In our first post with Amazon products, some of you were asking about skincare. I’m cheap with mine apart from a few gadgets, so this contains some products recommended on that post. (Thank you to OriginalLala for mentioning that!) There are also products I found which are reasonably priced and have good reviews. I’m going to try some of these after I read your comments and suggestions. This contains affiliate links, but again please search for alternatives and cheaper sources. Also I love doing these posts! It’s fun to look up products on Amazon and I’m learning a lot from your comments.
A hydrating moisturizer and serum to help erase fine lines
This three piece kit by Boots No 7 is expensive for my tastes, but it’s actually not that pricey compared to other, higher end skincare if you’re in the market for that. (This was recommended by Snowflake and Clare, thanks!) Boots has hundreds of glowing reviews across their product lines. Older women and women with dry skin say it’s wonderful, that you can see a difference in fine lines and wrinkles and that it’s very hydrating without being greasy. Some reviewers on their Protect & Perfect Intense line say it’s too perfumey if that’s an issue for you.
An affordable microneedling kit for dermatological treatments at home
Speaking of gadgets, I treated myself to this microneedling kit by Dermaroll, currently under $27, and it’s coming today. I’m going to wait until Sunday to use it as I’m worried about my skin being red afterwards. Reviewers praise the hypoallergenic packaging and say that this helps shrink pores and reduce fine lines. Some women say they put on a serum afterwards to protect and treat their skin. Positive comments include “My complexion looked bright and glowing” and “my skin is more even, hydrated, and healthy looking.” Others say that they broke out in tiny dots after using it, so I’m going to test a small section of my face first and not press too hard.
A foaming facial wash with thousands of positive reviews
The CeraVe products were recommended by Liz version 700 on our first Amazon post. She writes “I have a skin disorder (mild) that makes it essential that I use really good skin products. My dermatologist recommended Cereve face wash, body wash, and lotions. I use their entire line now. Their spf face cream is awesome and I love their face and body washes.” This is such a bargain at just $12 for 16 ounces! It also comes in a hydrating version for dry skin.
K-Beauty collagen sheet masks for you and your friends
At $3-$4 a piece at the drug store, sheet masks can be expensive. Honestly I get sheet masks at Dollar Tree regularly. They have an off brand retinol mask that comes two to a pack and it’s so hydrating. These sheet masks are even cheaper than that! People say they’re surprisingly hydrating, that they don’t drip and that the scent is “amazing, light and refreshing.” They also say you can “feel it working” and that your skin is “glowy” afterwards. Also I’ve heard that if you keep them in the freezer they’re even better. (I follow a costume designer on Instagram who has a freaking mini fridge in her bathroom for her skincare products! Goals.) You can use some for yourself and keep them around as gifts. Throw them in a little gift bag with a few Lindt chocolates and a couple of mini candy canes and your friends will think you’re so thoughtful.
A brightening scrub that’s all natural and effective
I ordered this Acure Brilliantly Brightening Facial Scrub and it’s coming with the microneedling device today. (I had a credit from ordering a sample box through Amazon and that’s how I found this.) At less than $9 it’s very affordable. Reviewers say it cleared up their acne, that it lasts a long time and that it’s not as damaging to the skin as apricot scrubs. Some mention that the formula has changed and that they are not pleased with the new version, but the top reviewer claims it still works with an added “soothing/cleansing quality.”
A gentle cleanser that removes eye makeup too
This La Roche cleanser comes in two versions, this hydrating gentle cleanser for normal to dry skin and a foaming cleanser for oily skin. People say the hydrating formula is similar to Cetaphil and Cerave except it removes makeup better. This is fragrance free and sulfate free. While the majority of reviewers claim it’s great for sensitive skin there are some complaints that it can be drying around the eyes. One woman writes that her dermatologist recommended it along with the La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Moisturizer, that her “skin has never looked better” and that it cleared up her acne.
As an update on last week’s post, I’ve received the monitor riser for my desk and am very pleased with that purchase. It looks so professional, especially compared to the shoebox that was there before. The succulent plants came healthy and I’ve repotted them in little pots to give as gifts.
Thanks for reading our affiliate post!
