I'm new to the skincare scene! So I'm looking for recommendations on your favorite skincare products in anti-aging for combo- normal to dry skin. 😊💕 List your steps in order, cleanser, toner moisturizer, etc., so we can follow your routine.

Help out the new folks! What skincare products are great for an anti-aging routine AM/PM?

What is your best product recommendation to reduce the appearance of fine lines and crows feet around the eyes? I've heard that keeping this delicate area well hydrated is a must. Can Matrixl, ceramides and peptides be helpful?

Fine lines and crows feet begone! Or at least be less noticable.

I know we've all had that one product that you'll swear to never purchase again. Tell us your most cringe-worthy product! We'd all love to know what to avoid! Mine is from many years ago, the infamous St. Ives Apricot scrub that felt like sandpaper rubbed on my cheeks. Skin felt soft after rinsing but my poor skin barrier took a major beating. My cheeks were very red for a week or two. Woof, never again.

The most cringe beauty product you've ever tried?

This serum does not provide any holding power and I found that my hair retained some frizzyness without the added use of some leave-in conditioner and hair gel to lock the moisture in. Some people may not like the fragrance, so I hope MISE EN SCENE will come out with a fragrance free product in the future. 

I received this product for free from Picky and MISE EN SCENE in exchange for my honest review. This product is a k-beauty hair serum consisting of seven nourishing oils that are meant to protect and strengthen dry, damaged hair. I have dry, fine, curly long hair that requires lots of moisturizing products to prevent frizz. 
Use this for your "oil" step post shampooing and conditioning. After cleansing hair and towel drying, I use 1-2 pumps working through my hair with my fingers, focusing on the ends. Then I use either a diffuser or let it air dry to prevent frizzing. Once hair is dry, you can add a pump of extra serum on the ends for added protection. I found the hair serum to have a pleasant citrus floral scent that dissipates after 15 minutes. I've used this serum for over two weeks, and have found my hair to be ridiculously softer, have some shine plus fewer breakage and split ends. 

The strong floral scent may deter those with sensitive noses. Dr. G, as the brand is known to be for those with sensitive skin, please make us an un-scented version of this cream. My combo skin t-zone did get a little shiny during the day, so I'll reserve day wear to my dry spots. Use sparingly in the day if you have oily skin.

I received this product for free from Picky and DR.G in exchange for my honest review. The glass jar felt heavy and high-end plus it came with a clear spatula for hygienic removal of the cream. The white cream appears rich, silky and moisturizing without feeling sticky. There is a strong floral fragrance that dissipates after a few hours. The ingredients are considered anti-aging and good for sensitive skin. Ingredients include niacinamide, adenosine, pearl extract, snail secretion filtrate, and portulaca oleracea extract. All of which are known for moisturizing, firming, brightening and softening wrinkles. The cream can be applied both AM and PM for maximum benefits. I've used this for about 3 weeks and have noticed my fine lines are plumped up   and skin looks and feels soft and bright. This is excellent for dry, thirsty skin.

Avoid using at the same time as retinols and other exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs. The first week I noticed some stinging after use on my neck. I had just stopped using a retinol product so my skin was a bit more sensitive than usual. Adding a good moisturizer helped reduce the stinginess and the sensation is gone now after two weeks of use. I recommend waiting a week between stopping the harsher exfoliants and starting the mandelic acid to avoid any unpleasant stinging. 

I received this product for free from Picky and By WISHTREND in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed using this gentle chemical exfoliator on my dry skin. The packaging is clinical in appearance and clearly states it's intended use and benefits which I appreciated seeing upfront. I like the small dispenser opening where you can shake out a few drops at a time and not waste any product. It contains 5% mandelic acid which has a large molecular size; therefore, it absorbs more slowly and is more gentle on the skin than many AHAs and BHAs. This would be an excellent choice for those who have dry, sensitive skin or are acne prone. There is also licorice root which can help with hyperpigmentation. After cleansing, you shake out around 3-4 drops onto your hands and pat on your face. Or you can take a cotton pad and apply a few drops and swipe across your face for a more exfoliating effect. It looks and feels like water with a mild scent. It dries to a tacky state, which is gone after I apply moisturizer and sunscreen. Plus it sits really well under makeup without pilling. I noticed a mild plumping effect with regular use and my skin felt soft and free of dry, rough flakiness, so it's perfect for winter skin prep. It also contains beta-glucan, panthenol and centella asiatica which are lovely ingredients for supplying moisture to the skin. It can be used daily, AM and PM, but if you are really sensitive, try just doing once a day 3-5 times a week to start.

I have not had any bad reactions and find this product to be a fun, vegan alternative to snail mucin products. 

I received this product for free from Picky and MIXSOON in exchange for my honest review. I've used the MIXSOON Bean Essence for two weeks and have found my skin to be very soft, gently exfoliated and well hydrated thanks to it's fermented ingredients. There is no fragrance and it has a loose gel-like texture with a fun, stringy consistency that reminds me of COSRX snail mucin when you pat it on.  I apply once in AM and PM after using a hydrating toner and pat onto my skin while avoiding the eye area. Then I layer my regular moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup without signs of pilling. You can also use it as a gentle exfoliating treatment by applying and rolling it in small circles until it gets grainy, then wash off with lukewarm water.

The name of the product confused me. I had expected a gel that applies like a mask, dries down and is then peeled off the skin. I was surprised to find that it was a physical exfoliant, which I usually avoid as they are typically very abrasive and irritating for my fair skin. But I was happy to find how gentle this was and am glad to have tried it.

I received this product for free from Picky and DR.G in exchange for my honest review. The packaging is sturdy and the spout keeps the product from coming out messy. The gel is a thin white cream with the texture of fine wet sand when applied to damp skin. First wet your face and work in small circles while avoiding the eyes. The gel turns into white cellulose debris that is then rinsed off with water. My skin felt smooth, bright and gently exfoliated without feeling abraided or tight. The ingredients contain cellulose which is a very gentle, environmentally safe exfoliant, plus vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to brighten and moisturize.

RedPirateQueen