The Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine You Need To Be Doing
A Perfected regimen for when you’re in your 30s
My skin bio:
I'm 35 and have combination skin. It’s oily in the t-zone and dry in other places (especially in the winter).
I’ve have studied skin products for years and always look for reasonable price points that do the best job as possible. At this point, I’ve tested almost every brand under the sun. SO, if I recommend a moisturizer and love it, it’s because I’ve tried 50+ brands and their competitors. Feel free to DM on insta if you ever have a product question btw.
I want to point out that it’s important to have a different morning/night routine (because some can be in the sunlight and some need to “soak in” while you sleep). After 15 or so years, this is my perfected list of products I swear by for anti-aging and glowing skin, and exactly how I apply them for my thirty-something skin care routine!
To begin, Here are two anti-aging steps you need to know:
|exfoliation| /eks-foh-lee-ey-shuh n/ · verb ·
New cell growth. Get rid of the old and bring in the new...skin cells that is. This step is vital in your skin care! Otherwise, you're just wasting money putting cream on dead skin cells that are going to slough off anyway. I’ll keep it simple, you need a AHA and BHA, and you can get both of them in one on my product list below.Exfoliators help smooth texture, decrease fine lines, and give an overall glow
|serums| /seer-uh m/ · noun ·
Vitamins for your skin. While moisturizers lock in the moisture, serums are like “supplements” that help target specific skin concerns. There are sooo many different ones it's overwhelming, so I typically stick with one or two max depending on my skin mood.Vitamin C: cures dullness and brightens skin for morning
Hyaluronic Acid: helps with hydration and plumpness
Retinol: only proven thing to reverse wrinkles (Vitamin A)
A.M. Morning Skin Products
Morning Face Cleanser
1. SURPRISE - no face wash! I’ve actually stopped using face wash in the morning and just splash it with water. My gorgeous 68 year old aunt with the most beautiful skin told me this was one of her most important skin care tricks! It preserves your skin’s natural oils and moisture. However, if I feel like my product is still heavily on from the night before or I got hot and sweaty, I’ll use the Eve Lom gel Cleanser listed below from my night-time routine.| $60 here (with an additional 15-120% off with code HOLIDAYFUN)
Face contour + Toning technology tool
2. NuFace Mini Facial | $199 here
Use your Sephora status to get 10-20% off right now. The reason it’s best to only buy at Sephora is so you can return it if you don’t like it in a month as it’s a bigger ticket item. Other online stores don’t allow that.
OMG I thought this was a gimmick but it’s NOT. This is a micro-current tool that you use to contour and tone your face (similar to a gua sha but better). It helps with lymphatic drainage and uses FDA approved micro-currents to tighten and lift your skin. It’s great to prevent jow/face lines. I look awake and younger immediately and even though it’s an extra 5-minute step in my routine, it makes a world of a difference. It also help to activate your botox?! Here are photos of BEFORE and AFTER (as you can see taken 16 minutes apart on the same day).
best Vitamin C serum (daytime)
3. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic |$141.10 NOW (Sign up with new email for 15% off )
I used to use an essence and toner in the morning but found it unnecessary and a waste of money. This is by far one of the most popular skin-care cult products that is worth every single penny! I will never live without it. It’s one of the more expensive Vitamin C serums but with a few drops EVERY DAY, it still lasts you 3-4 months. The moment you press the drops in your skin, it feels hydrated and glows deep within your pores. It doesn’t feel surface level! Everyone from Vogue, Elle to Hailey Bieber say it’s their best skincare product in their regimen.
Pro tip: Only buy it from recognizable websites or a dermatologist.There are a lot of fake dupes out there!
best hyaluronic acid serums (use day or night)
4. SPLURGE - Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid | $110 here (take an additional 10-20% with your Sephora Status)
You asked for the best, so I’m going to be completely transparent and say this Hyaluronic Acid is the world’s best. HA= total hydration. Every derm says this is a requirement serum for daytime. I recently learned that your skin can be dry (top layer) but that’s very different from having your skin de-hydrated (in need of moisture on deeper levels). You have to be very careful because some products can get sticky and your makeup doesn’t sit on it well. This is UNREAL. It’s so expensive I want to cry but it’s so good and nothing is the exact same. I’ve linked the small size sample for you to try first.
