With over a decade of experience in beauty product innovation, one of the top questions I’m asked is “What skincare products are your personal favorites and do you recommend the most?”… The truth is, I’ve tried thousands of products and have gotten the inside scoop on which ingredients are most effective, which are mostly fluff, and this makes me extremely selective on the products I use personally on a daily basis.
I know industry secrets on which products and competitors products are top-sellers and am able to have visibility to the annual sales of most products you see in stores. But, just because a beauty product is a top-seller, it doesn’t mean I’m gonna be a fan.
Here’s what I look for in skincare products and their features that lead me to become a big fan and use them in my personal skincare routine: Strong and pure active ingredients, strong clinical study results (some brands might claim their products are amazing, but I look for clinical results to support their claims), and user-friendly products with a less-is-more approach that I’ll be able to use on a daily basis.
Some brands offer multi-step skincare systems (which I’ve launched before and support selectively), but I actually prefer skincare products that are more “power-houses” on their own. Below, you’ll find a variety of my favorite products that I’ve curated from my favorites. I’ve included links to my favorites and shared in detail as to why i love the product. I do use these products personally and wouldn’t recommend them if i didn’t believe in them. I hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into some of my favorite skincare products!
If you happen to recognize products below that you’re also a fan of, be sure to comment below and tell us which product you love and why you love it too 😉
Skincare Fave’s:
Tula Eye Balm Dark Circle Treatment
This handy under-eye balm stick helps give you what I like to call the perfect “glow-on-the-go”! It’s a great instant pick-me-up that hydrates, cools, and de-puffs around the eye area. This product can be worn under or on top of your makeup. This formula is jam-packed with smoothing probiotic extracts, caffeine (helps de-puff under-eye dark circles/bags), apple + watermelon for hydration, hyaluronic acid to lock-in moisture, rosehip oil + rosewater for toned nourishment, and blueberry antioxidants. Tula’s Eye Brightening Stick is suitable for all skin types. I personally love to keep this in my purse to give me just the right pick-me-up throughout the day (or before an interview)!
DHC Deep Cleansing Facial Oil
I primarily recommend this facial cleanser if you have notoriously dry skin. When I personally use this product, I typically “double cleanse” by using this cleanser first to really deep cleanse, followed by using a cleansing towelette or traditional facial cleanser to remove any excess oil. Highly recommend for dry skin and for double cleansing!
Nutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes
Anyone that knows me well will tell you I can’t live without my Nutrogena facial towelettes! The purple package (night calming) is my current favorite (I used to like their original blue packs, but they’ve since changed the formula and I now prefer the purple pack instead). I’ve worked with big beauty brands to try to achieve similar results when formulating facial towelettes, but let me fill you in on a little secret: Nutrogena owns a trade patent that prevents suppliers from using a specific level of liquid formula and specific towelette material that manufacturers aren’t legally able to re-produce this for other brands!! So, if you were anything like me when i first discovered these towelettes, you might have tried to find something from another brand, but the off-brands always seemed to fall short of your expectations… There’s a reason!! Lucky for the Nutrogena business, you’ll only find me purchasing these from the actual brands, the nock-offs will only be a waste of money!
LANCER The Method Polish Facial Exfoliator
This is one of my favorite facial exfoliators, but please know that this is not for anyone whose new to exfoliating their face (in my opinion). I’d say this formula is on the stronger side with more abrasive beads for those who already exfoliate and are wanting a next-level exfoliator to eliminate dead skin. When using this product, I recommend using a small amount of product at a time while applying slow, gentle pressure (do not scrub). Make sure to avoid eye area.
EXFOLIATING SKIN POLISH: Once only available at Dr. Lancer’s dermatology clinic in Beverly Hills, The Method: Polish daily hydrating face exfoliator is now available to help you experience ultra-smooth and bright skin in your own home! This polish exfoliator has moisturizing pomegranate enzymes and nonirritating natural minerals to create even exfoliation to renew your skin.
Hyaluronic + Aloe Facial Mist by Advanced Clinicals
When I tell you that I am obsessed with this product, it would be an understatement!
I use this skincare gem daily because I see and feel instant results… I spritz this product on my face in the morning and evening after cleansing. I also spritz a small amount onto my beauty blender before applying my foundation and use this throughout the day on-top of my makeup to refresh and glow my skin. I love how the product makes my skin feel fresh and how it locks in moisture evenly giving me an instant all-over-glow!! I receive so many compliments on my skin due to the results of this product and have to admit I recommend this product all the time to friends!!
Hyaluronic + Aloe Facial Mist by Advanced Clinicals contains key active ingredient combinations of Soothing Aloe and healing Hyaluronic Acid are nutritive natural extracts that deliver unmatched protection and hydration. This formula is also combined with:
- Probiotics guard skin against bad bacteria that can cause acne. Plus, they help plump the skin since they ward off damaging free radicals.
- Green Tea helps you achieve a clear, even skin tone by reducing redness and irritation.