Top photo credit Daniel Xavier via Pexels. Photo directly above credit Pixabay.
I have issues with adult acne and can recommend Sunday Riley’s UFO dry oil and Sunday Riley’s Good Genes. Pricey. Worth it.
I have adult acne too, but my skin gets so dry in the winter despite it…will Sunday Riley help both of those issues? I’ve tried skincare before that supposedly helps adult acne, but oftentimes I found it was too drying. Ah, the joys of being in my 40’s: dry skin, fine lines AND acne. Huzzah. LOL.
Go to reddit’s SkincareAddiction sub. You don’t need to use the super expensive SR (who also just got in a ton of trouble for faking reviews, BTW), they talk about dupes and adult acne all the time.
Thanks, I’ll definitely check it out. I rarely – if ever – go on Reddit but if they have a sub like that, I might have a new addiction hahaha.
It really has helped me, and I have looked high and low, been to every dermatologist, etc. I have not used the Deciem versions of this, nor have I tried Mad Hippie, which I have heard is excellent and significantly less money. If you can find a comparable product for less money, send me that way. I do really like the Sunday Riley stuff, though, and I can attest to its efficacy, at least personally. My hormonal breakouts are reduced by at least 85%. Acne is the worst, especially at this stage in life (wrinkles and acne together feel like some sort of karmic punishment).
Try including more vegetables et fruits and less meat/dairy in your alimentation ! Excellent for the skin
Nothing helped me more than EstroSense.
6 capsules with breakfast and 6 with lunch.
I had bad acne, it was awful.
I use Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby Soap, it’s not drying.
At night after my quick shower : Organic Rose Hip Oil by Kosmea, wonderful oil for my face, organic Argan Oil for my eyes instead of eye cream, for my lips and neck and the rest of my body organic Jojoba Oil.
In the morning it’s Youth To The People moisturizer and eye cream.
Once a week Youth To The People Superfood Mask.
I eliminated my acne by not eating any animal products and sugar.
I use certified organic rose hip oil for my face and organic jojoba oil for my body and as a hair treatment.
Organic mashed avocado as a face mask 3 times a week, I keep it on for one hour and that’s it.
Sunday Riley IMO is full of fillers and fragrance, even added color. Too expensive for a mediocre ingredient list. Differin gel is cheap and hands down the best thing for Acne on the market. There is a stage of purging, and dry skin you may experience but it is great for Acne. Make sure you use moisturizer and gradually progress using it. Example don’t use it every night for the first week, build up your tolerance to it.
I have rosacea, and I love the UFO oil. A little goes a long way. Totally worth the $ in my opinion. YMMV of course.
Ditto. It’s one of the rare things I’ll significantly splurge on. Seriously. Otherwise I’m a total pennypincher.
I bought one of those LED masks and it really helps with acne. I think even the cheapest model will do the job. Mine is Norlanya, they have amazing customer service.
And also, Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen is just awesome and about the only “strong” sunscreen that doesn’t irritate my skin. It’s slightly tinted,.
Another thumbs up for the Australian Gold facial sunscreen. Reasonably priced
Get some saw palmetto!! I stumbled on that information at acnedotorg on their boards at least 10 years ago. It is a game changer. 480mg twice a day has left me free of the deep cystic adult female acne that was so bothersome to me. I’m nearly menopausal now, and can get away with once a day for most of the week. I expect in the near future that I won’t need it at all. I’ve had best luck with Nature Made Super Saw Palmetto.
It targets androgen in the skin, just like spironolactone does ( a medical treatment for AA).
I use the LaRoche Posay gentle cleanser, and it is perfect for my almost 53 year old skin. Walgreens carries it.
I love Estro Sense, I take 5 capsules in the morning with my oatmeal and hibiscus tea and 5 with my dinner. My acne is completely gone.
@NYCTYPE,
I just looked up your product- it’s very similar to one I take called Breast-D, that my breast doctor said occupies the same receptors in the breast tissue as tamoxifen, so that I could get away with not taking tamoxifen prophylactically ( tamoxifen is known to worsen hot flashes). I’m glad it works for you!
