Now that I’ve done my 2019 makeup faves, you know I had to do one on my favorite category—skincare. How else are you going to achieve that flawless look if you don’t take care of your canvas. Here are the products that I reached for in 2019 and probably repurchased. Most of them are new or new to me. There are also a couple that I’ve had for a while but just never opened because I was trying to finish up other products. So let’s jump right into it.
Cleanser
Innisfree Green Tea Hydrating Cleansing Oil – I talked about this in an earlier post because I was really surprised at how well this cleansing oil really removed my makeup. My skin felt hydrated and not greasy and it has become my go-to cleansing oil. You don’t need to use a lot of this and it wipes away without that greasy feeling. This has now become my go to when it comes to double cleansing.
Cle de Peau Softening Cleansing Foam – This is without question the most expensive cleanser I own. I’ve had this and a few other Cle de Peau products in my beauty closet so this year I decided to break them out and see if they really live up to the hype. I started with this cleanser. This is probably the silkiest cleanser I have ever used. With this cleanser, less is really more. A pea-sized amount is all that you need. Before trying this I didn’t know how I was going to like it because the name says foam and I usually stay away from foaming cleansers. This cleanser is so creamy and not as foamy as I thought. When I say this feels like silk, I really mean it. After rinsing my face my skin was smooth and hydrated and ready for the next step in my skincare routine. The price tag is a little high, but I’m seriously thinking about purchasing this when I run out (I received this tube while working for the brand).
Honorable Mention: Urban Skin Rx Cleansing Bars (like, all of them) and Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil
Face Oil
Lana Ogilvie RENEW Facial Oil – I have to talk about this oil. I received this oil, along with the other two products from the Lana Ogilvie line to try and review. I’ve already done a post talking bout the facials serum, but for me this is the star product of the line. I love this oil. It has literally been my go-to since the colder months have arrive. I work right by the Westside Highway here in NYC and let me tell you, those winds can be brutal. Using a face oil like this overnight and even mixing a drop or to with my moisturizer during the day protects my skin in ways I never thought were possible. It create such a nourishing barrier that even the harshest of winds and winter chill cannot dull or ravage my skin and it is because of this product. Please believe that I am going to repurchase this product in 2020.
Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil in Herbal Concentrate– How am I just finding out about this oil? I love how lightweight this is. I love how I can mix this with my daytime moisturizer and it provides extra hydration and a subtle glow, especially on the days where I’m not wearing any makeup. I also use this with my matte foundation to give it more of a natural finish.
Honorable Mention: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, The Ordinary Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil
Moisturizer
Marc Jacobs Youthquake Hydra-full Retexturizing Gel Crème Moisturizer – When a makeup line introduces skincare, I am always a little skeptical. So when I first heard about this moisturizer, I didn’t know if it was something I wanted to commit to so I bought the mini version to see how it would work with my combo-oily skin. The ingredients are what captured my attention. I love anything with hyaluronic acid and this contained that along with pineapple enzymes to help resurface the skin. After finishing the mini version, I decided to buy the full size. My skin is always hydrated whenever I use this moisturizer and I believe it does help to create a smooth canvas so that when I am wearing a full face of makeup my skin is even and the texture is smooth. Click the link above to get this moisturizer along with their primer, a gloss and a highlighter for less than the cost of a full-sized moisturizer. Also, if you order by January 1st and you are a Sephora Beauty Insider you will get an extra 20% off since the set is on sale. You’re welcome.
Shiseido White Lucent Day Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 23 – I like to call this my lazy girl glow moisturizer. If you’ve been following me for some time, you will know that Shiseido is one of the brands that I rave about. My relationship with Shiseido skincare goes back over 30 years when I would watch my mother use there products. So here we are 30+ years later and I have found a product that is not only nourishing to my skin but saves me time getting ready because I’m always late. This moisturizer is lightweight, absorbs into the skin, gives you a subtle glow and has SPF. Honestly, this is part of my three step morning routine. I use my cleanser, follow up with a serum and then throw this on and I am out the door. The subtle sheen gives you a well-rested look even if you’re working on 3 hours of sleep.
Honorable Mention: Boscia Cactus Water Moisturizer, It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
Face Mask
Summer Fridays R + R Mask – Ever since this masked launched, I’ve been using it at least once a week. It’s my favorite exfoliating mask and it leaves your skin feeling smooth, hydrated and radiant. I also love the smell. I’ve been using it twice a week, preferably in the morning and it is not as abrasive as one would think. It gently buffs away any rough texture and the the oils penetrate the skin for a natural glow. Now through January 1st, if you click the link above and order from Sephora, this full-sized mask is 50% off and if you are a Sephora Beauty Insider you can get an extra 20% off all sale. Again, you’re welcome.
Bolden Clear Skin Clay Mask – Clay masks – they are the OG of masks when it comes to purifying your skin. It clears out pores, refines texture, kills bacteria that causes breakouts – it’s the one mask that you need. This one that I discovered from Bolden is amazing. Unlike most clay masks that I’ve tried, when this dries you don’t get that cracking feeling. It washes away so smooth and your skin looks clear and is ready for the next step in your skincare routine. It’s also at a great price point so that’s a plus.
Honorable Mention: Too Faced Pineapple Glow Mask
Serum
Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum – Surprise, surprise another Summer Fridays product has made it to my best of list. I feel like the theme I’ve been sticking to this year is radiance. I love this serum. Two types of Vitamin C for brightening and reduce dark spots and squalene to hydrate. I am now on my second bottle of this (and yes, I have a backup). It takes about 2-3 weeks to see a difference and in 8 weeks the results are really amazing. I have recommended this serum to so many people and everyone loves it.
Eighteen B B-SILK™ PROTEIN Firm + Replenish Serum – This moisturizer is a game changer. Used in conjunction with your favorite serums, you will be living your best skincare life. What makes this serum unique is that it’s main focus is not just delivering high potency ingredients but also delivers natural moisturizing factors along with essential lipids that are lost when we cleanse our skin. I was so happy to receive and try this product. I have since purchased this product on my own and definitely see it as part of my daily skin routine going into the new decade.
Honorable Mention: Sweet Chef Skincare Serum Shots, Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Brightening Serum, Glossier Future Dew
So there it is – my skincare faves for 2019. Check back soon for my Hair faves of 2019!