After finally being able to clear my skin after much trial and error, here are the best products I’ve discovered!
Sections
6
Cleansers
Essences & Toners
Serums
Moisturizers
Sunscreen
Masks & Treatments
Cleansers
I always recommend a double cleanse, no matter the cleanser!
I have used this for years as part of my double cleanse and keep coming back to it. I use both to remove makeup or even just the day’s sunscreen and oil before a face wash. A little bit goes a long way, so the price point is worth it! For reference, ...
Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Not only is this a great face wash on its own, but it works so well to help break down makeup on the face—even my waterproof mascara—without having to be harshly scrubbing. Since the formula is a foaming oil, the skin feels soft and still hydrated af...
Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil for Face & Body
A classic for a reason! Having dry, yet still acne prone, skin is tricky to work with. This cleanser helped remove all dirt and makeup (used as a second step in a double cleanse) while also not stripping my face. Gentle enough to use without any addi...
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
Essences & Toners
The second step in a skincare routine, but adding just one of these in helps change the game.
I have gone through 8 bottles of this. As someone with perioral dermatitis, finding products that hydrate, while not adding too much that can clog pores, can sometimes be tricky. This essence is lightweight but powerful. Skin feels supple and hydrate...
Glazing Milk
For those with DRY skin, this is the perfect toner. I usually only add this on in the winter to help soothe dry, cracked skin, and it works so well! Super lightweight, so it doesn't feel like you have layered on a thick, oily toner. The mini also las...
Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner - Fresh
Serums
My preferred serums involve extra hydration to make my skin glow.
This is my HOLY GRAIL serum. I’ve gone through several bottles, and will continue to purchase for years to come. The consistency just melts right into the skin and automatically makes it feel hydrated. This layers well with other products, as well as...
Hyaluronic Acid
This is for those of us who cannot use snail mucin! The Elastic Skin made my skin feel supple and plump—without breaking me out. It’s a little on the thicker side, so a little bit goes a long way. Not a necessity for acne prone skin, but a safe optio...
This one is expensive but worth every penny. When my skin is breaking out, red, etc., this serum helps to calm it even overnight. I wake up with skin that feels soft and hydrated, and appearance of redness or lines have minimized. This is THE splurge...
I've tried a few different niacinamides, and this one actually works as it should--without leaving new acne spots or little bumps the next day. Compares to high end, and is excellent for the price point.
Niacinamide Serum
This is a hidden gem! Every time I recommend it people tell me it's changed their skin. Your skin will be glowing. Pro tip: Apply your vitamin C in the morning as your first step after drying your face!
SEPHORA COLLECTION Super Glow Serum with Vitamin C + E
Moisturizers
The green tea moisturizer has been a staple in my routine for about five years now. I use this for daytime, as the thin formula is perfect for lightweight hydration that is long lasting. Also works beautifully under makeup!
Excellent Lightweight Korean Moisturizer Collection
A classic for a reason! I use this at nighttime, or no makeup days, for extra deep hydration. This works on body, too, and can help heal dry skin overnight. I have yet to find something that would replace this in my routine.
Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer For Dry Skin
A pea sized amount goes a long way! I've gone through about half of my balm and will 100% be repurchasing. This absorbs quickly into the skin, without feeling super oily. Perfect for slugging and applying to any super dry spots.
Yummy Skin Moisture Repair Balm Serum
Contrary to what you might think, the Barrier Butter is a moisturizing treatment for after your usual moisturizer. Works super well for slugging, and really locks in moisture. The larger tube lasts foreverrrr, but also works great as a body moisturiz...
barrier butter
Sunscreen
I'm not usually a fan of mineral sunscreen, but this brand has changed the game for me. Applies so smoothly while perfecting the skin. Does not pill on top of my moisturizer, and I am able to easily layer makeup on top without pilling or sliding! Can...
Ultra Violette™ USA | Skincare-First Sunscreen SPF 50+
Innisfree's sunscreen has been in my daily routine for years now. Doesn't clog my pores, layers well over my moisturizer and under makeup, adds a glow, and is such a great price! I'd recommend anything from this brand.
The Best Non-Greasy Hyaluronic Acid Korean Sun Screen Collection | UV ...
Masks & Treatments
My all-time favorite mask. AHAs and BHAs can sometimes be too aggressive, but this mask only sits on for 10 minutes MAX, leaving your skin glowing without the added aggravation. Do this 2-3x a week for life-changing results. This is worth every penny...
Dewtopia 25% Acid Flash Facial Mask
Every mask from this brand works magic on the skin. Just one use leaves your skin super hydrated and glassy. Perfect to use before a big day to prep for makeup, after long travel days where the skin is dry, or even just to practice self care. I've al...
Vital Hydra Solution™ Glow Face Mask with Hyaluronic Acid | Dr.Jart+ Skincare
For anyone who suffers from cystic acne like me, these work wonders. Clean the area, apply a patch (holding it down for 30+ seconds to secure it), and let it do its job. These are the big guns for any zit.
Mighty Patch Micropoint™ for Blemishes
The invisible patches stick on so much better than the originals, and work so well to clear out smaller pimples. Helps even as soon as a few hours of wear. Can't recommend these enough! I always buy in bulk.