That said, saw palmetto targets androgens (both men and women both have androgens and estrogens naturally, obviously more androgens for men than estrogens, and vice versa for women) in the skin (and scalp, to slow hair loss), rather than estrogens (mechanism of estro sense), which is known to be a contributing factor in adult female acne.
Acnedotorg boards have a wealth of information on a variety of treatments for acne, over the counter and medicinal. There’s bound to be relief for every sufferer there. Cheers!
Boots No.7 serum and day cream have made an AMAZING difference in my dry skin, and although fragrances usually bother me very much, this hasn’t bothered me at all. The day cream has SPF 50, so that’s great for a pale face like mine too. Love it, love it. Love that Celebitchy is getting into product recommendations, too!!
I like that Boots products are cruelty free.
See I love posts like these. They can either prove or disprove reviews of which I’ve become suspicious lol. I love Boots products, but I hardly make it to Target anymore. I should just start ordering online like I do everything else. I’ll be interested in learning about the needle thingy. It scares me!
Yeah, there’s some telltale markers with fake reviews, but it can still be hard to wade through everything.
There is a website where you can copy/paste amazon product links, and they analyze the reviews for products. I’ll try to paste the link. I never shop amazon anymore without checking whether or not the reviews are legitimate. It’s called Review Meta if you need to google.
https://reviewmeta.com/
Mabs, walgreens has boots!!
As a 45 year old woman who doesn’t care about makeup and can’t do much with my hair I obsess instead over my skin. I have tried tons of products and am currently trying the 10 step Korean regime. I never see that much of a difference so I love reading about what other women are buying and trying. I also bought one of those microneedling tools a few months ago but I’ve been too afraid to try it. My one recommendation for something that has worked for me: every once in a while I treat myself to a spa service where they do the dermaplanimg and then put an acid on my face. It takes less than an hour, costs about $100, makes my face feel less dry, and my friends swear it makes my skin look so much better. Anyway, I’ll be back to see what advice others have to give and I’m definitely buying that La Roche cleanser. Ooh, and I’d love to hear about anything that reduces pores or dark spots!
Tell me more about the 10 step Korean please?
Thx
Visit The Klog dot com ! Charlotte Cho knows a lot about korean beauty and you can purchase products in the US.
I applaud anyone who can do this, I just don’t have the patience or discipline.
@ Parigo
I was intimidated by the Korean regime but it’s actually really quick and easy and you’re probably doing at least half the steps already. Wash, tone, moisturize, eye cream is four steps already, and that is the “basic” skin care recommendation. Having a separate night moisturizer, step five. Also, you don’t do every step every day. A couple of the steps are weekly treatments. My Korean beauty regimen is:
Wash
Tone
Facial water (essence)
Targeting serum (I like hylauronic acid and retinol serums)
Day/night cream
Eye cream
Sun screen (AM)
Overnight sleep mask (2 nights/week instead of regular night moisturizer)
Exfoliate (1/week, usually do a DIY process from kitchen ingredients)
Sheet masks (2/month)
Most of the 10 steps is stuff you should already be doing, like wash/tone/moisturize. I mix the serum (you can get good serums on Amazon for under $20) into my moisturizer, which both stretches my moisturizer, because you won’t need as much with the serum boosting it, and saves time as it combines two steps into one. My daily beauty routine takes no more than 15 minutes.
http://www.snowwhiteandtheasianpear.com/p/blog-page.html
https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/why-asian-skin-care-works-and-how/how-to-build-your-own-asian-skincare-routine/
Those are good places to start.
I used this as my starting point: https://www.vogue.com.au/beauty/skin/how-to-10step-your-skincare-regimen-like-a-korean/image-gallery/ce47d7b579170c06a4ac39d33b04cfb0?pos=3
The double cleaning and the essence are really the only things I added. I was already doing serums, eye creams, lip creams, and moisturizing oils or creams. I’ve tried different masks but have never been impressed by any of them.
Jess – I’ve been using the Body shop’s Vitamin C smoothing serum and have seen an improvement in my skin (I just got a few raving compliments last night, in fact, which is nice). I don’t know if it permanently affects the pores, but it definitely minimizes the look of them while wearing it.
