My 2025 Skincare Favorites: What Actually Worked This Year

What a year.

If you’d told me in December 2024 that 2025 would unfold like this, I probably would have skipped the whole eating-12-grapes-under-the-table-at-midnight ritual in Connecticut for good luck. Clearly, the grapes were feeling bold.

What was meant to be a long-planned move to Italy took a sharp left in March. I joined my husband on a “quick” work trip to Madrid, peeked at apartments in Torino from afar, and somehow landed in Spain instead. Not gradually. Not elegantly. Just decisively. And, as it turns out, happily.

I love living here. The rhythm. The food. The light. It felt right faster than I expected.

The Rough Timeline

April vanished into logistics. Three piles: Spain, basement, donate. Seventeen boxes were shipped to Madrid by month’s end. International moving humbles everyone equally.

May was chaotic and under-slept. Deep cleaning. A brutal case of tennis elbow. A mid-month departure. Customs standoffs. Weeks of emotional chess trying to reunite with our cats. It was a lot. But it was also the moment this new life became real.

June arrived hot and unforgiving. Our first Madrid summer was brutal. Immigration stress paired poorly with relentless heat. I also made the deeply unglamorous decision to stay sober, something I started back on Labor Day 2024 and have kept going ever since. No wine crutch. No vacation cocktails. Just me, my skin, and the elements.

By September, the apartment wasn’t working. Too top-floor. Too much like an attic and not a loft. Not enough airflow. So we pivoted again and moved into a brighter, cooler place on Halloween. The cats were immediately on board. We’re still working through a few quirks, but this one feels like home.

Mid-November brought the hardest moment of the year. My mom’s cancer came back aggressively. She died on December 10th. I’m still processing that loss.

Christmas was quiet by design. No shopping mayhem or cooking marathons. Just local walks and familiar streets. New Year’s Eve will be full-on casual. I’m genuinely looking forward to it.

All of which is to say…

…when I looked back at my skincare favorites, I realized novelty and nostalgia both shaped the final list. I still love discovering what’s new, even in a tough year, but I also leaned on formulas I know well. The routine that ultimately stuck was sensorial yet results-driven, built around products that performed consistently and helped my skin thrive through travel, heat, and a year defined by change.

I also turned 45 this summer. Right on cue for one of those supposed accelerated aging moments people love to warn you about. After this year, I get it. The products below aren’t about chasing perfection. They’re about consistency, resilience, and taking good care of my skin while building a life I genuinely love, in a place I’m very glad to call home.

(Full shopping guide is at the bottom of the post.)

---

Unbeatable Face Cleansers

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

There is no convincing me that a better foaming cleanser exists. I’ve tried. The iS Clinical Cleansing Complex still wins. It’s rare for a gel cleanser to work this well on my skin year-round, yet this one never misses. I use it on dry skin, damp skin, in the shower, sinkside, and while traveling. I am never without a bottle. I’ve refilled the travel-size one multiple times this year, which tells you everything.

Cleansing balms I rotated all year

When I wanted a balm, I stuck to two formulas that consistently delivered: Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (£52) and Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($72). Both brands deliver impressive cleansing performance with subtle sensorial differences. Elemis leans herbal in its original version, while Emma Hardie reads slightly more floral. Texture-wise, Elemis feels softer and more pliable, while Emma Hardie has a lighter consistency. Both liquify beautifully with water, removing sunscreen, dirt, grime, and makeup pigment, and leave skin hydrated.

Kiehl’s Ultra Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser

Another favorite this year was the Kiehl’s Ultra Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser ($29). This straightforward cream-to-foam formula is an absolute gem. It lathers beautifully, removes every trace of impurities, never feels drying, and leaves skin hydrated and soft. Having used Kiehl’s for well over 20 years, I can attest that their cleansers remain one of the brand’s strongest categories.

---

Best Toners

I have three. Each one serves a different purpose: hydration, barrier support, and exfoliation.

