Calling skincare a self-care ritual may be tired, but there’s no truer statement: for me, skincare is part practical, part selfish, indubitably necessary. If you know me in real life, you’d know that I would sooner forgo my wardrobe than relinquish my medicine cabinet. Skincare isn’t just a part of my job; it’s an indulgence that quickly became a non-negotiable—sacred, even—part of my routine.
Since I’m always trying something new (and, given the chance, I will gladly talk/write anyone’s ears/eyes off about product; apparently going on QVC isn’t enough), I figured I’d share the products I’ve been reaching for religiously this past year.
Sunday Riley Good Genes
This is the one product I credit whenever people compliment my skin. Yes, there are cheaper lactic acid treatments out there, but Sunday Riley’s formulation surpasses all else for me—so much so that despite the pretty price tag, I never want to be without Good Genes, and thankfully, have never been for over two years.
If you’re combination to oily, it’s worth sampling. The difference it makes in one night alone in improving overall clarity and texture is astounding.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
While I don’t have fine lines just yet, I’m in the game of preventing. It’s the perfect consistency—deliciously dense, yet pliable for an “anti-aging” serum—at an even more palatable price for those looking for a preemptive line-smoothing solution. Or, if you need a slippery base for jade-rolling or using your gua sha tool. My gua sha stone, incidentally, has also become a holy grail.
La Mer Crème de la Mer
Another product well worth the price tag, Crème de la Mer is every bit as luscious and dreamy as you’d imagine it to be. It’s rich, but has an airiness about it; moisture-intensive, but absorbs beautifully. I don’t use it daily, but I always reach for it as an evening cream if I’ve done an exfoliating treatment.
Also, a true story: every time I use it, my boyfriend comments on how soft my skin is. It’s that good.
La Mer The Lip Balm
I’m a lip balm junkie—but this is one lip treatment I’ve consistently relied upon (and have been fortunate enough to have been gifted) over the years. It’s that perfect texture: a balm with just enough slip to glide across the lips without too much of the slide, but not too soft where it just melts and disappears after half an hour. I love the velveteen finish (it’s the ideal prep product before applying matte lipstick) and the hint of mint. It’s dreamy, it’s non-fussy, and it lasts for ages.
If you’re after a lip balm that’s in-between your average waxy Chapstick and the super-thick Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, this is it. For reference, it’s similar to the By Terry Baume de Rose but boasts a formula that actually sinks into your lips (and doesn’t just sit on the surface).
(I’d be remiss not to mention that I probably would never purchase a $60 balm with my own money, but texture/finish/feel-wise, I’ve yet to find a comparable alternative.)
Weleda Skin Food
This is a recent addition to my medicine cabinet, influenced by makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes‘ rave reviews. I was testing mask formulations at work that were a little more than my skin could handle, and a pea-sized amount of this mixed with my beloved La Mer moisturizer soothed and saved my complexion. I love the scent, I love its multitask-ability, I love the bright green metal packaging.
Grande Lash MD
The proof is in the pudding. When a handful of girls ask “are those your real lashes?” or ask if I got a lash lift, you know. Grande Cosmetic’s lash growth serum works, people.
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xx
Your turn. Thoughts?