I also really like laneige (Korean skin care brand), but I ended up only keeping the serum and the overnight lip mask. Otherwise it just got too pricy.
https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-ca/face/serum-concentrate/vitamin-c-skin-boost-instant-smoother-serum/p/p001119
Anners, thanks for the tips. I’ll check out the Vit C serum and I”ll have to try the laneige lip mask. I tried their water sleeping mask and thought it was nice but not amazing, but there aren’t many good lip treatments out there and I’m always looking for those two so I’ll check the lip mask out. Thanks!
Just to add about the Boots line – the Restore and Renew is for ‘older’ skin (I think 60+) and the Protect and Perfect is for like 30+ – it says on the website. Just in case anyone is looking to purchase.
They also do a sheet mask (for each line), which is NOT cheap, but I think my favourite skincare product. It’s designed to loop over your ears and actually stays on.
I believe this is the only skincare line in the UK that’s allowed to advertise as ‘scientifically proven’.
(Not paid by Boots, lol)
There’s no age barrier on skincare, just take a look at the active ingredients on both products to see which one is right for you.
@Kerfuffle –
Not sure what your point is, I think its pretty clear no ones suggesting there is a ‘barrier’ – but for those of us who aren’t experts in skincare, guidelines based on age range are helpful in narrowing down products/potentially useful active ingredients. If you don’t fancy the guidelines, or know enough about active ingredients and products to be able to read the back on a box and start from there, that’s great for you. For me, the guidelines provide a good starting point when exploring/investing in new products.
Can I just say I love these posts? Even if Amazon refuses to ship to Argentina. It’s like window shopping.
If any of you suffer from cystic and inflammatory acne – I’ve been using The Ordinary’s Naiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum since august and my acne is almost completely gone. My pores no longer get super congested and the hyper pigmentation marks left behind by cysts are gone.
I was ready to get back on Accutane and I’m so glad I found an alternative.
Yay for you!! I was so sad when I tried the Niacinamde and found out I’m one of the people for whom it doesn’t work at all 🙁 It broke me out and did nothing for my skin.
Loving the rest of The Ordinary products though!
Oh, no! Have you been able to find something similar that works for you?
Just shows everyone’s skin is different. The Ordinary’s Niacinamide has been a game changer for me in terms of making my pores look smaller (took a few months, though). Also love their Buffet and several other of their products. Love love the price point
African Black soap has really helped my cystic acne. So far it’s the only thing that has made a noticeable dent. My rosacea itches less so I touch my skin less and it’s definitely cleared up quite a bit. Now I just need to find something for the redness of the rosacea…
Is it drying? I get cystic acne and the hyper pigmentation left behind is maddening. I go to the dermatologist roughly once a month and I still have the bumps and purple spots. I have spots on my face since October, it’s like they never heal. I started using the Caudalie Radiance Serum which has helped a lot, but it’s so expensive. I would love to have an alternative.
I only use it at night and I moisturize with a Dermaglos night cream and I’ve not experienced any dryness.
I’d give this product a chance! It’s cheap AND effective.
Niod (a division of Deciem, which also makes The Ordinary) has a product called CAIS 2, which smells a bit vinegary, but has closed my pores and helps heal/ fade any hyperpigmentation from minor injury. It’s pricey, but worth the cost. I also used The Ordinary’s Niacinamide and Zinc- didn’t do too much for me.
For another splurge, Niod’s FECC for eyes is amazing.
The Naiacinamide works wonders for me! I’m also obsessed with Herbivore’s Lapis Oil Balancing Facial Oil. I use it twice a day and use a Jade roller to make sure it gets fully absorbed!
Thanks for this. I found them on my local e-shop. ordered the salicylic acid –
I will totally endorse the Cerave products. I have very sensitive skin as well as eczema. This has totally repaired my skin and leaves it moisturized without feeling heavy or greasy. Won’t use anything else now. Amazing stuff
Me too. I have normal to oily skin. Most face washs in this category are way to harsh, so that the skin produces even more oil. But Cerave is mild but effective
Hi which CeraVe product for the ezcema? Thank you!
The one I used (other than my prescription cortisone cream) which seams to really moisturise and cut down the itching is the Cerave Moisturising Cream. For cleansing I use the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser. I sometimes in the winter use it on my face as well. It absorbs really well and doesn’t leave me feeling greasy.
