is a luxury, the extensive skincare routines can feel overwhelming, especially for those of us who are just two weeks postpartum. The truth is an effective skincare routine need not be complicated with an arsenal of product clutter. Instead, it can be a mindful edit, a minimalist approach that streamlines the essentials, focusing on quality over quantity. As someone who appreciates the beauty of a few, well-chosen elements, I’ve discovered the profound impact a streamlined routine can have.

Step 1: Cleanse with One Skin Prep

One Skin Prep is a gentle cleanser that will remove makeup and help exfoliate impurities without irritation with the magic of gentle enzymes. Free from detergents and harsh chemicals, this clean cleanser is safe for acne prone skin and will protect your skin barrier. The coolest part about this brand is it’s based on science and has some incredible ingredients derived from nature like prickly pear for exfoliation, Japanese honeysuckle for detoxification, arnica for anti-inflammatory, and so much more. 

Tula Cult Classic is a classic tried and true cleanser I always have on hand, because even Alex loves it. If time and memory allow, I will double cleanse with this at night. I’m running low and will be giving this Biossance Squaline + Amina Aloe Gentle Cleanser a try next. All of these are great for sensitive skin!

Step 2: Tone with Indie Lee toner

Indie Lee toner is an alcohol-free hydrating mist. So to keep it simple, just use it as intended and spray 2-3 times with eyes closed. This is my go-to method, but if you have an extra minute, spray onto a cotton pad (I like these reusable ones) and gently glide along your cheeks, chin, and forehead. It’s a great refreshing step for day and night.

Step 3: Treat your eyes with Herbivore moon dew

Herbivore moon dew retinol alternative is what I have in rotation. It went viral on TikTok recently because it provides visible results in minutes. That’s exactly what the doctor ordered for this tired mama. It sold out at Sephora but is available directly from Herbivore use code LESLEY25 for 25% off. 

Optional step: add your favorite serum to this routine. The Biossance Rose firming vitamin C serum for morning is great or the Herbivore Moon Dew retinol alternative serum for nighttime.

Step 4: Moisturize with this  Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

Elemis is a household name for us Murphy girls. Elemis Collagen Marine Cream is a skincare gem that stimulates collagen production, promoting a firmer and more youthful complexion and hydrated skin cells. I have re-bought this cream many many times and I’ll be trying to match my mom’s glowy complexion forever.

Step 5: Protect your skin with your favorite spf coverage of the moment

We all know how important it is to protect your skin with daily face sunscreen every morning.. it’s the ultimate defense for anti aging! Dealer’s choice here because I have oh so many face spf products in my repotioire. Go for this lux feeling Saint Jane SPF 30 that will give you a slight glow. This Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue is a tinted moisturizer that’s hydrating, clean, and a nice evening base. This Best Skin Days by Iris & Romeo is a skincare dream – 3 in 1 – moisturizer, SPF, and natural coverage foundation. I went through mine so fast and loved it!

Optional step: Moisturize your lips with my favorite Laneige lip mask or Merit Beauty’s hydrating tinted lip oil.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of an elaborate skincare routine or the overwhelmed by too many choices, this one’s for you. Let’s declutter, simplify, and discover the transformative power of less is more. There are endless benefits of minimalist skincare and you have my permission to take what works for you and leave the rest behind!

If there are minimalist skincare tips you love, please share!