Dr. Althea Anastatica Skin Conditioning Toner

Dr. Althea (a namesake brand persona, not an actual doctor) gained a lot of popularity on social media, but the Anastatica Skin Conditioning Toner ($22) rarely gets the attention it deserves. It’s unscented, fast-absorbing, deeply hydrating, and ideal for all skin types. The INCI is strong, led by 85% Rose of Jericho extract alongside multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, beta glucan, panthenol, baobab seed, and purslane. Skin feels revitalized, plump, and comfortable.

Dr. Loretta Barrier Enhancing Milky Essence

Dr. Loretta (an actual doctor) wins when it comes to milky toners in my opinion. The Barrier Enhancing Milky Essence ($50) is simply spectacular. All the stress this year was unkind to my skin, and I reached for this bottle constantly. The silky formula is packed with ectoin, glycerin, jojoba oil, fermented yeast derivatives, and squalane for an exceptionally soothing, barrier-supportive effect.

Transparent Lab Strong Exfoliator

The Strong Exfoliator from Transparent Lab (€19.95) was among my 2025 discoveries, and I’m loving this find. The brand offers two liquid toner options, gentle and strong, and my preference was the latter. The formula combines 5% mandelic acid, 3% PHA, and a 2% fruit enzyme complex. It’s a slightly viscous liquid but absorbs almost instantly. I rotate application methods between a cotton pad and patting directly into skin and stick to nighttime use. It visibly brightens, helps even out tone, and delivers results without irritation. The budget-friendly price point doesn’t hurt.

---

Most Impressive Serums

SkinCeuticals P-TIOX

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: SkinCeuticals P-TIOX ($150) is one of the best serums to ever touch my face. Very few formulas have delivered results this visible, this quickly. This peptide-forward treatment leaves my complexion smoother and more luminous almost immediately, and it layers seamlessly with absolutely everything, making it an easy addition to either a morning or evening routine. A rare case of instant gratification that actually holds up.

AUTEUR Definitive Hyaluron Activator

The older I get, the more I want out of my serums. That’s why the Definitive Hyaluron Activator from AUTEUR ($330) ranks near the very top for me. Technically, it’s a hydrating serum, but the addition of growth factors and peptides makes it a collagen-supporting treatment that noticeably improves skin density, firmness, and elasticity over time. It’s an investment, yes, but one I don’t regret.

Allies of Skin Beta Glucan & Resveratrol Advanced Hydrating Serum

I’ll be the first to admit that Allies of Skin can feel overwhelming in the serum department, so I tread lightly and focus on my top concerns. The Beta Glucan & Resveratrol Advanced Hydrating Serum ($89) won me over quickly. This one won’t be for everyone. The milky texture feels abundant at first, but a single pump delivers the perfect dose. It soothes like a pro, offers excellent antioxidant protection, and hydrates for hours.

---

Moisturizers I Can’t Get Enough Of

Bonjout Le Balm

Not only was Bonjout Le Balm ($130) the biggest surprise of last year, it’s become a non-negotiable in my routine. Possibly my favorite post-retinol step, this clever solid balm melts on contact and leaves skin silky, calm, and visibly smoothed. Whether you’re a minimalist or simply exhausted, it’s as chic as it is effective. I also love that so many of you agree. My affiliate data confirms it, which I genuinely appreciate. A promo code is waiting for you in the shopping guide at the bottom of the post.

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer

I may have mentioned that I’m deep in a peptide phase. If you can relate, the Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer from Paula’s Choice ($49) deserves a spot here. This lightweight gel delivers immediate, comfortable firmness. Lifted, not tight. Skin looks smoother and more defined, and the finish plays well with sunscreen and makeup. I didn’t expect to love this one as much as I do.