I have scars on my shins from scratching (I know I’m bad!) and this has really cut down on the itching.
I have started to really think about skin care about a year ago and things got so much easier once I found out that 1. you really can only expect to do SO much with topical skin cream and 2. that there aren’t actually THAT many things that are scientifically proven to work so you can eliminate like half the creams on the market anyway.
I have found that The Ordinary is perfect for all your skin needs. They offer everything that is proven to work at incredibly cheap prices and you can just supplement with drugstore moisturizers and be done with it.
Their oils, vitamin C and retinol products are especially amazing.
I LOVE the Ordinary. Great products at a great price point.
I love the Ordinary! Their products, along with Retin A have kept those wrinkles away. The rosehip oil is the best!
I swear by these oils. They are pricey though I’ve used them for months. My skin will glow and look refreshed even if I didn’t catch enough sleep or enjoyed too many salty snacks/wine the night before. Highly recommend!!
Night: https://products.theayurvedaexperience.com/products/iyura-manjish-glow-elixir?variant=1322069655563
Day: https://products.theayurvedaexperience.com/products/iyura-kesaradi-oil?variant=60627133323
My sister recommended Zenmed after their rosacea line improved her skin so dramatically that she was able to stop using medicated creams. I have oily/combination skin and use the cleansing gel and AHA/BHA Complex and love them. They have tons of sales, are on the bunny list and you always get one free when you buy 3. I’m always surprised they don’t get more attention online.
holy sh*t really?? I have been on the fence about trying zenmed. I have tried so, so many things for my rosacea, expensive, inexpensive, homeopathic, I even got laser treatments at the dermatologist! I am going to order some right.now. Is there one certain product she loves or swears by?
Hi Margie, I’m so sorry you’ve had such a rough time! My sister likes the support serum and recommends that 3 step support system to start. You can always return it if it doesn’t work. Mela, if you’re reading this, Zenmed has a full acne line — the AHA/BHA Complex helps keep your pores clean. Good luck to both of you!
anything for blackheads on chin???
French line called Biologique Recherche: Masque Vivant/P50 Lotion/Creme Dermopurifante. I would also consider using a retinol at night (not every night-read instructions) from Makeup artists Choice. Don’t try all of this at the same time though. Start out with the P50 lotion and then the mask etc.
I would use the salicylic acid by the Ordinary. Salicylic acid clears out your pores
Pauls Choice BHA lotion. the stuff is magic dust.
I love these posts! I just found two new products to try. Thanks!
ME TOO
I’m a skincare junkie
love it
I have had skin problems for years, including cystic acne. I’ve been on roaccutane, antibiotics and tried just about every skin regime, from the really expensive to the really cheap.
A few years ago a friend recommended Liz Earle skincare and I have been converted. There is a full range of products, they are not ridiculously expensive and it’s transformed my skin. Now my skin stays clear with no drugs or special treatment at all. The first couple of weeks can result in some breakouts as the cleanser brings impurities to the surface but after that it’s all good. Just putting that out there for fellow celebitches xx
PS I have absolutely no connection to Liz Earle, btw. It’s a purely impartial recommendation !
Could you share the exact products for your acne? Thank you!
Hey, so sorry Alexandria, been away for the weekend and only just seen this. I use the oily/combination moisturiser with the standard cleanser and toner plus the gentle exfoliator twice a week. Also recommend the clay mask.
Another CeraVe fan. Trader Joes also has some really good and inexpensive skin care products. I’m not a big makeup/hair person either so my big splurge is LaRoche Posay Anthelios AOX Antioxident serum. It’s SPF 50 and moisturizing so 2 steps in one. If you get Ulta coupons it’s NOT excluded, which helps with price, and a bottle lasts a couple months for me.
I was wondering if anybody has used Kosas line of makeup? What do you think?
Shu Uemera cleansing oil-it changed my oily skin, even when it was full of acne. (Get a rep at the counter to tell you how to use it though) The products from Biologique Researche are also amazing. I also started using CeraVe moisturizer (got too much sun in Belize & I live in Toronto, which wreaked havoc on my skin as a WOC) which can be found at any drugstore, I love it.