4. BUDGET - Inkey Link Hyaluronic Acid | $7.99 here (take an additional 10-20% off with your Sephora status)
It’s not as good as Dr. Sturm, but if you’re looking for a more affordable option this definitely does the trick for hydration and that dewey-ness. I’ve tried many brands (including The Ordinary) and this goes on very smooth on your skin. I plan to use this half the week and the Dr. Sturm on special days of the week I need it to look like a rocktar!
Best eye creams
5. SPLURGE - 111 Skin Sub Zero De-Puffing Eye Duo | $130 here (15% off new Dermstore.com users)
This is a two-in-one depuffer and eye cream so you’re actually getting TWO PRODUCTS (case in point, the price tag) . It instantly brightens my eyes and depuffs, and makes my eyes look more youthful. I’ve tried other eye creams and this one is still my favorite by far! I’ll admit that I had buyer’s remorse when I bought it, but then I started noticing how bright and great my eyes looked and became hooked. It also last 3-4 months with every day use.
6. AFFORDABLE - Glamglow Brighteyes | $39 here (and take an additional 10-20% off with your Sephora status
Pro tip: If you want to mix in a cheaper eye cream on days you’re just chilling at home, I love the Belif -Peat Miracle Revital Eye Cream. It promotes skin turnover and regenerates tired, dull looking skin. It doesn’t de-puff per se, but it still motisturizs and brightens.
Best daytime moisturizer
7. Glamglow Mega Illuminating Moisturizer | $50 here (and take an additional 10-20% off with yoru Sephora status)
This is my most underrated beauty secret! This moisturizer has glowing pigments that stay on your skin all day long. You instantly look hydrated, and it has important ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea, and highlighting pearl particles. This is one product I’ve used for 5+ years and will never, ever stop using.
P.M. Night Skin products
Best Night Cleanser
1. Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm| $64 here
This is a cult-favorite of any beauty editor, and a little goes a longggg way. This will last me 3 months. I also asked on my Instagram and more people submitted this as their favorite than any otther. I have found that using a more expensive face wash really does make a difference in hydration/plumpness. It also feels like a mini facial every time! Your skin is intensely cleansed, nourished, and renewed for a glowing complexion. It’s also good to use while massaging your face for lymphatic drainage or while using a gua sha. I’m new to this brand, but every time I use it I fall more and more in love. Side note: I used to use Eve Lom but think this is similar and slightly cheaper.
Best Night Eye Cream
2. 111 Skin Sub Zero De-Puffing Eye Duo | $130 here (15% off new Dermstore.com users)
Read explanation above in my daytime description for why this 2-1 product is worth it!
Favorite retinol
3. Generic Retin- A - Tretinoin Cream | Dermatologist Prescribed
Retinol is really the only scientific product that has powerful anti-aging components and everyone should be using it in some form. Instead of a product from a store, I use the real stuff 2X a week (other days I’ll use my favorite Farmacy product below) and then add moisturizer on top so it’s not so drying - this part is key.
Best exfoliators + night Serum
4. Dr. Dennis Gross Pads - Extra Strength| $88 here (and take an additional 10-20% off with your Sephroa Status)
My special-occasion night trick! These wipes have a patented two-step anti-aging AHA/BHA lactic acids (the two types of exfoliants that everyone should be using). They even out skin tone, slough off dead skin cells, and look a few years younger overnight, this sh*t will do the job. With gentle seven gentle acids, they also help to reduce lines, acne scars, and pores. I use this 2-3 times a week or the night before a special day (usually towards the weekend when I want to look extra cute as it’s my strongest exfoliator. :) They are miracle workers, and you’ll think so too. Also great to clear up any bacne you might be having.