Centellian24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse

Earlier this year, I received Madeca Cream Time Reverse ($8) from Centellian24 as a freebie, with no awareness of its internet fame. The texture is creamy but not heavy, and the formula leans fully into cica, using multiple derivatives to calm, balance, and revive stressed skin. Yes, it contains a touch of retinol and a hint of essential oils, but I’ve found it remarkably gentle and very effective.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

One of my favorite skincare revisits of 2025 was bringing DE Protini Polypeptide Cream ($72) back into rotation. I genuinely don’t know why I ever strayed. This rich yet buoyant moisturizer adapts beautifully. It works as a day cream in winter, doubles as an overnight treatment when skin feels depleted, and mixes well with face oils or water-based serums if you like to cocktail your skincare. Proof that unscented doesn’t mean joyless.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

This year relied heavily on multitaskers, and I can’t think of a better one than Lait-Crème Concentré from Embryolisse ($32). It’s a moisturizer, a mask, and for some, a makeup remover. For me, it’s a deeply reliable night cream. From its unique texture to the unmistakable French pharmacy scent, it cocoons compromised skin and restores comfort every time. I’ve used it on and off for nearly twenty years and have no plans to stop.

---

Eye Creams

What absolutely did not change this year is my commitment to eye cream. Forever a believer. These three deserve the attention.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Eye Cream

The Rich Eye Cream ($205) remains a repeat buy for me. This is coming from someone who was once on the PR list and appeared in the Retinol Serum launch video. Deciding what’s worth spending your own money on is the real test in beauty, and for me, it’s this eye cream. The texture, the comfort, the results. It lives up to the hype. I’ve bought it twice.

Jones Road The Rich Eye Cream

The thing about the Rich Eye Cream from Jones Road ($42) is how eerily similar it feels to the Bader formula. It’s slightly richer in texture and slightly milder in terms of anti-aging claims, which makes it an excellent night treatment. I alternate it with the splurge above to make that one last twice as long. Practical. Effective. And clever. You’re welcome.

In Fiore Volutée

Volutée Complex ($85) from In Fiore is technically a lip and eye treatment. I’ve only ever used it on my eyes. When I had to rush to Poland for two weeks and packed in a panic, grabbing this tube turned out to be a very good decision. Freezing temperatures, long nights, and plenty of tears didn’t stop my undereye area from looking rested. Botanical actives don’t mess around.

---

Best Retinol

There is one thing I noticed about my skincare habits over the last year. Vitamin C serums took the backseat. Instead, I focused more on peptides and retinoids. The shift worked well for me. My two favorite retinoids include a tried-and-true staple and a newer discovery. Both delivered.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10

If you’ve been curious about retinal, do not sleep on Medik8. The Crystal Retinal lineup ($55 to $135) offers various strengths to help different skin types ease in gradually. I’ve been using the 10 for a while now and find it to be my happy medium. I get the results I want without redness or flaking. In the summer, I don’t even need a moisturizer on top, which is saying a lot.

Theramid Clinical Vitamin A

My recent discovery of Theramid resulted in a handful of new favorites, and the Clinical Vitamin A serum sits at the front of the category. Dare I say, this is as close as I’ve experienced to prescription-strength results without seeing a dermatologist. Lightweight in texture yet powerful in performance, it can be drying, especially around the mouth, so I always sandwich a richer moisturizer on top. Used thoughtfully, it delivers impressive results.

---

Face Oils

This is where I leaned into aromatherapy, because my skin needed nourishment and my nervous system needed soothing as well. Fair warning: my face oil picks lean luxe. The good news is simple. You only need one face oil in your routine. Using three to five drops at a time, a bottle lasts for months. If you haven’t read my Face Oil Works–When You Know How To Use It post from earlier this year, both newcomers and long-time users may find it helpful.

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

For over ten years now, Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum has been my constant. The herbal aroma alone is transportive, but performance is what keeps me loyal. This blend of restorative plant oils delivers comfort, balance, and visible vitality. It’s not a miracle worker, but my complexion consistently looks better after a few drops. That kind of reliability is rare.

African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil

Neroli Infused Marula Oil from African Botanics has long been a fixture in my routine. What sets it apart isn’t just performance, but how it’s made. The brand is meticulous about sourcing marula fruit ethically and sustainably, and it shows in the quality. The oil is nourishing, antioxidant-rich, and beautifully balanced. Despite its robust feel, it absorbs effortlessly. A touch of neroli adds a subtle sense of calm to the ritual.

