Conveniently, I’ve never been very interested in make-up. I say “convenient” because I’ve never really gotten into make-up. In part because it looks like doing it correctly would add at least 30-minutes to my morning routine (and I like sleep)  but mostly I don’t really understand how to do it – the contouring, the BB cream, the CC cream, the DD cream (does that exist?), primer….

Occasionally I get ambitious and lose myself down a rabbit hole of YouTube beauty channels and inevitably go cross-eyed at all the products and steps flashing before my eyes. Confusion is followed by irritation because all men have to do is roll out of head and head out the door, sending me into a feminist rampage that ends with me throwing out all of my makeup and threatening to stop shaving because THE PATRIARCHY.

….

While I lack the necessary patience for makeup,

I treat skincare like it’s a RELIGION where I dutifully worship twice daily.

Like an overly devout zealot, I alternate between multiple jars of serums, peptides, creams and masks, hoarding them underneath my bathroom sink. I stockpile my favourite products to the point where my closet looks like the skincare aisle of Sephora. ⁠

Initially I started a blog post detailing my daily skincare routine but honestly, it was so long that I feared that I’d perish before finishing it. In the meantime, here are my favourite products at the moment as a primer for the full shebang:

“Buffet” Peptide Serum

Despite the controversy as of late surrounding the umbrella company Deciem, you can’t argue with the price point and BOMB quality of The Ordinary products. The brand eliminates unnecessary and expensive ingredients in favour of a pure formula highlighting one main element.

“The Buffet” is a lightweight, multi-technology peptide serum that efficiently targets multiple signs of aging (fine lines, dynamic lines, wrinkles, etc…) by helping collagen amino acids chain together. The stronger the chain, the firmer the skin and the younger you look.

Use: Twice-daily
Purpose: Anti-aging
Type: Serum
Price: $

“Buffet” The Ordinary, Deciem ($14)

C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

In an effort to aid my skin in defying gravity I invested in this cult favourite brand, Drunk Elephant. While it packed a wallop to my wallet, I was pleased to discover it did the same to the quality of my skin. Applied after the lighter serums but before the heavier moisturizing creams, this revolutionary serum is brimming with antioxidants, fruit enzymes, and essential nutrients resulting in firmer, brighter skin. I noticed a difference immediately!

Bonus: C-Firma has a reservoir effect which means even if you wash and scrub your face,  it will stay active on skin for up to 72 hours.

Use: Morning
Purpose: Firmness and brightening
Type: Serum
Price: $$$$

C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum, Drunk Elephant ($100)

Purifying Peel Off Mask

This alarmingly pigmented product brings me back to elementary school and the satisfaction I’d get from peeling dried Elmer’s glue from my hands after art class.

Inspired by the Japanese holistic food tradition of Washoku, the Waso sticky, concentrated red shiso peel-off mask resets the skin by removing pollutants without compromising its moisture. For extra points, try peeling it off in one piece, revealing a radiant complexion beneath.

Use: Weekly to reset skin
Purpose: Purifying
Type: Mask
Price: $$

Purifying Peel Off Mask, Waso, Shiseido ($32)

Retinol

More skincare products doesn’t have to mean complicated which is why I added retinol from the chic and minimalistic new line, The Inkey List, to my nightly regime. With a single superstar ingredient featured, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that strengthens the deeper layer of skin, promotes skin renewal and enhances collagen production.

With 1% retinol, this particular product is ideal to start with because it’s not too strong. Incorporate slowly into your nightly routine – once or twice a week to start – after toner and before moisturizer.

Use: Nightly to rejuvenate skin
Purpose: Anti-aging
Type: Serum
Price: $

Retinol, The Inkey List ($13)

Retexturizing Rose Clay Mask

We’ve all had those mornings after an overly-festive, tequila-fuelled night where our skin looks how we feel. Have no fear – grab a greasy breakfast sandwich and slather on this two-in-one purifying Mediterranean rose clay mask to draw out impurities.

With Canadian willowherb and exfoliating jojoba beads this mask also gently exfoliates to refine skin texture, leaving a radiantly glowing visage, ready to face the day.

Use: To get oily skin under control
Purpose: Refines pore and retexturizes skin
Type: Mask
Price: $$

Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay, Origins ($33)

Glycolic Peel

You know those rough days where you feel (and look like) a terrifying, dull-skinned dehydrated corpse? Return the rosy glow (of the living) to your face by smoothing on a layer of this gentle resurfacing treatment.

It’s an exfoliating mask containing glycolic acid that refines skin texture while Papaya Enzymes dissolve dead cells and the Viniferine reduces dark spots, reveal a brighter complexion. I love the fresh scent too!

Use: When skin is feeling dull
Purpose: Brightening
Type: Mask
Price: $$

Glycolic Peel, Caudalie ($47)