i started a new series a while back called ‘if i could only have one’, with the first post being about clothes / fashion. wanted to continue the series today, with a skincare edition! i am constantly trying out new brands and products, but today i want to share my ride or die, if i could only pick ONE, type of skincare products with you. these are the products that always stay in my travel bag bc on trips i obviously only bring the bare minimum!
it was honestly so hard for me to narrow down ONE product for each category here because i have a few favorite vitamin c serums or moisturizers that i’ll rotate between. so, if you see me post a different retinol or vitamin c serum on my stories at some point lol just know that i have a few faves. but today i’m sharing like my #1s, ride or die products.
if i could only have one: skincare edition
you can click any product in the collage below to shop!
if i could only have one cleanser:
i've been using this cleanser every single morning and/or night for about 3 years now. tbh a lot of face washes really don't do much for your face. but this one is POWERFUL - exfoliates dead surface cells, cleanses without stripping the skin, contains antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients, and helps the penetration of other skincare products. it's SO effective and if you're new to using it...i'd suggest starting off with just once a day, every other day!
shop nowif i could only have one: vitamin c serum
this barefaced vitamin c serum is the most effective vitamin c serum i've ever used - like you can tell a NOTICEABLE difference in your skin with this after just a few short weeks IMO. it's designed to penetrate deep into the skin, providing mega antioxidant protection from UV damage, defending against premature aging of skin, while encouraging collagen production and boosting effectiveness of SPF! it's also really hydrating because it's formulated with coconut based esters to provide long-term hydration vs most vitamin c serums are water based (which can be drying!)
shop nowif i could only have one: toner
i use these toning pads every single day, sometimes twice a day depending on how my skin is feeling for my exfoliation step. these toning pads are formulated with exfoliating acids, antioxidants and soothing ingredients...so every swipe reveals clearer, brighter skin while tackling clogged pores and increasing penetration of your other skincare products, making them more effective! these toning pads are POWERFUL and will make a huge difference in the overall texture and brightness of your skin!
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if i could only have one: resurfacing serum
every skincare routine needs to have some type of 'resurfacing' step and i am obsessed with this overachiever serum from barefaced because it really kills like 3 birds with one stone. this product is also a GREAT alternative to retinol if you are pregnant (this is what i'm using right not since i can't use retinol). like i mentioned this product does SO MUCH but i'll try and condense the benefits: reduces redness & puffiness, targets fine lines and encourages collagen production,calms and soothes the skin, minimizing irritation + helping the skin retain moisture, minimizes the appearance of pores and improves skin firmness, stimulates cellular turnover and enhances the efficacy of your other skincare products to prevent against premature aging and promote long-term skin health! it is a GAME CHANGER.
shop nowif i could only have one: SPF
SPF is one of (if not THE most) important steps in your morning skincare routine to protect your skin against sun damage. i've been using this one by skin pharm or a few years now and rarely branch out. i love that it gives your skin a little bit of a tint and glow, and it's also hydrating without feeling greasy. it also has other skin-boosting ingredients in it like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to brighten and hydrate your skin! i wear this on 'no makeup' makeup days to give my skin just a little bit of coverage and glow!
shop nowif i could only have one: moisturizer
tbh i wish i didn't love this moisturizer as much as i do because it is SO expensive. but i can tell a big difference in my skin when i'm using this moisturizer vs others. it's called 'the cream' because it truly does SO many things for your skin in one step. a few of the benefits you'll notice with this moisturizer: clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.stimulates production of collagen, promotes elasticity and normalizes the skin barrier, leaving skin fresh, supple, plump, and smooth.deeply hydrating, conditioning and renewing for an even, vibrant, glowing complexion.reduces redness, calms stressed skin. prevents damage from environmental aggressors.a lot of moisturizers really only provide your skin with some hydration and this cream is expensive but truly does SO many amazing things for your skin.
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i put a lip mask on every night before bed and i've tried about 10 different ones. this lawless mask is hands down my favorite because it's not super sticky and makes your lips feel SO smooth and hydrated when you wake up! it supports natural collagen production for lips that look bigger and better with continued use!
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i'm not currently using retinol because pregnancy but when i was...this one by barefaced was my go to. all of barefaced products are medical grade meaning super effective / potent. this one retinal product does SO many things for your skin including: reduces the appearance of fine lines + wrinkles by increasing collagen production. improves skin tone and texture for smoother, firmer looking skin. aids in fading sun spots and smoothing out rough patches on the skin. increases cellular turnover, which can minimize breakouts. stimulates production of new blood vessels on the skin, which improves the color of the skin. this specific retinal product is also formulated with bakuchiol which reduces sensitivity, improves your skin's tolerability & allows it to work longer + more effectively on the skin! my mom and i both SWEAR by this product!
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i actually just recently started using this eye cream (about a month or two ago) and i've been super impressed with it. it's a contouring treatment that targets oxidative stress and free-radical imbalance to help prevent + reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. it's designed to visibly lift, smooth, plump, and brighten fragile eye skin and feels insanely soft + hydrating on the skin.
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my holy grail makeup bag i've had for YEARS now and now own in way too many colors. i use it for travel with my skincare, hair products, and makeup! such amazing quality and i love the size!
shop nowhave you added any of these skincare products to your routine? let me know if you also swear by any of these, or what some of your must-have skincare products are!
follow along @laurenkaysims
xo Lauren