Irene Forte Pistachio Face Oil

The Pistachio Face Oil from Irene Forte feels like the dessert course of skincare. Rich and indulgent, the formula is also genuinely effective. Sicilian pistachio, phytomelatonin, and calendula anchor the blend. Initially viscous, it melts into skin overnight. I wake up plump, rested, and visibly refreshed. The aroma remains subtle and well judged, adding to the experience rather than defining it. What stays with me is its performance.

---

Makeover-Level Masks

Fun fact: I still haven’t had a professional facial since moving to Madrid, and I’m not complaining. A strong mask lineup has more than covered that base. These formulas elevate my at-home routine to something that feels genuinely spa-grade.

Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant

Masque Vivant from Biologique Recherche ($95) is no longer a Hollywood secret. The texture is goopy, brown, and unapologetically yeasty. The scent is soy-sauce-adjacent and lingers briefly. The glow lasts much longer. I stopped questioning what’s in it for the same reason I don’t need to know how sausage is made. This works. End of story. If anyone at BR is reading this, hi.

Valmont Prime Renewing Pack

Prime Renewing Pack from Valmont ($330) is one of the most unique masks I’ve ever used. It’s a creamy treatment that works as a rinse-off mask or an overnight solution. Either way, the results are immediate and impressive. An aesthetician once suggested using it during a long flight, and it’s now the only mask I want in my carry-on. One application makes me look like I slept eight hours a night and just returned from vacation.

Goldfaden MD Radiance Whip Brightening Treatment Mask

The Radiance Whip Brightening Treatment Mask ($75) from Goldfaden MD became my pre-dinner fix this year. It’s the one I reach for when my skin looks tired, flat, or overexposed. In ten minutes, it reliably brings my face back online. Marfura plant butter, peptides, vitamin B5, and squalane support the barrier while restoring softness and glow. The slim tube makes it a travel-bag essential.

---

Budget-Friendly Scores

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

Since I apparently have a favorite alpha hydroxy acid, it’s no surprise that the Mandelic Acid 10% + HA from The Ordinary ($7.80) remains a budget staple for me. This water-based serum contains 10% mandelic acid, which has a larger molecular structure than most AHAs and works primarily on the skin’s surface. It’s paired with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and calming Tasmanian pepperberry extract. The texture feels slightly greasy at first, but since I use it at night, waiting a few minutes for absorption doesn’t bother me.

Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Serum

The Wonder Releaf Centella Serum from Purito ($14.99) is unavoidable on social media, which is usually a red flag for me. Cynicism aside, it became a strong addition to my summer routine. Between the heat, dry air, and urban UV exposure, my skin needed consistent calming support. This lightweight, gel-like formula absorbs in seconds, never pills, and delivers reliable redness relief.

Base Laboratories Hypochlorous Acid Face Mist

If you followed the hypochlorous acid conversation over the past couple of years, you may have come across my earlier post. I’m happy to report that the Hypochlorous Acid Face Mist from Base Laboratories ($17.99) has now been repurchased by me multiple times, even in Spain. It’s my go-to for calming redness, easing irritation, and speeding up recovery after an overzealous acid moment.

---

Super Splurges

These are the indulgences I reached for when I wanted beauty to feel restorative rather than transactional.

Krigler Mont Suisse 67

One of the biggest surprises this year was how much olfactory comfort mattered to me. I found myself reaching for scent not as an accessory, but as a stabilizer. Krigler Mont Suisse 67 became that anchor. It opens light and crisp, then settles into something softer and more comforting with an intriguing edge. Lemon, grapefruit, clary sage, treemoss, and white musk come together in a way that feels quietly grounding. It’s a stunning fragrance and one I leaned on when overwhelm crept in.

AUTEUR Definitive Enzyme Cleanser

The Definitive Enzyme Cleanser from AUTEUR ($170) is one of the most decadent cleansing powders I’ve ever used. The soft froth it generates delivers an impeccable cleansing experience every single time. Beyond its enzyme complex, the formula relies on vitamin C derivatives, niacinamide, and ectoin to brighten, support the barrier, and keep skin calm while it works. It can be used daily, but sensitive skin types should start every other day and keep contact time under thirty seconds. I love it as a morning cleanse. It wakes up my skin and noticeably reduces puffiness and signs of fatigue. Off-label, I also mix it with gentle clay masks for a more polished finish.

