Too often, we are way too critical of ourselves. So, I’m here to share that I’ve been very happy with how my skin has been looking lately. This can rarely be said during such completely unpredictable seasonal temperature drops (and recent climbs, too). I haven’t had a facial in months. Nor have I gone back on a prescription retinoid. I may be singing a different tune when the cruel winter hits the Northeast but for now, I’m embracing the healthy glow. It’s only fair to credit the five products I’ve been consistent with over the last few weeks.
African Botanics Baobab Clay Oxygenating Cleanser
This is a returning favorite. And it’s what got me hooked on the African Botanics line years ago. A spa-grade experience in a tube, this water-soluble fusion of African Clay, Baobab Fruit Powder, Aloe Leaf Extract, and Marula Oil, is superb at removing every trace of dirt, grime, and pollutants. This product delivers the feeling of deeply cleansed yet comfortably hydrated skin that never gets old. I am also a huge fan of the light and soothing aroma with notes of Jasmine and Sandalwood. Pro tip: lather up a dime size amount and leave on the skin for a minute or two before rinsing. $70 (100ml) at credobeauty.com
Retrouvé Skin Brilliance Priming Pads
Retrouvé may be best known for their cult-favorite eye cream but to me, these gentle exfoliating pads are the brand’s unsung hero. Suitable for all skin types, these thick and juicy rounds are generously saturated in a solution of fruit-derived Alpha Hydroxy Acids. It is the blend of Bilberry, Sugar Cane, Sugar Maple, Orange, and Lemon Extracts that removes dead cell buildup to reveal your radiant, glass-like-smooth complexion. There is absolutely no redness or tingling and I’ve been using these 2–3 nights each week on my combination skin with great success. Trust me, you need these. $65 (24 pads) at neimanmarcus.com
Medik8 Liquid Peptides
Peptides are the buzzword of the decade. And every skincare brand is doing their best to convince us that their latest innovation is the new gold standard in anti-aging. After having tried a vast number of formulas that contain them, I keep returning to Medik8 Liquid Peptides. This lightweight, water-based serum is packed with a blend of 10 skin-firming peptides in 30% concentration to deliver plumper, firmer, more youthful-looking skin. A true multi-tasker, it also hydrates and protects against free radical damage. If you use Vitamin C (day) and Retinol (night), apply Liquid Peptides beforehand to significantly boost the performance of either. Use it each day for a few weeks and you’ll be impressed by how your skin looks and feels. $64 (30ml) at medik8.com
Circcell Lucent Dramatic Brightening Potion
I am infatuated with this powerhouse of a moisturizer from Circcell. This super lightweight, emulsion-like cream is packed with a cornucopia of skin brightening agents coined by the brand as Illumine 7™. Ready to tackle uneven skin tone and stubborn hyperpigmentation, this trademarked fusion of potent skin-lightening ingredients includes Daisy Flower, Licorice Root, Diacetyl Boldine, and Brown Algae Extracts. The lightweight texture of this moisturizer makes it a great option for my combination skin both in my AM or PM routine. It also layers really well with my other steps. I’m loving the way Circcell Lucent makes my skin look–radiant and rested. $190 (50ml) at circcell.com
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizer SPF 30
This budget-friendly sunscreen from La Roche-Posay has become my morning go-to recently. It’s oil-free, creamy yet fast-absorbing, and feels very soothing on the skin. The Toleriane Double Repair formula is ideal on lazy days on which I have no patience for extra steps. It contains biome balancing prebiotics, replenishing Ceramide-3, and Niacinamide, which will strengthen and brighten the skin over time. This straightforward moisturizer with sunscreen is popular with dermatologists and is a great addition to anyone’s skincare routine. $22.99 (100ml) at ulta.com