A great way to try K-Beauty is through Costco of all places. They sell a gigantic box of full size products for 149.00. My favorite product from the box is the Urang Vitamin Oil. I swear it is miraculous. Heals little blemishes overnight and my skin is so soft. https://ohlolly.com/products/urang-vitamin-oil-serum?variant=3640823316507
It’s expensive, but Good Genes serum by Sunday Riley has made a huge difference with my acne and red scars/spots in a short amount of time. It’s worth the price tag to me.
I’m super lazy when it comes to skincare but La Roche Posay is absolutely my favorite French pharmaceutical brand. Use everything from the sun screen to the oil body wash. It’s very affordable too.
As for the Dermaroller: Please be gentle with it. No harsh products afterwards. And dont expect it to shrink your pores, if larger pores are an issue for you. Nothing in the world can shrink your pores. The size of them is genetically determinded and you cant change that, The only thing you can change is the appearance of pores. If they are not congested, they automatically appear smaller. Be sure to use a salicylic acid, because its the only thing to clear out your pores.
Pure Hyaluronic acid is maybe the best thing to use after dermrolling. No Vit C, exfoliating acids or Retinol, or Retins especially. Even if it is the smaller needles.
I will be gentle! I found this video I’m going to follow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Roe1Hap7R8
Have you ever thought to try facial rejuvenation acupuncture? If you do, tell your acupuncturist that you have the dermaroller and ask if there is anything special that you should watch out for or do with it when you do self-care treatment at home.
Another lovely thing that you can get at your acupuncturist’s (assuming that they do aesthetic treatments, which many acupuncturists do) are jade roller and other jade instrument (such as gua sha) treatments. Those are amazing!
Niod’s CAIS2 has shrunk my pores. No joke. The cost is worth it to me.
Expensive products are a total waste of money, if its expensive, don’t buy it. All of them are gimmicks. Cerave is good brand across the board. Aquaphor believe it or not can be used for everywhere from lips to hands. Moisturizers are nothing more than barrier which helps retain moisturizer leaving your skin, so the fancy ingredients or exotic ingredients truly never penetrate the skin. Timeless company makes great serums (especially their Vit C) and moisturizers. You can find them on Amazon and they are reasonably inexpensive for high quality serums and they make products in small batches. I would say the band compares to the much more expensive Skincenuticals.
Seriously love these posts and the discussions around them. Some that I’m already using and some I can’t wait to try!
I am in my 40’s and still dealing with acne and blackheads along with the joys of aging skin. I recently started using TruSkin Clear Skin serum ($25 on Amazon). It is for aging and acne prone skin. It’s made a difference, and even my husband commented on how clear my skin looks. I didn’t change anything else in my decade long routine: I wash with a tea tree cleanser, exfoliate with a philosophy scrub and then follow the serum with a light moisturizer with spf. I have sensitive skin that can get irritated when I try something new, but the TruSkin product did not bother me. It took a week for me to see results.
+1 on LaRoche Posay Toleraine Double Moisturizer. Discovered it a couple of months ago, after a couple of years searching for a good winter moisturizer that was perfume free/non-greasy/effective.
Note: I don’t have acne. I’d say my skin looks good, but what I notice most is that it feels soft and hydrated. Tube says it contains Ceramide-3, Niacinamide and Glycerin. Don’t know if it’s supposed to be hypoallergenic, but I’ve had no problem at all on my sensitive skin.
Cost was $20 but seems to be lasting a long time.
I have the regular version, but also comes in one with sunscreen. My dermatologist did recommend their sunscreen products, that’s how I heard about the line.
Since people here are sharing tips, I’ll share that the best face cream I’ve used (and I’ve tried a ton over the years, including La Mer which I now feel like an idiot for buying at that price point) is the SAHAJAN face cream and eye cream.
It literally melts right into your skin (no sticky feeling whatsoever) and doesn’t make my skin oily at all by the afternoon (a common occurrence with other creams). The eye cream has honey in it that you can literally smell when you’re applying it and it just blends in so well. I’ve used them for a while now, and they’re honestly the best face creams I’ve ever used.
