Skin-Care Products Beauty Experts Use Every Morning

Have you ever thought, “Her skin is glowing,” when you saw a woman on the street? What does she use, I wonder? That is a natural—and frequent—question for me as a beauty writer. My voyeuristic side is itching to see what random strangers’ bathroom vanities look like. I spoke with fifteen beauty professionals, including dermatologists, skin-care brand owners, beauty bloggers, and actresses, to find out what skin-care products they use every morning because of this odd impulse.

Even if mornings can be busy, taking care of your skin should always come first. Additionally, it is a requirement of their jobs for these women. There is a wide variety of procedures ahead. Some feature only a few drugstore favorites, while others have over ten products (from a Korean beauty expert, of course). Many of the procedures, such as using sunscreen and vitamin C serum, have similarities. However, you will also find many new items and brands. Naturally, my inquisitive side couldn’t help but ask each professional to send a photo of their product collection.

Grasie Mercedes, actress and lifestyle blogger

I use Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Clean Astringent ($7) and Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($49) after washing my face with Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel ($28). I’ll use Skin Inc.’s My Daily Dose of Glow ($65) after that. For daywear, this light serum feels incredibly revitalizing. I make sure my moisturizer has SPF in the spring and summer. I enjoy the $14 Cetaphil Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF 50+.

Charlotte Cho, chief curator of Soko Glam

I begin my daytime routine with an oil cleanser such as Hanskin Cleansing Oil & Blackhead with PHA ($25). I next use Acwell Bubble Free pH Balance Cleanser ($21) as a follow-up cleanser. I use Re:P Organic Cotton Treatment Toning Pads ($37) to tone after cleaning. Because it only takes a few seconds to tap in, I use a lightweight essence like the Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence ($38). The Son and Park Beauty Filter Cream ($32) is a new holy grail addition to my morning regimen.

It’s the ideal method for achieving a smooth, radiant complexion that truly gives the impression that you’re wearing a filter! It looks fantastic both under and without makeup. Additionally, I always use the Klavuu Sun Cushion ($29) or Tony Moly Watery Essence Sunscreen ($22) for touch-ups. To keep your skin as young and healthy as possible, protect it with SPF that is appropriate for your skin type. The sun can cause pigmentation and premature aging.

Tara Foley, founder of natural beauty boutique Follain

I normally just spray my face with water in the morning, pat dry, and then spritz on some toner (as a vehicle to assist my serums sink deeper) instead of washing my face with cleanser. The Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator ($35) appeals to me. After that, I’ll use a serum right away, changing it according to the weather and my skin’s issues. This winter, I’ve been using Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil ($40) during the day, Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream ($85) (which already has SPF), and occasionally Tammy Fender Awakening Eye Gel ($84). Before putting on makeup, I’ll give those a few minutes to settle in while getting dressed!

Melissa Levin, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in NYC

I use La Roche-Posay Purifying Cleanser ($15), a mild gel cleanser containing ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin for skin prone to acne. I then use the $100 SkinBetter Eye Cream to reduce under-eye bags, puffiness, and dehydration. I next treat my entire face once a day with a mild, prescription drug called Aczone 7.5% gel (prescription only). Sunscreen is still the best defense against UV rays, although it is insufficient. Research continuously demonstrates that broad-spectrum sunscreen does not offer adequate defense against free radicals, nor do individuals apply it frequently enough.

Thus, using an efficient antioxidant serum is a component of an all-encompassing protection strategy. I alternate between Skin Better Alto Defense ($145) and Skinceuticals CE Ferulic ($165). I use Revision DEJ Face Cream ($98), a mild moisturizer, after my serum. Finally, sunscreen is a dermatologist’s favorite and essential step in skin care. Depending on my activities, the season, and other variables, I have a few favorite sunscreens for my skin type. I’m using Revision Intellishade Original ($60) right now, and I adore the matte look. But I also take Elta MD UV Clear ($33), which is excellent for skin prone to acne, and Isdin Eryfotona ($50).

Andrea Brooks, beauty vlogger

I begin by using iS Clinical Cleansing Complex ($42) for washing. It’s a fantastic cleanser and toner all in one. In addition, it works wonders for skin issues like mine. I next prefer to use my Desert Essence Tea Tree cleansing pad ($6) to get rid of any last bits of extra grime. I then use my $60 Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion Oil-Free moisturizer. I discovered later in life that I can’t use any moisturizer since I have oily, acne-prone skin. This person has been my best friend! Finally, I use my $19 Supergoop Perfect Day 2-in-1 with Everyday Sunscreen SPF 30.

Patrice Grell Yursik, creator of beauty blog Afrobella.com

I don’t have to put on makeup after washing my face in the morning because I work from home and am self-employed. I use a fantastic moisturizer or serum during the day and don’t wear makeup most of the time. I select a cleanser based on what my skin needs that day. I find Kreyol Essence Haitian Moringa Cleanser ($20) or Bolden Skin Clarifying Cleanser ($17) to be good basic cleansers. Mario Badescu has always been a favorite of mine, and their Enzyme Cleaning Gel ($14) is a must-have! I’ve learned about the benefits of vitamin C for melanin-rich skin in recent years. My skin tone and general glow have significantly improved as a result.

Paula Montes, model

My self-esteem is boosted by having clean, healthy skin, so taking care of it on a regular basis can improve my appearance as well as my mood. I use St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea scrub ($4) to wash and exfoliate. I clean my face with cold water to seal the pores after opening them with hot water. Next, I use Benefit Puff Off Under Eye Gel ($29) and Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cubes ($15). Together, they help reduce any puffiness. I then use Garnier Skin Active Miracle Skin-care products Perfector ($9), my favorite BB cream.