The Skincare Routine Our Editors Swear By: 9 Products That Actually Work
From my first cleanse to my last dab of retinol, here's the exact morning-to-night routine — and the nine products earning their place on my shelf.
People ask me all the time what I actually use — not what a brand paid me to say, but what stays on my shelf. So here's my honest routine, morning to night, with the nine products that have genuinely earned it. Start with one or two; you don't need all nine at once.
In the morning I cleanse, hydrate, treat and protect. At night I go a little heavier on repair. Here's how it breaks down.
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
Youth To The People
Kale and spinach for your face sounds gimmicky — but it works. This cleanser smells like fresh greens and leaves my skin clean without that tight, stripped feeling. I use it as a morning cleanse.
What I love: clean ingredients, gentle daily use, antioxidants. Worth knowing: expensive for a cleanser, doesn't remove heavy makeup.
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The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary
I've been using this for three weeks now and the difference in texture is real. It stings a tiny bit on first application but my skin looks brighter every morning. For the price, nothing else comes close.
What I love: gentle exfoliation, brightens skin tone, affordable price point. Worth knowing: can be drying if overused, requires sunscreen use.
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The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary
This has been in my routine for months. My T-zone is noticeably less shiny by midday, and the tiny bumps along my jawline have disappeared. Just pat it in — don't rub — and let it dry before your moisturizer.
What I love: reduces blemishes, controls oil, budget-friendly. Worth knowing: can pill under makeup, results take 2-3 weeks.
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The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Ordinary
The hydration boost is immediate. I use it right after cleansing on damp skin and my face feels like it drank a glass of water. Under moisturizer, it makes everything sink in better.
What I love: deep hydration, plumps fine lines, layers well. Worth knowing: must apply to damp skin, can feel tacky.
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Clinique Moisture Surge 100H
Clinique
It feels like a drink of water for your face. The gel texture disappears instantly — no grease, no shine — but my skin stays soft all day. I keep a mini in my bag during winter.
What I love: gel-cream texture, oil-free, auto-replenishing hydration. Worth knowing: pricey for the size, needs reapplication in very dry climates.
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Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Kiehl's
This is the moisturizer I recommend when someone says 'I don't know what to buy.' It works on oily, dry, combination — everything. Absorbs fast, no fragrance, no fuss. Worth every dollar.
What I love: 24-hour hydration, lightweight texture, works for all skin types. Worth knowing: premium price, jar packaging isn't ideal.
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The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary
Start slow with this one — twice a week max for the first month. I saw real improvement in fine lines around week 6. The squalane base keeps it from being too irritating, which I appreciated.
What I love: noticeable anti-aging results, smooth texture, affordable retinol. Worth knowing: strong for beginners, can cause purging, requires gradual introduction.
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Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Laneige
I've gone through three tubs. I apply a thick layer before bed and wake up with soft, smooth lips — even in Canadian winter. A little goes a long way. The berry flavor is my favourite.
What I love: intense overnight repair, lasts months, multiple flavors. Worth knowing: can feel sticky, pricey for lip care.
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Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
Olaplex
After bleaching my hair, this was the only thing that brought it back to life. Apply to damp hair, leave for at least 30 minutes (I do an hour), then shampoo. My split ends are barely visible now.
What I love: repairs damaged bonds, visible results after one use, salon-grade. Worth knowing: must apply before shampooing, small bottle for the price.
Products mentioned in this article
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