Skincare Stories: The Products I'm Using Daily
Let’s get this part out of the way first: I am not a skincare expert. Not even close. I’ve had very dry skin my whole life and have had bouts of eczema and psoriasis for decades; however, this isn’t a post about any of that. This is about finding products that work well for a day and night skincare routine for my face as well as products I’m using for general skin health.
I seek out products that will help keep my skin clear, even-toned, glowing (as much as possible?), and prepped for makeup (when I rarely wear it). I aim to look like I’m using a filter, but I’m not.
While I recommend all of the products below, everyone’s skin reacts differently so what may work for me, may not for you. That would be convenient, wouldn’t it? Alas, everyone’s skin is different and has different needs. Take my advice (recommendations?) with a grain of salt and realize that there are countless options out there. I’ve currently narrowed them down to this assortment, but I’m always on the lookout for a great new addition to my routine. :)
I have organized this list by brand because that is what makes the most sense to me. Since my day/night routine changes fairly often (it probably shouldn’t?), I didn’t want to give you a set list of what to use when. Again, all skin is different!
For reference, I am in my mid-thirties (omg) so your skincare needs may be different if you’re say, 25, and your skin still glows like the sun. Lucky you!
I hope you’ll check out some of these products as I’ve found they have worked really well for my skin. I try for all-natural, but it’s not a strict rule. I aim for “clean” ingredients as much as possible. I will recommend switching to a natural, aluminum-free deodorant. Trust me, it’s not so bad. ;)
Questions? Comments? Leave them below.
Mollie’s (current) Skincare System
Click the product name to go to the brand’s website.
CaudalÍe
I’ve been using products from this brand for a few years. They work well and they feel great on your skin.
Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream - this is a thick nighttime moisturizer which feels awesome and visibly improves skin overnight (or so I think). I use it most nights as the last “step” in my evening routine. It’s one of the few night creams I’ve bought repeatedly. It lasts a while!
Vinoperfect Radiance Serum - I used to use this day and night, but I have recently switched to only using it in the evenings. I may just use it because I like how it feels or the name of it, but I’m hoping it has lasting radiant effects. The scent is very fresh and clean, too.
Vinosource S.O.S Intense Moisturizing Cream - I bought this under the recommendation of a blogger I follow to use for extreme hydration, such as during the winter months, so right now it’s on hold. I like it a lot, but will wait for the colder weather to return before adding it back to my routine.
Dr. Barbara Sturm
This fancy brand is favored by celebrities and beauty industry pros all over. I’m easily influenced (if it works for the stars it must work for me, right?) so I had to try a couple products for myself.
Balancing Toner - I had read that it was a good idea to use a toner as a step one in a skincare routine day/night. So, I read excellent reviews of this product and had heard even more glowing reviews of this brand. I’ve been enjoying it! I don’t notice a major change from it, but perhaps that’s the point of a toner? I’ll probably re-order once it’s gone, but thankfully a little goes a long way.
Hyaluronic Serum - This tiny bottle was a splurge during a sale and I had wanted to try something in the hyaluronic category. I use it in the mornings after the toner and it feels great going on my skin. I’m not entirely sure what magic it’s doing, but I will probably look for a less-pricey option once this bottle is done.
Drunk Elephant
Note: For a while I had been almost exclusively using products from this brand, which is why there are so many listed. However, over time I have narrowed down to the ones that I think work best for me. Of course, I may go back to some items not listed, or remove some below. Time will tell!
Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser - One of my favorite face washes! I use this nightly to wash my face and remove makeup (if I wore any) from the day. It works well, barely has a scent, and does what it says it’s going to do (ideal!).
B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum - I use this for extra hydration after using a toner and before adding a vitamin C serum.It just feels good on my skin!
Protini Polypeptide Cream - This is my current daytime moisturizer and I’ve been using it for over a year. I like it a lot and it does the job!
D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops - This is a delightful product that I saw online and it adds a nice glow to your skin. As instructed, I use a tiny amount mixed with my moisturizer (the Protini) and it gives a very subtle glow. It also contains sunscreen, which is helpful.
TLC - Framboos Glycolic Night Serum - I’m just about out of this product and am strongly considering re-ordering. A nighttime serum that (I think?) does what it’s supposed to do. Night serum prices vary greatly so for the price point I do think it’s a great option.
TLC Sukari Babyfacial - I was influenced to try this product due to the countless rave reviews and very good marketing. Yes, I think it works well, but my skin doesn’t always love it and has a slight reaction when I use it. I’m not getting rid of it, but I may only use it on the non-red parts of my face.
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil - This just feels nice on your skin! I use it most often at night before applying a night cream or in conjunction with the night serum above (before applying moisturizer) as recommended by the brand.
NÉcessaire
A new-to-me product line that’s based in California and has the following motto “treat your body like your face.” Couldn’t agree more! And their products feel fantastic.
