Say hello to my current anti-aging skincare routine. I update this post quarterly so it continues to reflect what I am currently using and loving—be sure to check back! Here’s what’s giving my skin its glow in summer 2022.
By: Lisa Fennessy
IN THIS POST:
- TOG hierarchy of skincare
- What’s up with my skin right now
- Morning routine
- Evening routine
- Treatments (as needed)
This post is beneficial in a couple of ways. First, let’s be honest—I get to try A LOT of product. Some things I try once or twice and others take up residency in my skincare routine. Some products I enjoy, but I wouldn’t purchase again; others I rave about and would purchase a million times over.
To help paint a picture of what you are seeing here, let’s create a TOG skincare-usage taxonomy, or hierarchy, if you will.
TOG hierarchy of skincare
1 | Rave-worthy, scream it from the rooftops, saw a difference in my skin, will repurchase again and again. (Think Maya Chia’s The Straight A, ILIA’s Limitless Mascara or 100% Pure Eye Gels).
2 | Loved it while it lasted and would repurchase. Gorgeous products that offer skincare benefits, work and have a beautiful sensory experience. This category is robust!
3 | Enjoyed it while it lasted but won’t repurchase. There is definitely a category of products that are “fine” but just don’t stand out in any special way for me. This category is also robust.
4 | Liked it, but probably wouldn’t recommend it. This category is reserved for items I enjoyed but I would not recommend because maybe the scent profile is too specific, the packaging is off in some way or it didn’t deliver consistent enough results.
5 | Didn’t like it, wouldn’t recommend it. This category is reserved for items I personally didn’t enjoy or that just didn’t work for me.
What you see in this post is what I would classify as a level 2 (unless otherwise noted). Loved it and would repurchase. It’s items that are currently taking up residency and most likely what I will use to the end. I hope that sharing my current skincare routine will help demystify what an effective skincare routine can look like and hopefully inspire yours.
RELATED: Your Guide to a Nontoxic Personal Care Starter Kit, skincare routine for acne & my guide to the best skincare routine for your skin type.
What’s up with my skin right now
Sometimes I approach my skincare routine with goals and intention, like right now I want to boost hydration or even hyperpigmentation or decongest. Sometimes I create a routine around the seasons, like prioritizing protection in the summer and hydrating in the winter. And sometimes, like right now, I create a skincare routine based on just what feels good.
This may sound obvious, but when someone tests skincare for a living, it feels like a luxury to be able to design a routine to my liking. Most of the time, I rotate through products pretty quickly, which is great if they are not a good fit, but also means I don’t spend too much time with the ones I really love.
Well, I’m slowing down this summer to do just that.
Also, in recent news, my husband started using whatever face oil I am using. After all these years, he is now officially a face oil convert thanks to me, lol. I mean, I’m proud of him for trying something new but I’m also like, Paws off the good stuff brah!
The latest is we just finished fighting over the last drops of Yina’s FORTIFY Botanical Serum. This oil was right in so many ways. The weight ✅, the ingredients✅, the scent✅. So good.
So now that that’s gone, here’s what “we” are using now…
RELATED: Have sensitive skin? Check out Nicolle’s sensitive skincare routine.
Morning Routine
- Sahajan Essential Cleaning Oil, 4 oz | $48
- Yina Essential Mist, 3.3 oz | $65
- Alpyn Beauty Bearberry & Vitamin C Glow Serum, 1.7 oz | $59
- Prima Face Oil, 1 oz | $82
- Le Prunier SPF, 2 oz | $78
Evening Routine
- Sahajan Essential Cleaning Oil, 4 oz | $48
- Yina Essential Mist, 3.3 oz | $65
- Mukti Rescue + Recover Serum, 1 oz | $100
- True Botanicals Phyto-Retinol Vitamin A Booster, 60 capsules | $120
- Prima Face Oil, 1 oz | $82
- LILFOX Ambrosia Immortalis Eye Mask, .5 oz | $130
Treatments (as needed)
- YINA Divine Bio-Cellulose Sheet Mask | $20
- Bright Eye Gels | $7
- MUKTI 2-in-1 Resurfacing Exfoliant, 100 ml | $64
What’s working for your skin this summer?
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Natalie
July 16, 2022I’m one of those that keeps up with your routine and always end up trying something new. I’m finding what works for me as well and repurchasing what I like. (& splurging when I can)
Lisa Fennessy
August 6, 2022Hi Natalie! Awesome, what have you found that you’ve loved so far??? xo, Lisa
Lies
July 28, 2022Lisa, you and your skin look amazing! Just found your blog today. You radiate :)! I was wondering: do you have tips for forehead wrinkles? You don’t seem to have them :).
Lisa Fennessy
August 6, 2022Hi Lies! I think using oils and face massage have helped me the most over the years. But also everyones genetics and skin are different so what helps one person might not help another. We talked to Hayley (TOG’s resident holistic esthetician) about this and here are her tips! Hope this helps! xo, Lisa