RéVive Peau Magnifique Serum

Peau Magnifique Serum from RéVive ($775) is undeniably expensive, but I remain in awe of how well it performs. It’s the brand’s only formula that combines all three peptides (bio-renewing, bio-firming, and bio-volumizing) with retinol, enzymes, and antioxidants. A patented delivery system allows this dense mix of actives to work efficiently and predictably. Results are noticeable within a month. This is strictly a nighttime serum, and it means business.

---

Ingredient of the Year: Azelaic Acid

A friendly industry insider tipped me off to prescription-strength azelaic acid shortly after I moved to Spain. Some pharmacies will dispense it with a doctor’s note. I had no luck with that in Madrid. That said, health insurance is mandatory for residency, and a quick televisit with a dermatologist solved the problem in under ten minutes.

Skinoren 20% Azelaic Acid

Skinoren is a prescription-strength azelaic acid treatment marketed for mild to moderate acne, rosacea, congestion, and hyperpigmentation. It also happens to be significantly gentler than many alternatives, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. I’ve purchased backups in Poland, where it’s sold over the counter. Since introducing it over the summer, my skin tone has visibly evened out and overall clarity has improved.

Theramid Azid 15%

Theramid Azid is an excellent option for those outside the United States. It was previously sold stateside, but regulatory changes capped azelaic acid at 10%. At 15%, Azid delivers impressive results without the need for a dermatologist visit. The formula is thoughtfully balanced with soothing colloidal oatmeal and carnosine to help minimize irritation while still performing.

(If you’re in the U.S., there’s always Paula’s Choice 10% azelaic acid booster.)

---

SPF Winners

One of the many benefits of living in Spain is easy access to excellent next-generation sunscreens. I tested far more than necessary and had a lot of fun doing it.

La Roche-Posay UVAir SPF 50+

If I had to pick just one, this would be it. I could easily narrow my list to five, but this is the sunscreen I actually bought five times. It feels like a luxe Japanese import, yet it’s an everyday EU pharmacy staple. Completely invisible. Ultra-light. Deeply hydrating. Effortless to wear. It’s the most comfortable daily SPF I’ve tried to date. There is a light scent, which I personally find fresh and pleasant.

Tinted SPF, used strategically

A quick note on approach. I use tinted SPFs as a finishing step for tone and pigment, not as my primary source of UV protection. If I applied enough tinted product to meet proper SPF coverage, I’d look unhinged. A few dots, blended well, are enough to neutralize redness, even out skin, and add a soft, dewy finish.

Saie Slip Tint SPF 35

Saie Slip Tint is a fully mineral sunscreen with medium coverage and a genuinely moisturizing feel. It melts into skin beautifully. The scent isn’t my favorite, but it fades quickly, so I don’t care. The tube packaging is excellent. I wear shade 4, medium with a cool undertone, and it reliably makes me look more awake and pulled together.

Twelve Beauty Artemisia Power Protection Tinted Moisturiser SPF 50+

This was my first niche pharmacy treat after moving to Spain, and I still reach for it regularly. The texture is more balm-like, with an adaptable tint that works for most skin tones, though very fair skin may find it a stretch. It hydrates, moisturizes, and delivers antioxidant support without feeling heavy or fussy. Sadly, it’s not available in the U.S., but it’s worth tracking down if you’re traveling through Spain.

---

Color Correction

(Low-Effort Makeup for Real Life)

Makeup stayed minimal this year. Very minimal. What I reached for instead were a few smart correctors that did the work without looking like makeup.

Jones Road Miracle Balm in Cocoa Bronze

This was my most-used makeup product by far. Spain may be hot, but it’s dry heat, and my skin welcomed the moisture with a hint of warmth. With dinners starting at 10 p.m., I’d tap on a few dots before heading out and somehow looked rested despite permanent exhaustion. I still use it the way I would a bronzer. Easy. Forgiving. Effective.

