As you may or may not know, I am obsessed with skincare. As someone who used to struggle with acne, maintaining healthy, happy skin is my top priority. In this article, I will be discussing my skincare favorites: the best tools, products, and habits to help you achieve your best skin yet, from drug store finds to the top-of-the-line.
1. Nuface Mini Facial Toning Device ($199, mynuface.com)
This stimulating, micro-current device is by far my favorite skincare tool I own. Designed to reduce and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, I use this tool almost every night. While anti-aging products and tools are usually marketed toward older consumers, estheticians and skin gurus agree that starting the anti-aging process early is best.
With this device, you can use the Nuface hydrating leave-on primer ($14, mynuface.com) or simply your own nightly moisturizing combo. Swipe firmly in upward, curved motions following your jaw and cheek lines, and across your forehead. The alternating microcurrents will work your moisturizer in, instantly tightening your skin and leaving your face dewey and lifted.
2. Kora Organics Turmeric BHA Brightening Mask ($48, sephora.com)
Developed by supermodel Miranda Kerr, Kora Organics is an all-natural, organic, vegan skincare line that completely redefines all-natural skincare. The line’s turmeric mask, while not particularly appealing in color, works wonders, delivering an instantly brighter complexion after just one use. While I use this mask only semi-regularly because it is a deep exfoliator, it’s my go-to when I need to achieve a spa-level glow in a pinch.
3. Skin Gym Jade Facial Roller ($32, skingymco.com)
Jade rollers have been and continue to be extremely popular, and there’s no doubt why. Cool to the touch and instantly de-puffing, they’re 100% worth the hype. Of the rollers I’ve used, Skin Gym’s jade roller is by far the best and is an integral part of my skincare routine. I generally use it after my Nuface at night, and in the morning to work in my my sunscreen-serum combo and under my eyes to work in my eye cream. For an added bit of pampering, stick your jade roller in the freezer before using.
4. Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Facial Mosturizer, SPF 30 ($13.39, target.com)
No matter what you do and use in your skincare routine, there is one thing that is non-negotiable: sunscreen. Sunscreen is the easiest way to halt the aging process in its tracks. When used every day, it prevents fine lines, uneven skin tone, and can give you a healthy, sunny glow. Every morning, I mix this Neutrogena SPF 30 with a light serum to create my base. Not only is it simple, but my face is protected from damaging UV rays all day long.
5. Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil ($105, sephora.com)
Sunday Riley is the best brand for all things oil, and the label’s Luna night oil is no exception. And, while it is a bit of a splurge, the luxurious product is well worth the price. Lightweight and soothing, this retinol oil shows results after just a few nights. Skin immediately looks brighter, smoother, and rejuvenated. Not to mention, the alluring blue bottle looks exquisite on skincare trays.
6. Skin Gym Face Sculptor Beauty Roller ($69, skingymco.com)
Clearly, I’m a fan of skincare tools–specifically, rollers. I just bought this one a few days ago and am already in love. Not only does it look cool and modern on my skincare tray, but it instantly lifts and de-puffs my face. While it is similar to the jade roller in function, the sculptor’s design helps better tighten my skin better while working in my moisturizer and, of course, making me feel extra pampered.
7. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream ($19, Dermstore.com)
Despite its small, unassuming green tube, this product is by far the most versatile in my skincare lineup. Deeply moisturizing yet surprisingly lightweight, I use this cream to moisturize my hands, lips, cuticles, neck, everything. Additionally, it’s the perfect size for putting in your makeup bag, purse, or sticking in your back pocket. This product may be drug-store price, but it delivers La Mer-caliber results.
8. Baudelaire Sisal Bath Brush ($10, anthropologie.com)
Lauded by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, dry brushing is the secret to anti-aging exfoliation for your whole body. The technique, designed to sluff off dead skin cells and promote the regeneration of new cells, is easy and fun. Simply brush your skin with short, not-too-aggressive strokes, following the direction of hair growth. Do this all over your body every time before showering or bathing for unbelievably soft, rejuvenated skin. Bonus: if you like your baths or showers extra-hot, dry-brushing beforehand leaves your skin irresistibly tingly.
9. The Yellow Bird Activated Charcoal Scrub ($14.99, theyellowbird.co)
Perfect for post-dry brushing, this activated charcoal scrub helps further exfoliate and purify your skin. Made with both salt and sugar, this scrub is harsh on dead skin cells while leaving your new skin silky smooth and glowing.
10. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy ($8.99, amazon.com)
Another fantastic drug-store find, I truly could not live without this. I have used Palmer’s Skin Therapy oil for years, and it is by far the best total body moisturizer out there. Rich but not too heavy, I often layer this over a basic lotion to really lock in the moisture. Not only does it penetrate deeply, leaving your skin thoroughly moisturized and bouncy, but it helps maintain your summer glow all year long. Oh, and did I mention it will make you smell like a candy bar? Not a bad side effect.
Xoxo, the (Skin)ny
