Juan Cazares always had a love for skincare, even when he didn’t exactly know what was best for it. Like most teenagers, his breakouts were doing a number on his confidence, but instead of letting his (totally normal!) skin issues keep him down, he dove into research and became a bona fide skin care enthusiast. Learning more about his skin concerns and how to treat them empowered him to share his personal skincare journey on his Instagram page, @juanskindiary – that, and feeling there was a need for more POC and males voices in the beauty community. Read on to learn more about his personal self-care journey, how he spends his mornings, and what products he can’t go a day without.

Can you take us through your beauty bag?

I try to only carry the essentials and whatever can fit in a small portable pouch. What lives inside includes sunscreen, hand cream, perfume, and just a “few” lip products. I’m always using the Watermelon Lip Pop because it’s so moisturizing and smells delicious! I also love to carry around perfume oils because they’re usually just as concentrated as a full size perfume, at a fraction of the size!

Describe your daily beauty routine!

Doing my skincare routine used to seem like a chore but now it’s like second nature and I’ve grown to love it. At night I start in the bathroom where I double cleanse then migrate into my room where I keep all my skincare products. 

While I do my routine I usually have music or a YouTube video playing in the background. I’m constantly trying new products so at that time I also decide if I want to stick to what I’ve been doing for weeks or try something new. I love layering the Watermelon Glow Mist in-between steps to give even more hydration! 

My PM routine usually takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes whereas my AM routine takes no more than 10 because I’m usually running late for work. I’m usually alternating between the Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer or Banana Soufflé Moisture cream depending on how my skin is feeling.

What do you consider your signature beauty look? 

My daily go to look is just concealer in areas where I feel need it, eyebrow gel & lil balm. I am very into the natural glowy look that ultimately looks like I have nothing on but just enough to where I look well rested and put together.

What’s on your beauty routine playlist right now? 

My playlist changes all the time depending on what my favorite artists have released or on my mood. Currently I’ve been loving “Streets” by Doja Cat, “Kuvasz in Snow” by Sega Bodega and Caroline Polachek’s album, Pang.

How has your routine evolved through the years? 

Throughout the years I’ve definitely learned what ingredients my skin loves and the ones it doesn’t. I have combo/oily skin which means I can use a large variety of products but since I’m also relatively acne prone I always look at ingredient lists. Some ingredients that I’ve found work best for my skin are hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, tamanu oil & squalane.

What beauty tip do you wish you knew earlier?

I wish I knew more about the importance of sunscreen earlier! I used to be out in the sun for hours on end without any sun protection and it really took a toll on my skin. Now I never leave the house without sunscreen on and I keep a mini of my favorite ones in my car for reapplication.