I am not a scientist. I have no idea how to obtain perfect, flawless, glowing skin. And while I feel like I’ve tried relatively hard to have beautiful skin over the years, I’ve definitely started caring more about skincare since I left my 20’s.
In fact, I remember the exact day I discovered my first face wrinkle. It was the morning of my 30th birthday. For real. Not making this up. I was washing my face and kept trying to get a small eyelash off my face. I was half asleep and scraping at my face with my fingernail for roughly 30 seconds. It would not come off. Then it dawned on me. That was no eyelash. That was a wrinkle! The horror! What a way to start your 30’s.
It was then that the skincare quest was shifted into overdrive.
Moisturizer every morning. Different moisturizer every night. Primer with SPF. Varying serums and creams have been used over the years for wrinkles, dry skin, oily skin, acne (that didn’t end until like 2 years ago), saggy neck, and now ridiculously large pores just on my nose. I’ve used red light masks that you have to plug in and charge, charcoal masks that horrify my husband and cat, under eye stickies that have gold in them (???), a cold roller, and yes, my personal fave, Botox injections (I actually get a different brand called Dysport).
And what have I learned through all of this? A few things. First, I still don’t know much more than I did 13 years ago when that damn lash wouldn’t leave my face. Next, the skin care industry is the career I should have pursued. This stuff ain’t cheap. Third, some of this stuff makes claims it can’t back up. But I have learned that a lot of it does make a difference.
Skincare products that made a difference.
Some are pricey. Some aren’t as pricey. Some I don’t use anymore, but they came in handy when I needed them. And most I still use daily. And just because they work for me doesn’t mean they’ll work for you. But if you’re anything like me, hearing what works for others (that’s not an official paid endorsement…I wish I was getting those…) helps you find what works for you.
When you finish reading this, what I want the most, is your skin care fave recommendations. I may have found some products I like, but that doesn’t mean they are the best or I don’t want to try new things. I feel like this quest is life long. Plus maybe your finds can help my other readers. We’re all in this aging, gorgeous skin seeking journey together.
You’re going to start clicking and realize that all but one of these links is to Ulta’s website. I’m a huge fan of Ulta and their rewards program. I rack up points that can be used to purchase anything. I highly recommend it!
I start and end my day everyday with this Anti-Aging Face Wash from Peter Thomas Roth. I like the amount of lather I get, it’s gentle enough, and the soft scent is nice.
If it’s an Erica face spa day, then I’m using the buttah Charcoal Mask next. Keep it on about 20 minutes before you wipe it off with warm water. I notice an immediate difference in my skin. My pores are smaller and my face is brighter. And I just feel refreshed!
While we’re still in spa mode, let’s do something about those bags under my eyes. These Hydrogel Eye Patches help tighten that skin.
I try to always use this Daytime Moisturizer, And if it’s a no makeup day, then I end my morning routine with this Supergoop Tinted SPF Moisturizer. It protects my face from the sun and adds a little tint so I don’t look quite as scary.
Spa day is over.
Let’s put on makeup. But first, we gotta do something about these huge pores that have recently reared their ugly heads on my nose. I’ve been putting this Pore Serum on it twice a day lately because I have no patience. Once that dries, I go to town on those pores by also using this Pore Minimizing Makeup Primer. Does anyone else have the hardest time finding their perfect primer? I do, but I recently switched to this, and I’m really liking it.
At the end of the day, I wash my face with that Peter Thomas Roth face wash and cover my face in my favorite Night Moisturizer. When there used to be random annoying zits popping up (even as I aged into my 40’s), I would use this Acne Spot Treatment before bed.
I lay down on my favorite satin pillowcase from Kitsch, which is great for your skin, and grab my Lip Scrub. I think you’re supposed to wash it off after using, but not me. I apply and fall asleep.
And that’s my day. Anything I need to add? Again, please share your skincare favorites with me and anyone else reading this. Anywhere you can comment, please do. Let’s share the best kept secrets!
Enjoyed reading about my skincare journey and want more? Check out these other blogs:
