Speak to most skincare enthusiasts and you’ll hear a consensus: good skincare is more of a marathon than a sprint and the routines that truly work are the ones you can maintain day after day. The secret lies in finding those reliable, hardworking actives that consistently deliver results; and sticking with them through thick and thin.
But we know that nailing down the perfect AM routine is a daunting task. And that’s exactly why we turned to three of our editors and asked them to pull back the curtain on their fail-safe AM routines.
Here’s what they shared.
This power-packed toner by The Ordinary exfoliates, deeply moisturises, reduces dark spots and brightens skin. And while doing that, it also improves skin texture. The gentle formula is apt for mature skin that’s sensitive.
Once you’ve tried Snail Mucin, this is a great follow-up. It’s a watery serum packed with peptides (six of them), plus niacinamide and adenosine to help brighten, smooth, and support elasticity. It sinks in fast and layers easily under other products—think of it as a skin prep step that quietly makes everything else work a little better.
Not your average serum, not quite a toner—this one sits somewhere beautifully in between. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it’s designed to be the first step after cleansing, helping the rest of your skincare work harder. With six types of peptides, it’s all about boosting elasticity, smoothing texture and giving dull skin a bit more bounce. Think of it as your routine’s warm-up act, but with main-character energy.
This cream feels like skincare and face yoga in a jar. The Face Shop Pomegranate & Collagen Cream firms, hydrates and gives my skin this subtle bounce that’s hard to explain but easy to see. The texture is rich but not heavy, and it layers well with the rest of my routine. I reach for it when my face needs that extra lift or just looks a little tired.
Dry skin can make fine lines look more pronounced, which is why a hardworking moisturiser is key. This one blends hydrating ingredients with anti-ageing actives for a formula that feels rich but not greasy. Pomegranate extract helps plump and brighten the skin, while marine collagen improves elasticity and firmness over time. It gives your skin that soft, cushiony feel instantly, but with consistent use, it also helps tackle signs of sagging and dullness. A reliable daily pick that holds its own against pricier creams.
When COSRX launched its now-iconic snail mucin essence, the internet had a collective moment—and for good reason. First, there’s the headline ingredient: 98% snail secretion filtrate (yes, really). Then, there’s the slime-like texture that makes applying it strangely satisfying. But what really caught people off guard wasn’t the snail factor—it was how nourishing it turned out to be. Packed with skin-forward hyaluronic acid, it sinks in fast, leaving skin feeling plump, bouncy and deeply hydrated. Bonus: it’s lightweight enough for summer days and delivers that dewy, glass-skin glow without feeling sticky.
This one’s a no-brainer. This viral Cosrx essence is a staple in so many routines for a reason—it hydrates, repairs and gives your skin a soft, dewy feel. The lightweight formulation is also known to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and soothe irritation. Besides, it helps enhance skin elasticity, making it a go-to for anyone dealing with dry, damaged or acne-scarred skin. Whether you're looking to smooth out rough patches or boost overall skin health, this is a product you'll want to keep on hand in multiples.
Whether you are looking for moisture retention, plumping or nourishment, this widely loved essence can do it all—and it doesn’t choose to stop there, either. By dialling up exfoliation and cell turnover, the snail mucin in this multipurpose essence helps get the upper hand on hyperpigmentation, as well.
Finish: Soft matte | Texture: Balm-to-powder stick
Compact, weightless and ideal for on-the-go, this sun stick smooths on like a balm then dries into a powder-like veil. Great for touch-ups, but it also works well under makeup—blurring shine and softening texture without shifting cream or powder products. With centella inside, it’s a win for acne-prone or easily irritated skin.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable—even on cloudy monsoon days—and this silky sun stick makes reapplication effortless. With broad-spectrum SPF 50 and a cocktail of hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica, it hydrates, calms and shields skin without leaving a greasy residue or white cast. Its compact, glide-on format means it fits neatly into any work tote for seamless, mess-free top-ups throughout the day.
The velvet finish is especially ideal for humid days—it won’t slide around or pill under makeup. Think of it as your mid-day skin shield that doubles as a mattifier.
“I usually start my mornings by greeting my cats. Then I wander around a bit, watching cartoons or sitcoms! After a quick shower and some more TV time (love slow mornings), I get into my skincare game.
First up, I go in with The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner. It feels like a cool drink of milkshake for the face. Then I layer on the COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum, which sounds intense but basically just makes your skin feel firm and alive. After that, it’s either the d'you Hustle Face Serum, or I switch it up with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. It depends on what I’m feeling that day.
