Get your glow on! 

By Rachel Sokol 

Morning Routine to Kickstart Your Glow 

First: Hydrate and Refresh 
Glowing skin starts from within. Begin your day by hydrating with a glass of water or iced tea. I personally love using Rise Strawberry Zen tea bags—brewed overnight and served with a slice of lemon. Not only is it refreshing, but it also gives me a subtle energy boost to power through my morning. It’s cooling, delicious, and provides that perfect zing of energy needed to face the day’s tasks. 

Cleanse and Protect 
For a clean slate, I use a gentle botanical cleanser to wash away impurities. After cleansing, I apply Pipa Skin Saver, a multipurpose serum that delivers both hydration and calming benefits. 

Next, I rely on Kari Gran Tinted SPF, which not only protects my skin from harmful UV rays but also gives it a natural, dewy finish. It’s perfect for school drop-offs or running errands. 

I also really like the dubose botox serum, which I apply in the morning and at night. It helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles—and makes me look like a less tired mom! 

Glow Tip 
 If you’re short on time, simplify your morning routine with multitasking products like a tinted SPF. It protects, hydrates, and provides light coverage all in one. 

Midday Refreshers for Busy Summer Days 

Freshen Up Midday 
A quick spritz of Facial Botanical Essence in the middle of the day is an easy way to keep your skin glowing. After a morning of errands or playtime with the kids, this lightweight mist is my go-to for a midday pick-me-up. 

Exfoliate for Radiance 
 If you have a few minutes for a skincare indulgence, try the Thrive Causemetics Coffee Body Scrub. It’s a wonderful way to exfoliate dead skin cells and leave your body feeling silky smooth. 

Glow Tip 
 Keep a facial mist or travel-sized body scrub in your bag so you can refresh your skin even when you’re out and about. 

Evening Self-Care to Unwind 

Rejuvenate Your Face 
After a long day, I love using my VogueNow LuxGlow Facial Steamer Spa Kit for an at-home spa moment. This 17-piece kit is perfect for busy moms in need of relaxation. The facial steamer deeply cleanses my pores, and the gua sha tool boosts circulation and reduces puffiness. 

Treat Your Skin 
Following my spa session, I apply Neuraé Harmonize Serum for a luxe dose of hydration and nourishment. Then, I layer on the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask for an extra repair boost. Packed with collagen and hyaluronic acid, this Korean beauty gem plumps and hydrates my skin—leaving it glowing by morning. 

Glow Tip 
Even if you’re short on time, applying a sheet mask while watching TV can work wonders. 

Nighttime Essentials for Relaxation 

Wind Down with Magnesium Butter 
 Before bed, I use Ballou Apothecary Magnesium Butter to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation. With its smooth, rich texture, it melts into my skin, leaving it soft and nourished. The calming effect helps me sleep better. I like to massage it onto my temples, neck, calves, and even the soles of my feet. This simple step is the perfect end to a busy day, helping my body reset and recharge. 

Lock in Moisture 
The final step in my nighttime routine is Beverly Hills MD Age Defy Body Retinol Oil, which smells heavenly. Now that it’s summertime, my skin craves extra hydration more than ever. This gem helps keep my skin soft, smooth, and comfortably moisturized until morning. 

Another favorite is the Kari Gran Serum Balm. If you’re prone to dry patches anywhere on the body, it smooths and softens beautifully. 

Glow Tip 
 Set aside 5 to 10 minutes just for you. Even the shortest bedtime routine can help you relax and feel restored. 

Here’s more info on the summer skincare products I use, enjoy, and recommend: 

VogueNow LuxGlow Facial Steamer Spa Kit 
Available: Amazon 
Price: $64.97 

 
Kari Gran Essential Serum Balm 
Available: karigran.com 
Price: $70

This serum packs a lot of punch and is versatile, which is why I love it. It feels super silky on the skin and deeply hydrates and soothes thanks to organic Camellia and Rosehip oils, plus Arnica and Sea Buckthorn CO2. Your skin feels nourished, smooth, and never greasy. Use it anywhere—on lips, hands, elbows, heels, or any dry spots needing extra love including the under eyes! Made with natural, organic, oil-based ingredients, this multitasking balm offers luxurious results with a minimalist touch.  It’s also certified cruelty-free and contains 100% natural fragrance, so there’s no icky toxins or chemicals added. 

