My lips tend to be perma-dry, so I’ve tried buckets of different balms, and this one is the G.O.A.T. It’s packed with shea and murumuru butters plus coconut oil and is ultra-rich and thick. While it’s billed as a “lip sleeping mask,” I use it as my regular lip balm day and night. Because you only need the tiniest dab (again, this is a really concentrated balm), the jar can last up to six months. I always have one in my purse, on my bedside table, and in my medicine cabinet. TBH, the non-sale price is on the higher side (at $24) even though it’s worth it. When it’s on sale, I will grab a few. (FYI, this comes in multiple flavors, but Vanilla is my solid fav.)
If there’s one anti-aging ingredient I swear by for mature skin, it’s tretinoin—a derivative of vitamin A. Differin is a prescription-strength retinoid (0.1% adapalene), which is clinically proven to help regulate skin cell turnover that slows down with age. It helps to brighten dull skin and keeps your pores clear. Retinoids (and OTC retinol) are gold standard ingredients proven to boost collagen and elastin production, which helps to soften fine lines and firm sagging skin over time. (I apply a pea-size amount of Differin on my face and then blend another pea-size onto my neck and jowl area two to three times per week.)
Another science-backed anti-aging ingredient that I love: collagen-boosting peptides. This OG cream is packed with them, plus it contains effective hydrators like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol. The bonus with peptides is that they are non-irritating, so I sandwich my Differin with a non-irritating moisturizer like this Olay one. This way I can double down on the collagen and elastin building. Plus, it’s just an all-around great barrier repair cream. FYI, for me it’s critical to buy the ‘fragrance-free’ version.
Most days, this is my one-and-done sunscreen and foundation. I put this on after applying a moisturizer with broad-spectrum sunscreen and rub a pea-size amount all over my face and neck. (On my fair olive complexion, the tint isn’t too dark or too light.) Voila! I look instantly glow-y and a tiny bit tan. It melts into my skin, looks totally natural, and doesn’t feel like a slick extra layer even on the most humid NYC summer days. I wear this as a finishing touch on top of my sunscreen at the beach too. It makes me look instantly polished and healthy, plus adds SPF 50 mineral protection—a win-win!
I confess, I’m guilty of not reapplying sunscreen when I’m at the beach. There are so many excuses, but here are two: My skin is sandy and it’s just a mess to put on a lotion with SPF. This spray is my summer beach bag staple because it makes it easier to reapply every two hours, plus this high SPF 50 spray doesn’t make me smell like a piña colada. It also doesn’t feel greasy and gross when your skin is already covered in sunscreen, salt water, sweat, and sand. I’m stocking up on a few of these for my Fire Island vacay!
This little stick is a magic sun shield. It’s not dry like most sunscreen sticks can be, so it glides over your skin, and it’s so sheer that I actually use it on my face! It goes on white, but literally disappears when you blend it. Because this sunscreen is 100% mineral (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), it acts to block UVA and UVB. When I go for a morning walk or run, I apply this on top of my facial moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30. The small size allows me to slide it under my eyes, over my neck, and even above my lips to protect them from skin-wrinkling UV rays.
My hairstylist uses this ultra-modern, super high-tech Dyson dryer, and I’ve been eyeing it for months. It’s so lightweight that it makes my blowdryer at home feel like I’m hoisting a bowling ball overhead as I blow out my bangs. (Seriously, blowdrying is my strength training.) It’s also practically silent when you turn it on—not the leaf-blower-loud noise of regular dryers. And, most importantly, it doesn’t damage or dry out my already-parched hair (this happens when you’re over 50, ladies!). The regular price tag is crazy expensive, so now that it’s marked down over $100, this is my chance.
is an editor, copywriter, and professional skincare junkie. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Allure, Marie Claire, and more. Follow Gina on Instagram.
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