Skincare Products That Truly Deliver in 2024

Beauty

I used to be totally hooked on makeup (seriously, a massive enthusiast). I’d snap up every product drop from Kylie Jenner and Jaclyn Hill without hesitation. But then I started noticing that my makeup game wasn’t quite hitting the flawless level of those beauty influencers. I started attending beauty school to start my journey as a makeup artist and that’s where it hit me: skincare is where it all begins. It should take the top spot in your beauty routine. You don’t have to empty your wallet, but it’s important to invest some time, have patience, and maybe splurge a little to put together a skincare routine that suits you.

You don’t need a complex 10-step routine for flawless skin (although if you have one, kudos), but focusing on essentials like cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF is crucial. Then, incorporate serums targeting your skin concerns, which is where I recommend splurging a little to get the best of the best. Anything extra like masques and treatments are definitely beneficial, however, what you use on your skin day-to-day matters most and is the best way to be preventative and corrective.

Navigating the skincare market can feel like diving into a sea of endless options. I remember battling acne for years, spending a small fortune on skincare products at Sephora in hopes that their big-name or high-price tags meant they’d work wonders. Not to mention, many of them had side effects like dryness or irritation. As you may know, many of the claims from skincare lines are just empty promises, and a lot of brands just slap their label on products made by someone else.

Ever heard of white-labeled products? They’re sold with a retailer’s branding, but they’re actually made by a third-party manufacturer. So, that fancy serum you splurged on at Sephora might just be the same as the one in plain packaging at Walmart, but marked up twice or triple the price!

Since delving into the world of esthetics, I’ve gained valuable insights into product formulation. That’s why I now lean towards professional-grade products rather than those flashy ones that you find at Sephora or Ulta that just have really good marketing. And let me tell you, switching over made the biggest difference in my skin.

As an esthetician, I test numerous products and go to seminars every year to stay updated on the latest formulations and trends. So, when a product makes it onto my favorites list, you can trust that it’s the real deal. These are my tried-and-true go-tos because they consistently deliver results. So, without further ado, here are some of my top picks, ranging from face creams to serums, oils, and masks.

Face Cleansers That Actually Work: Say Goodbye to Impurities!

I like to keep it pretty basic with cleansers, typically something gentle, hydrating, and/or with a little bit of exfoliation.

At night, you gotta double cleanse, no question. It’s like sweeping and mopping: first, you sweep away the dirt and dust (you know, oil, makeup, and grime), then you mop to really get things clean (aka, a second cleanse for your skin). I’m all about PCASkin’s daily cleansing oil for your first cleanse—it’s super gentle and gets rid of makeup, dirt, and oil like a champ.

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You can totally use this Cleansing Gel for either your first cleanse, second cleanse, or even both! It’s that gentle! Plus, if you’re into a bit of foam, this one’s got you covered. It’s awesome for all skin types and concerns because it’s super mild, no exfoliation to worry about, and it’s calming AF, so your skin won’t be throwing any tantrums.

**You can purchase products here through the Med Spa I work at, I don’t receive any commission from this.

This Daily Exfoliant is hands down my top pick for cleansers. If you like a mechanical exfoliation, you’ll like this one. It’s got tiny biodegradable beads that give you a gentle scrub without wrecking your skin, but lemme tell you, your skin feels so smooth after using it.

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Skin Serums That Actually Work: Unlocking the Power of Potent Ingredients and Superior Formulations

This is where splurging a little will get you the most bang for your buck! You want to invest in quality serums that actually say what they will do. Ones will clinical studies, innovative formulations and quality ingredients.

I love love loveee this serum to add hydration into the skin! Hydrating the skin is different than moisturizing. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, ceramides, niacinamide all deliver water to the cells and prevent trans epidermal water loss.

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Best Vitamin C Serum 2024, Vitamin C serums that actually work

Without getting too carried away, let’s talk Vitamin C. Vitamin C requires specific packaging to maintain its effectiveness. When stored in a dropper or standard pump, it loses efficacy due to oxidation. If you keep up with my skincare posts, you’ll know I talk about skincare product formulations a lot.

It’s not just about the ingredients themselves but how they’re formulated, combined with other ingredients to enhance efficacy, and the technology behind it. SkinBetter nails both packaging and formulations across all their products. This antioxidant serum has not only Vitamin C but also EIGHTEEN other antioxidants.