5. Farmacy Honeymoon Glow | $58 here (and take an additional 10-20% off with Sephora status)
My go-to night serum when I’m not using retinol! This stuff is similar to Dr. Dennis Pads but gentler and can be used on days you’re not using the wipes to SAVE MONEY! It has 14 percent AHA/BHA lactic acid exfoliants in it. I use it on regular nights to save money since the wipes are more expensive. This is a three-in-one night serum that resurfaces, hydrates with hyaluronic, and clarifies dull skin. It feels tingly upon contact and I love that I can feel like it’s doing it’s magic right away. I use a little moisturizer on top once it’s dried.
Best night moisturizer that’s crazy affordable
6. Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Balm | $38 here (and take an additional 10-20% off with Sephora status)
Last year I didn’t want to believe this uber affordable cream was better than my fancy night cream, but my at-home tests have proven otherwise. I tested higher-end moisturizers on one side of my face, along with Belif on the other. Every single time my skin looked more glowy and plump with Belif. I SWEAR BY IT and if you try it, I think you’ll ditch your expensive night creams as well!
Best at-home facial for dull skin
7. The Ordinary AHA BHA Peeling Solution | $7.20 here (and take an additional 10-20% off with Sephora status)
Comparing this to any “baby facial” is silly, this product wins and is the closest thing to an at home facial you can do! It’s strong so you only use it 2X a month but it resurfaces your skin like a shiny new car! If your skin feeling dull despite your products, use this. It’s a miracle worker and every person should have it.
Pro Tip: IMPORTANT! Highly moisturize after or do a moisture mask and do not use another exfoliator for a few days.
Best Drugstore facemask for special occasions or vacation!
8. Soap & Glory Moisture Miracle Mask | $4 here (hard to find but Walgreens in-person/ online has it)
This is my holy grail of face masks before an event or modeling gig. I also bring 5+ on every major vacation. It immediately plumps your face like a baby’s butt and awakens your skin. It’s super hydrating, and on vacation, it turns your hangover frown upside down. It’s literally epic, and I put in the fridge for extra magic!
Best De-puffing Mask (Hangover cure)
9. Clarins V-Facial Intensive Wrap | $63 here (and take an additional 10-20% off with Sephora status)
This is so popular I’m shocked it’s still in stock! I use this mask when I’m super puffy and hungover and it literally shrinks down my face and brings it alive again. It’ll last you at least a year or two if you use it for that case. Whatever secret French formula it has, it’s one of the most popular and constantly sold-out face masks in the world (google it). It’s also amazing for special occasions to look tightened. I am in love with it.
Best Face Mask Kit
10. Peter Thomas Roth 5-Piece Mask Sampler| $19 here (and take an additional 10-20% off with Sephora status)
Very much like your mood for food, you need to think of face-masks in the same way - what’s your skin in the mood for today? I used to think it was a one-size fits all model where you only need to invest in one great product, but that’s the wrong way to look at it. Your skin feels and looks different every week, thus, you must use a different mask to tackle each solution. Clogged pores, dull skin, in need of repair? This sample kit is great to test for every skin occasion.
Best overnight acne miracle
11. Peter Thomas Roth Acne Gel | $54 here (and take an additional 10-20% off with Sephora status)
This is the best acne gel to make your pimples go away as fast as possible! I tend to break out on my jawline (especially during COVID with masks) and this does the trick. I put it on right at the first site of a breakout and it helps a lot. I learned about it by my favorite skincare guru @kathleenjenningsbeauty and am now hooked.
Best Eye Patches/Masks
12. Pixi DetoixifEYE patches | $16.80 on sale at ULTA right now
This is another CULT product you’ll see all the top beauty bloggers rave about. It’s not worth spending $5 a pair for the fancy gold ones you see on Instagram or getting the spensier ones at Sephora, etc. These are less than $1 a use and they work like magic by getting rid of dark circles under your eye, de-puff, and make you feel a few years younger with smoother lines.