7 Ways To Refresh Your Beauty Routine For Spring

From Skin Tints to Microneedling: Janet’s Ultimate Spring Glow Up Guide

Spring is in session

With the arrival of spring – where the sun lingers a little longer and days feel a little bit lighter – there’s something in the air that calls for a serious spring glow up. Plus, after a long winter of gloomy days, dry skin, and bulky layers, we’re all ready for a reset and refresh for the new season.

The past month, I’ve spent time curating the ultimate spring glow-up routine. One that’s easy to implement (so I can stay consistent), effective (bye-bye beauty fads, hello tried-and-tested beauty hacks), and something that just, well, makes me feel good. After all, who wouldn’t want a spring in their step?

Here are the 7 things I’m doing to be unrecognisable (in a good way) this spring. In other words, here is my ultimate spring glow-up routine.

7 Things I'm Doing to be Unrecognisable this Spring

Microneedling

Beauty is pain, and microneedling definitely fits that description to a T.

My primary goal for my microneedling sessions was to improve the texture of my skin. And since I have quite a bit of acne scarring and redness, finding a skin treatment that would slowly work to improve skin tone, texture, and health was my top priority.

I’ve been doing microneedling for almost a year now. With monthly sessions for half a year last year, as I was targeting my adult acne scars (the joys…). While I don’t get microneedling as frequently now, I love scheduling in maintenance sessions once every 3 months or so. Therefore, ensuring I had my microneedling session booked this month was a must.

Microneedling involves tiny, controlled punctures in the skin using a microneedling ‘pen’. These micro-needles trigger your skin’s healing process and boost collagen and elastin production. Over time, acne scars, texture, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation improve.

As my skin is still a while way from where I want it to be (getting rid of acne scars is a long game), the results I get with just one session these days are incredible.

Between the tears (yes, really) of a quick 20-minute session at my skin clinic (which feels more like 5 years), I know that the post-microneedling glow is worth it. The key is consistency, patience, and following up with an ultra-hydrating and simple post-treatment skincare routine. My personal favourite is swapping my actives for a copper-peptide serum, and following up with a heavy moisturiser to lock in the hydration.

Always consult your dermatologist or skin therapist to see if microneedling is suitable for your skin type.

Skin Tints > Foundation

While there’s a time and place for a full-coverage foundation (my favourite is the TIRTIR Mask Fit Red foundation cushion), as soon as the weather gets warmer, I’m swapping them out for a lightweight tinted moisturiser.

Breathable, lightweight, and allows your natural skin to peek through, a skin tint or tinted foundation has been my go-to this season. It’s the key to achieving that coveted no-makeup-makeup look that I always go back to (along with a smudge-proof lip stain, of course)

Whether it’s for a day full of errands around town, or a casual brunch with the girls, or even a lunchtime Pilates class, adding a tinted moisturiser to my everyday morning routine gives my skin a little bit love – by evening out skintone and blurring out imperfections (without being too much).

I’ve been committed to finding the perfect tinted moisturiser this season. And the criteria is simple. It needs to blend seamlessly, stay on without sliding around, and not leave me feeling greasy (as I have blemish-prone skin).

My tip for using skin tints is to apply a primer and set with a setting spray for long-lasting staying power. Never underestimate the power of good skin prep!

Gentle & Consistent Skincare Routine

While I’ve always been somewhat of a skincare junkie, unfortunately, hopping onto new skincare trends has done me more harm than good.

While finishing a bottle of toner or serum is satisfying, and the ‘reward’ of trying something new after finishing a bottle of something that, well, has been doing great things for my skin, is something I’ve fallen for month after month – this month was going to be different.

I’ve trialled hundreds of skincare products for my acne-prone skin – and whenever I was desperate to find a magic solution to fix all my skin problems, I would turn to TikTok viral skincare products and over-hyped beauty trends.

Consider this my downfall. Every new viral product made me more frustrated and further away from my skin goals.

The result? I gave my spring skincare routine, well, a spring clean. Removed anything that was just a fad (with no real results) and replaced it with products I know my skin loves. And with the warmer weather in mind, choosing lightweight products was also a top priority for me.

After weeks (if not months) of trial and error, below is my ultimate everyday skincare routine for spring. It’s simple and effective, helping me stick to a consistent skincare routine.

