6 Products That You Need In Your Skincare Routine

After turning 30 earlier this year I starting paying more attention to my skincare routine (probably should have started earlier but better late then never!). I’m glad that I finally started because the small changes I made have made significant impact on the clarity, texture and healthiness of my skin. My skin is now clearer than its been probably since puberty. I can’t credit all of it to just creams, serums and moisturizers it also comes down to diet. If I eat too much sugar or don’t drink enough water that will still lead to breakouts but with my new skincare routine breakouts have been significantly less than in the past.

Below are the products that I’ve been using and seeing great results with plus important information to know about each.

Cane and Austin Miracle Pad 20%

I cannot say enough good things about this product. I began using their glycolic acid pads about six months ago and in my 30 years on this planet this is the first time my skin is almost blemish free. This product has a powerful combination of glycolic and salicylic acid that work effectively to diminish signs of aging and discoloration, enhancing your skin’s natural glow. For those of you who are like me and have sensitive skin, outside of a little tingling for a few minutes after using, I have experienced no irritation whatsoever.

The price is somewhat steep for this product but it comes with 60 pads that I only use once a day so it is about a two month supply but for the results I have received from using this, it’s worth every penny.

Things to know:

Glycolic Acid: speeds up cellular renewal to keep your complexion looking younger and healthier
Salicylic Acid: cleanses your pores and battles bacteria to diminish breakouts and blemishes
Made without parabens or fragrances
Non-irritating

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

The Drunk Elephant brand has become quite the famous skincare brand on Instagram. I cannot vouch for any of their other products but I have been using their T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial mask and have been pretty impressed with it. This product has a 25 percent AHA Blend (Glycolic + Tartaric, Lactic, and Citric Acids) which work together in the exfoliation and turnover of new skin cells. This might sound very similar to the Cane + Austin Miracle Pads that I already use and it is. I typically use this mask once every few weeks when I feel like my skin needs a little bit extra TLC. I don’t use the Miracle Pads for a few days after using this mask to be sure I’m not over doing it on my skin. This product does leave your skin feeling so incredibly soft which I absolutely love.

Things to know:

Vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free
Good for Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily skin types
Slight tingling might be experienced while product is on your face

100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream

I’ve had a hard time finding a good eye cream that really helps with my morning puffiness. I began using this coffee bean caffeine eye cream by the brand 100% Pure and have really been loving it. This formulation claims to de-puff, boosts circulation and brighten dark circles with caffeine from coffee and green tea. On mornings where my under eye area is super puffy I apply a little bit of this and pretty quickly it helps get the puffiness under control. Bonus points that this cream smells amazing!

Things to know:

Natural, vegan, cruelty and gluten-free
Again, smells so delicious!

Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner – Rose Petal

This product is one that has been raved about all over the internet and the public is not wrong. Thayers Witch Hazel Toner is a really great addition to a skincare routine. Unlike a lot of other toners out there it is alcohol free so it does not dry out your skin. The toner cleanses, tones, moisturizes and balances the pH level of skin plus with rose water it also smells amazing too.

Things to know:

Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Gluten-Free

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum

If you’re not incorporating Vitamin C into your skin routine, you should start ASAP! This is looked to as one of the superstars of skincare to smooth skin, fade sun spots, increase firmness and elasticity, brighten skin tone, and protect skin from further damage. There are a lot of different types of Vitamin C lotions and serums on the market and some that are better for anyone with sensitive skin than others. I’ve been using the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum and am really impressed with it. My skin does look and feel brighter and a lot of my dark spots from acne and other scars have faded quite a bit.

Things to know:

Vitamin C (15% THD Ascorbate): features superior visible brightening, clarifying, and antioxidant properties; helps fight the first signs of aging caused by stress, lifestyle, sun, and pollution
Glycolic Acid: Provides mild refinement to the skin; maintains the pH of the serum for maximum vitamin C efficacy, while supporting natural cell turnover and glow of the skin
Gluten-Free, Sulfate-Free, Clean, Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free

Trader Joe’s Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer

For $9 you can get yourself a dupe of La Mer – or that’s at least what many articles have stated. I can’t speak to if TJ’s is actually like La Mer since I’ve never spent $190+ on any skincare item. I do think it feels like a close duplicate of Clinique’s Moisture Surge Moisturizer, one that I have used in the past. Things I love about Trader Joe’s lotion is that it is great for sensitive skin because it is fragrance-free and it has green tea and aloe leaf juice in its formulation. To help lock in moisture it has hyaluronic acid which plums and hydrates your skin. It is a great moisturizer option for summer because it is so lightweight. For $9 this is definitely a recommended pick next time you’re at Trader Joe’s.