What are the products you always keep in stock for beauty/skincare emergencies? A few of my must-have “repair” products below. Wherever possible, I’ve requested a custom discount code for us to use so you can try them at a discount!
CLARINS V-FACIAL MASK // MOTHER SCIENCE REPAIR MOISTURIZER // TRUE BOTANICALS RESCUE BALM // EYE MASKS // MIRACLE OIL // LIFT MASK
+GOOP BEAUTY GOOPGLOW. A two-minute skin transformation. I use this frequently if I’m about to go out for the night, am short on time, and feel like I need a skin turnaround. It is both a physical and chemical exfoliant that leaves skin baby-soft. Use code SHOOP15 for a discount on this and all other Goop beauty. (All my favorites here!)
+MOTHER SCIENCE MOLECULAR GNESIS BARRIER REPAIR MOISTURIZER. This is my go-to for when my skin is ultra-dry or ultra-upset/irritated with me. I was drawn to this brand because they carry only a very tightly curated, deeply-researched set of three products; they really do their homework. This is always in my cabinet for parched and irritated skin. Use code JENSHOOP.
+CLARINS V-FACIAL MASK. This is one of a handful of products that I keep multiples of in my beauty cabinet. It is my favorite facial mask. I like to apply this from my cheeks down and then use a clay mask (usually Origins) on my forehead/nose. The Clarins mask chisels away your features — dramatically depuffs — and leaves skin so soft and beautifully defined. It is absolute magic.
+CLARINS CRYO-FLASH INSTANT LIFT MASK. Especially love this in the summer — it leaves your skin feeling chilled, iced-down, refreshed. The effect is like dunking your head into a bowl of ice water. Skin is awake, alert!
+JILLIAN DEMPSEY EYE MASKS. I’ve written about these so many times but they are absolute magic. Totally brighten and hydrate and wake up tired eyes. I mean, they really brighten the eye area! I’ve never had an eye product that actually brightens my dark undereye circles. I always have 1-2 of these masks in my travel cosmetics bag. Use code JENSHOOP.
+TRUE BOTANICALS EVERYTHING RESCUE BALM. My neighbor and dear friend gave me this balm a year or two ago and I use it constantly. It has a great botanical scent and is not quite as unctuous as Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream — but delivers similar results. I use this on chapped lips and skin, scrapes/abrasions, cuticles, upset or bumpy patches, and even recently on razor burn on my shins! I absolutely love this stuff. My neighbor keeps a pot in her car; I might copy and add to my glove box.
+OMOROVIZCA MIRACLE OIL. This is a recent beauty empty for me, and I especially loved it during the dry winter months. It is a rich but easy-to-blend facial oil that hydrates, brightens, and smooths skin. I wear vitamin C daily and then follow with either an oil or a serum; this oil was my favorite and beloved over the past winter.
Two new emergency / repair products I am resting after reading about — Tower28’s SOS Rescue Spray, which has hypochlorous acid in it. Hypochlorous acid is a “natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial that helps defend your skin against harmful bacteria, reduce redness, and soothe irritation.” I had heard a dermatologist say she uses this for surgery/procedure recovery, but I’m especially intrigued by using it post-workout (on body and face!), which I think makes me prone to breakouts, and to combat redness in my t-zone. Another product I’ve been using intermittently since December: these Niacinamide pads. I really love the instant glow/dewiness/tightness/firmness they impart but I was just reading that Niacinamide (or B3) also reduces inflammation, minimizes the appearance of pores, and lightens dark spots. So I have been incorporating into my daily skincare process. I notice an immediate brightening/firming effect and am feeling encouraged!
What about you? Share yours!
P.S. My everything shower favorites.
P.P.S. Do you remember when we used to take our time?
P.P.P.S. An envelope containing the universe.
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Going to look into the Mother Science moisturizer! Probably better than the Aquaphor that I slather on when my skin feels especially chapped in the winter!
Not glamorous at all, but O’Keefe’s Working Hands is the only hand lotion that I use now. Lots of hand washing and sanitizing (unavoidable as a nurse!) takes its toll and this is the only lotion that keeps my hands looking like hands!
Nicole! I’ve heard such good things about that O’Keefe’s stuff. I feel like my Dad needs it – new stocking stuffer idea. Thank you for sharing! LMK what you think about the Mother Science if you try it!
xx
Any generic hyaluronic acid. Squalane from CosRx, plus “face basting” with a zinc-rich cream like Cicalfate or even zinc diaper crème. Weleda Skin Food in winter weather. Vanicream for body, glysomed for hands. For sunburns, Biafine Emulsion (French pharmacy buy found via Goalstogetglowing). I agree with you on the rescue spray! I use hypochlorous acid cleaning spray (Force of Nature) and it’s such a miracle product, gentle enough to use on the babies and tough enough for the big germs. Obviously the one for skin care is pH balanced and diluted, I wouldn’t swap them! Great the day after shaving legs, I get really autoimmune fueled eczema and ingrowns. I also use a chlorohexadine disinfectant wash (like for surgery prep) on any sore toes or nail beds, it’s saved me a lot of grief. I have other skincare to use when things are normal but that’s basic. Oh and if I look hungover/sleep deprived I do your caffeine eye cream in a thick layer like a mask then rub it into the rest of my skin after 10 minutes, and water mist myself through the day with Evian. Red light mask and pimple patches for acne.
Love – you are such a great resource for all the best pharmacy buys. Thank you!!
Very intrigued by the Mother Science product! Mine is Biossance Omega Repair Cream. It really does repair, for my skin! And good ol’ Cerave healing ointment (in the dark blue tube) on top if I really need an occlusive product. I would discourage putting skincare in the car — especially that rescue balm which has oils (esp plant based oils!) which will go rancid in the summer heat.
AH great cautionary note on the balm for the car! What was I thinking.
TY!!
xx