My Skincare and Beauty Essentials
I get a lot of questions about the skincare and beauty essentials I use on my skin. While I’ve never been one to have perfect skin, I love to share products and what works for me. I have very sensitive skin with rosacea so once I find a product I love, I stick to it. I am not one to try different products as my skin is so reactive (unless a favorite is discontinued!). Here are my tried and true favorite skincare and beauty essentials, just in time for the summer!
Aging and Sensitive Skin
First I want to note that I am in my late-40’s. My 40+ skin is starting to see signs of aging. For the most part, my skin is pretty good for my age. I have not had any botox or filler treatments done. For the last 10-15 years I’ve been using azelaic acid to keep my rosacea under control. Azelaic acid is an inflammation fighting exfoliant that encourages cell turnover. The great side benefit to this is that azelaic acid acts much like a retinol does, without the irritation. I credit this to my lower than average wrinkles on my face.
Straight-up azelaic acid is prescription only. However you can get some over the counter versions. I have not tried any but since I’ve used the real deal for years and see the benefits, I highly recommend trying it.
Another note before I move on to my favorite products. I have put my beloved azaleic acid aside and have been using Retin-A instead since last summer. It’s taken me many years and many tries for my skin to finally be ready to handle Retin-A. Super sensitive skin is no fun. However, this is a total game changer. I’m loving the results! I’m using the lowest prescription strength available- the 0.025% and only use it 2-3 times a week. I see improved skin tone and texture. Any more than 2-3 times a week and my skin does not like it. It gets red and irritated (thank you rosacea). You just have to play around with it and find your sweet spot. But I do recommend trying it for slowing down the aging process (Tretinoin is the generic version). Now, on to my favorite products that never let me down.
Skincare and Beauty Essentials
My overall favorite skincare site is Dermstore. I have been shopping with them for at least a decade! They carry all of my favorite skincare brands, and even a few of my go-to beauty brands. They are my go-to site for all things skin. It’s an easy one-stop shop for all of my skincare and beauty essentials.
Another favorite of mine is the French pharmacy brand La Roche Posay. Although Dermstore does carry their products, sometimes they are sold out there since they are so popular. I tend to check Dermstore first for an easier checkout.
If you are shopping at Dermstore, they have given me a discount code to share with you. Use code FASHIONHOUSEMOM for a percentage off of your purchase every time you are shopping there!
Must Have Skincare and Beauty Essentials
La Roche Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser
I first discovered La Roche Posay products on my honeymoon in France. This is back in 2007 when La Roche Posay was not sold in the US. Any time I heard of someone going to France, I had a list of things for them to bring back for me. This cult French pharmacy brand is so good! Let’s start with my cleanser, the Purifying Foaming Cleanser. Although my skin is sensitive, it is also slightly on the drier side (I used to be oily before having kids and then my skin changed). This cleanser states it’s for normal to oily skin, but I love it for my skin. I prefer a gel texture like this one, to lotion cleansers as it doesn’t leave a residue. It feels fresh, takes off my makeup, and isn’t drying. I should mention that all of the products I use are fragrance free.
SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex
Always apply your vitamin C serums before moisturizer. I’ve tried another very popular vitamin C serum that gave me a little redness, but this Vitamin C + E Complex from SkinMedica is the one for me. This applies very smooth. It’s almost like putting on a skin primer. I do feel like my foundation applies better with this on. It glides super easy and dries immediately. It feels like such a luxe product that I cannot be without it. Vitamin C is so important for protection against free radicals. Free radicals are what contributes to wrinkles and aging of the skin. Plus this does not smell at all. If you are looking to add vitamin C to your routine, the Dermstore Memorial day sale is a great time to get it.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide
The La Roche Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide is a great daytime moisturizer. I love the fact that it’s lightweight, yet very moisturizing. With minimal ingredients, it only has the necessary stuff in it. The less I put on my face the better. Less definitely is more when it comes to sensitive skin! Containing La Roche Posay spring water from France, vitamin B3, and glycerin for hydration. My skin always feels so good after putting this on. With summer approaching, this is a nice light moisturizer to rotate into your routine.
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 32 Tinted
The BEST tinted moisturizer! The SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-spectrum SPF 32 is my number one sunscreen I use for my face. Now, when I say tinted, it gives a very very slight tint. So slight that it really doesn’t give much color at all, but does give a glow. If you have dark skin, I’m not sure if you will notice a color. It certainly doesn’t cover any acne but what I love about this is the glow it gives. I often just wear this with a little blush or bronzer. As an added bonus, if you do need foundation, this sets a great base. I never use any primers. Less is more!
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
I use this mainly on my non Retin-A days. After cleansing my skin at night with the La Roche Posay Purifying Cleanser, I add a few drops of the SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier to my fingers, then rub all over my face. I let this dry a minute or so, then I add my night time moisturizer listed below. Sometimes I even add a few drops of this to my body lotion. The more hydration the better. Hydration is so important, especially for rosacea skin.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer
The La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer is my favorite product of the bunch. Even though it is intended to be a night-time moisturizer, I sometimes use this during the day if I’m feeling extra dry. There is nothing irritating in this and contains an antioxidant complex to hydrate the skin. It feels instantly hydrating and smooth. I absolutely cannot be without this one. I use this a ton and have repurchased this so many times. It contains niacinamide which is great for its soothing properties, and helping to restore the skins moisture barrier.
Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
Since I have skin allergies to lanolin, I also try to avoid cetyl alcohol. There can be a rare cross reaction and I have actually experienced it with the very popular CeraVe lotion. Although this is recommended for sensitive skin, CeraVe is not something my skin likes at all! Trying to find a cetyl alcohol free skin product is near impossible. However this Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid Replenishing Cream is a wonder. This body lotion thankfully has no irritating products in it. It is formulated for eczema skin, while I do not have eczema, it does contain soothing ingredients that can be used by all skin types. It’s very moisturizing and feels great. I keep one by my bed, and the other in the bathroom. A great body lotion!
Skincare and Beauty Essentials: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Many people swear by oil cleansing. I was always hesitant until I tried it. Depending on how much make-up I have on, some nights I will use the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil before using my cleanser. It takes make-up off great and doesn’t irritate my skin. I really only use this on occasion, as the La Roche Posay Purifying Cleanser does a great job of taking off all my daily make-up. But if you are looking for an oil cleanser, this is one to try. It’s safe for my sensitive rosacea prone skin.
Ilia Beauty Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
This eye cream with a 3,000 + waiting list is back in stock (though not for long)! I love the Ilia Beauty Bright Start Retinol alternative eye cream! This refreshing eye cream glides on smooth and applies so well under make-up. The light reflecting pearls gives a soft glow to detract from any fine lines. I use this in the morning for that reason and it is so good! The best I’ve tried for sure. It doesn’t cake in your creases at all. This is both a skincare and beauty essentials product!
Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara
The Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara is my number 1 mascara that I have been using for over 10 years. The price has gone up by about $10 since then but it’s still worth it! This makes your eyelashes appear thicker, fuller, and longer. I love that it does not cake on. I’m not a fan of the spider eyes look. But this glides on nicely and gives a natural, yet dark appearance. A must for blondes in particular as darkening your lashes can be difficult and messy.
My second choice mascara is from Ilia. The Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara is also another great one to use. This one goes on a bit wetter and takes a tad bit longer to dry. As a result, I sometimes have to use a q-tip to remove any excess that got on my lids. But this isn’t cakey and looks really nice once dried.
Ilia Beauty Complexion Brush
I used to apply my foundation with my fingers but using this Ilia complexion brush has been a game changer. My foundation goes on super smooth and I find that I don’t have to use as much product. This brush makes it easy to blend and makes my skin look smoother. The soft bristles feel nice on the skin. I just keep this clean by washing it with my La Roche Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser.
Beauty Counter Skin Twin Featherlight Foundation
The foundation I’ve been wearing for years is the Beauty Counter Skin Twin Featherlight Foundation. It has great coverage, clean ingredients, and blends seamlessly into the skin. Plus I love the wide shade selection. I generally wear shade 310 most of the year, and shade 340 in the summer months. The difference is very slight, with shade 340 being a touch darker. This blends so well into my skin that I can apply it only where needed, and do not have to cover my entire face with foundation. I’ve never had a problem with this foundation aggravating my skin. It’s the best one out there in my opinion.
Ilia Beauty True Skin Serum Concealer
The best concealer I’ve tried is the Ilia Beauty True Skin Serum Concealer. I use this to cover any redness around my nose that my foundation didn’t cover, or on my non-foundation days just on the areas I need it. You can also use this in the under eye area to conceal any dark circles. I wear the Chicory SC1 color for light skin with warm undertones. The shade range on these is really great! I’ve wearing this for years. It doesn’t irritate my eyes either.
Smashbox Cali Contour Palette
Another faithful product that I use daily is the Smashbox Cali Contour Palette. I use the first color in the palette as my contour right under my cheekbones, and at the hairline. The third color in the palette is my favorite bronzer. It’s the perfect neutral brown with slight pink undertones. A very natural looking color. The two highlighters are amazing for adding a little shimmer without the glitter. It gives a nice subtle glow. And the peachy blush is great when you need an extra pop of color to your cheeks. I’ve re-bought this palette several times over the years!
Skincare and Beauty Essentials: Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil
I have the Ilia Beauty Balmy Lip Gloss in several colors. It’s packed with plumping hyaluronic acid and moisturizing botanicals for extra hydration. It goes on so nice and feels great for hours. Even after hours of wear, it leaves your lips with a pretty tint. I have this in Petal Pink which is a very light pale pink. I often wear this one with my MAC Spice lipliner. My favorite one is Only You which is a neutral nude pink. This one I use as a grab and go. No mirror needed, just swipe it on and head out the door.
Eyeshadow
Aside from lipgloss and lipsticks, eyeshadow is the one beauty product I do play around with. I have several that I use but my old faithful is my custom palette from MAC. MAC eyeshadows have an incredible shade range and I love the ability to customize your own palette. I believe you can only do this through the MAC website though. For already made palettes, I do love the Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette for a nice neutral set.
I hope you find this helpful. I use all of these products as part of my regular routine. Like I said, I have aging, sensitive, and rosacea prone skin. While all skincare is unique, these are the best products I’ve found with the least amount of ingredients in them. I hope you try a few skincare and beauty essentials that you love!
With summer nearly here, you may also like to read my post on Protecting Your Skin This Summer.
