As someone whose job is to literally tests hundreds and hundreds of new products, it's awfully hard to stay loyal to anything. There's too much temptation. Too many colourful new products with big, swanky claims, nice packaging and trendy ingredients.
Meaning? What I put on my face is always on high rotation — especially when it comes to skincare.
But as any beauty expert will tell you, while it's super fun and pervy to try stuff that hasn't even hit shelves, regularly changing your routine can do a real number on your skin. So, when I can, I like to keep my skincare routine as simple as possible. (Also, I get lazy.)
That's why I have a tight-knit crew of skincare products that I always go back to. The kind of stuff that always has a place in my skincare cabinet — it simply never budges because it's just. That. GOOD.
Before I start waffling on, just a couple of notes on my skin. She's dry. Loves throwing a flake or two. A touch sensitive. Never takes the bins out.
Okay, okay. The products. Here, I share all the juicy skincare MVPs I use time and time again.
Walk with me.
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum, $236.
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Surprised? Didn't think so. It's a beauty editor fave. Great for tackling pigmentation, fine lines and dryness, it gives your skin a big wallop of antioxidant protection.
I can truly say this is my most favourite serum — and I've tried a lot of them. Why? Because you can actually see the results. When I'm not using it, my skin doesn't look as healthy and even.
It works magic at fading dark spots, brightens skin and just makes your face look better.
The downside? It costs an arm and a leg — especially if you're like me and use it every day. It's one of the products I savour to the very last drop and in under absolutely NO circumstances allow my husband to use.
The good news is that it goes on sale often (you can usually grab deals on Adore Beauty) — I rarely buy it when it's full price. I'd recommend popping it on your wishlist and keeping an eye out for those sweet discounts. Or, opt for a smaller version to try it out before committing to the bigger version (the smallest is around $117, though, still very pricey).
Bioderma Sensibo H20, $22.99 (for 250ml).
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My colleague Leigh Campbell got me onto this — she refers to it as her 'one and only cleanser', so I knew it had to be good! I like to use it to take off my eye makeup, as well as all over my face.
It's great for those with sensitive skin (ME), as it doesn't sting or leave your skin feeling stripped and tight. If I'm wearing a ton of makeup, I'll usually use this before my usual cleanse in the PM.
This is a cute travel size (I chuck it in my gym bag), but you can grab a full-sized bottle for around $22 at the chemist or grocery store.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $10.39.
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While I’m all for trying swanky new cleansing formulas, you really don't need to spend big on face wash (or moisturisers for that matter). This CeraVe cleanser is one of my all-time MVPs — and It's the kind of stuff that almost every skin expert I've ever interviewed will recommend. So you know it's good.
It may look boring, but as we all know — pretty packaging means nothing. It's all to do with what's inside — and this formula is silly effective and exactly what my skin needs. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, non-drying and takes off dirt, sunscreen and makeup like a champ.
No tightness. No irritation. Just clean, smooth skin, every time.
Sunday Riley Good Genes, $136 (30ml).
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In case you missed my 43 articles about my wedding beauty prep, I used Sunday Riley Good Genes consistently in the lead-up to my big day and I can honestly say it changed my dull, tired-looking skin into the bright, even canvas of my dreams.
I've re-purchased it a bunch of times (I usually just go for the big 50ml and it lasts ages) and it's one of the only other serums (besides SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, of course) that stay in my regular routine.
Before trying Good Genes, I would usually steer clear of too many different actives (my sensitive skin found them too b**chy), but this one (it's a lactic acid formula) is so gentle and creamy and just seems to work wonders on my skin without a lick of irritation.
It's so gosh darn expensive, it hurts — but it's a cult product for good reason. It actually works. And I'm here for results.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, $12.69.
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Back when I was an absolute wildcard, I went HAM on a bunch of new active products one night and went to bed wondering if my skin would be too bright the next day. I literally burnt my acid mantle off and woke up with a taut, shiny, red face. Just before I had to catch a plane to the US.
It was not great. And there was lots of swearing.
I went to a dermatologist for help, and she (shook her head and) told me to use this to repair my skin. Since then, it’s just become one of those staples that I use regularly.
Chances are you've used it too — it's so popular and regularly sold out at the pharmacy. It's a thick, nourishing formula that hugs your skin, gives it a kiss on the head and sings it to sleep. It's ultra repairing and perfect for dealing with rough skin, dry patches and cracks.
I always go back to it (especially come winter) when my skin is feeling needy. This is a new version of the classic formula, and features probiotics and vitamin B5 for extra skin barrier support and recovery. Love.
Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Deep Retreat Clay Mask, $32 to $62.
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I've always loved de-congesting clay masks — there's truly nothing better than doing them on a Sunday evening and prepping your skin for the week ahead. One of my favourites is this guy from Benefit Cosmetics.
At $62 for a full-sized pot, it isn't cheap (you can get smaller versions for around half the price), but I've been addicted to it for nearly nine months. And I use it at least once a week.
It pulls all the dirt in your pores to the surface (you can literally see little black dots from where all the gunk is being drawn out) and clears everything out. You can use it as a spot treatment, or all over for a deep cleanse (which is what I like to do!).
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Have you tried any of the above products? What's in your skincare cabinet? Share with us in the comment section below.
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