AM Skincare Routine

Cleanse skin with water and pat dry with a disposable face towel (any brand will do, but this Clean Skin one is a popular choice). I try not to overstrip my skin, so skipping cleanser in the morning has been helpful here. Plus, a disposable face towel means you’re starting with a clean base for the morning.
Tone the skin with SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner. This toner gently exfoliates with a high concentration of Centella Asiatica that soothes irritated skin
Follow up with SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella Ampoule. Yes, I love Centella Asiatica. And this ampoule is made up of 100% Centella Asiatica extract. It works incredibly fast to calm the skin – it’s great for days when I’m dealing with breakouts.
Add a thin layer of Axis-Y’s Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum. I’ve gone through 3 bottles of this stuff throughout the years. Initially, I was wary it was just another TikTok viral product, and my skin did take a bit of time to get use to this serum, however, it now is a staple in my morning routine. Packed with niaciminade and squalene to help fade dark spots, but my favourite part is the glow it gives. It leaves your skin looking dewy and healthy – and wears beautifully under makeup.
When the weather is warmer, I actually skip moisturiser altogether and go straight to sunscreen. Having one less layer on my skin keeps everything lightweight. I’ve been using the Numbuzin No.1 Pure Full Calming Water Sunscreen religiously. SPF for acne-prone girlies like me are a nightmare – however, this one from Numbuzin has never broken me out and isn’t too oily. I quite literally do not use anything else.

PM Skincare Routine

Remove makeup with Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water. Not all micellar waters are made equal; the OG from Bioderma is the OG for a reason. It removes makeup like a dream without leaving a weird residue.
Double cleanse by following up with CeraVe’s Blemish Control Cleanser. Affordable and effective – no complaints.
Tone with SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner and follow with its Centella Ampoule – this is the same as my AM routine.
Vit C is one of the only actives I use consistently. Currently, I’ve been using the Rohto Melano CC serum. A Japanese skincare staple that helps fade dark spots and acne scars. I particularly like the cream-like texture of this. It feels nice on the skin, especially at night.
Follow with a retinol eye cream. My favourite at the moment is this Sana Isoflavone eye cream, which I picked up during my recent trip to Japan. Not many products can truly help with dark circles (thanks, genetics), but this one seems to leave my under-eyes just that little bit less puffy and shadowy—and I’ll take it.
Moisturise with Purito’s Oat-In Calming Gel Cream. When it came to finding the perfect moisturiser, I was desperate to find one that was safe for fungal acne. While I don’t have fungal acne, it gives me peace of mind that this one ticks that box for me. Its lightweight, gel texture leaves my skin moisturised but not overly oily.

At-Home Red-Light Therapy Mask

After microneedling, I’ve been consistently adding an at-home red light therapy mask to my routine throughout the week. It’s a serious skin-support step that I’m all for.

While the initial investment for a red-light therapy mask is high, in my opinion, it’s worth the luxury price tag – it’s a science-backed way to help heal your skin, stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve skin tone and texture – AKA all the things I’m looking for in an all-rounder skincare gadget.

Okay, I would be lying if I said I put this mask on every night. However, with an accountability buddy (I snap an unflattering selfie to a friend every night), it does get easier, slowly becoming second nature. Remember, consistency is key to see results.

My skin feels and looks calmer with consistent use, which is great, especially during a transitional season like spring. The one I’m using is from Omnilux.

Get A Fresh Cut

As someone with long hair, getting a haircut is a chore and half. And if I’m being honest, I don’t book a haircut nearly as often as I should.

Who knew the effects of a fresh cut could do to your confidence? While I rarely try anything new with my hair, simply asking for long layers and for my split ends to be trimmed made a world of difference.

Take this as your sign to book in a trim for spring. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Staying Hydrated, Always

For someone who’s headache-prone (unfortunate, I know), staying hydrated has somewhat become a personality trait for me. It comes from the desperation of always being hydrated to ensure pesky headaches stay at bay.

And if staying hydrated or drinking more water has always been hard for you – I’m here to tell you, it’s time to listen to those TikTok girlies, for once. The gigantic Stanley bottles, sippy Owalas, heavy-duty Hydroflasks, actually work. I keep a 1.18L Stanley on my work desk that encourages me (and reminds me) to stay hydrated while I’m working.

Staying hydrated is a top priority for me this season – and it’s showing in my complexion, my energy, and even my mood. While you don’t need the next viral emotional-support drink bottle, having one that works for you is all you need to get on track.

Simple & Clean Manicures

One of my New Year’s Resolutions this year was to dress well and be put together. It’s a simple resolution, which meant that I was always looking for ways to help me achieve this goal with the least amount of effort.

Having a natural or minimal manicure (in salon or at home) was one of the easiest ways for me to feel put together. And while I do love a fun manicure every now and then, I always opt for a pinky nude that goes with every outfit. The high you’ll get from having your nails done is unmatched – so treat yourself!