Next, I seal it all in with The Face Shop’s Pomegranate and Collagen Volume Lifting Cream. Fancy name, I know, but it’s a solid hydrator. Sunscreen’s a must, so I go with Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Aqua Fresh SPF 50+—lightweight, non-greasy, does the job. Last, I hit the lips with Fenty Beauty Lux Balm Ultra-Hydrating Cherry Lip Balm. Yes, it’s cherry, yes, it’s Fenty and, no, I’m not taking questions.
That’s the routine. Takes a few minutes, makes me feel like I’ve got my life together—even if I’ve just been watching cartoons with my cats.”
“Most mornings, I’m in a rush. So my skincare needs to be super quick while still calming my acne-prone skin. While the coffee’s brewing, I hop in the shower and wash my face with the Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash. It’s gel-based, gentle and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. Good thing is doesn’t have any perfume or alcohol, either. Then, I follow up with PIXI’s Vitamin C Lotion, which is lightweight but really hydrating! I love that it has probiotics and fruit acids to keep my skin balanced and glowy.
Then of course, sunscreen is non-negotiable. So I reach for the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum, which feels more like a hydrating serum than just SPF. It leaves my face dewy and there’s no white cast. If there’s a breakout brewing, I just tap on some benzoyl peroxide before I head out the door. That’s the only “extra” step I add in. That’s all. I’m ready to go in under five minutes—usually before my playlist even hits a fourth song.”
“I start the day with a quick breakfast and decaf. My brain doesn’t do anything before that. You’ll also find me blasting high BPM music in my room because that’s what wakes me up and sets the tone for the day. Before I get into the shower and start my skincare routine, I check my work calendar to see what the day looks like.
Once I’m in the shower, the first thing my skin touches is the Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm. I have the fragrance-free one that comes in a green tub. It’s buttery, melts everything off in seconds and properly cleanses my acne-prone skin. I follow it up with Sebamed’s Clear Face Cleansing Foam. It doesn’t really lather up. The foam is quite light. But it’s a great plus-one for the oil-based cleansing balm. It’s been preventing any new zits on my face and it takes the residue from the balm off without stripping the skin.
Later, before I head out for work, I swipe on the Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner. It has moringa and papaya that help balance my skin. I use it especially on my T-zone.
If my skin looks tired or feels dry, I add the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence to the routine. It’s slippery in a way that feels odd the first time you use it, but it soaks in and makes skin look plumper. Although, on most days, I skip it and use it at night.
My moisturiser is Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. I know it’s meant for dry skin, but my sensitive, acne-prone face likes it, so I’ve stopped questioning why. In the end, I go for a dermat-recommended powder-based sunscreen. I think it’s the best invention. But I also throw SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick in my bag for reapplication. Yeah, that’s all. Then I get ready, throw on earrings, forget to grab my water bottle and head out in a rush.”
“I usually start my mornings by greeting my cats. Then I wander around a bit, watching cartoons or sitcoms! After a quick shower and some more TV time (love slow mornings), I get into my skincare game.
First up, I go in with The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner. It feels like a cool drink of milkshake for the face. Then I layer on the COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum, which sounds intense but basically just makes your skin feel firm and alive. After that, it’s either the d'you Hustle Face Serum, or I switch it up with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. It depends on what I’m feeling that day.
Next, I seal it all in with The Face Shop’s Pomegranate and Collagen Volume Lifting Cream. Fancy name, I know, but it’s a solid hydrator. Sunscreen’s a must, so I go with Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Aqua Fresh SPF 50+—lightweight, non-greasy, does the job. Last, I hit the lips with Fenty Beauty Lux Balm Ultra-Hydrating Cherry Lip Balm. Yes, it’s cherry, yes, it’s Fenty and, no, I’m not taking questions.
That’s the routine. Takes a few minutes, makes me feel like I’ve got my life together—even if I’ve just been watching cartoons with my cats.”
“Most mornings, I’m in a rush. So my skincare needs to be super quick while still calming my acne-prone skin. While the coffee’s brewing, I hop in the shower and wash my face with the Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash. It’s gel-based, gentle and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. Good thing is doesn’t have any perfume or alcohol, either. Then, I follow up with PIXI’s Vitamin C Lotion, which is lightweight but really hydrating! I love that it has probiotics and fruit acids to keep my skin balanced and glowy.
Then of course, sunscreen is non-negotiable. So I reach for the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum, which feels more like a hydrating serum than just SPF. It leaves my face dewy and there’s no white cast. If there’s a breakout brewing, I just tap on some benzoyl peroxide before I head out the door. That’s the only “extra” step I add in. That’s all. I’m ready to go in under five minutes—usually before my playlist even hits a fourth song.”
