Sally started working at Insider in 2018 as an editor and has since held the role of senior editor and deputy editor on the Reviews team. She manages growth for all areas of editorial coverage, with a particular focus on developing tools for editorial decision-making, strategic content planning, and upholding strong journalistic standards for the Reviews team. Sally Kaplan is the Executive Editor for Insider Reviews, a wing of Insider's service journalism team.
PRO INSIDER DERMALOGICA SKIN
I do go back and forth on whether it's worth the price, but I have yet to find a moisturizer that nourishes my skin without setting off any redness. My skin instantly brightens when I put it on, and I like that the ingredients are so clean. I replaced my prior moisturizer with Barbara Sturm's Brightening Lotion after seeing my sister's skin glow enviably on our FaceTime calls. The Trish McEvoy serum is so powerful on its own that I don't use any moisturizer or makeup when I put that on for the day. The SkinCeuticals serum does smell like deli ham (thanks to the vitamin C that's in both cold cuts and vitamin C skin products!), but the smell isn't too bad as long as I use it with a moisturizer. I use either SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic acid or Trish McEvoy's beauty booster serum in the morning, and my skin looks brighter and smoother the moment I put either on. Here are a few products that have made the most a visible difference.
PRO INSIDER DERMALOGICA TRIAL
Luckily, I have found a great dermatologist, and thanks to him, along with some trial and error, my skin and skin tone have improved. I am getting age spots from extensive sun (over)exposure, so I also wanted to combat those while also not irritating my skin. I need to steer clear of products with oils, glycerin, and many other ingredients common in most skincare products. I have sensitive, sun-damaged skin and perioral dermatitis currently kept at bay with a comprehensive skincare routine. Barbara Sturm Brightening Face Lotion, available at Sephora, $205 SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, available at the Dermstore, $166 Trish McEvoy beauty booster serum, available on bluemercury, $130 Dr. Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter You can use it anywhere on your body, like dry hair or nails too.
The simplicity of 100% argan oil also appeals to me since I recently converted my makeup to safer (and "greener") alternatives. The essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants absorb quickly and completely into my skin and make a smoother, softer, bouncier surface. Instead of relying on heavy creams that might clog pores (especially in the summer) this gives me deeper hydration with a more lightweight product. From how greedily my skin absorbs this stuff, you'd think I'd been denying it moisturizer for the last decade. After I've washed my face and applied a toner at night, I'll warm up a couple drops of the argan oil in my hands and rub it into my face and neck. I used to shrink away from the idea dabbing oil on my face willingly, but this is one of the products that has made me an emphatic convert. Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil, available at Sephora, $49
PRO INSIDER DERMALOGICA FULL
Read our full review of the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream here.
But, in the day-to-day, it sinks into my skin quickly and flawlessly, feels light but deeply hydrates, and makes my skin brighter and smoother. This encourages your skin's collagen production, which keeps skin bouncy and elastic. It's packed with nine plant-derived peptide growth factors that mimic human peptides and boost your body's natural cell turnover. This moisturizer was built like a protein shake for your face. I love the safe, transparent ingredients and have-it-all attitude. The company makes skincare that marries the best in synthetic advancements and clean, natural superfood ingredients. Naturally, I want the best of everything, and that makes me not especially brand-loyal - except, accidentally, to Drunk Elephant. I've waxed poetic about this moisturizer and this company before, but they have yet to be defeated for me in terms of quality and consistency. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, available at Sephora, $68