Merit The Minimalist

This year brought some uninvited redness, especially across my cheeks. I haven’t overdone exfoliation, so I’m blaming age and calling it a day. What helped was The Minimalist from Merit ($38). The creamy stick glides on smoothly and blends easily with just fingers. No patchiness. No heaviness. It covers just enough to look natural rather than masked. There are 20 shades available. I use Dune.

Jones Road Neutralizer Pencil in Light Peachy Pink

The pocket-size standout of the year. What The Minimalist does for my face, this pencil ($28) handles under my eyes. And trust me, this past year showed there. A few swipes and a quick pat are enough to look rested, or at least convincingly calm. The formula is genuinely smart. I currently have three in rotation.

Speaking of Jones Road, I cannot recommend their Shade Quiz enough. If you're new to the brand or unsure of what will work best, the tool is incredibly helpful.

---

Extras

Convenience mattered more than usual this year. These are the small things that made my routines easier and more enjoyable.

SkinSheet Cleansing Coins

The Cleansing Coins from SkinSheet ($22) came in handy more times than I can count. Fully biodegradable, these solid tabs bloom into full-size cleansing sheets the moment they hit water. On recent visits home, they were indispensable during my evening routine. I could stick to proper cleansing without improvising or cutting corners.

Wellinsulated Performance Beauty Bag (Small)

My fondness for Wellinsulated bags is well documented, and the Performance Beauty Bag in the smaller size ($69) lived in my carry-on all year long. It holds all my essentials while keeping product integrity intact. No texture shifts. No separations. No spills. I may own this style in five or six colorways, including limited editions.

Jones Road Daily Brush

Jones Road added a new brush to their lineup this year, and it immediately replaced two others in my routine. The Daily Brush ($42) has medium-length, round bristles that work equally well for stippling and blending. I now use it for Miracle Balm application, especially Cocoa Bronze, and for both tinted SPF picks above. Simple, versatile, and exactly what I want from a tool.

---

Shopping Guide: My 2025 Skincare Favorites

Face Cleansers

• iS Clinical – Cleansing Complex $49 (180ml) at dermstore.com and violetgrey.com
• Emma Hardie – Moringa Cleansing Balm £52.00 (100ml) at spacenk.com or lookfantastic.com
• Elemis – Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm $72 (100ml) at sephora.com, ulta.com, lookfantastic.com, elemis.com
• Kiehl’s – Ultra Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser $29 (150ml) at kiehls.com, sephora.com or boots.com

---

Toners

• Dr. Althea – Anastatica Skin Conditioning Toner $22 (250ml) at yesstyle.com and hopefully soon at ulta.com
• Dr. Loretta – Barrier Enhancing Milky Essence $50 (100ml) at dermstore.com (code OMGBART works for 15% off) or at violetgrey.com
• Transparent Lab – Strong Exfoliator €19,95 (130ml) at nichebeautylab.com

---

Serums

• SkinCeuticals – P-TIOX $150 (30ml) at dermstore.com, bluemercury.com, and skinclique.com
• AUTEUR – Definitive Hyaluron Activator $330 (50ml) at auteur.com, violetgrey.com, modaoperandi.com or neimanmarcus.com
• Allies of Skin – Beta Glucan & Resveratrol Advanced Hydrating Serum $89 (50ml) at us.allies.shop where code BART saves you 20% off total purchase or at dermstore.com where my code OMGBART gives you 15-20% most brands

---

Moisturizers

• Bonjout – Le Balm $130 (30ml) at bonjoutbeauty.com where code BART10 saves you 10% on total purchase
• Paula’s Choice – Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer $49 (50ml) at paulaschoice.com and sephora.com
• Centellian24 – Madeca Cream Time Reverse $8 (50ml) at stylevana.com where my code SHOPBART saves you 10% on total purchase or at yessstyle.com or amazon.com
• Drunk Elephant – Protini Polypeptide Cream $72 (50ml) at drunkelephant.com, sephora.com, boots.com or lookfantastic.com
• Embryolisse – Lait-Crème Concentré $32 (75ml) at dermstore.com (15% off with code OMGBART), embryolisse.com, violetgrey.com, and amazon.com

