I'm a Skincare Addict - Here's What I'd Actually Recommend to a Friend

How Carrie Bradshaw felt about shoes is how I feel about skincare. Trust me when I say I've tried it all, and these products are my favorite.

It all started nearly two decades ago, the first time I stepped into a Lush. I had never really given the care and keeping of my skin much thought before that, choosing instead to just let it bake in the sun, or maybe (if it was lucky), wash my face with a makeup removing wipe.

But the first time I tried one of Lush’s (fresh!) face masks, I was a changed woman. As a Type A control freak, the idea of being able to keep my skin looking healthy was very appealing, even if it started at a time when my skin would never look better.

While I’m all for the natural aging process, I do still like to keep a routine going both to keep my complexion bright and healthy, but also for a relaxing way to start the morning and end the night. And in the years since, I’ve been lucky enough to try probably hundreds of different products, both that I’ve bought personally and those that have been sent to me for work.

And, honestly? A lot of skincare is pretty basic, and overpriced. But, within that, I’ve also found some tried-and-true favorites that I’d recommend to my best friends, without question. This is that list.

Sunscreen

I wish I could say I’ve been a longtime sunscreen user, but it’s really in the past five years that I’ve actually put in a concerted effort to protect myself from the sun. I once had a dermatologist tell me that I may as well throw out every skincare product I own if I’m not wearing sunscreen as well, and that really stuck with me.

For the body, my entire family swears by Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen. It’s SPF 50 and doesn’t leave us all looking like ghosts, making it super easy to reapply. My daughter also has eczema that gets particularly bad with chemical sunscreen, and this has been the only sunscreen that works for her.

For my face, I go more bougie - I like a sunscreen that works with makeup, but also has pretty strong protection. Sarah Creal Brilliant Shield SPF 50 is what I’ll wear on days when I want the slightest bit of color and don’t plan on wearing makeup. It comes in a golden tint, and then one that’s more bronzey which I may pick up this summer.

Dr. Brandt Liquid Sun Shield was something I saw recommended by one of my favorite follows on Instagram, and she was right - it’s great. It’s a mineral sunscreen with SPF 50, but blends easily on the skin.

If you only want to use one brand, I cannot recommend Ultra Violette enough. The Australia brand recently came to the U.S. in Sephora, and their Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 is excellent. It’s really liquidy and never feels like it’s drying out my already dry skin.

For Dry Skin

No matter what time of year it is, my skin is dry as shit. And when it gets dry, I tend to also have acne pop up which is just…you know, great. This is where I’m willing to shell out the most money, because when I find a product that really works for dryness, I become a loyal follower.

And speaking of money…I hate to tell you that the Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum and Active Treatment Essence are incredible. I've used them separately, but together they're like magic. The essence comes with the benefits of a vitamin C serum, a hyaluronic serum, a prebiotic serum, and a pH balancing toner in one step, and layers perfectly under a drop or two of the serum. The only word I can use to describe the feeling on your face is luscious; it's my secret to plumper skin.

For a more wallet-friendly option, layering the InnBeauty Elastic Skin Serum under any moisturizer or face oil will work wonders. The serum has the strangest texture I’ve ever experienced, but something about it is SUPER plumping.

And if you want one more option for your list, allow me to introduce you to the product I bring out when my skin is just parched: the May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon. This balm is eye-wateringly expensive, but you only need the absolute tiniest amount for your entire face. I usually go for the 10mL, and use it sparingly on my face and underneath my eyes for when my skin is red and angry in the winter (or if I’m ever sunburnt or having a bad skin reaction). It’s magic, there’s no other way to describe it.

For Uneven Skin Tone

I was lucky enough to go thirty years without experiencing melasma, but after pregnancy with Sadie, I was left with dark spots that still spring up throughout the year.

When I’m not pregnant, the product that has helped brighten my skin the most is Paula’s Choice Retinol Treatment. This stuff is strong, so I had to really build my way up to using it over time. But, once my skin got used to it, it was perhaps one of the most visually effective products I’ve ever used in getting rid of melasma and dark spots.

During pregnancy, I’ve been turning to the Mother Science Hero Serum. I saw the makeup artist behind The White Lotus raving about this, having used it on the cast, and I could think of no better endorsement. Turns out, the praise was deserved! The serum is relatively gentle, and works to brighten darkness over time. I’ve started using it underneath a moisturizer at night, and am working my way up to using it twice a day for full results.

For Dark Circles

I have genetic dark circles, and the truth of the matter is that there is no cream or serum in the world that will affect them as much as an in-office treatment. However, I have found a few options that work well to keep the worst of the darkness at bay, and also help with fine lines and dryness.

To help visibly brighten a bit, the Tata Harper Brightening Eye Gel is great at adding a little bit of luminosity underneath the eyes. I use either this or the U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate when I’m wearing makeup, as both keep my under eyes hydrated while still playing nice with products.

At night, I go a little more extreme with the InnBeauty Extreme Eye Cream which, true to its name, is particularly moisturizing.