Holy Grail Skincare Products: What I'm Currently Using & Loving

My skin is far from perfect — as you can see, I've got my fair share of hyperpigmentation and shininess. But I'm so happy with where I'm at compared to some skincare problems I had years ago when my hormonal acne got bad. I feel lucky that my flare-ups are way fewer than they were, some of which I credit to my holy grail skincare products. I'd started to develop a comprehensive skincare routine right before my hormonal acne struggle began. Once my acne flared, I cut out everything but cleanser and moisturizer. Slowly, I've added products back in — including some that helped me recover from my problems.

1. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

My most toxic skincare trait is probably my attitude toward makeup removal — I get very impatient. I can't stand to use more than a couple products. I've read about this cleansing balm for years, but the price tag held me back. I decided to try it during the Sephora sale and saw the light. There's zero makeup on my skin after using it. SHOP AT SEPHORA, FARMACY

2. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

I've tried my fair share of expensive face washes, and this remains the holy grail skincare GOAT for a reason. It's effective and inexpensive. We love an unproblematic queen. I love it so much that I convinced Vagner to use it — and I can attest firsthand that getting a cishet man to care about skincare is a feat. SHOP AT ULTA, TARGET

3. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

I can't sing the praises of this exfoliant enough. A couple of friends recommended it to me when I shared my hormonal acne struggles, and I decided to try it. That was two years ago, and I've rebought it every time I've run out. I've noticed such a difference in my skin. SHOP AT AMAZON, SEPHORA

4. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads

I picked up a sample size during the Sephora sale just to see what the hype was about, and — tragically loved it. I say it's tragic because of the price tag — 35 treatments are $92. If you're using it daily, that number adds up quickly. To compensate for this, I only use these once every few days. I don't use them the same day as the Paula's Choice BHA Exfoliant (I don't have sensitive skin, but it's a pretty intense treatment). The results are so worth it. SHOP AT SEPHORA, NORDSTROM

5. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

I'm not against investing in holy grail skincare products, but I love finding inexpensive products that do an incredible job. That's why CeraVe is a constant in my routine — along with their facial cleanser, this night moisturizer always gets the job done — and you can often find it for less than $20. SHOP AT ULTA, TARGET

6. Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask

I've got to keep it real: I got so overwhelmed when looking at face masks that I went to Sephora in person and asked a salesperson for their recs. I settled on this niacinamide mask from Farmacy because my pores are one of my biggest skin concerns. It's so light that I put it on before bed and wash it off when I wake up. SHOP AT SEPHORA, FARMACY