**You can purchase products here through the Med Spa I work at, I don’t receive any commission from this.

Skincare Products That Actually work, Retinol serums that actually work

Once again, SkinBetter nails it with their AlphaRet Overnight Cream, bagging a whopping SIXTEEN awards. This cream’s got a cool combo of ingredients – a retinoid mixed with an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) – giving your skin a fresh look without the irritation.

Ever tried retinol and ended up with irritated or dry skin? This stuff’s your jam. It blends two top-notch skin refreshers – a retinoid and an AHA (lactic acid) – into this rad AlphaRet Technology. It’s all about keeping irritation at bay so you can slap it on every night for max perks. ‘Cause let’s be real, using your retinoid every night is where the magic happens, and this cream makes it easy.

Facial Masques That Actually Work: Pamper Your Skin with Proven Results

Hey, why not give your skin a little TLC with an “at-home treatment” 2-3 times a week? It helps slough off those dead skin cells, keeping your skin looking youthful and vibrant.

These peel pads are awesome for fighting signs of aging, smoothing out texture, and giving your skin a nice glow. They mix SkinBetter’s special retinoid, AlphaRet, with glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Normally, using all these separately could mess with your skin, but SkinBetter nails it with this combo!

**You can purchase products here through the Med Spa I work at, I don’t receive any commission from this.

GlyMed Plus’s Ultra-Hydrating Enzyme Masque does double duty: it both exfoliates and detoxifies your skin while ramping up cellular renewal. Loaded with hydrating botanicals and antioxidants, it’s like a burst of energy for your skin, providing instant moisture to combat dehydration.

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Who doesn’t love a masque that you can FEEL working on your skin? Revitalize tired cells with this deep oxygenating masque, which dives deep to cleanse and purify congested pores, kickstart healthy cell turnover for smoother skin. I usually apply it solo, maybe adding a drop of water for a nice lather. But sometimes, I mix it up with the Ultra-Hydrating Enzyme Masque for an extra boost!

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Moisturizers That Actually Work: Hydration Heroes for Glowing Skin

You know what? The only moisturizer I’ve ever tried and really fallen for is SkinBetter’s Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment. It’s like pure luxury in a bottle, super silky and hydrating without feeling all heavy. Plus, it’s got all these good-for-you ingredients like hyaluronic acid and natural moisturizing factors, not to mention those fancy-sounding ingredients like Linoleic and Linolenic Acids (essential fatty acids) that do wonders for your skin’s barrier. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

**You can purchase products here through the Med Spa I work at, I don’t receive any commission from this.

SPF That Actually Works: Protecting Your Skin Without Compromise

Sunscreen might seem like a no-brainer, something you don’t really have to fuss over, but it’s hands down one of the most crucial products for your skin— the top dog. Sunscreen is like the insurance for all the effort and investment you’ve poured into your skincare routine. Why? Because the sun is behind a whopping 80-90% of those visible signs of aging you’re trying to dodge. So, slather on that SPF daily.

Tinted sunscreen is my jam. Not just because it helps even out my skin tone a bit, but also because it’s like wearing the ultimate shield. My ride-or-die? SkinBetter’s sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion. It’s 100% mineral goodness and patented tech. Not only does it block out UV rays, but it’s also got your back against blue light, pollution, and even infrared radiation. And you can splash around for up to 80 minutes before needing to reapply. Game-changer!

**You can purchase products here through the Med Spa I work at, I don’t receive any commission from this.

Skincare Products That Truly Deliver 2024

The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – Tinted is a lightweight sunscreen with sheer coverage for evening out slight pigmentation. It’s super light on the skin and gives just enough coverage to even out those little imperfections. Plus, it’s got niacinamide to calm down any redness and it’s mineral-based, so it reflects UV rays making it the best choice for sensitive skin and giving the ultimate protection.

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If you’re not into tinted sunscreen, no worries! The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is the untinted version of the one on the left.

**Sign up with me to be a client and get 15% off + free shipping on your first order 🙂
CODE: ASHLEIGHTPOMP6708

After 3 years in the skincare game as an esthetician, I’ve tried TONS of products and keeping tabs on new, innovative products and formulations. I’m bombarded with different skincare brands on the regular but these are my tried and true products that truly impress me and have made a difference in my skin. Thanks for reading, xoxo.

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