2022 in review - what's on my top shelf... (skincare edition)

inspired by ITG's Top Shelf series!

Song to listen to while reading:

The Morning - The Weeknd

One big influence behind this blog/magazine is Into The Gloss, Glossier’s online blog. Created by Glossier’s founder Emily Weiss in 2010, ITG covers everything from opinion pieces to skincare, makeup, and haircare.

Their #ITGTOPSHELFIE series focuses on interviewing individuals about their most used and loved skincare, makeup, self-care, and hair products. Even though I’m not an influencer, company founder, creative director, or fashion icon (their intended interviewees), I thought I’d share some of my favourite products of 2022.

Top Shelf Skincare:

Order: Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Face Mask, Lip Balm, Acne Scarring

Note on pricing: I usually get the mini version of some products due to the financial cost of some of the larger sizes.

Notes on skincare: I am by no means a licensed dermatologist or aesthetician, so please take my recommendations with a grain of salt, and always patch-test before trying new products! Everyone’s skin is different :)

Cleanser: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil (light)

The best thing about this cleansing oil is that it also doubles as a makeup remover! The texture is not as heavy as some other oil cleansers, and it gets the job done just the same. It is also unscented and removes even the most stubborn of waterproof mascara and lived-in makeup (thanks again, frat party). Mix with a bit of water to make the most of it :)

Cleanser: Innisfree - Hydrating Cleansing Foam with Green Tea

This cleanser has everything I look for in a cleanser. Cute packaging, not overly scented, and cheap but with high-quality ingredients and for all skin types. A little goes a long way, and a pea-sized amount of cleanser is usually enough for my whole face, - and then some.

Toner: REN Clean Skincare - Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

Okay, this one is a bit of a splurge, but is the only toner that did not destroy my skin barrier before or after Accutane. Although the price is a bit above what I would usually spend for a toner, the size of the bottle usually lasts me a good long while. Depending on how dull my skin is, I use this accordingly, daily is an overstatement. Bonus points for being a very sustainable brand!

Serum: Glow Recipe - Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Watermelon is probably my favourite fruit besides mangoes, and the smell of this serum is enough to have me salivating. The gentle formula and natural ingredients make this serum perfect for the day, just before applying sunscreen.

Serum: Inkey List - Niacinamide

I used to have a love-hate relationship with niacinamide, as I broke out a lot with The Ordinary one. Turns out, my skin is fine with niacinamide, but just not at such a high percentage (10% is crazy, c’mon Deciem). This serum is a bit thicker than other brands and much more soothing.

Moisturizer: CeraVe - Moisturizing Cream (for normal to dry skin)

As somebody who went through their shedding lizard phase after killing my skin with acne medication, this moisturizer was (and still is) my saving grace. It does not feel heavy and acts like a primer under makeup. CeraVe is dermatologist recommended, and their simple formulas and added hydrating ingredients have made this a holy grail product on my shelf.

Sunscreen: Bioré - UV Aqua-Rich Sunscreen

I used to not understand why sunscreen should be worn daily until I read all the UVA and UVB horror stories. Although I would consider myself extremely blessed to have good skin genes (in the aging department, not the acne department, unfortunately), sunscreen is still a must everywhere I go. Since I have combination/sensitive skin, this sunscreen was the only one that did not a) break me out, b) irritate my skin, or c) melt into an oil slick. The formula is velvety and dries down clear on all skin tones. Don’t worry about the forbidden white cast!

Face Mask: Caudalie - Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Mask

This was gifted to me and I absolutely love it. Caudalie is a French skincare brand specializing in Vinotherapy, using grapes and grape extracts to calm the skin. The reason I like this mask is that it only takes 10 minutes to dry, and the formula is a little more liquid than most clay masks. It doesn’t feel like it clogs my pores, and leaves my skin looking glowy and hydrated. Use once a week as a treat or if you need a little TLC.

Lips: Glossier Balm Dotcom

Many people would say that Glossier is overrated, but I’ve been a loyal Glossier girly since the beginning. My other go-to lip product got cancelled for some suspicious things (looking at you Laneige), so making the switch to Glossier made sense since I already owned quite a few of their products. The smells of these are guaranteed to attract anyone around, and my personal favourites are mango, coconut, and rose. They have long-lasting hydration and never feel too sticky or oily.

For Acne Scarring/Dark Spots: REN Clean Skincare - Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream

This product I actually didn’t intentionally purchase, but came in a set with the toner. The packaging is sustainable and recyclable (glass) and lightened the acne scarring that I had left over from years of hormonal and cystic acne. It feels delicate on the skin and is a great overnight treatment for dark spots as well.