Trying out new skincare brands is basically a hobby for me and I love sharing what’s working! I believe consistency is important so I try to stick with a new product for at least 2 months before I share my thoughts. Today I’m excited to walk you through my current skincare routine!
I’m in my mid-30s and I’m noticing a lot of changes with my skin. Part of it is related to the natural aging process, part of it is work stress and poor sleep. I’ve been saying hello to more fine lines, age spots, dullness, darker under-eye circles… and more (gaahh)! To help address my skincare concerns and slow down the aging process, I’ve been focusing more on antioxidant-rich serums, AHAs, nourishing facial oils, SPF, and the occasional facial treatment – see my recent post on Micro-Channeling!
Before we start, I don’t use all of these items everyday, but for the most part these are my current staples.
Cleansing
Pai – Camellia & Rose Gentle Cream Cleanser + Dual Flyer Cloth – Pai’s skincare line is especially formulated for sensitive skin. This gentle cleanser effectively removes makeup and cleanses, leaving it feeling soft & balanced (not stripped). Camellia oil is rich with omega 6 and antioxidants and Damask Rose Otto oil (known as THE purest of rose oils) has anti-inflammatory, cooling and soothing properties. Skin feels so moisturized after!
RejuvAus – Gentle AHA Exfoliating Gel Cleanser – I also love incorporating professional medical-grade products into my routine! And to address skin texture & signs of aging, I love that this product is formulated with medical grade AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids). Contains lactic acid, malic acid, and other active ingredients to reduce pigmentation, restore & hydrate skin, exfoliate, and cleanse.
This Australian brand recently launched in the US and they sent me this cleanser as PR and gave me a promo code for y’all. I looove it – it’s lathering and gently exfoliates dead skin cells without stripping the healthy cell barrier. Use CLARAWANG10 for 10% off.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTIONS // If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of other great gentle cleansers for $30 or less! I love the Biossance Squalane & Antioxidant Cleansing Oil & Valentia’s Cleansing Oil. I hear good things about CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser (I haven’t tried it).
Toning + Mists
Facial mists give me a blast of hydration and require minimal effort. With a few sprays, my skin feels utterly refreshed and prepped. I’ll keep one of my work desk when my skin needs a little afternoon “pick me up”. I’m currently using:
- Mica Organics Blood Orange Hydrosol Brightening Facial Mist – A skin-brightening hydrosol with vitamin A & C and AHAs to gently exfoliate. Made with sustainable & organic plant materials. Aromatic and delightful.
- AKT.THERAPY After Sun Botanical Toner – Formulated with Hyaluronic acid & vitamin C. Has a fine, even mist – can’t get enough of it!
Serums
If I splurge on a product, it’s usually for a great serum. I’m using two ‘brightening’ serums at the moment and a Hyaluronic Acid serum. To even out my complexion, address hyperpigmentation, and achieve a glow, I love my vitamin C!
Currently using two serums from ALPHASCIENCE, a medical grade skincare line from France. They remind me of Skinceuticals (slightly less expensive but honestly it’s still $$$).
- ALPHASCIENCE Alpha Bright Serum – Formulated with powerful antioxidants (L-Ascorbic Acid, Phytic Acid, ginkgo biloba) to treat hyperpigmentation. Super gentle on my skin. Immediately gives my skin a radiant glow.
- ALPHASCIENCE TANNIC [CF] SERUM – Addresses photodamage & clinically proven to smooth the appearance of fine lines and improve texture and tone. Formulated with Vitamin C, tannic acid, ferulic acid, and ginkgo biloba concentrate.
- Le Mieux Hyaluronic Acid – This is my favorite hyaluronic acid ever! I see an overall improvement in skin texture and hydration.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTIONS // Wabi-Sabi Age Gracefully & Light Reveal serums. Valentia Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Moisturizer
Surprise, surprise! My current favorite moisturizer is under $20! I love Honest Beauty’s Hydrogel Cream. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, squalane, and jojoba esters. It’s lightweight and leaves a dewy finish. I LOVE.
Recent Favorites:
I just ran out of my Mymiel Honey Moon Night Cream, but this was such a beautiful product. It’s decadent but not heavy. Contains retinol to promote cell turnover and kojic acid to treat dark spots. Developed by Harvard dermatologists, powered by honey.
Another one of my favorites (I also ran out) is Ursa Major’s Golden Hour Recovery Cream.
Facial Oil
I love my facial oils. I have two blog posts dedicated to facial oils! Check out Benefits of Facial Oils and Why I Love Facial Oils.
- Currently loving YINA’s Clarify Botanical Serum with Ginseng and Lotus. The quality and packaging is beautiful and luxurious. Great for oily & combo skin. Helps reduce blemishes and instantly gives me a glowy complexion. I use this one in the PM.
- Also loving my Rosehip Oil from Pai – I use this daily in the AM. Addresses dryness, blemishes, redness, fine lines… it’s one of their bestsellers and I understand why!
SPF
Both of these are in rotation:
- AKT Therapy Elemental Sun Balm SPF 30 (it’s tinted too!)
- Jan Marini Antioxidant SPF (my #1 favorite SPF ever – it gives my skin a beautiful glow AND protects).
Hope that quenched your skincare thirsts – I’d love to hear about your skincare favs at the moment!
