I’m no skincare expert, but I do have skin – and I have opinions about the products I use. Over the past year, I’ve been experimenting with different skincare products, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. I wanted to simplify my routine, but maximize the results. It’s been really fun sharing my finds and my research with you here. Who knows, maybe something will resonate with you as you consider adding new products to your own routine.
A bit about my skin: I have combination skin, and like most people, it tends to get pretty dry in the winter. This means I’m on the hunt for moisture, but I’m not a fan of heavy, oily products. I’m also highly sensitive to fragrances, so I tend to gravitate towards products that feature natural or botanical ingredients. I am also into lightweight products that absorb easily, don’t leave a residue and keep the moisture locked in.
I like to keep my skincare routine edited, minimal and realistic for my day to day life. For me, this means finding a good cleanser (I do like to alternate between different kinds of cleansers), a couple of masks or treatments (I gravitate towards masks that I can put on in the bath for maximum efficiency), an effective serum, a good everyday moisturizer, and a lip balm.
Here are a few of the products I’ve tried recently and my thoughts:
Cleansers
I love this as a daily cleanser - it starts as a clear gel and then as you wash your face it gets milky. I also love the little disc tool - it gently exfoliates and helps get a deeper cleanse. It’s really gentle and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and super clean.
Josh Rosebrook Essential Balm Cleanse
This cleanser has a thicker gel like consistency - I love that it’s balmy and it gets creamy once you start lathering it onto your face. It’s really hydrating and soothing, and I like to alternate using this cleanser with my other gel or cream cleansers, and sometimes I use it as the first step of a double-cleanse.
Sofie Pavitt Face Clean Clean Cleanser
This cleanser is really gentle but hydrating and leaves my skin feeling soft and deeply moisturized. I’m also obsessed with the green tube.
Superegg Gentle Elements Cleansing Foam
I love this cleanser - it feels like really luxurious version of a CereVe cleanser I have used over the years. It’s fluffy, gentle, and really removes impurities while leaving my skin feeling soft and deeply hydrated. It is a really incredible daily cleanser.
Moisturizers
This is my favorite daily moisturizer - I use it in the mornings and in the evening, usually paired with a serum or another oil based product. It is made with Kakadu Plum which is rich in natural Vitamin C, and is formulated without any added fragrances or dyes. I looove how it smells and the texture is perfect - it is deeply hydrating, soothing, absorbs quickly and the texture is a dream.
True Botanicals Phyto-Retinol Advanced Clinical Cream
I still haven’t started using retinoids and my skin is very sensitive when I use retinols. I was turned onto this product - it’s a natural retinol alternative so it doesn’t irritate or dry out my skin. I love the smell, the weight of the cream, and I’ve noticed that my skin feels nourished and refreshed.
This fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizer is deeply hydrating and restorative without feeling heavy or greasy.
The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer
This moisturizer is smooth and lightweight but still really moisturizing and not oily. It leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated throughout the day.
Serums
My trusted friend
turned me onto this serum. It is literally the perfect consistency - I let it absorb quickly and then put on my moisturizer. It’s got hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, manuka honey and after using it for the past few months, I’ve noticed it’s helped with fine lines, dullness and dehydration. My skin feels tighter and healthier.
The Plasma is weightless and is easily absorbed into my skin. Its ingredients simulate platelet-rich plasma’s ability to support skin repair & rejuvenation. I have been using it in tandem with the Emulsion and have noticed it’s improved my skin’s texture and complexion.
Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum
This serum feels really nice going into my skin, it’s smooth and lightweight. It is formulated to help with dark spots and sun damage, and brightens skin.
Masks and Treatments
I have been using this mask for a few years, and I keep going back. It helps refresh my skin, it removes dead skin cells, brightens, and pulls out impurities. I do put this mask on for 15 mins once a week in the bath.
True Botanicals At-Home-Facialist-Peel
This product is kind of amazing - the name says it all. I have sensitive skin, so I only leave it on for 10 minutes before I rinse it off. It literally leaves my skin feeling glassy, smooth and bright. Make sure to use sunscreen when you use this peel.
AUTEUR Definitive Optimising Mask
I recently started using this luxurious mask and I am obsessed with it. The formulation uses Alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic and lactic acids that rejuvenate and renew and rejuvenate. My skin always feels instantly glowy, balanced and smoother after using it.
Lip Care
Superegg Infinite LAYERS Lip Care
This lip treatment is an all-around winner in my opinion. I love a tube with applicator - it makes it super easy to apply throughout the day and I keep it in my bag at all times. It’s fragrance-free, and the texture is smooth, lightweight, but it really nourishes and moisturizes my lips. I don’t feel like I have to keep re-applying, it stays on for hours.
This is one of my favorite lip balms for everyday. It really hydrates, smoothes and plumps. I love that it has a really light and subtle and natural scent. I also love the cooling effect of the ceramic applicator.
I have been using this every evening - it’s a lightweight lip treatment that repairs, hydrates and keeps the moisture locked in. I love that it’s fragrance-free, not greasy and stays on for hours.
U BEAUTY The Plasma Lip Compound
This lip compound has a really smooth and silky texture. It has a subtle sheen, and is hydrating, plumping, and makes them feel soft and full. The metal applicator is really cooling and refreshing too.
I didn’t include sunscreen on this list, but Lightsaver is my favorite SPF and I use it everyday. It comes non-tinted or tinted and it’s lightweight, airy, and layers seamlessly into your skin.
All illustrations by Britt Cyk, check out more of her work here.
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Love the illustrations!! Def have “luxe flatlay” overload rn 😂 these were the perfect antidote :) 100% checking out the damdam mud mask and remedy lip treatment asap!
These illustrations are amazing!!!