If you’re in need of some new items for your skin, you came to the right place! Now that summer is finally here, I thought it would be a great idea to share some of my skincare favorites.
During my 25 years as an on-air host at QVC, I presented thousands and thousands of beauty products. From prestige brands like Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and NARS, to small brands that hit it big like IT Cosmetics, Philosophy, and Tatcha.
I worked with some of the incredibly talented founders, artists and guests on the show. I also learned a lot about the formulas and ingredients to look for in both skincare and makeup.
*Post contains affiliate links.
I’m telling the truth when I say I tried every product I presented… but that doesn’t mean every single one was right for me.
I didn’t love everything I tried and I never claimed to like something if it didn’t work well. My job wasn’t to like it… it was to learn about it and share all of the information about it so YOU could decide if you wanted to give it a try!
Although I’m known more for home decor, I’m always surprised at how many people want to know about my go-to beauty products.
Maybe it’s because I’ve tried so many, or perhaps, it’s because I’m in my 50’s and I haven’t adjusted my regimen for as long as I can remember!
Whatever the reason, I’m always flattered when I’m asked to share my skincare favorites.
So, before I get into too much story telling, I want to open my beauty case to share my tried-and-true beauty and skin care products with you (and some items we carry in the Just Jill Shop!).
Keep in mind… some of these were trial and error so they may take some getting used to, but I’m more than happy to share what I know!
Here are the skincare favorites I’m loving right now.
Good Skin Is Always In!
Here’s the bottom line with makeup… if you want it to look good on your skin, you have to make sure your skin looks good in the first place. End of discussion.
Yes, you have to cleanse your face every day. And I’m not just talking about using a makeup remover. It was actually Christie Brinkley who told me her beauty secret was exfoliation. Duly noted! I’ve been an exfoliating junkie ever since.
And then you have to hydrate because your wrinkles will always look better when your skin is hydrated. Moisturized skin looks smoother, more radiant and more supple. It’s one of the easiest beauty tips I can give you!
So here are a few skincare favorites that have made a difference in my skin. Including a BRAND NEW find that I don’t think I can ever live without!
Bye Bye Makeup, Hello Clean Skin!
Clinique’s Take The Day Off makeup remover has been a go-to of mine for years.
It’s the best makeup remover I’ve ever used for mascara and long-wear eyeliner products.
It also works well to remove lipstick stains in clothing… personal experience!
Both gentle and affordably priced, it works quickly so that when I’m ready for bed, this extra step doesn’t feel like a chore.
Purity Made Simple cleanser by Philosophy has been part of my skincare routine for years… 20 years if I remember correctly. So through my 30’s, 40’s and now 50’s, it’s been one product that I’ve never needed to change.
As you saw above, I do use an eye makeup remover prior to this step, but if you don’t wear much makeup, this cleanser can work as a makeup remover and cleanser.
It’s designed for all skin types, it doesn’t sting around the eyes, and it never leaves my skin feeling parched or tight. Great for nighttime!
Another cleanser favorite I have is the PEAK 10 Gentle Foam Cleanser. You wouldn’t believe how soft and smooth this makes my skin.
And if you have sensitive skin, this cleanses in a way that’s mild yet effective.
I discovered Kate Somerville’s Exfolikate Cleanser over five years ago and fell in love with its creamy texture. Although this falls into the Exfolikate range of products, this cleanser doesn’t have any grit to it.
I use this as my daily morning cleanser to wash away the residue of my nighttime products. It’s also a great way to boost the radiance of my skin with a little gentle exfoliation.
The more you massage it into your skin, the creamier and silkier it becomes—leaving it feeling clean and smooth!
Can’t Live Without…
I don’t take making statements like the following lightly…but here it goes. The Polish by Lancer is one of THE BEST exfoliators I have ever used.
I was turned on to this skincare brand by a famous friend who is also the nicest “Shark” you’ll ever meet. And here’s how much I love this brand and its products…
After trying a sample-size kit of cleanser/polish/moisturizer, I started trying almost everything in the range.
This exfoliator is the secret to glowing skin for a lot of Dr. Lancer’s celeb clients. I love that it is concentrated so a little goes a long way.
I’ve noticed a huge improvement in the appearance of pores, and if you want your skin to feel smooth as glass, well, this is it!
I use it once a day, in the morning and it leaves my skin feeling bright. So if you’re lacking in the exfoliating department (leaving your skin dull and cloudy) this is the product you need.
You might also want to check out this Lancer Discovery Kit if you’re interested in an easy and basic skincare routine that delivers results.
Another exfoliator that will totally change your skincare game are the Advanced Firming Facial Pads from Dr. Denese.
These little pads are easy to use and great for combating dull, uneven skin tone. I use them nearly ever day, and because they’re so gentle, they don’t irritate my skin.
