If you're one of those delving into skincare in your late 20s or early 30s, join my club of fashionably late skincare aficionados! Sharing some top picks that have transformed my skin as I navigate and curate my own glow-up journey.
Sections
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Moisturizers, Serums and SPF
Cleansers
Toners
Treatments
Moisturizers, Serums and SPF
Hear me out! This has been a game changer in my skincare routine when it comes to hydration and soothing of any irritation. If you're into a dewy natural glow, this surely helps. I prefer this brand as the ethicality of snail mucin extraction has cau...
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - COSRX Official
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This is a great non-greasy option for dry skin.
Allantoin Non-Greasy, Antioxidant Face Moisturizer - Vivant Skin Care
Raiding my sister's bathroom cabinet always turns out to be a treasure trove of skincare goodies! This was one of the best finds and for the first couple of years I had to order online and ship to Trinidad since no one sold it locally. Niacinamide is...
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Retinoid serums are like smooth operators for fine lines and skin texture, perfect for when you're hitting the big 3-0. Just start low and slow to dodge any skin sensitivity. This one’s a bit of a splurge and left my skin feeling slightly parched.
Retinoic Serum with 0.1% Tretinoin - VI Peel
I'm all for a weightless feel and non-greasy finish on my skin. It does, however, leave a white cast if not blended in well.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
My personal favourite SPF, very affordable and easy to get at Pennywise or JDs.
Age Shield® Face Oxybenzone-Free Sunscreen SPF 70 - Neutrogena
I've been using this on both my lashes and brows, though I'm not consistent. While my brows have been getting compliments for looking fuller, my lashes are still a work in progress!
Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum - The Ordinary
I've never struggled with acne before, but a couple years ago, stress and maybe my lifestyle caught up with me, causing me to have terrible breakouts. It's finally under control but not without leaving me with marks and scars. 😓 I gave in to a TikTo...
Castor Oil - V&S Pharmaceuticals
My nightly go-to: cold-pressed rosehip seed oil before bed 🌹 It’s lightweight yet deeply hydrating, helps smooth fine lines, improve texture, fade dark spots, and calm acne-related inflammation. Gentle enough for sensitive skin and great for support...
Get Radiant Skin with Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
A new everyday staple: CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream — day and night. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy, it helps control shine while keeping my skin properly hydrated. Formulated with ceramides and niacinamide to support the sk...
Oil Control Gel-Cream Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Hear me out, it’s a pharmacy brand, but it’s a gem for everyday use. Gives light coverage that evens out my skin tone, mattifies shine, and protects without feeling heavy. Perfect for days when I don’t want full makeup but still want my skin looking ...
Mattifying Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++
Cleansers
I was introduced to this at a girlfriends' sleepover and could not fathom how I carried on without it before. It cleanses my skin effortlessly without leaving it dry. Comes with a tiny spatula to scoop the balm which is very convenient if you're a lo...
Bio Balance Hello Clean Cleansing Balm 100ml
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Started using this 3 years ago after my dermatologist diagnosed me with melasma and mild rosacea. It's very calming and soothing to the skin, suitable for various skin types including sensitive and acne prone skin. I have not switched since.
Green Tea - Vivant Skin Care
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water has been a recent staple in my routine. It gently removes makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping my skin. No fragrance, no rinsing needed, and suitable for sensitive skin. Perfect for quick cleanse days or when my sk...
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Skin Care Products
Also loving CeraVe Micellar Water - gentle yet effective at removing makeup and impurities. Leaves a less oily finish compared to other micellar waters, making it perfect for my skin when I want clean, calm, and balanced without that heavy residue.
Hydrating Micellar Water
Toners
A great exfoliating toner. It removes any remaining dirt and dead skin after cleansing. It can be a little drying because it does contain alcohol. I find it especially effective when I get intermittent breakouts.
Mandelic Acid Toner For Acne - 3% - Vivant Skin Care
Soothing, hydrating, and the spray design makes it a breeze to apply.
Hydrating Toner - PCA Skin
Treatments
These have been my saviors! Especially because I can't resist picking at my pimples. Both the red and green pack work well. I personally prefer the green pack because it contains salicylic acid and tea tree oil and it comes with both the 8mm and 12mm...
Decipher Skincare Acne Pimple Patch 12mm Patches
For those stubborn blackheads!
Bioré Blackhead Remover Nose Strips
I spot treat my blemishes and acne scars with this cream. A little patience goes a long way, but the results are totally worth it!
Retin-A Cream - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD
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My dermatologist hooked me up after I was left with with some stubborn marks from a breakout. I've been pairing it with VI Derm's retinoic serum, which has brought on some serious dryness, but my skin? Extra glowy!