My Skincare Product Recommendations Readers Don’t See

I’ve been known to have a skincare product discussion (or two, or five) each week. On Facebook, via email, at work or even at my local drugstore. It’s true, somehow I can be standing there looking for anything new on the shelves and random strangers ask me for advice. Somehow I must have that Beauty Blogger aura and they know I’ll have advice?

While I have reviewed a lot of skin care items over the years on 15 Minute Beauty, there are some products that I think are easy to use, offer great results, and aren’t too expensive. I find myself recommending these products over and over again. I thought I should probably share the list! You’ll find all of them in my Perfect Skin Collection over on eBay.

When thinking about skincare, these are the ways that I separate products in my head. I always have these types of products on hand and in rotation or ready to use!

1. Gentle Cleanser: While I currently have the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser on my countertop, there are a lot of other great options, some of which I share in my favorite facial cleanser post. I also really like Purpose Cleanser, and Cetaphil Cleanser. Find a gentle cleanser that your skin likes, doesn’t strip moisture and doesn’t make your skin feel tight or itchy.

2. Deep Cleaning Brush: Yes, everyone is always recommending that you use a Clarisonic. I use one too. I don’t use mine every day, even with the sensitive brush my rosacea can’t handle it. Instead, I use it about 2 or 3 times a week. There are a few alternatives out there, you can check out my deep cleansing brush comparision post, but my favorite “dupe” is the Sirius SkinSonic.

3. Retinoid: Pretty much, if you’re over the age of 30 you should probably be using a retinoid. These Vitamin A derivatives do all sorts of things for the skin (read more about how retinoids work in your skin), but primarily they help skin turn over and are the best topical treatment that you can buy over the counter to reverse the signs of aging. The problem is that retinoid products can be irritating and make your skin more sun sensitive. To help make them easier to use, I always recommend using retinoids as a separate product, so you can go up or down on the frequency of your use. This RoC product is the one that I always recommend because it works, many dermatologists love it, and it is so affordable! Even with my Rosacea I can tolerate using this product every other night.

4. Treatment Product: We all have our skin issues, whether it is acne, hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone. I find myself recommending Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective most often, in large part because it is such a multi-tasking wonder! This product has very stable Vitamin C, so it helps even out skin tone (you can look at my review series for week by week progress on my melasma) and even fights aging! I love that it is so lightweight you can easily use it once or twice a day.

5. Night Cream: I first reviewed the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream way back in 2007, and I think the formula has been updated a few times since then. It is hydrating and contains a ton of anti-aging ingredients like niacinamide, and peptides! It is perfect to combine with a treatment product and intermittent use of retinoids. I recommend it or the First Aid Beauty Dual Repair serum or cream (depending on preference) as good starting points.

6. Daily Sunscreen: For days that I intend to spend any amount of time outside, I like to apply a light layer of sunscreen over my moisturizer and under my makeup. The Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense is my favorite, though I have quite a few alternatives in my best sunscreens post.

7. Eye Cream: I think everyone needs a good eye cream, and the First Aid Beauty Dual Repair is usually the one I recommend.

8. Daily SPF Lotion: Whether your morning moisturizer is a regular lotion or a BB cream, I think it should contain sunscreen. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 has long been my favorite!

9. Exfoliation: A little light exfoliation is something that everyone should incorporate into their skin care routine! You can do that with a Clarisonic, a rough washcloth or even a peel. ExfoliKate is my favorite product for quick exfoliation, it only takes about 30 seconds in the shower and you need so little that a big tube will last forever!

10. Mud Mask: A must have to pull stuff out of your pores, I prefer to use mud masks after a shower when things have loosened up. The Queen Helene Mint Julep mask is super affordable and sucks everything out, but if your skin is sensitive I recommend try the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Mask instead. It works just as well but seems to be a bit easier on skin.

11. Soothing Mask: No matter how careful you are, everyone has their days that their skin is red and irritated. It happens to me when I’ve been outside, either in the sun or on a cold and windy day. I like to use the First Aid Beauty Instant Oatmeal Mask in those cases, it’s pretty much a “must have” after a football game for me.

12. Extra Hydration: Just like soothing masks, another great “just in case” product is something that is super hydrating! I’m a big fan of the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery product. A few drops and my skin is back to normal the next day! I won’t travel without it. There are also some amazing hydrating masks, such as the Avene Soothing Moisture Mask.

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My eBay Collections were curated as part of my collaboration with eBay #followitfindit and Style Coalition.