Kari Gran Essential Tinted SPF 30 
Available on: karigran.com 
Price: $60 

This oil-based tinted mineral sunscreen evens skin tone and protects against the sun’s harsh UVA and UVB rays. Infused with non-nano zinc oxide, it delivers a dewy, radiant finish and doesn’t leave behind a white residue. Made with a blend of red raspberry seed oil, French plum oil, and macadamia nut oil this skincare must-have hydrates, brightens, and leaves skin looking glowy and blush. Available in light, medium, and dark tints. Wear it solo or layer with a mineral foundation. I also love that it’s ocean- and reef-safe, vegan, and made with antioxidant-rich, skin-safe ingredients. 

Ballou Family Apothecary Whipped Magnesium Butter (Lavender/Pine) 
Available on: balloufamilyapothecary.com 
Price: $34 

This dreamy body butter is a game changer for winding down after a long day. Formulated to ease tension and promote deeper relaxation, it’s an epic product for busy moms looking to recharge, especially before bed. The rich, velvety texture melts right into your skin, resulting in deep hydration without feeling sticky or oily. I love smoothing some on my temples, neck, calves, and feet at night—it’s like a calming ritual in a jar. Packed with beloved ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E, it nourishes and softens while helping you feel more balanced. (It also softens fine lines on the skin. What doesn’t this gem of a product do?  Available in lavender or pine and handmade in Vermont! 

 

Suntegrity Moisturizing Self Tanner 
Available on: Suntegrityskincare.com 
Price: $40 

One of my go-to products for achieving that radiant summer glow is the Suntegrity Self Tanner for Face and Body. This clean, non-toxic formula is perfect for busy moms who want an effortless way to enhance their natural complexion with a healthy, sun-kissed look. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and provides a streak-free glow that lasts. With its skin-nourishing ingredients and commitment to clean beauty, this tanner is a trusted addition to my routine, helping me feel confident and refreshed without compromising on safety or quality. Strawberry scented, it’s infused with botanicals and antioxidants. 

Neurae The Serum Resetting & Transformative 
Available on: Neurae.com 
Price: $195 

When your skin needs a reboot, grab this serum. Ok, it’s a splurge, but your glow is worth it! Designed to revive tired skin and awaken your eyes, this luxurious formula helps bring your complexion back into balance while supporting its natural resilience. With daily use, your features start to feel more relaxed and expressive, you’ll feel like your most radiant self. As the first step in the NEURAÉ routine, it pairs perfectly with the brand’s creams for results you’ll see and feel. Winner of an Elle beauty award, it’s lightweight, elegant, and perfect for day or night. Give yourself to the star treatment—you’ve earned it, mama! 

Beverly Hills MD Age Defy Body Retinol Oil 
Available on: Beverlyhillsmd.com 
Price: $128 

Beverly Hills MD Age Defy Body Retinol Oil™ is a luxurious body treatment designed to help your skin look smoother, firmer, and more even from head to toe. It targets areas like the chest, neck, arms, thighs, and hands—helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, crepey skin, and uneven tone. The formula features micro-encapsulated retinol that’s gentle enough for nightly use, without the usual dryness. If you have oily skin, it can help blur the look of pores, while nourishing botanical oils leave dry skin feeling soft and hydrated. As with any retinol product, it’s best to patch-test first to make sure it suits your skin’s unique needs. 

dubose re-du serum 
Available on: shopdubose.com 
Price: $110 

Confession—re-du™ is a bit of a skincare splurge, but it’s a product I swear by. This powerful little serum is unlike anything I’ve tried before. It’s designed to mimic the results of aesthetic treatments—just without the needles! The standout ingredient, Argireline peptide, is magic, and made a real difference in my skin. After two weeks of consistent use, I noticed fewer fine lines, better hydration, and a plumper, more radiant look overall. I apply three drops morning and night, right after cleansing and toning, and before any other active products. It’s amazing. Period. 
 

Why Self-Care Matters for Moms 

Taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking great; it’s about feeling confident and refreshed no matter what your day holds. Whether you’re dropping the kids at camp, hosting a BBQ, or sneaking in a date night, glowing skin can help you face your responsibilities with a renewed sense of energy. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s an act of love that replenishes your spirit and sets the tone for everything else you do.  

 
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