The pads in this duo come with the HydroShield Dream Cream as well. A moisture miracle for your skin!
Hydration Is The Key
Speaking of moisture miracle… hydrated skin is happy skin!
The Dr. Denese HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum quickly delivers hydration to skin making it dewy and plump.
Great for those fine lines and wrinkles!
This Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream is a dream cream for the delicate area around your eyes.
It’s dense, so a little goes a long way. And as you lightly press it into the area around your eye, it melts right in—no extra work required.
I go a little heavier with it at night so that my skin can drink it in for hours on end. After all, this product is all about hydrating dry, thin skin… your eyes will thank you!
I also discovered this Clinique Moisture Surge Mask a couple of years ago. O-M-G.
Use this after cleansing at night, in place of your moisturizer, and WOW! I never knew just how parched my skin was until using this.
It absorbs beautifully, so you won’t wake up with an oily or greasy feeling on your face. Plus, it will leave your skin looking dewy and more youthful.
I love to use it as an undereye mask… try it! I’m not sure this is the right product for those of you who tend to be more oily… but the normal-to-dry crowd should love it.
The Serum Step
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot from the various doctors and formulators I’ve worked with about the importance of Vitamin C in your skincare routine.
It helps brighten the appearance of the skin and may help reduce the appearance of dark spots.
I’ve always admired Dr. Murad’s products (and was lucky enough to work and learn from him in my early days).
This Murad Vitamin C Serum was a part of my nighttime regimen for quite some time.
I recently started using this Peel & Glow Vitamin C Resurfacing Paste which helps to remove dry, dead skin cells.
The duo also comes with AHA Activating Drops which are designed to be used right after the paste to smooth skin.
Day and Night Essentials
Bobbi Brown developed this vitamin enriched face base as a primer to wear under her foundations. But let me tell you, it is one of the best moisturizers I’ve ever found.
It’s comfortable on the skin and it works great as a primer for foundation. I like that it isn’t too heavy—allowing you to comfortably put SPF over it.
It’s one of those products that I truly enjoy using every day!
I thought long and hard about whether to include La Mer Moisturizing Cream in this blog. So let me address the elephant in the room… it is expensive. And I know not everyone can afford this product or sees value in skincare products at this price point.
That said, for my skin, it is a splurge worth making.
I’ve used La Mer for several years and have noticed a renewed suppleness and radiance to my skin, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I only use this at night and a little goes a long way which makes it more affordable.
So, instead of buying a new jar every month, I’m buying one about every four months.
Truthfully, my skin doesn’t need it as much in the summer, so from June to September, I often use other skincare favorites like the Bobbi Brown Face Base or Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizer at night for something lighter.
If you’re worried that La Mer might be too heavy for you, I’ve also used their lighter version, La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream.
It’s less dense and has a silkier formula.
This TATCHA Kissu Lip Mask is a sleeper of a product. It may not receive the fanfare of some of Tatcha’s other products, but I think it is one of their best.
The consistency is a thicker gelee, but that’s important because it clings to your lips and ensures you’ll be getting the benefits of the hydrating ingredients while you sleep.
When I discovered it, the mask allowed me to wake up with soft lips that didn’t seem to be as prone to peeling or dryness.
And while I’m still a fan of the TATCHA version, I just disovered a new product the other day.
More Skincare Favorites Obsessions
I’m telling you all, if you haven’t tried the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, now’s your time to run to the store to grab it.
It comes in five flavors from Peach Iced Tea to their original “Sweet Candy” option. I have the Vanilla but I’m sure they’re all great!
All I have to do is put it on before bed (as the name implies) and I wake up with smooth and hydrated lips. But this little jar goes FAR beyond that. Instead of teasing with short-term moisture, the mask keeps my lips supple all day.
It even has a little tint to it, so I occasionally like to carry it around in my purse to provide a little color to my lips.
And during the day, I always carry around these vanilla mint lip balms from Mad Gabs. Sure, I’m a little biased… after all, they do say “Just Jill” on them!
But from my friends to my son, everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) loves these hydrating balms.
Be Realistic About Your Skin
Here’s my biggest tip when it comes to skincare products. THERE ARE NO MIRACLES!
You really can’t judge a skincare product on just one use. And you also have to be realistic about how much can be undone by topical products.
My advice? Take a selfie with no makeup and after using a new product or changing your routine. Then, take another picture 30 days later.
If you see some improvement, that’s a good sign! Even if you don’t see a huge improvement, things take time.
I hope you’ll let me know if you try any of the skincare favorites I’m loving right now. And if you have any questions about these products, ask away in the comments below. I’ll do my best to answer them!
From my cupboard to yours,
Jill
