I turned 25 this year.
Twenty-five was a year of real introspection for me. In some ways, I feel like an entirely different person than I was at 22. Maybe that’s the collective trauma of a 2 year long pandemic’s doing, or my prefrontal cortex finally developing. Or maybe I’m just a classic Aquarius.
Whatever the cause, I’ve never felt more in tune with myself than I do at this very moment. I have done a lot of self-discovery in the first half of my twenties, and I’m finally in a place where I can confidently and consciously express what I want and need out of life, out of myself and out of my relationships. I think that’s what’s inspiring me to write more, even if that writing is mostly limited to this beauty blog and a fair share of sh*tposting on Twitter and Letterboxd.
All that introspection led me back to a common theme: consistency. I struggle with it. I get on “kicks” like reading, yoga, meal-prepping, Hinge. I get really obsessed until one day, like the last step in the D-E-N-N-I-S System, I Separate Entirely.
I knew I needed to commit to something this year; something attainable where I would see real results. Something to get me out of bed in the morning now that my commute only consists of a 15 pace stroll to my desk.
A skincare routine.
xo
BEST MAKEUP REMOVER
If you wear mascara every day, especially waterproof mascara, you need this. It melts away mascara with no harsh scrubbing or rubbing, which is the last thing the thin, delicate skin around our eyes needs. Shake it up, squeeze some onto a cotton round or Makeup Eraser, and eye makeup begone!
BEST CLEANSER
I keep a big pump of this in my shower, a smaller one in my medicine cabinet and a mini one in my travel bag. I use the hydrating version year-round. The only complaint I’ve heard about this is the consistency..reminding people of a certain substance…doesn’t bother me 🙂
BEST EXFOLIATOR
I got this as a gift and like it way more than I expected. It’s just the level of gentle exfoliation I need without being abrasive on my dryness-prone skin. It’s safe to use in the shower too!
BEST PORE-REDUCING SERUM
This was the first serum I added to my skincare routine and I saw noticeable results within weeks. Brightens my skin and reduces the appearance of pores. For this price, buy 3 for yourself and some for your stressed-out friends too.
BEST HYDRATING SERUM
A great water-based serum that boosts hydration for me! This is lightweight enough for the summer and winter months alike.
BEST ANTI-AGING SERUM
**VIP LIST GIRL VOICE** IF YOU AREN’T USING RETINOL, YOU’RE A LOSER I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU
If you’re reading this and you’re 25 or over, it’s time to add a retinol to your routine. Retinol makes your skin photosensitive, so remember to only use this in your before-bed routine. If your skin is breakout-prone and you’re concerned about the “purging” stage, there’s a 0.2% concentration available to ease yourself in.
BEST DAY CREAM
**VIP LIST GIRL VOICE** IF YOU AREN’T WEARING SPF 30 EVERY DAY, K**L YOURSELF
Minor detail, but I also love that this comes in a pump. Moisturizers that come in a pot freak me out…I don’t need to be putting my fingers all up in that daily! Ulta Beauty often has this on sale, or a BOGO deal when purchased with another CeraVe products (like the Cleanser and PM Lotion that also made my list). Don’t buy this at CVS, Target, etc, you’ll pay more and you won’t get the points!
BEST NIGHT CREAM
Lightweight moisture that melts into your skin so nicely. I use this year-round. As mentioned above, grab it at Ulta Beauty as a package deal with the Cleanser and AM Lotions.
BEST SELF-TANNER FOR FACE
**VIP LIST GIRL VOICE** YOU BETTER GET THIS UNLESS YOU WANT TO WALK AROUND LIKE A PALE, POOR B*TCH WHO CAN’T GET A RESERVATION AT CARBONE
This stuff really works. Gives a nice glow for summer, and if you’re keeping up with the rest of the skincare routine, you might not even need foundation for those breezy summer days. It’s made with Vitamin C and D which helps brighten skin while gradually tanning. I use at night, every other day, after water-based serums but before retinol, but you can also add to your morning routine!
BEST LIP SCRUB
I used to swear by the Lush Lip Scrub ($13), and but Buxom edged them out this year with this scrub. It’s effective, but more importantly, super portable and mess-free. I got tired dealing with that loose pot of sugar from Lush when traveling. If you are one of those people with trypophobia, this might trigger you, for everyone else, it looks like a cute dragonfruit.
BEST LIP BALM
Lush kept their top spot in the balm category. I simply love it. This sh*t also lasts forever.
BEST DEWY FINISH
I think this wins my favorite all-around new beauty find of 2021. I apply this at the very end of my skincare routine and am left with the most gorgeous dewy glow all day. It’s beautiful under makeup or just on its own. Add some more to the high points of your face for an extra highlight boost. I can’t describe the scent but smells really good. The packaging is so pretty I leave it out on my counter as decor!
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