Posted on by Maike

Morning Routine – Face

I don’t think anyone is really interested in my full morning routine since it mostly consists of being woken up by my cats and them complaining about how tired I look. So instead, the morning routine for my face is probably a bit more interesting.

Morning Routine | Face

First off, this is not a routine I do every day. I only do this extensive routine on myself or my clients when I have plenty of time and want to perfectly prep the skin for makeup.

I have combination skin: oily in the T-zone, otherwise very dry, with couperose, hormonal acne, and acne scars. So this routine is tailored to these needs.

Don’t be surprised—I’m currently using a lot of Rejuvi products. I’m testing the brand because I want to offer it in my future cosmetic business. I am not sponsored by them (though that would be nice!).

Step 1: Ice Water

Normally, I skip this for clients unless it’s a tired model or actress at 5 a.m. But an ice water facial can work wonders!

I dip my face in a bowl of ice water for about 20 seconds. Benefits include:

  • Anti-inflammatory effects

  • Reduces puffiness

  • Improves skin texture, minimizes pores and fine lines

Bonus: it wakes you up completely—no coffee needed! And it’s essentially free, so why not?

Step 2: Cleanser

If you have very dry skin, you might not need to cleanse in the morning. I prefer to, because of my oily T-zone and long periods wearing FFP2 masks.

Currently using:

  • Rejuvi Facial Cleanser

  • Previously: Balea MED Ultra Sensitive Wash Gel (also very good)

Step 3: Massage

Facial massages are very popular right now—from gua sha to rose quartz rollers. Will a massage eliminate deep wrinkles or acne scars? No. But it has benefits:

  • Improves circulation, increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells

  • Provides lymphatic drainage

These effects can improve wrinkles, acne, and scar tissue while giving a healthy glow. A Japanese study found improvements after just five minutes a day.

I massage with an oil or hydrating mask. Make sure not to pull the skin—everything should glide smoothly.

Products I use:

  • Rejuvi Hydrating Mask

  • Pure Skin Food Beauty Oil, fragrance-free

You can find tons of tutorials for facial and lymphatic massages on YouTube.

Step 4: Toner

Is a toner necessary? No, but it can help improve skin texture. Toners restore the skin’s pH after cleansing and help it absorb moisture and nutrients better.

Currently using:

  • Rejuvi Skin Refresher

  • Bio:Végane Skinfood Organic Green Tea Face Toner

Step 5: Hyaluronic Acid

Especially useful in winter for dry skin. Hyaluronic acid binds water, temporarily plumping the skin.

Tips:

  • Apply on damp skin

  • Follow with moisturizer

  • Use both low- and high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid

Products I use: Svyn Hyaluron Drops

Note: Hyaluronic serum is not the same as hyaluronic fillers (injections). It has only a short-term effect.

Step 6: Vitamin C

Vitamin A and C are both proven to boost collagen production, improving skin texture, fine lines, scars, and hyperpigmentation.

Tips:

  • Ascorbic acid is unstable and can irritate in high doses

  • Choose the right form and airtight, lightproof packaging

Product I use: Rejuvi Cell Vitamin C Complex

Step 7: Niacinamide

I love niacinamide! Benefits include:

  • Strengthens the skin barrier

  • Reduces water loss

  • Boosts keratin and ceramide production

  • Regulates sebum

  • Anti-inflammatory

Using Vitamin C and niacinamide together is not a problem—the myth comes from a 1960s study.

Product I use: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Step 8: Moisturizer

Penultimate step: hydration. Choose based on your skin type. For combination skin, you can mix dry- and oily-skin creams in different areas.

Currently using:

  • Rejuvi Skin Moisturizer

  • Rejuvi Light Moisturizer

  • Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

  • Cosnature Sensitiv-Creme Melisse & Hamamelis

Step 9: Cryo Sticks

Cold therapy benefits are similar to the ice water facial. I like to use cryo sticks at the end of my morning routine to lock in hydration, soothe the skin, and relax it.

Initially tried Biologique Recherche cryo sticks (too expensive at £150), so I use Amazon dupes instead. Will share new affordable options on Instagram.

Step 10: Sunscreen

Never skip sunscreen, even indoors near windows. Always apply prophylactically!

I hope you enjoyed this face morning routine! See you soon 🙂

Maike Make Up Artist Vienna – Your Makeup Artist in Vienna