My Facialist Said, “Never Stop Using These Products”

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As I get older, I know that my aging skin isn’t what it used to be – it’s less elastic, less glowy, and, of course, there are more fine lines. So in the past few years, I’ve really stepped up my skincare game. But, when I recently went in for a facial, I was still a little nervous.

Bright lights, a giant magnifier – my facialist examined my skin with a keen eye. I braced myself for what she would tell me – you need to do this, why haven’t you been doing that… But, instead she asked, “What are you using?” I broke down all the products and devices I use on my face. She chuckled, “Never stop using any of it. Your skin looks amazing.”

Shocked, I practically floated home. And now, I’ve compiled all those products and devices that I told my facialist about into one list (from a gentle cleanser to a lifting gua sha stone). Below, you’ll find my skincare routine and essentials that have helped my skin look and feel softer, brighter, and dewier (even under a bright light and magnifier).

Just a note: I have normal skin, which is sometimes dry, and I don't have any skin concerns. These skincare products work for me, but you should always consult your dermatologist if you're looking to try something new.

Let's begin.

My Skincare Essentials:

Behold my beloved products... (Photo Courtesy of Megan Gray)

A Gentle Cleanser

Cleaning your face is a no brainer. I used to use harsh scrubs (ah, the 90s), but now I use a gentle cleanser with a luxe lather to feel refreshed.

Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic Face Cleanser, 2-pack

Just soak, activate, and wash. These face cleansing melts will leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed. There's no fragrance, and it's designed for all skin types.

Why I Love It: It makes my skin feel so clean and fresh.
What It Does: Each melt is a small square that you activate with water. In seconds, you have a micro-bubble lather that feels so smooth on your skin.

A Toner

After I cleanse my face, I dab some toner onto a cotton pad and apply with gentle strokes.

Beekman 1802 Pore Minimizing Facial Toner

Designed for oily/combination skin, this Beekman 1802 toner can help reduce the look of pores, control oil, and reduce shine. And it's suitable for sensitive skin.

Why I Love It: My skin texture looks more even and I've noticed my pores appearing smaller over time.
What It Does: Packed with niacinamide, plant milk, and black tea ferment, the toner hydrates and balances skin tone.

A Sunscreen

I've always had fair skin, so sunscreen has been an essential product. I wear it every day, all year round. I apply the sun block in the morning, before my moisturizer.

Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion

Enriched with vitamin E and antioxidants, this everyday face lotion and sunscreen protects and moisturizes my skin. It feels like you're wearing nothing at all.

Why I Love It: It's lightweight and doesn't feel like I'm applying sunscreen.
What It Does: Moisturizes and protects skin from UVA (the ones that age you) and UVB rays (the ones that cause skin cancer, sunburn, and other skin damage).

A Moisturizer

Like I said, my skin can get dry, so a moisturizer is a must-have. I like something nourishing that will keep me feeling hydrated all day.

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream

I have a friend who is a make-up artist (hi, Rebecca!), and she originally told me about this brand. This is a thick, moisturizing cream that's great for dry skin in the winter months.

Why I Love It: Plant-based formula can leave skin glowing.
What It Does: With extracts of rosemary, chamomile, and pansy, plus nourishing sunflower and sweet almond oils, it hydrates and moisturizes. You can use it as a body cream, but I like to apply to my face when it's dry.

For Day & Night

When I'm not using a moisturizer, I'm using snail mucin. It's great for day or night, and although the texture is a little slimy, it dries quickly. My skin always looks brighter after applying.

COSRX Niacinamide 5% + Snail Mucin 74% Dual Essence

If you've been on any kind of social media this year, you've heard about snail mucin. It rejuvenates dry skin, leaves it feeling soft and supple, and offers lightweight hydration.

Why I Love It: Makes my skin look softer and brighter.
What It Does: Combines snail secretion and niacinamide to bring you a hydrating, repairing formula. According to the brand, no snails were harmed in making it.

To Refresh Under My Eyes

Sometimes the area under my eyes can get puffy and make me look tired. These are the products I use to refresh that area.

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Wide Awake Eye Gel

This wide-awake eye gel is so easy to use on the go. Throw it in your bag and use the rollerball to apply it under your eyes.

Why I Love It: Depuffs the area under my eyes.
What It Does: Uses Greek yoghurt and a double shot of caffeine to calm and cool.

grace & stella Under Eye Mask, 24 pairs

Indulge in a self-care moment with these luxurious under-eye patches. They're packed with nourishing ingredients for plumping the skin and reducing dark circles and can give you a refreshed look in just 20 minutes.

Why I Love It: Revitalizes and brightens the area under my eyes. I apply these while I'm relaxing at night or even working from home.
What It Does: Hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and more, combine to create an "energy drink for your eyes," according to the brand.

My Nighttime Routine

Whenever I get a chance, I use my gua sha, handheld red light device, and microcurrent device at night. I've noticed immediate rejuvenating results with this combination.

WILDLING Empress Stone Gua Sha Facial Stone

This is my gua sha stone of choice. It includes different edges to focus on separate areas of your face and leaves it looking lifted.

Why I Love It: I swear that it's brought years off my face and neckline.
What It Does: It's designed to lift, sculpt, and tone your skin and it's made from a Bian Stone, known for its healing properties. Just rub against the skin to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

TheraFace PRO Microcurrent Facial Device

Believe me, the Theraface PRO is worth the splurge. My face has never looked so good, plus it's easy to use and there are timers to tell you how long you should focus on each area of your skin.

Why I Love It: It's like a Theragun for your face, plus it has a red light and microcurrent attachment. So great to have all the things in one device.
What It Does: What doesn't it do? It's 8 treatments in 1 for relieving tension, rejuvenating the skin, and leaving it looking fresh (and younger).

Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum

This night serum can renew your skin tone and texture, giving you that healthy glow.

Why I Love It: Feels satiny and luxurious on my skin, and it looks smoother in the AM.
What It Does: Uses retinol and vitamin C and A to regenerate the skin cells on the surface of your face.

The Nourishing Balm I Keep in My Purse

When I'm not running after my kids, I'm commuting to work, or trying to remember where I left my keys. I love products that are easy to keep in my purse and use throughout the day.

BANILA CO Blooming Youth Multi-balm Stick

Just pop open this multi-balm stick and swipe it over your face. Your skin will get an instant hydration boost.

Why I Love It: Smells like a peach and gives my skin a glow when I'm on the go.
What It Does: Made with peach collagen and hyaluronic acid, it plumps and hydrates without feeling sticky or heavy.

Want fuller hair? Check out this shampoo and conditioner that made my post-partum strands feel thicker than ever.

—Originally published Oct. 24, 2024 at 3:17 p.m. PT

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