In our minds, aestheticians double as skin-care gods. So, when we’re looking for the best new products to try, there really isn’t a better source than the pros who truly know it all.
Below, we get the inside scoop on what our go-tos are using both morning and night during quarantine (aka the products we’re adding to our online shopping cart ASAP).
Danuta Mieloch, aesthetician and founder of Rescue Spa
Morning Routine:
“I start my day off by cleansing with Biologique Recherche Lait VIP 02 ($102). For my toner, I switch off between Biologique Recherche p50 1970 ($103) and the MBR Lifting Toner ($330). Staying on the Bioloque Recherche trend, I use their Serum Amniotique ($131) on the daily. For moisturizer, I like to switch it up with the MBR Cell-Power Neck & Decolleté Cream ($337); I use MBR’s The Best Eye Cream ($1,222) to go alongside. In terms of SPF, Jan Marini’s ($53) is my go-to. If I’m applying makeup, I go with the Valmont Elixer Foundation ($275) in the color Rosy Beige in New York.”
Evening Routine:
“At night, I like to double cleanse and I really focus on massaging the products into my skin. First, I use the Lait VIP 02 again and I follow that with the MBR Enzyme Cleansing Booster ($227). Then, I apply Environ’s Concentrated Retinol Serum 1 ($70) and I wait 20 minutes before I follow that with Environ Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream— both retinol and vitamin C are the building blocks of collagen. I love using microcurrents because they improve circulation and help the muscles in the skin feel firmer and lifted. From time to time, I will use Nuface ($325) or ReFa ($290).”
D’Andre Michael, celebrity makeup artist and aesthetician
Morning Routine:
“Everything I use is from Dr. Barbara Sturm. In the a.m., I either use her Cleanser ($70) or her Darker Skin Tones Enzyme Cleanser ($75). I love her Cleanser because it removes makeup, dead skin, pollutants, impurities and also prepares your skin for moisturizer. The Darker Skin Cleanser is great because it’s a two-in-one cleansing foam and exfoliator—I only use it two to three times per week. This one is ideal for oily and combination skin. Then comes her Hyaluronic Serum ($300), which provides instant hydration on the surface of the skin and lasting hydration in the deeper skin layers. Next, I use the Anti-Pollution Drops ($145), which I love now that we’re glued to our phones and computers during this quarantine. Finally, I use both her Eye Cream ($140) and Face Cream for Men ($215). Both of these are very hydrating and the moisturizer is great for sensitivity and irritation from shaving.”
Evening Routine
“I repeat a lot of the same products from the morning in my evening routine. I use the Darker Skin Tones Enzyme Cleanser again. Then I use her Balancing Toner ($75), which is the best because it is alcohol-free and formulated for daily use. Then comes her Face Mask ($120). This one is a must have—It’s deeply hydrating and can be used two to three times a week. Her Hyaluronic Serum comes next along with her Night Serum ($310), which works as an anti-inflammatory and boosts the skin’s nightly renewal process. Her Face Cream and Eye Cream are my two final steps (again) along with my favorite Lip Balm ($55).”
Shani Darden, celebrity aesthetician and founder of Shani Darden Skin Care
Morning Routine
“In the morning, I like a cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin like my Shani Darden Skin Care Cleansing Serum ($38). It has hyaluronic acid and glycerin which draw moisture to the skin. Post-cleanse, I use the Déesse Pro LED Mask ($1,900). I leave this on for 20 minutes to start my day off with glowing skin—It’s one of my favorite treatments for aging in reverse! Next comes iS Clinical’s Pro-Heal Serum ($155). This goes on every morning before sunscreen. It’s an amazing vitamin C serum that helps to offset the effects of environmental stressors like pollution and UV exposure. Wearing sunscreen every single day is the most important thing you can do for your skin to keep it youthful and glowing, so I always wear it every day—even right now! I love one that is lightweight yet hydrating like Supergoop’s Play Everyday Lotion ($22).”
Evening Routine:
“I use my Cleansing Serum again to remove all traces of makeup and buildup from the day. Then, I use Retinol Reform ($88) almost every single night. It combines lactic acid and retinol to speed up cellular turnover and bring fresh skin to the surface. One or two times per week, I use the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads ($88) to exfoliate. Exfoliation is necessary to remove the dead layer of skin on the surface so that your treatment products can do their job! If I need extra hydration, I’ll add in Dr. Nigma’s Serum No 1 ($185), a hyaluronic acid serum to deeply hydrate and plump up the skin. Finding a great moisturizer that works well for your skin type is so important. For more normal to oily skin like mine, I prefer my Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer ($48).”
Ildi Pekar, celebrity aesthetician
Morning Routine:
“I believe that less is more during these trying times. We’re not wearing as much makeup as usual and our skin is not exposed to the city air every day which is definitely helping. I’m only practicing my most necessary steps—I start by washing my face with an antiseptic, soothing cleanser. The Creamy Honey Cleanser ($65) from my line, PEKAR, is my favorite. Then, I use the Hungarian Thermal Water Tonik ($88), CBD Tissue Repair Serum ($148) and my Raw Honey Moisturizer ($78) to finish things off.”
Evening Routine:
“My p.m. routine does not vary much, the only steps I add are exfoliation (only two to three times per week), toner and an occasional mask. For a deep exfoliation, I use my Exfoliating Face Polish ($69) and follow that with an anti-inflammatory toner. As part of my self-care day, I will use my Thermal Water Mud Mask ($98) or a mix of home remedies. Sometimes I’ll make a parsley mask, tomato mask or a sour cream mask.”
