Less Is More: The Skincare & Makeup Products I Actually Use

Over time, I’ve found myself simplifying both my skincare and makeup. I tend to stick with products that are easy to use, feel good on the skin, and deliver reliable results. I’ve had a few requests lately to share what I’m using, so here are a few I’ve been enjoying.

Skincare: My Starting Point

I’ve never been one of those people who loves to spend hours on my skin or has a 20-step “ritual.” I’m just too Type A. 😂 I’m looking for simple, quick and effective. Here are the products I’m using now.

Morning Skincare Routine

Cleansing. I usually just rinse my face in the morning, unless I’d forgotten to wash it the night before. (Happens rarely — I’m a creature of habit.)

Serum. I alternate between Tatcha Dewy Serum and By Brian Complete Renewal Serum.

Eye Cream. By Brian Re-Creation Illuminate & Contour Eye Treatment.

Moisturizer. I just started using Caudalie “Premier Cru” and really like it. I insist on moisturizers that feel like they absorb into the skin rather than sitting on top, and this one does that while keeping my skin feeling hydrated all day.

Neck Cream. By Brian Re-Creation Firming Neck & Chest Creme.

Sunscreen. The most important step!!! I’ve been using ISDIN SPF 50+ for the last couple of years and haven’t found anything I like better. It’s 100% mineral, and doesn’t pill, get cakey or leave an ashy tint. (I’ve tried tinted sunscreens, but find they often turn orange on me.)

Evening Skincare Routine

Cleansing. I alternate between Elemis Cleansing Balm and Vichy 3-in-1 Cleanser. Since I don’t wear much makeup, a single wash with either of these gets my skin clean without feeling dry.

Prescription Retin-A (Tretinoin). Last year my dermatologist bumped me up from 0.025% to 0.05%, and I noticed a difference within a couple of weeks. I apply a small amount after cleansing on my face and neck 5-6 nights per week.

Serum. I skip on the nights I use Retin-A, other nights I use By Brian Complete Renewal Serum.

Moisturizer. Caudalie “Premier Cru”.

Brow serum. I’ve been using RevitaBrow for the last few years, and it has helped them fill out a bit.

I usually don’t apply an eye cream in the evenings as I do warm compresses for dry eyes after cleansing and skincare.

Makeup: A Little Goes a Long Way

Other than a few years in the 80’s when we were all doing three shades of eyeshadow and two of blush, I’ve never worn much makeup. Except for lipstick. I almost always wear lipstick! 💄 Here are some of the products in my regular rotation.

Base

I stopped using regular foundation several years ago. I didn’t think it made that much difference, and was tired of it rubbing off on my clothes. Now I mostly use Jane Iredale PurePressed Mineral Foundation. This is what I use on my color clients, and they love the way it evens out skin tone while still looking fresh and natural. It’s what I’m wearing in the photo above, too. (Recommend this brush to apply.)

On days when I want a little more coverage or my skin is feeling dry, I like this Erborian CC Cream.

Cheeks

Lately I’ve been using this Jane Iredale Glow Time Blush Stick (I’m wearing “Ethereal” above, which adds just a bit of subtle color.) Her PurePressed Powder Blush is also really good.

Brows

My brows are pretty thin and sparse, even with after the treatment, so I usually fill in the “tails” with a pencil. I like this one from Chantecaille, or this one from Jane Iredale.

Eyes

Most days I don’t put anything on my eyes. I have chronic dry eye, and my opthamologist has recommended using moisturizing drops 2 or 3 times a day, which of course I make a total mess of. But I will sometimes use a little of the Jane Iredale Eye Shadow just on the lid and above the crease.

I’ve stopped wearing mascara, but do curl my lashes, which makes my eyes look more open. My favorite curler is this one from Chanel, which gently curls without crimping.

Lips

I’ve always been a lipstick girl, love wearing it, and love how it looks! I always use By Brian Re-Creation Lip Treatment about 15-20 minutes before applying lipstick. This is one of my Holy Grail products: it moisturizes, smooths and prevents flaking. (I also use at night before bed to keep my lips conditioned.)

Lately I’ve been alternating between two shades. I love red lipstick, and have been wearing Jane Iredale Colorluxe Lipstick in “Poppy.” The formula goes on evenly, and stays on for a good long while without feeling dry.

When I want a more natural lip look that I can apply without having to look in a mirror, I go for Chantecaille Lip Chic in “Sunrise.”

C’est tout! If you are looking to refresh or replenish any of your beauty favorites, Sephora is having big a sale now, so you might want to check there first.

That’s what I’m using right now—simple, dependable products that make getting ready feel easy rather than like a production. My routine has definitely evolved over time, and I’ve learned that consistency matters more to me than constantly trying new things. I’ll keep updating as things change, but for now these are the skincare and makeup staples I’m reaching for most days. If you have any favorites, I always enjoy hearing what others are loving too.

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