"To say I’m converted to my skincare routine is an understatement. It truly does make an incredible difference to my skin by giving it what it needs on any given day. It gives me a glow, a shine, and even if tired, grumpy, overwhelmed…at home or out and about, I am confident that I’m putting my ‘best skin forward’ while the rest of it may be trying to catch up!" - Carolyn T.
At Caci, we love sharing real stories from real people who are passionate about their skincare journey. Carolyn Taylor, one of our Caci Ambassadors and member at Caci Mt Eden, shares her morning and evening essentials that keep her skin glowing, hydrated, and protected. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for some inspiration, this blog is packed with tips and recommendations to show that a consistent skincare routine can be simple, effective, and easy to maintain.
My Morning Routine: Starting the Day with a Glow
A fresh start each morning begins with the right products, setting the tone for healthy, radiant skin all day long. My morning ritual isn’t just about applying products—it’s about giving my skin what it needs to feel its best.
My Go-To Morning Skincare Products
After cleansing in the shower with Murad Essential-C Cleanser, I always reach for my trusted Murad Hydrating Toner. It preps my skin beautifully, and the fresh spritz wakes me up instantly.
Next, it’s time for eye cream. Depending on how my eyes “slept,” I choose between Murad Renewing Eye Cream (for extra hydration) or Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (to brighten tired eyes). If you struggle with dark circles, trust me—this one works wonders!
Serum time! My skin tells me what it needs each morning but my two faves are:
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum if I want to brighten and target pigmentation.
Murad Cellular Hydration Repair Serum if my skin feels thirsty and needs a deep hydration boost.
For moisturiser, I go with the Murad Age-Balancing Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30+—a little richer than what I used in my 30s, but exactly what my skin craves now. And last but not least, sunscreen! Murad City Skin Age Defense SPF 50+ adds that final layer of protection (and a little glow!).
All of this takes under two minutes. That’s it! A small investment of time for skin that feels amazing all day.
Morning Routine Hacks
If you think a skincare routine takes too much time, think again! A few simple tweaks can make it fit seamlessly into your day. I’ve found creative ways to make my routine effortless, no matter how busy I am.
Here’s how I do it especially if you are short on time. I like to place different products in different rooms so I can apply them as I go (you should try it one busy morn!)
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Toner in the bathroom—first thing after the shower.
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Eye cream and serum in the bedroom—while getting dressed.
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Moisturiser in the kitchen—while making breakfast.
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Sunscreen in the car—before heading out the door.
Skincare doesn’t have to be a chore—it should be something you enjoy! We deserve little things for ourselves that do us good and that are delicious for our skin and our souls. It’s a non-negotiable!
My Evening Routine: The Perfect Wind-Down Ritual
Oh man, I am obsessed with my nighttime routine. It’s like my reward after the day as I step into some ‘me time’ and the quiet of an evening once everything and everyone else has been taken care of and loved. It’s time to love…ME!
I love it too, because it changes each night! It goes a little bit like this:
Weekly Nighttime Routine
My nightly routine includes my favourite cleanser Murad Essential-C Cleanser, followed by the powerhouse night ingredient - Retinal! I use Murad Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment and Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment—hands down the most effective retinoid I’ve tried. I follow up with Murad Cellular Hydration Repair Cream.
Weekly treats:
Overnight Mask: Murad Cellular Hydration Repair Mask. Sleep in it. Wake up with incredibly refreshed skin! It is such a simple, effective way to help tired skin! I also love using the Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil for extra recovery. Thank me for sharing these products with you later. Enough said!
To fully relax, I love pairing my skincare with a book, a FaceTime with a friend, a cozy stretch, or even a well-deserved glass of wine. And if I have a shoot the next day My go-to is Murad Vit-C Triple Exfoliating Facial .It's my secret weapon for bright, smooth skin!
Favourite Caci Skin Treatments
One of the best things about being on a plan with Caci is that every treatment is tailored to what my skin needs on that day—it’s completely personalised! I have pigmentation. I love clear, bright skin. I love plump and hydrated skin. The treatments I have in-clinic tend to cater to these skin concerns for me. I think at the moment my top 2 treatments would be:
Hydradermabrasion: This leaves my skin with an epic glow after having been deeply cleaned, exfoliated and stimulated. If you want that immediate glow up for something, this treatment is your pal. No down time for your skin. It’s immediate and delicious!
Caci Signature Peel: I recently tried this treatment for the first time and I think I said something like "Whhhaaaat?! Why have I not tried this until now? I think it's my new favourite!" This treatment is exclusive to Caci and its an advanced peel that targets the deepest level of bio-stimulation without the needling!
These treatments are the ooomph, while my home skincare is the maintenance. They work together to keep my skin healthy and happy.
Not sure where to start with Skincare?
If it feels daunting, start simply with a cleanser, toner, moisturiser routine…once you see results, I expect it will lead anyone to enquire further about ‘what more’ they can do – that’s what happened for me at least. I was incredibly basic with my skincare prior to my Caci journey. I didn’t even know what an ‘active ingredient’ in skincare was. So, don’t be daunted if you’re reading this and thinking, ‘whoa Caro, calm down’…This is close to a decade in the making for me of knowledge, of learning to ENJOY ‘me time’ for myself and my skin…AND for learning what my skin needs and can benefit from, thanks to the team at Caci!!
Skincare isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good. It’s about investing in yourself and taking a moment each day to care for your skin, body, and mind. My journey with Caci has taught me so much, and I hope my routine inspires you to create one that works for you!
So, whether you’re just starting out or already on your skincare journey, enjoy the process, have fun with it, and most importantly—love the skin you’re in. 💙
