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Skincare basics - Ultimate Skincare Must-Haves

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Each product in this list is chosen to target redness and irritation, minimize the look of enlarged pores, and enhance skin’s natural radiance. They’re also designed to improve absorption of active serums and moisturizers, so your routine works harde...
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1. Cleansers

Step One: My go-to cleansers that gently lift away impurities and sunscreen without stripping, leaving skin balanced, refreshed, and ready for the rest of your routine. Each one is formulated to be effective yet soothing, perfect for daily use.

 
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I used this the night I had a stressful week and it felt like my skin sighed with relief, so calming and gentle, it instantly became my “self-care before bed” cleanser
Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam | Ulta Beauty
 
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I love this product for keeping my skin clean and fresh without that tight, stripped feeling.
Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin - La Roche-Posay | Ulta Beauty
 
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I love this product for chilling out after a long day and giving my sensitive skin a gentle, soothing cleanse.
Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser
 
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the best cleanser that does JUST that. cleanse.
Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser - Neutrogena | Ulta Beauty
 
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I love this product for wiping off my makeup and SPF without losing that natural glow.
Oat Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm - INKEY | Ulta Beauty
 
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I love this product for keeping my skin soft and hydrated, like a little boost of moisture every morning.
Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser - CeraVe | Ulta Beauty
 
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This cleanser made me feel like my face went to a tiny spa while still scrubbing away all the gunk from the day.
Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam - ANUA | Ulta Beauty

2. Toners

Step Two: Toners that do more than just refresh. These formulas calm sensitivity, refine texture, and restore hydration, creating the perfect base for serums and moisturizers to absorb more effectively. Think of them as the bridge between cleansing a...

 
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great if you have dry skin, with a little of a thicker toner consistency.
Milk Skin Toner Light - TIRTIR | Ulta Beauty
 
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it's a little lighter but perfect for oily skin.
Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner - ANUA | Ulta Beauty
 
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not a toner but a watery liquid with barrier supporting properties
Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence - Mixsoon | Ulta Beauty
 
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This toner felt like a mini wake-up call for my face, bright, balanced, and totally calm, even after a long, late night
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner - ANUA | Ulta Beauty
 
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I used this after a late-night Netflix binge and woke up the next morning with skin that actually looked alive and even, felt like a little miracle in a bottle.
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
 
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This toner became my secret weapon during exam week, my skin looked brighter and less stressed even after pulling all-nighters
Niacinamide Brightening Toner - Good Molecules | Ulta Beauty
 
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I started using this on a rainy, gloomy morning and somehow my skin felt fresh, smooth, and awake, it honestly made getting out of bed a little easier
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner - COSRX | Ulta Beauty

3. Barrier Serums

Step Three: arrier serums are all about strengthening and protecting your skin’s natural defenses. Packed with ceramides, lipids, and soothing ingredients, they help lock in moisture, calm irritation, and keep your skin resilient against environmenta...

 
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I grabbed this serum after a sunburned day at the park and it calmed my skin so fast, it felt like it breathed a sigh of relief.
SOS Serum - TIRTIR | Ulta Beauty
 
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I used this serum on a super humid day and my face stayed calm and shine-free, it basically gave me smooth, polished skin without even trying
Purity Made Simple Pore Minimizing Serum - Philosophy | Ulta Beauty
 
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I kept this serum on my desk during a week of nonstop meetings and screen time, and somehow my face stayed hydrated and calm the whole time.
Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule | Ulta Beauty
 
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I slathered this on after a long flight and my skin instantly felt plump, dewy, and like it finally forgave me for all the dehydration.
Hydrating Serum with Tri-Ceramide Complex - BYOMA | Ulta Beauty
 
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I used this serum after a hectic day in the sun, and it felt like my skin finally relaxed.
Soothing & Barrier Support Serum for Sensitive Skin & Hydration - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
 
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I dabbed this on before a big video call, and my skin somehow looked smoother, brighter, and way more put-together.
The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
 
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LOVE this formula to be honest, nothing compares.
Glass Skin Refining Serum - PEACH & LILY | Ulta Beauty

4. Retinols

Step Four: Ultimate retinol collection to tackle fine lines, uneven texture, and early signs of aging. These carefully curated serums and treatments range from gentle, beginner-friendly formulas to more potent, dermatologist-recommended options, all ...

