For years, I followed skincare rules (I will admit I could have been better with my sunscreen).
I followed routines. I followed systems. I followed every step exactly as I was told—morning and night, without fail. And for a long time, I truly believed that consistency meant control. That if I just stayed disciplined enough, my skin would reward me.
And in many ways, it did.
But lately, something has shifted.
Instead of asking, “What am I supposed to use?” I have started asking, “What does my skin actually need right now?” And that small change has made everything feel softer. More intuitive. More like care and less like pressure.
This is what I have been using. Not perfectly. Not rigidly. Just honestly.
What I Used Religiously
For the past five years, I have used ZO Skin Health consistently — and I mean religiously.
It was structured. Clinical. Results-driven. And there was something comforting about that level of precision. I knew exactly what to use, when to use it, and why. There was no guessing.
That routine carried me through a lot of seasons, and I still respect it deeply. It taught me discipline and gave me a strong foundation when my skin needed direction.
But as life changed, I realized that my skin — and honestly, I —needed something different.
The Products I Keep Coming Back To
There are certain brands that I always seem to return to, no matter how much I try.
One of those is Drunk Elephant.
There is something about their formulations that feels balanced. Effective, but not overwhelming. Thoughtful, but still simple enough to use in real life.
When my skin feels off, or when I do not want to overthink things, these are the products I reach for. They feel familiar in the best way—like coming back to something that just works.
What I Am Loving Right Now
Right now, I am slowly introducing new products, and being much more intentional about how my skin responds.
I recently ordered from Tatcha, and I was immediately drawn to them for one reason: repair.
Not correction. Not perfection. Just… support.
My skin has been through a lot, and I am learning that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is give it space to heal.
The Unexpected Finds
Some of my favorite discoveries lately have not been the most expensive or the most talked about.
I found a Korres, a Greek skincare brand that focuses on probiotics, and I have been genuinely surprised by how much I enjoy it. It is simple, affordable, and feels good on my skin, which, at this point, matters more to me than anything else.
There is something really grounding about finding products that do not try too hard. They just… work quietly in the background without breaking the bank.
I also have to mention these bamboo washcloths that I have been using. They are unbelievably soft and feel so much better on my skin than traditional ones, especially when my skin is feeling sensitive.
If you are curious, you can find them here: https://amzn.to/4tkedcq
(They are currently out of the white, but I am hoping they restock soon because they are that good.)
Where I Am Now
If there is one thing I have learned, it is this: Skincare is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about paying attention.
Some days my routine is simple. Some days I do more. Some days I skip steps entirely. And instead of feeling like I am failing, it feels like I am finally listening.
My skin does not need perfection from me. It just needs care. And for the first time in a long time, that feels enough.
I am learning that beautiful, mature skin does not have to come from perfection or drastic change — it can come from consistency, care, and listening to what your skin actually needs.
For me, that looks like skincare, facials, and giving my skin the space to be supported rather than “fixed.”
For years, I thought the answer was more — more products, more steps, more promises. But somewhere along the way, I realized my skin didn’t need more… it needed consistency, simplicity, and products I actually trusted.
This is not a one-time list—it is something I plan to keep refining and sharing as I discover products that truly earn a place in my routine. Think of this as an ongoing series of what I actually use and love, not just what is new or trending.
Skincare has become so much more than just products for me — it is part of how I take care of myself in a deeper way. I am always refining what I use, so if you have a product you truly love, I would genuinely love to hear about it. And if you are a brand creating something thoughtful and effective, I am always open to discovering products that align with this more intentional approach.
