I haven’t done a post like this since 2021 and since many of the products I use have changed since then, I thought I’d do an updated post. As I mentioned in previous posts I’ve been a long-time sufferer of acne. But in the last several years my skin has really calmed down, which I’m truly grateful for. However that doesn’t mean I can use anything and everything since my skin is still sensitive and can get a rash with harsher products. But here are the products that I’m currently using that are really working for me.
Skin Care
Charcoal Cleanser: I’ve been using this for probably over a decade. It’s both a regular cleanser and makeup remover in one. When removing makeup I work it onto the skin dry (it has a nice moisturizing jelly-like consistency) and wipe off with a reusable makeup removing cloth like this one. This cleanser comes from a local SF, woman-owned brand recently rebranded as with & within (formerly known as Skin Salvation). If you suffer from acne I highly recommend looking at her products and her Insta page for useful tips.
Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: Lately this has become my toner. I tend to get redness and inflammation (even without acne) so this gentle spray has really helped. It’s main ingredient is Hypochlorous Acid, which is key in reducing skin irritation. I picked this one up thanks to a derm tip on YouTube and it really works.
Augustinus Bader Rich Cream: My tried and true facial cream that I’ve been using since 2019. I’m truly addicted and can’t give up this one key part of my skin care routine, even if it costs me a fortune. You can read my Augustinus Bader Rich Cream review here.
Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream: I recently added the cream to my routine to help my AB Rich Cream last longer. I usually use this one in the mornings while I use the AB Rich cream at night. I like this Cocokind one because it’s quite hydrating without breaking me out. It’s also not greasy and dries down pretty well. The only thing I don’t like is the glass jar it comes in (which can cause contamination since it’s just one large vessel). I already repurchased once and I can see myself keeping this one in rotation for a long time to come.
Innisfree SPF: I actually got this “poreless” version in Korea but they sell a daily UV version at Sephora. I like to wear this SPF if I’m not wearing makeup or if I wear a SPF-free foundation. I’ve been really impressed with the consistency of this Innisfree SPF and will probably try the one from Sephora when I run out of this one.
Make-up
Dr. Jart + Beauty Balm: As I mentioned in my Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balm Review, this BB cream has been really amazing for my skin, even though I have to mix two different colors to get the right skin tone. But I’ve never been complimented so much on my skin before as I do now (when wearing this foundation), so it must be doing something right.
Merit Bronze Balm in Clay (reviewed here): I really love this sheer bronzer to give my face a bit of color and definition. I liked it when I first reviewed it, but I really love it now. You honestly can’t overdo it since it’s on the sheer side. It’s quite fool-proof.
Merit Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm in Cava: I don’t use the highlighting balm as much as the bronzer, but I’ll still bring it out when I’m doing my full makeup routine. For this one a little bit can go a long way.
Physician Formula Ultra-fine liquid eyeliner: I first heard of this eyeliner from Therese from CraftandCouture, and I love this long-lasting, non-irritating, and easy to use eyeliner. They never give me racoon eyes. Also the $9.99 price tag doesn’t hurt. Though it says there are lash boosting ingredients, I don’t really believe it (my lashes look the same to me).
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick: I’m not an eye shadow kind of gal. Long-gone are my days of eye shadow palettes (I just don’t have the skills or the patience). Plus eye shadows never want to stay on my lid and instead crease due to my greasy eyelids (even with a primer). But I’m a huge fan of these Caviar sticks from Laura Mercier since they stay and don’t crease ever. Plus they’re so easy to use for a bit of color on the lids. Sure you won’t really be able to create the shadowing that you can get from a palette, but you can just swipe this and you’re done (plus there’s no brushes to wash).
Augustinus Bader Tinted Balm Shade: This is the newest addition to my makeup lineup. Since I love the AB Balm (reviewed here) I decided to try their tinted version. And it has the same great texture and moisturizing effects but with a bit of color. Also there’s no taste (which I prefer). To be fair the color is quite sheer so if you’re looking for a big impact this won’t be your thing.
Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil: And last but definitely not least is my faithful eyebrow pencil that I’ve probably been using since the start of the blog (maybe 8 years now). I usually restock whenever I go to Japan (though you can get it online now). As much as I liked the Merit Brow 1980 in the past (and am intrigued by their newest Brow 1990), I’m ok with this old fashioned (and plastic-free) eye brow pencil. I’m just not one of those gals that spends too much time thinking about their brows so this is a low maintenance way to fill in my sparse (thanks to the 90’s) brows.