 
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I love using this at night when I want my skin to wake up looking fresh and glowing.
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
 
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This dermatologist-recommended gel is my go-to for tackling acne at the source.
Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment - La Roche-Posay | Ulta Beauty
 
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I started noticing fine lines and after using this a few nights, my skin texture actually improved.
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Renewal Serum - Neutrogena | Ulta Beauty
 
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I started using this when my skin was super sensitive, and it calmed everything down while still making my face feel firmer and more radiant.
Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum - SOME BY MI | Ulta Beauty
 
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I tried this as my first retinol and loved how gentle it was.
Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum - Versed | Ulta Beauty
 
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I started using this after a stressful week, and it smoothed out my skin while keeping it calm and protected.
Resurfacing Retinol Serum - CeraVe | Ulta Beauty
 
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A dermatologist-validated retinol serum from L’Oréal Paris, formulated with 0.3% pure retinol to visibly reduce wrinkles, smooth skin texture, and refine pores overnight.
Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol - L'Oréal | Ulta Beauty

5. Moisturizers

Step Five: From lightweight gels to rich creams, these picks are designed to lock in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and leave your complexion soft and radiant. Curated by me, each formula is chosen to nourish your skin while complementing the...

 
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I keep this moisturizer on my desk for mornings when my skin feels tight, it soaks in quickly and keeps the shine under control all day.
Hydrance LIGHT Emulsion - Avène | Ulta Beauty
 
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I started using this after a week of traveling, and my skin felt instantly hydrated and balanced, it’s like a little reset in a jar.
Travel Size Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Niacinamide - La Roche-Posay | Ulta Beauty
 
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This gel-cream is my secret weapon for busy mornings, it keeps my skin hydrated and calm without feeling greasy, and my barrier actually feels stronger
Moisturizing Gel Cream - BYOMA | Ulta Beauty
 
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Perfect for days when I’m in a rush, this moisturizer sinks in instantly
Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream - ANUA | Ulta Beauty
 
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This lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer is my go-to for daily hydration and barrier support.
3.3 oz Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturizer - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
 
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Love using this on hectic mornings, it keeps my skin hydrated and smooth while giving a subtle anti-aging boost without feeling heavy.
Peptide Face Moisturizer - INKEY | Ulta Beauty
 
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This lotion is my little everyday hero, it keeps my skin soft and hydrated without breaking the bank, honestly can’t live without it.
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 - CeraVe | Ulta Beauty

6. Sunscreens

Step Six: These picks offer broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection while addressing specific needs like sensitivity, oil control, or added antioxidants. Lightweight, non-greasy, and suitable for layering under makeup, they help prevent premature aging...

 
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This SPF became my go-to for summer mornings, it blends effortlessly
City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 / PA++++ - Murad | Ulta Beauty
 
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I reach for this sunscreen on sunny errands, it gives my skin protection and a natural glow.
Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Face Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 - La Roche-Posay | Ulta Beauty
 
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This SPF is my secret for days when I want my skin to feel protected and glowing.
Bean Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - Mixsoon | Ulta Beauty
 
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I love wearing this on busy days, it keeps my skin hydrated, protected, and comfortable all day, whether I’m wearing makeup or not.
UV Filters SPF 45 Serum - THE ORDINARY | Ulta Beauty
 
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Perfect for mornings when I’m running late, this SPF soaks in fast, keeps my skin soft, and doesn’t leave any greasy feeling.
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30 - La Roche-Posay | Ulta Beauty
 
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OMG you HAVE to try this, it’s like a hug for your skin! Calms everything down, protects, and leaves your face feeling sooo soft.
Ultra-Lightweight Face Fluid SPF 50 - BYOMA | Ulta Beauty
 
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Okay, picture this, you slap this on and suddenly your skin looks flawless and matte, like a filter in real life, and it’s all clean, plant-powered goodness.
Refreshing Water Cream SPF 50 - COOLA | Ulta Beauty