Since I very publicly announced I turned 40, I’ve gotten a flood of messages asking what skincare products I use. Apparently, I look younger than 40 (why, thank you!), so I figured it was worth sharing.
I promise I’m not hiding some 2-hour Korean skincare regimen. My secret is consistent daily use of a handful of products that work.
Before we get into it, I want to state declaratively that I’m not trying to look 25.
I invest in my skin because I want to look like the best version of myself at this exact age.
I like feeling confident when I look in the mirror, and I LOVE that I no longer wear foundation, because I’m so happy with how my skin looks. It’s one of those “you-have-to-be-a-little high-maintenance-to-be-low-maintenance” situations.
I’ve sampled SO MANY products over the years (brands send things to me regularly). I never link anything until I’ve thoroughly tested it. I’ve also learned that just because something is more expensive doesn’t mean it’s more effective.
I’ve broken the list down into the items I never skip (sorted by A.M. and P.M.), where I save vs. spend, and the order in which I apply everything.
I’ve also linked everything on my ShopMy here for easy browsing.
Red Light Therapy Mask (spend). Of everything on this list, daily use of this mask has made the most noticeable difference. I strap it on, then go about my morning making the bed, brewing coffee, etc.. The 10 minutes it takes to run its cycle fly by. I use CurrentBody (10% off with WELLPLATED).
Cleanser + Toner (save). This is the base from which all of your other skincare stems, so don’t skip either.
Cleanser should be gentle and non-drying. CeraVe works great; I also like Fresh and Merit if you want something more high-end.
Toner is necessary because it restores your skin’s natural pH balance, which allows all of your other products to work better. My top pick is Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion 2, but CeraVe makes a great budget option I also like. Dampen a cotton round like these, then wipe it gently over your face.
Vitamin C Serum (save). Brightens with daily use. You don’t need to spend a fortune because Timeless Skincare makes an amazing dupe of the $$$ SkinCeuticals one. If you buy through their website HERE, it’s 20% off. Or, you can purchase on Amazon.
Eye Cream (save). Underneath your eyes is some of your thinnest, most sensitive skin, and companies will sell you $200+ creams that promise to rewind time. I have yet to find one that does a better job than ROC’s $21 version.
Moisturizer (save or spend). CeraVe’s night cream (I use both AM and PM) is excellent. Of all the $ brands I’ve tried, the only one where I noticed a difference beyond CeraVe is Calecim’s Restorative Hydration Cream. It my skin look especially plump (15% off with WELLPLATED15).
Mineral Sunscreen (spend-ish). Non-negotiable, every single day. I prefer mineral formulas because chemical sunscreens give me pigmentation issues. After trying more sunscreens than I’d like to admit, Supergoop Mineral Sheerscreen is my favorite. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave you with the dreaded white lifeguard nose.
True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil (spend). 100000% lives up to the hype. This stuff is magic. My skin looks instantly glowy and hydrated in a way no other product has replicated.
Cleanser, Toner, Eye Cream, Moisturizer (save). I use the same products I listed above.
Night Serum (save or spend). After using Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair for years, I switched to L’Oréal’s version after my aunt and sister wouldn’t stop raving about it. Both give you great results.
Retinol (save). Fortunately, retinol’s price has come down SO MUCH since I was in college and struggling with acne. I use Retin-A (Tretinoin) 0.05% Cream. You can request a prescription from Amazon or talk to your dermatologist.
Good Genes (on sale at Sephora!). If you are using a retinol, this probably isn’t absolutely necessary, but my skin looks so great every time I use it, I’m keeping it in my rotation. I alternate nights with the retinol.
ZIIP Halo (spend). Welcome to the world of microcurrent devices. Think of this device as a mini workout for your face muscles that lifts, tones, and tightens. You apply a gel, then run it along your skin for 5 minutes (a perfect way to make your scrolling more productive). Full disclosure: I thought it was a gimmick until I tried it. You can see a before/after pic in this post. (10% off with WELLPLATED).
Eye Patches (spend). If someone has a brand that beats these patches, please LET ME KNOW. They are the only ones I’ve found where I can see an immediate difference, they don’t slip down, and they aren’t individually packaged (I hate the waste). I stock up whenever they are on sale.
Knowing what to use is only half of it. The order matters too, because layering in the wrong sequence can keep your good products from absorbing the way they should.
A good rule of thumb is (after cleansing and toning), layer everything on from thinnest to thickest.
Red Light Therapy Mask (can be done at night instead)
ZIIP Halo (if using; can be done at night instead)
True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil (if using)
Good Genes (if using, alternate nights with Retinol)
Retinol (Retin-A / Tretinoin) (on nights you don’t apply Good Genes)
And the brightening eye patches are a nice-to-have whenever you want a little treat. I do mine right after toning while the coffee brews, or I Facetime my nieces (my entire family sees me in these regularly, ha!).
There you go, I’ve spilled the beans!
If you’re new to the skin care game, it looks overwhelming, but I promise, once you’re in a routine, it’s pretty automatic.
None of it is complicated, and you really can build up to it one product at a time. Start with the simple base, get consistent, and add the next thing when you are ready.
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