Blogmas Day 20: 2023 Skincare Favorites

You know what makes me oh so jolly? Skincare, makeup, beauty bloggers, oh my! Okay, that’s really overenthusiastic, but I do love the beauty space. Am I good at makeup? Nope. Do I have a base knowledge of skincare that has afforded me blemish free skin? Big no. But, these things give me joy… and I have to think the way I feel about beauty products is the way some people feel about golf? Both infatuations very difficult to understand, but real nonetheless.

Anyway, lol, sharing my favorites of 2023 because I definitely stumbled upon some holy grails!

Cleansers

1. Kravebeauty Makeup Re-Wined - this is an oil cleanser that removes all of your skincare and makeup at the end of the day. It was recommended by a work friend, but recently, I saw Charlotte Parlor using it, so like, doubly sign me up!

   

2. Curology Gentle Cleanser - this is a great gentle (duh) cleanser, and now that I can pick it up at my local Target, it’s super convenient. I like it much better than the Cerave/Cetaphil gentle cleansers because it actually lathers!

   

3. Proactivclean Mineral Acne Cleanser - with active ingredient sulfur, not only is this cleanser a soothing acne fighter, it also helps with rosacea! The trial set is the best bang for your buck in this product line.

   

Toners, Serums, and Moisturizers

1. Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray - this stuff is viral for a reason! When my skin is particularly bothered, I’ll use this daily as the first step after cleansing until active breakouts are gone. It’s so soothing and the travel size is perfect for giving this a trial run!

   

2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner - is this stuff a little kitschy? Sure, but in addition to looking pretty and smelling good, it’s an excellent alternative to the Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant if you have more sensitive skin. I like it so much, I’ve gone through two minis and a full size!

   

3. Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum - this is a winter staple, just a lightweight serum that packs a punch for dry winter skin, and plays well with other skincare/makeup!

   

4. Byoma Balancing Toner - not to overhype this stuff, but I think it literally changed my skin type? Historically, I’ve had dry, flaky skin year round. I’ve tried lots of (usually too expensive) moisturizers that only put a bandaid on the problem for a couple of weeks. Then, this stuff entered the chat. I used it consistently twice a day for about a month during the summer and it resulted in borderline oily skin. So, if you struggle with dry, tight skin, give this a shot. After all the cold temps this week, it’s back in my regular rotation!

   

Sunscreens

1. My all time forever favorite is Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Face. It does have a strong tropical scent that may not work for everyone, but I don’t mind it. I love that it’s non-comedogenic. I love that it’s glowy. I love her. Period.

   

2. Next best, is the Innis Free Daily UV Defense. This SPF is friendlier to those who aren’t crazy about scented skincare, and is a fair amount of product for its price point.

   

Treatments

1. The tried and true, will and have repurchased dozens of times, is Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Gel. This is an awesome salicylic spot treatment that doesn’t dry out my already dry, sensitive skin, and clears up breakouts in just a few days.

   

2. For a really gentle clearing alternative, the Murad Deep Relief Acne Treatment is great. Because this one was a little pricy, I usually reserve it for the underground, painful blemishes, that feel like planets lol. Like its Clinique cousin, it helps to reduce size of blemishes and clear active breakouts in a few days!

   

Please share your skincare favorites, I’m on the hunt for a stellar moisturizer!

Currently listening to: “Green Christmas” by Barenaked Ladies

xoxo LA