I also appreciate that founding story behind the brand. It’s founded by a beauty industry exec whose family is from Kerala, in Southern India. So she consulted with Ayurvedic doctors in India and then tested all the products in labs here. They’re all produced in Toronto, and aren’t expensive in my opinion, so it’s a great way to also support women led businesses!
Ooh! I’ve never heard of them. Thanks Yasmine, I’ll check them out (also based in TO and love the idea of supporting women and local businesses)
I think the yellow Garnier Micellar water is great to take your make up off.
As for cleansers I really love Cerave, La Roche Posay and the Alex Steinherr x Primark cleanser.
For Toners I love la Roche Posay, Clinique and Hada Labo.
For skin concerns like aging,, dryness, blemishes, dullness etc. I would recommend The ordinary and The Inkey List. Both science driven, concentrating on proven ingredients- and affordable.
For Tools I love my LED Face mask, with different colors for different skin concerns. And whats really great is a Gua Sha Jade tool!
I love my LED mask too!
Thanks for the details, Harryg. Maybe I’ll have to ask for one for my birthday (I would love something to help with firmness!)
Jules and Harryg, I’ve been wondering about the LED face mask. Does it really work? What do you see it helping with? I’ve also bought the gua sha jade tool (I’m a sucker for these home tools) but am not convinced it’s doing anything. How often do you use it and why do you like it?
I bought the mask for acne (blue light). I noticed that it heals everything faster and keeps those really terrible monthly bumps away. I use the red light for firmness, and I really noticed a difference in about three weeks, as if I got a slight lift. (But I’m nearly fifty – it you are young you probably won’t notice anything.)
Also, the remote stopped working after four months, and when I emailed the company they got back to me at once. It took me a moment to find the receipt (as the mask was a gift), and they actually emailed me again to be sure I had gotten their email. They replaced the remote asap and everything is okay.
Try it, you can return it if it does nothing. Mine is from Norlanya.
I keep my eyes closed though, the bright light worries me! 🙂
I love these posts CB! I trust you not to lie to us and there are so many products out there now that I appreciate lists like these.
I have used the CereVe cleanser above for 5 years now. My dermatologist turned me on to it. It cleans well without drying and is a good bargain.
I want to try this micro needler gadget!
Thank you! I’ll let you know how the microneedler works. I’ll try it in a couple of days and will comment back here and on the post.
I use a couple of those products and I also recommend the Aztec Clay mask! It’s amazing.
I was thinking of including that but some people say it burns.
It definitely tingles, but I love the Aztec clay. I also really like the Elizavecca Milky Piggy bubble carbonated mask. It’s just really fun to say, tickles when it’s frothing up, and really cleans things up without overdrying or making my skin feel super tight.
It’s really amazing! And it’s inexpensive too.
One of my sons uses that for acne. It works well, you just have to gradually increase time to tolerance.
I have melasma which is so stubborn and for whatever reason seems to show through every foundation as well. I took a chance on the product with the dumbest name ever and it has made a real difference – Admire My Face. Warned you. Anyway, it’s a 2% hydroquinone sort of a serum – it’s kind of sticky/tacky and I wouldn’t try to wear it under makeup. I used it every night for about a month and was really impressed. Then you’re supposed to take a break and then use it for another stretch. It’s like $20 on Amazon, but since you just dab it on the dark spots it you don’t use much and it should last a long time.
I also had results with this little roller stick I got 2/$1 at Dollar Tree that are called Skin Nutritions. It’s in a very “Garnier green” tube and was also more effective than other drugstore stuff I’ve tried, like Ambi. Of course, it’s Dollar Tree, so they have them randomly for like 3 months out of every year, but if you’re going for sheet masks (which I can also recommend) it’s worth a look to see if they’re in stock.
I swear by K- products for skin and Indian products for the hair. I think Cosrx is the most consistent. I also like Ordinary Ascorbic suspension. Some reviews aren’t that favorable. People find it gritty and hard to apply but I swear it made my skin brighter and even toned.
My all time favorite skin care product is KOSMEA’S Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil.
My face glows from it and it also undid a lot of the damage I had from acne and the sun.
I use it every night after my shower, it’s amazing.
