I always believed that the key to a good night’s sleep was a fresh, clean face. Who wants to wake up with smudged mascara dyed into their skin or foundation-stained pillowcases? Not me.

Not only does sleeping with your makeup on keep your skin from breathing, but it also allows residue to stay on your pillows. If you go to bed with a clean face without washing your sheets, all of the leftover makeup and dirt will seep into your skin, causing breakouts and blemishes.

If you want to keep that youthful look, it’s time to get yourself into the habit of a full nighttime skin routine. We need to go beyond a quick rinse of the face if we want our skin to stay radiant. Finding the proper products and tools to help you achieve clean skin will have you waking up feeling refreshed and ready to groom.

Here, I’ve broken down one of my most simple and effective cleansing routines into five easy steps.

Step 1: Makeup Wipes

There used to be a time where I would only use makeup wipes before going to bed. I thought it got the job done until I used toner for the first time in my life. That’s when I realized that I was only using bare minimum. Although it does remove some makeup, the wipes do not actually clean your face.

Although they don’t clean as deep as I thought, using makeup wipes are an essential step in my routine. My favorite makeup remover wipes are the Neutrogena Night Calming towelettes. The subtle scent gives a nice touch and these bad boys even remove waterproof mascara, – that’s a win in my book.

(Side note: Kim K says these are her favorite so they have to be good, right?)

Step 2: Micellar Water

I didn’t even know that Micellar Water was even a thing and now it’s a something that I just can’t live without. You haven’t experienced shock and awe until you’ve used this product! You may have thought you removed all your makeup, but the concealer just keeps on coming off.

My favorite Micellar Water at the moment is by Garnier. This magical concoction is so gentle and hydrating that people with all different skin types can use without the worry. Plus, one bottle will last you what feels like forever. It takes about 20 seconds to make sure you get all the dirt and oil off of your face.

 Oh, Micellar Water, what would I do without you?

Step 3: Face Wash

My new philosophy: Buy Philosophy. 

Purity Face Wash by the brand Philosophy is an absolute game changer. This face wash is so gentle yet helps remove leftover product with ease. The lather feels incredible on the skin, plus it leaves you glowing and silky smooth. I highly recommend you use this with a Clarisonic face brush at least once a week to help give your skin some deep, well-needed T.L.C.

Don’t worry; you can still achieve that deep clean without a Clarisonic. Just follow up with a light exfoliator to help lift dead skin and any leftover product.

Step 4: Toner

Let me just tell you; you won’t even know you need a toner in your life until you’ve actually used a toner. My favorite at the moment is by Dickinson’s with Witch Hazel – best part, you can find it at your local drugstore.

Using a toner not only helps lift any leftover product or dirt (because yes, there will STILL be residue) but it will help brighten dark spots and tighten your pores, who doesn’t want that?

Do yourself a favor and invest the $5.00 in a toner.

Step 5: Moisturize

And last but not least, moisturize! This step is so important to help ensure that your skin stays well-hydrated through the night and gives you that extra glow. Make sure you find a product that will best compliment your skin type whether it be dry, oily or combo. Ask a trusted dermatologist, pharmacist, or do extensive research before purchasing a moisturizer to ensure that you get the best product for your skin to help give you maximum results.

Taking a few extra minutes before bed will make all the difference in the appearance of your skin. Creating this habit will only help you further avoid blemishes and breakouts, as well as give you a clean, fresh feeling before bed.