5 Skincare Products I Swear By (Grab 'Em for Cyber Monday!)
Photo by Kelly Dawson
For the last few years, ever since it was possible to privately send Instagram messages to whoever you pleased, I’ve received questions that fall into one of three categories: freelancing, disability, and skincare. The first two are much more complicated than the last, and if I’m being honest, my usually clear skin can mostly be attributed to genetics. “Do you see that? That can’t be a pimple, can it?” my dad asked me not too long ago, to give you an idea of the complexion pedestal we’re lucky to stand on.
And yet, around the same time I started to receive these skincare DMs, I began writing stories on beauty. This was funny to me, since before that editorial gig I never paid much attention to my skin or makeup, and my sister would routinely blend my blush correctly in the bathroom at a party or do my eyeshadow before heading out to familiar bars. I had spent most of my twenties content with drugstore cleanser and a bit of concealer, and was overwhelmed at the prospect of wandering through Sephora on my own.
But the opportunity to write and edit stories on properly caring for skin presented itself, and I wanted to learn. So with each interview I did with beauty experts, dermatologists, influencers, and the like, I started to get more comfortable with my own routine. And now that I definitely can’t get away with just cleanser and concealer, I’m grateful to have had this crash course.
These are the five skincare products I’m currently loving, and here’s why they should make it into your shopping bag on Cyber Monday.
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
I see a visible difference when I use this oil from Biossance versus when I don’t. My face looks brighter, clearer, and even tighter when I let this melt into my skin post-toner, but that’s not even the best part. This bottle lasts five months, I kept track, so you can factor that into asking yourself whether it’s worth the splurge. (It is!)
Drunk Elephant Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
This was one of the first skincare products I ever reviewed, and I’ve been a fan ever since — so, essentially I’ve been (happily) putting this resurfacing night serum on my face for five years. I use it every other night, and can stand by its claims for creating a more radiant, clearer complexion. It’s keeping wrinkles at bay, too, and as a born-and-raised beachgoer, I need all the help I can get.
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Clay Mask
Full disclosure: I often put this face mask on before answering emails, once or twice a week. I keep it there for 10 minutes, do as much as I can to empty out my inbox in that amount of time, and then wash impurities away. Don’t you love double-tasking when it’s this easy?
Tower 28 Daily Facial Spray
I may not have acne-prone skin, but when I do get blemishes, this baby is a miracle worker. I spray it on clean skin, and I know it’s working its magic to clear whatever redness is in my way. Plus, if you get the mini size, you can take it with you whenever you travel—a known culprit for breakouts.
Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer
OK, hear me out. Before you say, “Kelly, you’ve gone and lost your mind if you think I’m spending that much money on one thing,” just know that I sat on this purchase for months before finally going through with it. And in that time, I spent more on facials than if I had just stayed home and did them myself using this steamer. It makes a random Tuesday night feel luxurious, and when you’re steaming while listening to music or a podcast in the comfort of your own home, you might just thank me. Hopefully. Probably.
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