- Coffea Robusta Seed Extract gives you soft, smooth, and firm skin since it increases collagen and elastin production.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
One of the most important types of products that should be incorporated into a skincare routine for maximum results is a Vitamin C Serum (for all skin types). There are so many benefits jam-packed into this serum, including advanced daytime environmental protection, helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps improve skins firmness, helps even skin tone and skin’s brightness. This is a multi-functional skincare game changer for clearer looking glowing skin!
The key about this particular Vitamin C Serum, is that it contains a high level of Vitamin C (coming in at a whopping 15% is great for an over-the-counter in-store serum)!
C E Ferulic features a synergistic antioxidant combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid to enhance protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals that can contribute to atmospheric aging. C E Ferulic is now proven to reduce combined oxidative damage generated by UVA/UVB rays, ozone pollution, and diesel engine exhaust by up to 41%. In addition to antioxidant protective benefits, C E Ferulic improves signs of aging and photodamage, the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and the loss of firmness, while brightening skin’s complexion.
This product is on the pricier side, but their clinical results are impressive to support the hefty price tag…
BENEFITS (supported by the manufacturers clinical results):
- Increases firmness by up to 37%¹
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines by up to 27%¹
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles by up to 36%¹
- Enhances skin radiance by up to 44%¹
- Demonstrated to provide 8x the skin’s natural environmental protection¹
- Reduces up to 48% of potential damage from free radicals formed by pollution, the sun and metals²
- Once absorbed, this vitamin C serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours
- Paraben-free and ideal for normal, dry, and sensitive skin types
- Tested suitable for use post-laser, always consult with a physician for individual post-procedure care
Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Cosmedica
If you haven’t already noticed, I’m a huge fan of Hyaluronic Acid 😉
This proprietary blend of hyaluronic acid contains three simple ingredients – with no additives! Cosmedica’s hyaluronic acid is clinically tested to be safe on all skin types and is a much clearer, effective formula as compared to many thicker hyaluronic acid’s with added ingredients. This hyaluronic acid serum is thinner because it’s more natural, not to mention it’s cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free!
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance (for dry skin)
I have extremely dry skin (especially during winter months) and this is the only moisturizer that seems to get the job done in combating dry skin throughout the daytime. I love that. this moisturizer is non-greasy and is fast absorbing! This vegan, cruelty-free formula is ultra-nourishing, enhances the skin barrier and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Featuring key active ingredients of Dermalogica’s BioReplenish Complex (supports skin barrier nourishing, recovery, and protection against future damage), Hyaluronic Acid + Echinacea, Centella Asiatica + Aloe Vera for locking in hydration, enhances skin moisture, and Prebiotic Chlorella Algae Complex to help rebalance skin’s microbiome improving overall skin health.
Tretinoin Cream – Dermatologist Prescription
I never expected to deal with hormonal acne around my chin and jawline area and dealt with it for years, until my dermatologist prescribed me Tretanoin…
At night before bed, I cleanse my face and remove all makeup and then apply Tretinoin Cream 0.025% by itself.
If you experience hormonal flare-ups on the lower half of your face, I highly recommend consulting with your licensed dermatologist who can determine if Tretanoin Cream is a good fit for you or not. Tretanoin comes in a variety of % levels can only be prescribed by a dermatologist who will determine the right % for your skin (should you be a candidate for this prescription).
Tretanoin topical cream has a wide range of skincare benefits, including…
BENEFITS:
- Clearing up existing acne
- Reduces frequency and severity of acne breakouts
- Helps reduce appearance of dark spots
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skins tone and texture
Mighty Patch for Acne Breakouts
When I first discovered the Mighty Patch and experienced the incredible results, I instantly thought “Where in the world has this product been all my life?!!!” I wish this product had been around when I was in high school, but am thrilled and relieved to have found a product that helps eliminate unexpected blemishes so quickly without damaging the skin. All you have to do is place the product directly on the blemish and wait 6-8 hours for the patch to absorb the pimple gunk and then remove the patch. You’ll notice incredible healing improvements to the blemish, reduce redness, and your mind will be blown to have the blemish start disappearing. This product especially comes in handy if you notice a pimple the night before a big interview or meeting, combat the breakout with the Mighty Patch the night before and wake up being able to be free of breakout anxiety and be able to walk into the office with confidence!
This award-winning acne patch features medical-grade active ingredient of Hydrocolloid, is clinically tested, drug-free, and is safe to use on all skin types!
Cooluli Skincare Mini Fridge
This classic thermo-electric cooler is the perfect little counter-top mini fridge to store your skincare products at an affordable price. This particular product is small and great for cooling skincare under-eye creams, eye gel patches with caffeine, and specific dermatology creams that are medical grade and should be kept in the fridge. I don’t keep all my skincare products in the fridge, but the products i do keep in this gem are those i typically use for de-puffing dark circles or those that require being stored in a chilled environment – Skincare Goodies such as vitamin C serums, vitamin A derivatives, like retinol, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid should also be kept refrigerated to avoid oxidation, which can make them lose their effectiveness and cause them to turn yellow and smell funny (I also store my aloe vera based skin care products in the fridge as they are refreshing and soothing to the skin, especially when chilled).
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