Ever since I became a beauty editor a year and a half ago, I've gained a lot of knowledge about skincare, makeup, and hair. It's been completely fascinating for me—especially when it comes to skincare. Who knew that someone who used to hate science class back in high school, would be into learning about how the skin works and different formulas and ingredients?
As I've been learning more and more about the beauty world, I've had friends asking me about my favorite products. They want to know which products are actually overrated, which ones are totally worth it, and what's under-the-radar, but amazing. It's been fun sharing with them all the products I've tried and loved. I even found myself giving very detailed and enthusiastic odes to some select products that I've become so obsessed with. Seriously, after I went on and on about my favorite vitamin C serum, my friends looked at me very oddly (but thanked me for the rec, of course).
So since I've been so generous with my skincare suggestions with my friends, I've decided to share them with you all. These are the products that I'll recommend over and over again because they really work. Take a look below.
Remember that vitamin C serum I talked about earlier? Well, this is it. I tell all my friends if they're going to splurge on one item, it should be Skinceuticals's C E Ferulic. It just does such a good job at brightening your skin, making it appear glowy, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. My skin always looks so radiant and healthy when I apply it.
Supergoop's Glowscreen is my everyday sunscreen. Not only does it provide amazing sun protection, but it's also formulated with a flattering pearlescent finish. The product can act as a primer, but normally I wear it as-is because the glowy finish does a good job of waking up my skin.
Here's another splurge that I recommend wholeheartedly. This face serum has an oil-like consistency that absorbs so quickly and thoroughly. It's infused with 22 nutrient-rich botanicals that really work to make your skin healthier. I've been using it lately since my skin has been dry and a bit irritated, but the serum keeps my skin moisturized and radiant.
Kiehl's serum is like magic to me. The gel texture is so lightweight and cooling, it just sinks into the skin like whoa. I use it to hydrate and plump my skin when it's super parched and I'm in need of a super-quick fix.
Okay, since I am prone to dry skin, this list is very heavy with hydration products. I'm always giving my friends dry skin recs, and Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel is my OG suggestion. I've been recommending it even before I became a beauty editor! It just feels so heavenly when your skin is so parched and irritated. It's lightweight and doesn't leave a greasy finish at all. The hyaluronic acid in this formula locks in moisture fast.
I was never big on facial oils, but now they're a regular fixture in my skincare routine. This oil-serum is a hybrid product that reduces redness, strengthens the skin's barrier, and prevents dryness. It also leaves your skin with a nice glow. Plus, the price can't be beaten.
Some toners can be harsh, especially if your skin is prone to dryness and sensitivity. I don't have that issue when I use this Conditioning Toner. It does a good job of exfoliating and cleansing my skin without drying it out. I like to use it around two to three times a week.
I'm a big fan of double-cleansing, and this is my favorite product for my routine. The micellar water does such a good job of removing makeup and dirt and making my face feel so refreshed. I even like to use it throughout the day or when I'm traveling as a refresher.
I listened to my colleagues go on and on about this cleanser, so I finally got it. And now I go on and on about it, too! I love that it also exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores. It's also a gel formula, which is a big bonus for me since I love products with a gel consistency.
Fresh's black tea eye cream is one of my favorites because it's a multitasker. It targets dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. It also feels so light and silky when applied.
I've always grabbed the sunscreens that go on "invisibly," but I make a big exception when it comes to Elta MD's sunscreen spray. It goes on white and dries clear—I don't mind the extra step because then I can see how much of my body is actually coated. That comes in handy when you're applying sunscreen to those nooks and crannies, like behind your ears, backs of your knees, and tops of your feet.
I also keep Indie Lee's brightening cleanser on rotation. It works to cleanse and hydrate the skin, and it also tightens and firms.
Let's face it—sometimes your lips are so chapped and dry that slathering on the lip balm doesn't seem to help at all. When that happens to me, I reach for Laneige's overnight lip sleeping mask. It locks in moisture so when I wake up my lips are smooth and plump.
Nécessaire's new body oil is my latest obsession. It's fast-absorbing and fragrance-free, so it does a good job of moisturizing and smoothing the skin. I also find it leaves my skin extra glowy and healthy-looking.
Drunk Elephant's lip balm is my go-to everyday product. It provides intense moisture and hydration and lasts for a long time. Plus, it feels super luxe when I swipe it on my lips.
I'm a big fan of this creamy and rich overnight mask because it always manages to leave my skin hydrated and plump the next morning. It has ingredients like vitamin C, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and an antioxidant-rich proprietary superberry blend.
Whenever my friends ask for a retinol rec, I tell them my favorite is Kate Somerville's retinol moisturizer. It doesn't irritate my skin like other retinols, and it's also infused with vitamin C to brighten and even skin tone.
When I'm dealing with puffy eyes or I'm looking extra tired with my dark circles, I turn to these under-eye masks. They're so cooling and refreshing. My tip? Put them in the fridge for an even more soothing experience.
Ingrown hairs are the worst, so I do my best to prevent them with Fur's scrub. The mechanical exfoliator gently buffs away dead skin cells and smooths skin. I use it about two to three times a week.
I love recommending this lotion to my friends who are experiencing sensitive skin issues or irritation. I learned about Vanicream from an aesthetician and am forever grateful for her tip. It's free of common irritants and is formulated especially for sensitive skin. I use it pretty much every day, as you can apply it to your face and body.
Next, I Finally Cured My Dull, Dry Skin—These Are the 15 Products I'd Recommend