Never breaks me out, doesn’t make me oily or greasy, it just makes my skin look wonderful, my face feels very silky and smooth.
I wish I could use it all over my body, but I’m happy with my organic jojoba oil.
I only have to use my Avocado/Manuka honey mask once a week.
It’s 1 mashed up organic avocado mixed with 1 tablespoon of organic Manuka honey from New Zealand, apply after shower on warm skin (face) and leave it on for 1 hour.
CeraVe is the only cleanser I will use. I have rosacea, acne, and 37-year-old skin and it is absolutely the best. Cuts the oil, but doesn’t dry me out. Calms my redness, but doesn’t give me zits. I hugely recommend it!
P.S. though, it doesn’t actually foam. Just your regular sort of cleanser.
Youth to the People is a great line, my all time favorite. They have a beautiful kale moisturizer that my fussy skin loves to drink up and their eye cream is to die for.
I need very little for my face and neck, so the moisturizer is a good deal and their eye cream is heavenly.
I use their Super Food mask only once a week, but it makes my skin glow for 3-4 days.
Youth to the people is awesome!! I love their cleanser! I pair it with Farmacy honeymoon glow resurfacing night serum, changed my skin in less than two weeks. super even tone skin. Got rid of my brown spots and acne and made my skin look so smooth very fast. The Indie lee coq10 lotion is amazing as well before moisturizer, makes my skin look supple and well hydrated.
My favorite new thing is Curology. Instead of going to the dermatologist for Retin-A/tretinoin, and paying way too much (in my case, for open packaging that left the cream exposed to air), you fill out a questionnaire about your skin type and problems, and they have dermatologists who put up to three ingredients in a cream for you. It’s a monthly subscription, which gets cheaper when you do two months at a time, but it’s real Retin-A and not the weaker retinol you get in over-the-counter products.
I got the tretinoin for wrinkles and they recommended two antibiotics for the weird little red bumps that have been turning up for about a year now that I’m 40. The cream has really improved both my new acne and the firmness of my skin.
Also, I totally support everyone’s love for CeraVe. I recently switched from the foaming face wash for oily skin to the less drying Hydrating cleanser and it’s been great for my changing skin. I use their PM and AM moisturizers along with the prescription cream and argan oil, and it’s all working really well together.
I love these threads, and always end up with something in my Amazin cart. This time, microneedler
Thank you so much for these tips I love love love these posts. I hope anyone who tries the Cereve likes it! It has saved me. I had a miserable time with my skin in my 30’s I could not believe I had to fight acne and wrinkles at the same time. I am going to try one or two of the suggestions for the eye creams. Now that the 40’s snuck up on me my eyes need some extra love.
These posts are very helpful. (I almost wrote “hopeful”….they are that too!). I’m going to try a few of the recommendations.
I’m 50. I’ve been on Accutane 3 times in my 20s. I started having hormonal acne about 2 years ago. Was placed on Spironolactone…which was so-so helpful. 1 year ago — I started Fractora treatments. I did 3 over the course of 6 months…then had a final one 2 months ago. Obviously…this is an expense but I’m so grateful that I was able to afford those treatments. I’ve been off the Spironolactone and I’m 95% clear. I wish they had had this when I was younger. It’s mostly used to build collagen — but is sort of “off-label” for acne. It’s supposed to also help for deep acne scars. Luckily, I don’t have that problem so I can’t comment on that.
I just started the derma-rolling 2 weeks ago. I’m also using it on my legs, chest, arms, and back…for acne/hyperpigmentaion/improve crepey skin. We will see. It’s a cheap and benign investment.
Just use Mad Hippie products. Their Vitamin C serum with Ferulic and Hyluronic acids is incredible. Their Vitamin A serum is the newest form of retinol and the face cream is loaded with peptides. Plus, Mad Hippie is reasonably priced and cruelty-free.
I’d like to know about products that can lift the “jowls” area along jaw line. I really hate that my face is starting to sag there and wish there was something I could do outside of plastic surgery. 🙁 Any suggestions?
Mukti Organics is a wonderful line, very effective and I don’t need much to use in order to see good results.
It’s also vegan and cruelty free.
They ship really fast.