---

Eye Creams & Treatments

• Augustinus Bader – The Rich Eye Cream $205 (15ml) at dermstore.com (15% off with code OMGBART) or sephora.com, violetgrey.com, and augustinusbader.com
• Jones Road – The Rich Eye Cream $42 (15ml) at jonesroadbeauty.com
• In Fiore – Volutée Complexe $85 (15ml) at infiore.net

---

Retinol / Vitamin A

• Medik8 – Crystal Retinal 10 $109 (30ml) at dermstore.com (15% off with code OMGBART) or at medik8.com (prices vary depending on the strength of the formula)
• Theramid – Clinical Vitamin A €34,95 (30ml) at nichebeautylab.com

---

Face Oils

• Vintner’s Daughter – Active Botanical Serum $215 (30ml) at vintnersdaughter.com, violetgrey.com or capbeauty.com
• African Botanics – Neroli Infused Marula Oil $120 (30ml) at dermstore.com (again, 15% off with my code OMGBART), credobeauty.com or africanbotanics.com
• Irene Forte – Pistachio Face Oil $180 (30ml) at ireneforteskincare.com, bergdorfgoodman.com or bluemercury.com

---

Face Masks

• Biologique Recherche – Masque Vivant $95 (100ml) at violetgrey.com or bergdorfgoodman.com
• Valmont – Prime Renewing Pack $330 (50ml) at lamaisonvalmont.com
• Goldfaden MD – Radiance Whip Brightening Treatment Mask $75 (60ml) at credobeauty.com

---

Budget-Friendly Favorites

• The Ordinary – Mandelic Acid 10% + HA $7.80 (30ml) at theordinary.com, boots.com or sephora.com
• Purito – Wonder Releaf Centella Serum $15 (30ml) at stylevana.com or amazon.com
• Base Laboratories – Hypochlorous Acid Face Mist $17.99 (235ml) on amazon.com

---

Fragrance

• Krigler – Mont Suisse 67 €485 (50ml) at krigler.com

---

Super Splurges

• AUTEUR – Definitive Enzyme Cleanser $170 (100ml) at auteur.com, violetgrey.com, modaoperandi.com or neimanmarcus.com
• RéVive – Peau Magnifique Serum $775 (30ml) at reviveskincare.com where you save 20% with code BART20

---

Azelaic Acid

• Skinoren – Azelaic Acid 20% available at European pharmacies at a price that roughly converts to $30
• Theramid – Azid (15% Azelaic Acid) €34,95 (30ml) at nichebeautylab.com
• Paula’s Choice – 10% Azelaic Acid Booster $39 (30ml) at paulaschoice.com

---

Sunscreen & SPF

• La Roche-Posay – UVAir SPF 50+ £20.00 (50ml) at lookfantastic.com
• Saie – Slip Tint SPF 35 $38 (50ml) at saiehello.com and sephora.com
• Twelve Beauty – Artemisia Power Protection Tinted Moisturiser SPF 50+ €72 (50ml) purchased at nadiaperfumeria.com located in Madrid

---

Color Correction & Makeup

• Jones Road – Miracle Balm in Cocoa Bronze $38 (50g) at jonesroadbeauty.com
• Merit – The Minimalist $38 (.23oz) at meritbeauty.com and sephora.com
• Jones Road – Neutralizer Pencil in Light Peachy Pink $28 (2.9g) at jonesroadbeauty.com

---

Tools & Extras

• SkinSheet – Cleansing Coins $22 (12ct) on amazon.com or $42 (2-pack of 12 coins each) at goop.com
• Wellinsulated – Performance Beauty Bag $69 (small) or $89 (large) at wellinsulated.com
• Jones Road – Daily Brush $42 at jonesroadbeauty.com

---

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you shop through them, I may earn a commission. As always, every product featured here is something I’ve personally used and genuinely recommend.

---