I often get asked about my favorite skincare products and recommendations for various skin concerns, so I’ve compiled all of my tried-and-true products into this lengthy list, broken down by product category. Before you dive in, I want to note that skincare is very personal – these are the products that have worked for me, but they may not necessarily work for you. A lot of trial-and-error is involved in skincare, and that’s okay! Be patient in your journey, don’t introduce too many new products to your routine at once, and try to do a bit of research on your skin and consider whether a product sounds right for you before blindly adding it to your cart. If you’re curious about how I incorporate a certain product into my routine, refer to my skincare routine blog posts (here’s one)!

I’d also like to quickly note than I am not an expert – I’m not a dermatologist; I’m not an esthetician; I’m not claiming these products will miraculously resolve all your concerns and cure your skin; I’ve just had the opportunity to test many products over the past couple years and found many I enjoy. If you’re unsure a product is right for you, please consult an expert!

Skin Type: Combination (oily T-zone, dry cheeks)
Skin Concerns: Hormonal Acne, Hyperpigmentation, Dehydration
Climate: Desert/Dry

DISCOUNTS

I linked larger websites like Sephora, Ulta, and Dermstore for convenience. I am a Farmacy affiliate, and I mention several Farmacy products through this post. If you’d like to save 20% on your Farmacy order, you can use my promo code RACHAEL20 on their website! Check out my discount code page for more discounts if you shop directly through the brand.

CLEANSERS

MICELLAR WATER

I use micellar water as a pre-cleanse to break down makeup (including stubborn eye makeup), or on a cotton round in the mornings as a gentle cleanse.

CLEANSING BALMS + OILS

Oil-based cleansers work to break down makeup, sunscreen, and impurities and should be used before your traditional water-based cleanser. This is known as “double cleansing,” and it’s effective at thoroughly cleansing the skin. Usually, going in with your water-based cleanser isn’t enough to fully cleanse your skin (without stripping it)!

SECOND CLEANSERS

Water-based cleansers that gently cleanse skin. Can be used first thing in the morning, and after using an oil-based cleanser at night.

TONERS

EXFOLIATING TONERS

These toners are formulated with AHAs and/or BHAs to exfoliate skin and promote cell turnover. I go back and forth between using exfoliating toners or serums. When I’m using a toner, I like to use them at night, after cleansing, about 1-2x a week. Be careful not to overdo it!

HYDRATING TONERS

These often contain hyaluronic acid and other humectants to hydrate skin and lock in moisture. After cleansing, I always love to follow up with a hydrating mist or a few layers of a hydrating toner.

ESSENCES

Essences can be lightweight or thicker in texture, and they also generally work to hydrate the skin. Some also contain brightening ingredients, like niacinamide, or other ingredients that target fine lines and dullness. I like to pat a few layers of essence into my skin after a toner to boost hydration.

SERUMS

BRIGHTENING SERUMS

Vitamin C serums are a staple in my morning routine – they work to brighten the skin by evening out skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation, and they also work to firm and hydrate the skin.

HYDRATING SERUMS

A serum packed with hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients is essential in maintaining my skin’s moisture barrier, which ultimately leads to healthy and happy skin. When my moisture barrier is impaired or my skin is dehydrated, it shows it by appearing dry and leading to unexplained breakouts.

BARRIER REPAIR SERUMS

Barrier repair serums are often hydrating serums, but they usually go a step further – they’re packed with calming, soothing, and repairing ingredients to support the skin barrier. When I impair my skin barrier by overexfoliating or not having enough hydration in my routine, I reach for these serums to help calm and soothe my skin, all while repairing the skin barrier.

EXFOLIATING SERUMS

Like exfoliating toners, these serums are packed with AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate skin, promote cell turnover, and refine skin texture – they’re usually formulated with brightening and soothing ingredients, as well. A good chemical exfoliant is key in my routine so I’m actively promoting cell turnover to promote smooth, radiant skin. A serious game changer in any routine. Be careful not to overdo exfoliation in your routine – my skin is happy with 1-3x a week, depending on the concentration of actives.

RETINOL SERUMS

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that, in short, works to reduce the signs of aging and prevent breakouts. It can be powerful and lead to dryness and redness if overdone, so make sure to start off slow and incorporate lots of hydration into your routine. I’m still early on in my retinol journey and opt for gentle, non-irritating formulas.

MOISTURIZERS

WATER + GEL CREAMS

Water and gel creams are lightweight in texture and are best for oily/combination skin types. I reach for water creams in the dead of summer, where I need lightweight layers of hydration, and gel creams during the moderate months. I often reach for them in the morning, but opt for something heavier at night.

RICH CREAMS

Heavier in texture, I reach for these morning and night during the colder months, or only at night during the warmer months. On exfoliating + retinol nights, I’ll finish off my routine with the heaviest cream I own to lock in moisture.

FACIAL OILS

Facial oils act as an occlusive to lock in all the moisture and goodness from your routine. I have combination and skin and use multiple facial oils in my routine, morning and night – I can’t explain it, but my skin thrives with facial oils.

EYE CREAMS

Not everyone believes in an eye cream, but I’m all about prevention. These creams target the sensitive undereye area to lock in moisture and promote collagen renewal.

SUNSCREENS

Every. Single. Day. Your skincare efforts won’t matter if you aren’t protecting your skin daily with sunscreen!

FACE MISTS

For an extra boost of hydration, to set my makeup, and help tone my skin.

FACE MASKS

For a skin detox, hydration boost, or smoothing effect.

OVERNIGHT MASKS

These are essentially overnight creams that can used alone or on top of your moisturizer. I love to use these for an additional moisture boost when my skin is going through it!

LIP BALMS

SPOT TREATMENTS

PIMPLE PATCHES

TOOLS

DISCLAIMER

Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my link. Your support is always appreciated and allows me to spend more time on creating content and writing reviews! While some products mentioned were gifted to me by the brand, all thoughts/opinions are my own.

*Updated February 2021

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