Ever since this year and basically since the start of the pandemic, I’ve been decluttering things in my life. One of the things I’ve decluttered is the skincare products that I use. Your girl is approaching her 30’s, and I wanted to have a solid consistent skincare routine. I used to try multiple products at a time, but if you’re also into skincare, you also know how expensive it could get. Once I figured out the skincare products that worked for me, I stuck with them. The products that I’ll be talking about, most of them, I’ve been using since January, and some for several years. You need these 14 skincare products in your life.
Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.
I have combination skin. If you don’t know what that means, basically my forehead and nose area get oily (t-zone), and the rest of my face is dry. I’ve been using these products pretty consistently and have really cleared my skin. I’d get some sort of small bump from time to time, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out if it’s from my diet, stress, the actual skincare products, sleep, and or all of the above. Skincare is so freaking tough to figure out, but these are the products that I trust and have maintained my clear skin.
These are the best skincare products that has worked well with my skin. These products may or may not work for you. If you’re trying these products, please make sure that you do a patch test on your skin. I suggest doing it on your jaw area, so if you do get a bad reaction or any irritation, it would be a bit hidden. If something is irritating you, please wash it off immediately. Always be wary of the ingredients. I’ve been using each of these products for at least 6 months to a couple of years.
1. First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
I was hesitant about spending more than $10 on a cleanser because I have always used drugstore products, but this is worth every penny. It also lasts me about 5 to 6 months even though I use it twice a day and you only need a small amount of product. This cleanser is gentle, has no scent, and leaves the skin feeling super soft and renewed. It’s a staple skincare product that you need in your routine. I’ve tried to use other cleansers, but I keep going back to the First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser.
2. Cerave Moisturizer Cream
I’ve been using this Cerave Moisturizer Cream for over 5 years or probably 
more. I can’t remember when I started using it. This moisturizer and I are in a long term committed relationship. Even though my nose area gets oily during the summer, I get bumps and a lot of texture on my nose especially during the wintertime. There hasn’t been any other moisturizer that was able to make my nose and the rest of my face feel this smooth while also minimizing my pores. It has no scent, it’s not sticky, and I have nothing but good things to say about it! You need this skincare product in your life and maybe even after life. Til death do us part.
3. Nivea - Sun Protect Water Gel Pump SPF50 PA
A friend recommended this to me a while back since it’s on Amazon prime, so it’s pretty accessible.
It’s not your typical sunscreen because it doesn’t leave a white cast, it’s not thick, and it’s not sticky. It literally feels like water just like its name. Super lightweight and it has a pump! Note that this is a chemical SPF, and I know some people prefer physical. Please do your research on the difference when it comes to how it absorbs to your skin and how it affects the environment. Once I finish the current Nivea – Sun Protect Water Gel Pump SPF50 PA bottle I have, I want to look into physical sunscreen as well.
4. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
This is one of the products that I started using this year. I have had problems with redness around my cheeks all my life, and The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% has calmed my skin. I only put this on my cheek area, which is basically the only place where I have redness, and I saw a major difference. It’s also supposed to help with texture and discoloration, but I did not see much difference in regards to those problems. Also, no scent, and it’s a thicker moisturizer consistency.
5. Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil for Normal to Dry Skin
I used Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil 
for Normal to Dry Skin a ton in the beginning of 2020, but with the pandemic and working fulltime at home, I haven’t really been wearing makeup. When I do wear makeup, I use this to double cleanse before using the First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser. It has a bit of scent, but it’s not overpowering. Like a lot of cleansing oils, it starts oily and gets activated and turns into a milky consistency when mixed with water. I find that it helps take makeup off pretty well if you wear pretty basic makeup. If you like wearing very thick heavy makeup, this might not be the best, but I prefer it over makeup wipes because it’s more gentle. I really like using it with my First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser.
6. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Honestly, I was scared to use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, but with the price, I wanted to try it. It’s a red liquid, so it really looks like you’re putting blood on your face. I think they purposely made the color red, so that you’re able to wash it all off easily since you will be able to tell if there’s any product left on your face. It’s recommended that you only have it for no more than 10 minutes. I used to use a physical exfoliant for most of my life. Hello St. Ives Apricot Scrub! Raise your hand if you used that. Little did I know that those little exfoliant beads are so harmful for our skin. I will never go back to physical exfoliation. I use The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution every week, and it pretty much gives me brand new skin. It tingles for 5 seconds after you apply it, but I don’t feel anything afterwards. My skin automatically looks brighter and super soft. When I notice my skin looking dull or when I can’t ignore my pores anymore, I just slap some of this on, and it’s like magic.
7. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
This product is similar to the The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, but this is just a expensive ass serum version, so you don’t wash if off. Gotta soak every dollar into your skin, babyyy. I’m not a dermatologist or a skin expert, so I can’t make you understand what each ingredient does, but if you research both their descriptions, they both do the exact same thing. They brighten the skin, reduce texture, improve fine lines, and wrinkles. Drunk Elephant products are known for their natural ingredients, and this night serum has raspberry extract. I alternate between Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum and the The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. They both give me the same results. The Framboos one is a bit more convenient since you don’t have to wash it off. I know not everyone can afford this one, but if you’re feeling a bit bougie, try it. You can always get a sample size.
8. Glam Glow Brighteyes Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream
To be honest, I won the Glam Glow Brighteyes Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream as a part of an Instagram contest. You know the ones where you have to comment and tag someone under an influencers picture. Yup, IT ME, I won one of those. It was awesome. I’m not really a believer in eye creams because the more I researched them, it became clearer that eye creams are really just diluted moisturizer and it’s always so expensive for such little product. I’m doing a terrible just selling this to you, but ya girl is cheap, and I will only buy things that I need and works for me. If you are really on a hunt for one, this is such a great option for an eye cream though because it does have a brightening effect, and it has never irritated my eye area. I’ve previously tried products that made me tear up or given milia under the eyes. I’ve used it under my concealer and it’s moisturizing, but did not make my concealer slide off all over the place. Will I buy it myself? Probably not. But if you have the money, you do you, boo. Let me know in the comments if you have other alternatives or favorites that doesn’t cost me my future baby.
9. The Ordinary Buffet
Ya’ll. If you don’t have The Ordinary “Buffet” as a part of your skincare routine, I don’t even know what you’re doing with your life. I barely know what’s in this, but it’s like a whole facial in a bottle. I wake up the next day and I look like I just slept for a whole year, bills paid, depression and anxiety cured. But really, I had some hyperpigmentation from zits a while back, and I saw an immediate difference after a couple of uses. It’s helped with my hyperpigmentation and brightening. I can’t comment much on wrinkles since I don’t have any signs yet. Just trust me though, you need this serum in your life. It’s also one of the cheapest serums I’ve come across. 5 stars. If you plan on getting one thing out of this 14 skincare products you need in your life list, this is the one.
10. Biossance 100% Squalane Oil
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil is the very first squalene oil I’ve ever tried and I love it. The 3oz. bottle lasts forever. I was apprehensive with putting facial oil on my already semi greasy face, but the main reason that our skin gets oily is because it needs moisture. Surprisingly, the texture is not greasy even though it’s oil. I do look like a straight up glazed donut after applying it though, and there are still some left over when I wake up in the morning which I actually love because I feel like I’m doing something right with my life. If there’s one thing I know that’s good for me is hydration whether it’s actually drinking water or make sure that my skin looks like it’s glowing for the gods. You need to add this skincare product in your life. I apply it after my moisturizer to lock in all the moisture.
11. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I love The Ordinary Skincare products! The price and quality are on point for me, at least for the once I’ve tried. The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Squalane is no different. I don’t see a huge difference between this and the Biossance 100% Squalane Oil other than the Biossance oil stays a bit longer until the next day.
12. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Seriously, after Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask touched my lips, I never went back to regular old chapstick. It says it’s a lip mask, but my lips are so dry, so I use it at least 3 times a day. The little jar is not the most hygienic, but if that bothers you, they have a version in regular lipbalm tube. I love the slight berry scent. It’s not sticky like Vaseline or Carmex. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is so comfortable on the lips, I just can’t get enough. Buy this or have crusty ass lips. You have to pick a side.
13. I Dew Care Berry Brightening Glycolic Wash-Off Mask
I Dew Care Berry Groovy Brightening Glycolic Wash-Off Mask is so good. It has a very faint berry scent. Apparently I’m into berry scents. If you’ve ever used any of Lush’s facemasks, the texture definitely reminds me of them. It always leaves my skin feeling so smooth, soft, and brighter. I want to use this every week, but only end up using it about twice a month because I just forget. I really need to get into the habit of doing so because my skin loves it so much. Note that this one doesn’t dry and make your skin feel dehydrated and tight. You need this skincare product in your life!
14. I Dew Care Let's Get Sheet Faced Sheet Mask Set
I love these. . I Dew Care Let’s Get Sheet Faced Sheet Mask Set is so fun because you get a variety. If you’re someone who loves having choices, this is for you. It’s a set of 14 masks for the $25, and to me this is such a steal. If you go to target or any drugstore, the sheet masks often come individually. Each color does something different and the formulation is a bit different whether you’re trying to hydrate, brighten, or tighten your skin. They all make me feel brand new and make me forget my problems temporarily. They were all hydrating, cooling, and glowing. No complaints for me.
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