The Body Serum - My favorite from this brand! It makes my very dry skin come to life and it’s absorbed easily without a sticky residue. I use this daily on my arms and legs.
The Body Lotion - Thicker than the serum, but equally excellent. I often layer this over the serum (as suggested) or use it alone depending on how much moisture I feel like adding to my skin. Feels great on very dry hands!
The Body Exfoliator - A good scrub in the shower! I’m not the most “with it” when it comes to exfoliating, but I can definitely tell this one works.
The Body Wash - I use this in combination with the exfoliator, or on its own. I have the fragrance-free version as well as the eucalyptus. Sometimes a scent is nice!
The Deodorant - I have been using this natural deodorant in eucalyptus off and on for a few weeks (mixing with other brands) and I definitely like it. However, I may try a different scent the next time I order.
Supergoop!
Unseen Sunscreen - I love this product! I use this sunscreen on my face every single day. It works wonderfully and doesn’t leave a sticky residue on your skin. It smells faintly of “sandy beach” in my opinion which is exactly what I like when it comes to sunscreen. It’s a whiff of summer after every application.
Dr. Dennis Gross
Stress SOS Eye Cream - I’ve been using this product twice daily for many weeks and while I’m sure it’s doing something, I’m not sure how obvious it is to others. The product had great reviews and featured “help” I thought would be useful. Will I order it again or try another eye cream? Most likely I’ll be re-ordering (eye cream isn’t something I’ll bother with variety).
Ursa Major
I recently discovered this Vermont-based skincare company and I love their company values, natural ingredients, and overall aesthetic. It’s a bonus that their products are wonderful, too. I love supporting small businesses making a big impact.
Fantastic Face Wash - Another excellent face wash! I use this one if it’s been a particularly grimy day (heat and humidity) because it feels great and has a very light scent of spearmint. So fresh, so clean!
Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum - I had been using a vitamin C serum from another brand, but as soon as that ran out I opted to try a new one. Jury is out on how effective this one is, but the price point is pretty good and feels nice on my skin. I do think using this serum daily is a good part of my routine so I may stick with this one or try another brand when I need to refill.
Golden Hour Recovery Cream - Easily influenced to try something that sounds so joyful, I ordered this as another option as a nighttime moisturizer (although it’s fine for daytime use). I alternate using this one and others, but I find myself reaching for it more and more, especially after using the mask, below.
Bright & Easy 3-Minute Flash Mask - This feels great! Instead of being a scratchy, exfoliating mask, this one does the same work, but feels incredible on your skin. You don’t need to use it for long, which is part of the appeal for me. I’ve been using it twice a week and continue to enjoy the results (I think I can see a difference?).
Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant - My other natural option works extremely well! I’d recommend this one first, a couple varieties are available, and join me on the aluminum-free, natural deodorant train. Shockingly, it works better than you expect.
Vintner’s Daughter
This is another “cult favorite” product which I debated purchasing for years (how good could it be?). However, I think it’s a favorite for a reason. I recently finished my first bottle and sooner than I expected placed a refill order.
Active Botanical Serum - This is a splurge item, but it feels great on your face, the scent is awesome, and it does wonders for your skin. I ordered it during a (very rare) sale from Nordstrom and suddenly realized how great this industry-favorite is for your complexion.
*************
Extra tips for keeping your face, body, and mind, feeling fresh:
Water. Let’s stay hydrated, shall we? It makes our skin look good and our bodies working well. Drink a lot of water, every day. Like, way more than you’re probably consuming.
Sleep. Get good sleep every night. This is sometimes easier said than done. I can fall asleep on the couch in minutes, but falling asleep in my bed is oddly difficult. Let’s talk about that next time, shall we?
Exercise! Workouts release the happy endorphins and sweating it out is always a good idea. Workout outdoors, too, if you’re able because fresh air is the best. If you notice, I always chat with you on Instagram Stories post-workout. ;) #glowing
Eat well! I’m not the first to say that eating less sugar and fewer fried foods will probably help your skin. When I keep sweets to a minimum (and less-frequent fries), I do notice that my skin responds accordingly. However, my ice cream and fried clams cravings will win this summer more than once. #balance.
Relax! Managing stress is perhaps one of the best ways to keep your skin, and mind, feeling good. Of course, that’s pretty tough right now given the world we’re living in, but I’m a believer in a low-stress life as much as possible. It’s good for your health, physical and mental, and I am always striving for balance to keep my stress-levels in check.
I hope you’ve found my skincare product list helpful and that my extra tips will be useful in your everyday life. Each of our lives is very busy and unique. I’m not a “wellness guru,” but I hope that sharing what works for me, may be helpful for a few of you as well.
Enjoy!
Mollie
Pro-tip: my favorite place for selfies? In the car (as a passenger) during that “golden hour” before the sun sets. :) #summerlook #nofilter