THE SUNSET TABLE · FAVORITES

Skincare, But Make it Practical

Skincare is one of my main focuses these days, because I’m 39, and let’s just say plumpness, smoothness, and brightness have left the chat. But I’m not team slugging, team overdo-it, or team 20-step routine. I’m team practicality with maximum results. Here’s what I actually reach for.

A little context so my picks actually make sense for you: my skin runs combination and breakout-prone. Some weeks I’m managing active blemishes; some weeks I’m just keeping things calm and bright. That’s why almost everything below has a split: one version for good days, one for the fighting-me days. Pull whichever side matches your skin.

A quick note: Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. I only include products I actually use or would recommend.

Face Wash.

No Makeup

CeraVe Facial Wash
The one nobody’s skin ever hates. Simple, reliable, and what I reach for when I don’t need to remove makeup.

· Shop It →

Makeup On

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil + CeraVe Facial Wash
I start with the cleansing oil, then follow with CeraVe. Anything less and I still find mascara on my pillowcase the next morning.

Shop SKIN1004 → · Shop CeraVe →

Toner

When My Skin Is Irritated

Rhode Glazing Milk or TIRTIR Soothing Milk
This is the step I reach for when my skin needs calming rather than another active.

· Shop Rhode → · Shop TIRTIR →

Actives

Active Breakout

Dapsone

I get this prescribed by my Dermatologist.

Calm Skin

Retinol / Vitamin C Rotation
This is to improve skin texture and fine lines, this is what I consider non-negotiable in my entire routine.

· Shop Vitamin C →

Serum

Estée Lauder PM serum

I love bringing this serum all the way down to my neck and chest.

· Shop Vitamin C →

Moisturizer

AM

ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 / Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

I look for something lightweight and that will work well with sunscreen

· Shop Anua → · Shop Vanicream →

PM

CeraVe / L’Oréal Midnight / Caudalie

I look for something very nourishing and humectant.

· Shop Cerave → · Shop Loreal →· Shop Caudal →

Sunscreen

CeraVe / Supergoop / Caudalie

These all have different textures and SPF I use them depending on my needs for that day.

· Shop Cerave → · Shop Supergoop → · Shop Caudalie →

Misc

  • Body Sunblock: Neutrogena · Shop →
  • Body Lotion: Vaseline · Shop → , though I’ll always love a Bath and Body Works or L’Occitane oil · Shop →
  • Makeup Remover Wipes: Kirkland or Neutrogena · Shop →
  • Micellar water: · Shop →
  • Lip SPF: Aquaphor SPF 30 · Shop →

How I Actually Pair These

I don’t use all of these together. Here’s how I pair them depending on what my skin is dealing with that day.

Morning Routine.

ACTIVE BREAKOUT

CeraVe Facial Wash → Dapsone → Anua Moisturizer → Sunscreen

NO BREAKOUT

CeraVe Facial Wash → Vitamin C → Anua Moisturizer → Sunscreen

Evening Routine

IRRITATED SKIN

Double cleanse if needed → Rhode Glazing Milk or TIRTIR Soothing Milk → Estée Lauder serum → Moisturizer No actives. This is my leave-it-alone night

ACTIVE BREAKOUT

Double cleanse if needed → Estée Lauder serum → Dapsone → Moisturizer

CALM / GOOD SKIN

Double cleanse if needed → Estée Lauder serum → Retinol or Vitamin C → Moisturizer

NON-ACTIVE NIGHT

Double cleanse if needed → Estée Lauder serum → Moisturizer
Sometimes my skin just gets a night off.

None of this is about doing more.It’s about doing the right things for whatever my skin is actually asking for that day.