Once you get me talking about skincare, there’s a very real chance I won’t stop. Just give me five minutes and I’m off on a full-blown TED Talk about serums, peptides, and prioritizing your skin barrier!
One of my favorite beauty rabbit holes to go down is exploring products that target very specific concerns. Personally, I’m forever chasing a plump, dewy glow, so I focus on formulas that smooth fine lines, support collagen, and firm skin. And when it comes to hair? The amount I shed in the shower has me irrationally convinced I’m going bald, which is exactly why I’m always testing hair-strengthening serums and scalp treatments.
The point is: being intentional about what you add to your routine really matters. The right product can completely change how your skin looks and feels. Today, I’m sharing some of my personal favorites that do everything from fading dark spots and smoothing fine lines, to firming skin, and supporting hair density.
Has your skin ever suddenly felt tight, super dry, or stingy (especially when applying products)? That could be a sign your skin barrier—aka the layer that keeps hydration in and irritants out—is compromised.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream ($48)
Last winter, my skin started stinging every time I applied moisturizer, which was my first clue that my skin barrier was not happy. Turns out, I didn’t need a harsher treatment. I just needed serious skin barrier TLC.
Designed for dry and sensitive skin, Kiehl’s Repair Barrier Cream supports and strengthens your moisture barrier while visibly reducing redness. The texture is rich and comforting (as it should be), instantly making skin feel soothed instead of tight or reactive. It’s formulated to help relieve irritation and discomfort, leaving even the driest complexions looking soft, smooth, and healthy.
Simply apply it after your serum and gently massage it in until fully absorbed. You can use in place of your regular moisturizer or layer it on top for extra barrier repair.
As we age, our natural collagen production starts to slow down (rude), leading to fine lines, decreased elasticity, and that less-bouncy look no one asked for. I love a glowing complexion, (probably why I’ve always gravitated towards K-beauty’s skin-plumping approach) and the key is using targeted formulas that smooth, firm, and help restore radiance.
Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream ($82)
I first fell in love with Dr. Dennis Gross when my mom bought me one of their clarifying masks, and I saw clinical-grade results at home. Since then, I’ve trusted the brand for products that deliver real results.
Their wrinkle cream combines retinol with a Phyto-Retinol Blend (including soothing botanicals like bakuchiol and rambutan), plus ferulic acid and niacinamide, to visibly firm skin, reduce fine lines, and improve texture. Translation: it tackles that “less-bouncy” look head-on while keeping your skin hydrated and comfortable.
Dark spots and uneven tone are usually the result of sun exposure, breakouts, or just time doing its thing. As pigmentation builds up, it can make skin look dull or patchy, even when the rest of your complexion is healthy. Tone-correcting products help fade discoloration and create a more even, radiant look overall.
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution Face Serum ($35 – $155)
While I haven’t struggled heavily with dark spots, I still like to be proactive about keeping my skin looking bright and even.
Kiehl’s serum is lightweight, non-sticky, and can be applied over your whole face, or as a targeted spot treatment on the face, neck, chest, and hands. It’s powered by activated Vitamin C, white birch, and peony extracts to help reduce visible dark spots and support a more even skin tone over time.
About half of women will experience some form of hair loss in their lifetime. And while I’ve been blessed with a thick head of hair, my strands started feeling thinner in certain spots during and after pregnancy. Coupled with the normal shedding I see in the shower, it made me a little paranoid, which is what led me to start exploring hair-strengthening serums.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density ($24)
I own this magical little serum and absolutely love it. The lightweight, concentrated formula supports the scalp and encourages thicker, fuller-looking hair. It combines multi-peptide and plant-based technologies without weighing your strands down. My pro tip: apply to clean, damp hair to avoid greasiness, ideally at bedtime. After consistent use, the difference is noticeable!
Anti-aging is THE big one—probably the category we think about most in skincare. And while aging is totally natural, it’s also never too early to be proactive. Even in your twenties, building a solid anti-aging routine can help prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness down the road. A great anti-aging cream doesn’t just address what’s already there, but helps keep your skin plump, radiant, and resilient for years to come.
Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream ($65)
The Clarins brand is known for a plant-powered approach—it’s all about efficacy without being harsh, which makes me feel good about what I’m putting on my skin. Their Multi-Active Night Cream is a prime example. Packed with 2% niacinamide and organic Sea Holly bio-extract, this night cream tackles early signs of aging while also fighting stress-induced damage. It helps visibly reduce fine lines, refine texture, minimize the look of pores, and strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier.
With the right staples, you can feel confident that your hair and skin are getting the intentional, targeted care they deserve.
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