“I start the day with a quick breakfast and decaf. My brain doesn’t do anything before that. You’ll also find me blasting high BPM music in my room because that’s what wakes me up and sets the tone for the day. Before I get into the shower and start my skincare routine, I check my work calendar to see what the day looks like.
Once I’m in the shower, the first thing my skin touches is the Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm. I have the fragrance-free one that comes in a green tub. It’s buttery, melts everything off in seconds and properly cleanses my acne-prone skin. I follow it up with Sebamed’s Clear Face Cleansing Foam. It doesn’t really lather up. The foam is quite light. But it’s a great plus-one for the oil-based cleansing balm. It’s been preventing any new zits on my face and it takes the residue from the balm off without stripping the skin.
Later, before I head out for work, I swipe on the Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner. It has moringa and papaya that help balance my skin. I use it especially on my T-zone.
If my skin looks tired or feels dry, I add the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence to the routine. It’s slippery in a way that feels odd the first time you use it, but it soaks in and makes skin look plumper. Although, on most days, I skip it and use it at night.
My moisturiser is Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. I know it’s meant for dry skin, but my sensitive, acne-prone face likes it, so I’ve stopped questioning why. In the end, I go for a dermat-recommended powder-based sunscreen. I think it’s the best invention. But I also throw SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick in my bag for reapplication. Yeah, that’s all. Then I get ready, throw on earrings, forget to grab my water bottle and head out in a rush.”
“I usually start my mornings by greeting my cats. Then I wander around a bit, watching cartoons or sitcoms! After a quick shower and some more TV time (love slow mornings), I get into my skincare game.
First up, I go in with The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner. It feels like a cool drink of milkshake for the face. Then I layer on the COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum, which sounds intense but basically just makes your skin feel firm and alive. After that, it’s either the d'you Hustle Face Serum, or I switch it up with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. It depends on what I’m feeling that day.
Next, I seal it all in with The Face Shop’s Pomegranate and Collagen Volume Lifting Cream. Fancy name, I know, but it’s a solid hydrator. Sunscreen’s a must, so I go with Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Aqua Fresh SPF 50+—lightweight, non-greasy, does the job. Last, I hit the lips with Fenty Beauty Lux Balm Ultra-Hydrating Cherry Lip Balm. Yes, it’s cherry, yes, it’s Fenty and, no, I’m not taking questions.
That’s the routine. Takes a few minutes, makes me feel like I’ve got my life together—even if I’ve just been watching cartoons with my cats.”
“Most mornings, I’m in a rush. So my skincare needs to be super quick while still calming my acne-prone skin. While the coffee’s brewing, I hop in the shower and wash my face with the Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash. It’s gel-based, gentle and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. Good thing is doesn’t have any perfume or alcohol, either. Then, I follow up with PIXI’s Vitamin C Lotion, which is lightweight but really hydrating! I love that it has probiotics and fruit acids to keep my skin balanced and glowy.
Then of course, sunscreen is non-negotiable. So I reach for the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum, which feels more like a hydrating serum than just SPF. It leaves my face dewy and there’s no white cast. If there’s a breakout brewing, I just tap on some benzoyl peroxide before I head out the door. That’s the only “extra” step I add in. That’s all. I’m ready to go in under five minutes—usually before my playlist even hits a fourth song.”
“I start the day with a quick breakfast and decaf. My brain doesn’t do anything before that. You’ll also find me blasting high BPM music in my room because that’s what wakes me up and sets the tone for the day. Before I get into the shower and start my skincare routine, I check my work calendar to see what the day looks like.
Once I’m in the shower, the first thing my skin touches is the Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm. I have the fragrance-free one that comes in a green tub. It’s buttery, melts everything off in seconds and properly cleanses my acne-prone skin. I follow it up with Sebamed’s Clear Face Cleansing Foam. It doesn’t really lather up. The foam is quite light. But it’s a great plus-one for the oil-based cleansing balm. It’s been preventing any new zits on my face and it takes the residue from the balm off without stripping the skin.
Later, before I head out for work, I swipe on the Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner. It has moringa and papaya that help balance my skin. I use it especially on my T-zone.
If my skin looks tired or feels dry, I add the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence to the routine. It’s slippery in a way that feels odd the first time you use it, but it soaks in and makes skin look plumper. Although, on most days, I skip it and use it at night.
My moisturiser is Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. I know it’s meant for dry skin, but my sensitive, acne-prone face likes it, so I’ve stopped questioning why. In the end, I go for a dermat-recommended powder-based sunscreen. I think it’s the best invention. But I also throw SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick in my bag for reapplication. Yeah, that’s all. Then I get ready, throw on earrings, forget to grab my water bottle and head out in a rush.”