My Skincare Routine, Lately

Breaking it all down for you.

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Insert *Skin Pun* Here

I co-created/hosted Forever35, a podcast that focused a lot on skincare, for six and a half years, yet I still do not consider myself an expert on skincare itself. I’m not a chemist or a beauty editor; I don’t totally get what niacinamide does. (Hydration? I think?) But what I am an expert on, after hours upon hours of thinking and talking about skincare, and sampling every product imaginable, is that I’m pretty sure most of it is, simply, very well-executed marketing. In other words, it’s all bullshit.

Bullshit I still eat up, of course! Bullshit I freaking LOVE. Tell me that Caudalie Vinoperfect serum is going to solve all my skincare woes and I will literally ingest it. It’s French? I’m even more excited!

“I want you, I need you, oh God” - Benson Boone about Vinoperfect, probably.

In short, marketing works, and it works very well on me. The promise of a new product, the dopamine hit of finding just the right thing…it’s intoxicating.

I’ve been pondering all of this lately, as I dab my pea-sized dollop of Tretinoin .025 on my skin three times a week: Why do we partake in skincare, especially if we’re aware that a lot of it is just smoke and mirrors and very good branding? How do we form and express our desired identities and personal stories, both internally and externally, with our purchases and products? And what, if anything, is good or bad, wrong or right, about any of it?

Why do I do it?

There are the usual suspects: Capitalism. Engrained societal and systemic expectations. A desperate attempt at immortality as I confront the realities of aging. A misguided sense of having control over a small thing as the world spirals around me.

But there’s also something about washing my face that I truly enjoy: The lovely sensory experience. A moment of quiet indulgence at the end of a long day. The comfort of routine and ritual. An escape from the aforementioned world spiraling around me.

I may be thinking a bit more critically about my skincare habits these days, but my heart still thumps with delight upon entering Sephora and being handed that tiny black shopping basket. You best believe that when I traveled to Paris this past summer, I marched my jet-lagged ass right into City Pharma and the Biologue Rechere Ambassade in St. Germain and left with full-size bottles of too many things.

With all that in mind, here’s my current skincare routine. I’d love to know your own thoughts about why we wash our faces, what you’re using and loving, and what products and practices you’ve said goodbye to.

MORNING:

• Cleanser: Normally I just spray the Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator all over my face. If you know me, you know — I love a mist!

• Hydration: Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner. This is a TikTok rec, thanks to Nina Pool, who is a great follow. I think it’s supposed to be a dupe for Rhode’s Glazing Milk, which is twice the price. But I’ve never tried a single thing from Rhode, so frankly, I think Rhode is the Byoma dupe. Take that, Hailey Bieber!

• Hydration: Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid. I use this on my face - and my lips!

• Serum: Naos Ecobiology Vitamin C. I bought this because a salesperson at CityPharma told me to. I started it once my Vinoperfect ran out.

• Moisturizer: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer. I am a loyal Vanicream-head, and use every level of their moisturizers all over my bod.

• Sunscreen: Mary & May CICA Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50. I received this a while ago in a PR package, and I loved it so much that I bought three more bottles. It has replaced my old standby, Biore Watery Essence, as my number one sunscreen. I even have a Stylevana code for this - use SHOPKATES to get 10% off.

NIGHT: (buckle up for some France purchases!)

• Cleanser: Biologique Recherche Lait Dermo-S . I love this and will buy it again. Gentle, doesn’t sting my sensitive eyes.

• Toner: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 PIGM 400. I also love this, and will splurge on it again.

• Moisturizer: Dr Jart Ectoin-Infused Cream. This was gifted, and I really like it! Probably too heavy for warmer seasons, but it’s perfect for winter. (Use SHOPKATES to get 10% off)

• Eye Cream: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. I’ve purchased this twice, and will get more when I run out.

• Serum: Apostrophe Tretinoin - An old podcast sponsor! I’m still a loyal fan. And Forever35 has a code you can use to get your first visit for $5: FOREVER35.

• Occasionally: Biologique Rechere Creme Masque Vernix . Sigh. I bought this whilst jet-lagged, delirious, and high on being EN FRANCE, and when I saw the American dollar amount I curled up in the fetal position and wept because I love this stuff so much but can’t justify the cost ever again.

• Also occasionally: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. Another French pharmacy purchase. Way more affordable than the Creme Masque Vernix. I use this to slug. I love it! (Use SHOPKATES to get 10% off)

THE GREATEST PRODUCT OF ALL TIME:

• Vaseline!

(Friendly reminder that most of the above are affiliate links, and any profit I make from folks clicking on them is donated to Miry’s List.)

What’s your face-washing routine as of late? Let me know.

Love,

Kate