Say hello to my current anti-aging skincare routine. I update this post quarterly so it continues to reflect what I am currently using and loving—be sure to check back! Here’s what’s giving my skin its glow this winter.

By: Lisa Fennessy

IN THIS POST:

• TNK hierarchy of skincare
• What’s up with my skin right now
• Morning routine
• Evening routine

This post is beneficial in a couple of ways. First, let’s be honest—I get to try A LOT of product. Some things I try once or twice and others take up residency in my skincare routine. Some products I enjoy, but I wouldn’t purchase again; others I rave about and would purchase a million times over.

To help paint a picture of what you are seeing here, let’s create a TNK skincare-usage taxonomy, or hierarchy, if you will.

RELATED: My guide to the best skincare routine for your skin type.

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TNK hierarchy of skincare

1 | Rave-worthy, scream it from the rooftops, saw a difference in my skin, will repurchase again and again. (Think Maya Chia’s The Straight A, ILIA’s Fullest Volumizing Mascara or 100% Pure Eye Gels.)

2 | Loved it while it lasted and would repurchase. Gorgeous products that offer skincare benefits, work and have a beautiful sensory experience. This category is robust!

3 | Enjoyed it while it lasted but won’t repurchase. There is definitely a category of products that are “fine” but just don’t stand out in any special way for me. This category is also robust.

4 | Liked it, but probably wouldn’t recommend it. This category is reserved for items I enjoyed but I would not recommend because maybe the scent profile is too specific, the packaging is off in some way or it didn’t deliver consistent enough results.

5 | Didn’t like it, wouldn’t recommend it. This category is reserved for items I personally didn’t enjoy or that just didn’t work for me.

What you see in this post is what I would classify as a level 2 (unless otherwise noted). Loved it and would repurchase. It’s items that are currently taking up residency and most likely what I will use to the end. I hope that sharing my current skincare routine will help demystify what an effective skincare routine can look like and hopefully inspire yours.

RELATED: Your guide to a nontoxic personal care starter kit & the best skincare routine for acne.

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What’s up with my skin right now

I don’t know about you, but this winter my skin is craving all the hydration. It’s so bad right now, sometimes I reach to my face to check if I applied moisturizer or if I forgot. Part of this is because it’s been so cold in Atlanta (one day it was even -1 with the wind chill, which has NEVER happened in the 6 years I’ve lived here).

The other part is I don’t drink enough water. 🤷🏻‍♀️

And the other part is I’m trying a new retinol which is turning my skin over FAST, leaving it a bit on the dryer side. 

I love using a retinol because it changes the skin on a cellular level, including the clinical improvement of fine wrinkles, stimulation of collagen, effectiveness in the treatment of aging and photoaging. And I especially love using a retinol in the winter because I’m outside less and generally exposed to the sun less and I feel like I get better results during this time of year. 

Right now I’m trying Marie Veronique’s Multi Retinol Night Emulsion and it’s WOW. Marie is calling it the first microbiome-friendly replacement for prescription retinoids. It delivers 2 types of retinoids: an encapsulated retinol as well as retinyl sunflowerseedate and pairs them with bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol-like active). 

Marie says, “This load-sharing, synergistic approach makes MULTI-RETINOL NIGHT EMULSION a much stronger all-round age delayer than simply opting for a higher percentage of retinol.” 

My take? It’s strong and it works. It also feels really good on my skin—I’m talking within the first day or two my skin felt really soft and smooth. I found myself just feeling my face because it felt so good, lol. l also like how moisturizing, rich and creamy it feels going on too. I started out using this nightly but I had to scale back because I could really feel it. 

I’m also relishing in all the BLÜH ALCHEMY. It feels like an absolute treat to go back to one of my favorite lines and just let it do its magic. I love their Toning Elixir, which is SUPER HYDRATING, delivering the power of a face serum but in a mist form. 

And speaking of massive hydrators, I’m OBSESSED with Alpyn Beauty’s Triple C Bounce Cream. It’s made with over 50% aloe vera and it’s a BEAST at not only delivering hydration but also at keeping it in. My skin feels so plump and happy and bouncy. I’m scraping the bottom on this one (there’s a reason this made my top products of 2021 list). 

Okay, here’s what’s working for me this winter.

RELATED: Have sensitive skin? Check out Nicolle’s sensitive skincare routine.

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Morning Routine 

1. Leahlani Pamplemousse, 3.38 oz | $56
2. BLÜH Alchemy Toning Elixir, 3.4 oz | $54
3. BLÜH Alchemy Multi-C Serum, 1 oz| $140
4. Alpyn Beauty Triple-C Bounce Cream, 1.7 oz | $49
5. Le Prunier Plumscreen SPF, 2 oz | $78

Save: Use Code TNK15 to save 15% at BLUH Alchemy.

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Evening Routine 

1. Leahlani Pamplemousse, 3.38 oz | $56
2. BLÜH Alchemy Toning Elixir, 3.4 oz | $54
3. Marie Veronique Multi Retinol Night Emulsion, 1 oz | $135

Save: Use Code TNK15 to save 15% at BLUH Alchemy.

RELATED: Best tips from an esthetician to reduce wrinkles.

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If you are on a skin hydration journey like me, hook yourself up with some of these mega hydrators and be sure to report back—I want to know what you end up trying and liking! 

TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.