The STYLEVANA Editor's Survival Spring Skincare Routine

Springtime is typically a tricky season for my skin: the weather fluctuates too often, dipping between cool and dry and hot and humid, and it takes a noticeable toll on my complexion. This year I’m not letting the season ruin my skin or my mood, and I’ve built myself a trusty routine that nourishes and protects against uncontrollable factors, maintaining my skin in its peak form.

As a STYLEVANA editor I’m constantly testing and trying products, but this routine features the best of the best (imo!) that has proven its impressive results time and time again. Spoiler alert: you’re going to see a lot of familiar picks within the lineup, and you’ll want to have your shopping cart ready to check out on the products that made the cut.

About your STYLEVANA editor: I’ve got dry skin and live in a place where springtime features a mixture of humid, muggy days and the sudden temp drop. Because of this, I reach for formulas that are adaptable, can calm a stressed-out complexion, and can keep up with my skin needs throughout these weather changes.

No. 1

CELIMAX - Dual Barrier Purifying Cleansing Balm

First things first: oil cleansing. I always do a double cleanse at the start of my PM routine, whether I’ve had a chill day at home or it’s 3am and I’ve just gotten back after a night out. The CELIMAX Dual Barrier Purifying Cleansing Balm has always had my back in removing absolutely everything from my skin–sunscreen, buildup and waterproof mascara included–without stripping it completely dry, thanks to the Ceramide Complex and Panthenol incorporated into its buttery formula. Plus, it’s never stung my eyes or left a film behind.

No. 2

haruharu wonder - Black Rice Probiotics Barrier NAD+ Serum Mist

When the air gets to 99% humidity, even something as simple as a toner can feel heavy, which is why I’ve been gravitating towards the haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier NAD+ Serum Mist. Texturally, it’s super lightweight and because it’s dispensed as a mist, my skin doesn't feel overwhelmed. But don’t mistake its weightlessness for ineffectiveness: this milky concoction is loaded with NAD+, Ceramide and Double Probiotics to firm, smooth and strengthen the skin, hydrating and plumping up my skin with each spritz. It absorbs into the skin in record time and leaves me with an illuminated appearance.

No. 3

EQQUALBERRY - Vitamin Illuminating Serum

Out of all the Vitamin C or brightening serums I’ve tried, I’ve found the EQQUALBERRY Vitamin Illuminating Serum to perform the best on my skin. It’s formulated with 40% Acerola Water that contains 8 times the Vitamin C found in lemons, but despite its high concentration it doesn’t irritate the skin. This key ingredient is mixed with Arbutin, Niacinamide, Glutathione and Ferulic Acid, all known for their hyperpigmentation-fading and skin tone-brightening benefits. The texture has a watery consistency that the skin drinks up immediately, without it conflicting with other skincare layers.

No. 4

medicube - PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

PDRN serums come and go, but the medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum will always remain a staple in my routine. While it’s nourishing and hydrates my skin thoroughly, even on hotter days it never feels greasy. It features Salmon PDRN, Peptides and Collagen to amp up skin elasticity and tune up skin brightness, improving dryness and rough skin texture at the same time. I also may or may not be biased towards pink skincare products, and it makes my heart happy that this serum is pink AND it genuinely performs well.

No. 5

VT - PDRN Essence 100

My love for PDRN runs deep, so much so that I have 2 PDRN boosters on rotation. I alternate between the medicube one and the VT PDRN Essence 100, often using the former in the daytime and the latter at night. VT’s essence is plant-based and deliciously milky, sinking in to deliver an intense radiance. It’s also great for repairing damaged skin, battling those bouts of seasonal irritation and ensuring my complexion is well moisturized as I sleep.

No. 6

CELIMAX - The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster

CELIMAX’s The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster has gotten a lot of hype on social media, and I can verify that it’s worth the hype. This booster cream is packed with encapsulated Retinal and Matrixyl 3000 that tighten enlarged pores, smooth skin texture and iron out fine lines and wrinkles. These skin-loving ingredients are delivered deep into the skin thanks to A-shot, a micro-particle ingredient 16 times thinner than the pores, and boosts absorption to reap their full benefits. I love that all of this is presented as a lightweight, non-irritating cream that’s easy to apply, and after several weeks of consistent use I’m noticing my fine lines are less pronounced.

No. 7

CENTELLIAN 24 - 360º Shot PDRN Lifting Eye Cream

Opinion: the CENTELLIAN 24 360° Shot PDRN Lifting Eye Cream is wildly underhyped. One of the selling points of this formula is that it contains thread-like Collagen fibers that lift sagging skin when applied, creating an instantly awakened appearance. Concentrated TECA and a PDRN Complex fill out hollow undereyes and reduce puffiness, alongside a Triple Retinol System that diminishes crow’s feet and fine lines. Given the loaded formula, this cream is incredibly gentle and provides just the right amount of hydration. I’ve worn this to bed as well as under makeup during the day, and it just hits every single time.

No. 8

CENTELLIAN 24 - Madeca Cream Time Reverse

It’s hard to believe I came across the CENTELLIAN 24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse by chance because it’s become a permanent fixture within my routine year-round, in addition to a starring role in my spring lineup. This cream is wonderfully dreamy, providing soothing, smoothing and revitalizing effects with TECA. When my skin is acting up, I can slather this on to quell any redness or inflammation, and it gives my skin an unbelievable glow in the morning when I wear this to bed. You couldn’t count on both hands how many people I’ve recommended this cream to…

No. 9

Purito SEOUL - Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

To say I’m picky with my sunscreen is an understatement. In order for an SPF to stay in my routine, it has to check all the boxes: no white cast; no heavy sensation; hydrating enough to skip moisturizer; and wears well under makeup. The Purito SEOUL Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ is one of the formulas that I gladly welcome into my stash, as it wears superbly throughout the day and leaves a naturally dewy finish. I love how it includes 5 types of Ceramides and Centella Asiatica in its formula to nourish the skin on top of protecting it from sun damage.

Which editor-approved picks would you try? Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!