Glowing Reviews: My Top Skincare Picks of the Year

One thing about me, I spend a TON of money on makeup and skincare. At least once a month I’m browsing the beauty stores for something else to add to my collection. It was quite difficult to narrow down my top skincare picks of the year, but I did my best. Here’s the thing, I love makeup, like really love makeup. However, I know that a good makeup application is nothing without a solid skincare routine.

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Before we get into my top skincare picks, let me give you the lowdown on my skin and its concerns. I’m over 40 with normal to dry skin, some hyper-pigmentation and dry under eyes. When looking for just the right skin products, I always go for super hydrating serums and moisturizers. Maintaining a hydrated and protected skin barrier is top priority.

Let’s start off with my top facial cleansers of the year. Now, if you’re new here, please know that I do not believe in spending major bucks on cleansers. Here’s the thing affordable facial cleansers  do just as much as the high end cleansers do. My top picks this year:

• Tula Cult Classic Purifying Cleanser– this gel based cleanser removes excess dirt and makeup without making my skin feel dry or stripped. It also has a gentle exfoliant that helps to combat dull skin. For this reason, I like to use this at night as part of my double cleanse routine.
• Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel– My go to cleanser for an easeful morning skincare routine, this gel cleanser is infused with rosewater and has a light foaming lather. In my opinion, this is one of the best cleansers you can buy for under $15.
• CocoKind Oat to Milk Gentle Cleanser– This cleanser was gifted to me by the brand, and I’m glad to have been able to experience the oat to milk cleanser. What I love is that it starts as an oil balm but once it lathers it’s a milku cleanser. This is a great option as a double cleanser and from what I’ve heard, it’s good for sensitive skin.

Next up are my favorite skincare products to use, my serums. Serums are absolutely the secret weapon of your skincare routine. They do so many things from hydrating, to exfoliating and brightening and come in every price point. If you’re budget concious with your skincare, I have a list of some of the best serums for under $25. Here are my top picks for serums this year:

• Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum– A super serum that boosts collagen and decreases dullness is what this Super peptide serum boasts. This serum operates like its high end counterparts at a fraction of the price. It’s also extremely hydrating and gives my skin a fantastic glow.
• Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum– If you don’t like your skin to have a yummy glow, then don’t buy this serum. Because the Great Skin Instant Glow serum does just that, it makes my skin GLOW. This serum has 4 types of hyaluronic acid along with niacinamide for brightness and caffeine cacao seed for plumpness. As long as my skin loves this serum, I’ll keep buying it.
• Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum– Vitamin C is the IT girl in my morning skincare routine and for good reason. This particular serum from Naturium is a lightweight, gel like texture that melts into my skin. The vitamin C serum targets fine lines and visibly brightens the skin with consistent use. Also, it’s very affordable and can be found at most Target stores.
• Clarins Double Serum Light Texture– Luxury in a bottle is how I would describe the Clarins Double Serum, it literally applies like silk. I got a chance to try a mini size before I splurged on the full size but it was worth every penny. Just an FYI this serum starts at around $100 so if you’re on a budget, you might want to save up.

As I stated above, I have dry skin that tends to get more dry in the colder months. For that reason, I invest heavily in moisturizers including facial oils. I’m not afraid to drop a coin on a hydrating moisturizer, but no worries, I have some budget favorites as well.

• Tula 24/7 Hydrating Moisturizer– I would consider this my one and done moisturizer. What I love about the 24/7 Moisturizer is that it works in my day or night routine. Not only is it super hydrating as it’s infused with squalane, a little goes a long way so even a small container lasts me for a while.
• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer with Squalane: This non-greasy moisturizer deeply hydrates my skin, especially at night. It’s rich and again formulated with squalane which is a powerful emollient. Go ahead and get the 1 or 4 ounce jar and thank me later.
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream– For the cold months, the First Aid Beauty repair cream is my skincare savior. It has an ingredient called colloidal oatmeal which is a skin protectant that helps with itchiness associated with skin conditions like eczema. I love that I can use this moisturizer on both my face and body.
• Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra Hydrating Moisturizer– Honey is a natural humectant, so having that as a primary ingredient in a moisturizer is a no brainer for me. This was my go to night time moisturizer for months, especially after I’d worn makeup all day.

One thing that keeps my skin on point and glowing is regular exfoliation. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells which gives you a more clear complexion. It also serves as a great way to clear your pores and any skin congestion. My exfoliants haven’t changed much because I like to work with what’s working. Here are my top picks

• Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant– this is what I would consider my ride or die skincare product. In fact, if I was on a deserted island and had to choose an item to come with me, the BHA Liquid exfoliant would be it. I’ve never had anything clear my pores and smooth my skin quite like the PC exfoliant. BHA is the key ingredient and that is a Beta Hydroxy Acid or as its commonly know, salicylic acid. That ingredient is used to treat acne and breakouts and it clears up any scars that I have with a quickness
• Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads– The brand gifted me these Universal Daily Peel pads at the beginning of the year and I was instantly amazed. They come in a 2- step packet and one packet is the peel, the second step is exfoliation. Note, these are pricey, but they work so well, it’s totally worth the splurge. If you like a spa -like peel that’s gentle enough to use at home, you’ll love these pads.
• Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Pads– I’m so glad to have discovered the Elemis resurfacing pads this year. I couldn’t help but wonder, where had they been all my life? Seriously though, they work so well as a refreshing exfoliator with lactic acid as a primary ingredient. These pads are mainly used AM skincare routine and before I do any makeup.

As the end of the year raps, I hope you read this post and find some inspiration for products to add to your arsenal. And since it’s winter, you can check out my Cold weather skincare routine for products that I like to use during the cold months.

As usual, these are my personal recommendations for my skin type and concerns. However, if you ever need help in finding something for your skin, leave me a comment.

XOXO-Lydia Marie