You can slap on all the makeup you like, but physical beauty begins and ends with healthy skin. It is all about a complexion that glows without the benefit of highlighters or shimmery powders. It is all about skin that is hydrated and screams “I woke up like this”. Naturally, it all starts with a solid morning skincare routine.

From Guerlain to Molton Brown, there are countless skincare brands to choose from. With every serum, cleanser, and cream at our disposal, what products stand out from the rest? What is the secret and how can we all get in on it?

Simple: start experimenting. Below is a list of products that I swear by that get me going in the morning, secret skincare hacks, and why facials aren’t necessarily the most important thing. I am not a mind reader, but I definitely see a trip to the beauty counter in your future.

I am not really a morning person, so unlike my lengthy evening routine, I keep things very quick and simple in the morning. I usually grab one of my favorite cleansers or exfoliators and apply it before I just in the shower – multitasking saves time. After the shower, I will pop on a serum and eye cream combo to hydrate. I will then finish with a dose of SPF and lip balm.

I change products within my routine fairly frequently, but I try not to switch up my entire routine too often to avoid wreaking havoc on my skin. At the moment I am using Guerlain‘s Blanc de Perle active reviving cleansing foam, Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer to moisturize, Chanel’s Ultra Correction Lift, and Molton Brown’s Vitamin Lip Saver.

People always ask me how often I get facials, the answer is easy, I don’t! I am quite lucky to have good skin, but I do love a mask after a long day in the office. Recently, I tried the Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask and it was glorious. It really preps my skin nicely for makeup and is very relaxing. I try to wear a mask at least twice a week.

Please remember, beauty is skin deep. I think the most important aspect for treating your skin is cleansing. Clean skin is generally happier so I prioritize cleansing and sun protection.