Let’s be real: by the time I make it to the bathroom at night, I’m half-asleep and already negotiating with myself about how many steps I can skip. That’s why my nighttime skincare routine has to be quick, clean, and something I actually enjoy—definitely not a 12-step commitment I’ll abandon by Wednesday.
Here’s what’s working for me right now (and, apparently, for my 11-year-old daughter too—she’s recently started borrowing my products and delivering unsolicited reviews like a tiny skincare editor-in-chief).
Step 1 of my nighttime skincare routine: ERLY Face Foam — The Family Favorite
First up: Face Foam. This gentle cleanser is the real MVP of my nighttime skincare routine. It gives you that fresh, just-washed feeling in 10 seconds flat—no dryness, no drama, just clean skin that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if everything else is chaos).
It’s also the one product that lives in multiple bathrooms in my house. My daughter uses it. Sometimes my son uses it. Occasionally, we all end up washing our faces together—which sounds cute, but usually ends with water on the ceiling and me begging someone to brush their teeth. Still, they’re using clean skincare, and that’s a win.
→ Want to know why it’s tween-approved? Check out our blog post on Preppy Skincare for Every Age. Yes, preppy skincare. Did you know that was a "thing?"
Step 2: ERLY Daily Splash — A Hydrating Hero (and Sunburn Saver)
Next up is Daily Splash — This is our hyaluronic acid serum—and it’s a game-changer. Daily Splash brings your skin back to life with lightweight hydration that absorbs fast and leaves you with that post-facial bounce (minus the actual facial). It's my go-to for plumping and smoothing, especially as part of my nighttime skincare routine.
Dr. McDonald always says: go from thin to thick when layering skincare, so this goes on right after cleansing. I even dab a little under my eyes (pro tip for crepey skin—thanks, 40s). And if I’ve spent too much time in the sun? (Don’t tell Hallie.) This serum is a total skin-saver.
My daughter thinks so too. After a little too much pool time, she reached for it and declared it “aesthetic,” “preppy skincare-approved,” and immediately claimed it for her shelf. High praise from an 11-year-old with very strong skincare opinions.
→ Curious about why hyaluronic acid is a must? Read our Hyaluronic Acid 101.
Step 3: ERLY Night Cream + My Favorite Mix-Ins
Then I go in with two pumps of our Night Cream. It’s packed with peptides (basically retinol’s gentler cousin), fragrance-free, and super soothing. My skin drinks it up—this step seals in all the hydration from the rest of my nighttime skincare routine and leaves my face feeling soft, not sticky.
Every 2–3 nights, I mix in a drop of A313 — my favorite French cult-favorite retinoid. It gives my skin a little extra boost without making it freak out. I’ve also been testing out the Murad Overnight Treatment a couple nights a week. It’s plumping, hydrating, and doesn’t leave me dry — win, win, win.
Bonus Step: Split End Treatment
Lately, I’ve been adding a few drops of Moroccan oil treatment to the ends of my hair before bed. It started as an afterthought—something I’d throw on while waiting for my serum to sink in—but now it’s officially part of my clean beauty routine. The difference in my split ends and overall dryness has been huge. It hydrates without feeling greasy, tames frizz overnight, and makes my hair way easier to manage in the morning.
Also: the smell. It’s warm, a little luxurious, and somehow makes my entire nighttime wind-down feel elevated. It may be a small step, but it’s a total game-changer for healthier, stronger hair—and one I’m not skipping anytime soon.
Why This Nighttime Routine Works (for Me + My Mini-Me)
This nighttime skincare routine takes me five minutes, max. It’s clean, effective, and simple enough to stick with—whether I’m running on fumes, the kids are bouncing off the walls, or we’re living out of suitcases. No complicated steps. No products I dread using. Just a few that do what they promise and make me feel a little more human before I crawl into bed.
And don’t get me wrong—I love skincare. I’ll try just about anything once, and I can go deep down a product rabbit hole when I have the time. But right now? In this season of life, I need routines that work. Ones I can count on when I’m exhausted, distracted, or just don’t feel like doing much at all. That’s why this routine matters—it’s realistic, not aspirational.
The best part? My daughter’s watching. She’s learning early that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be effective. Just a few great products, a little consistency, and a Face Foam that works in 10 seconds flat.
