What's in My Travel Bag: My Favorite Skincare Rituals
Long buying trips, tired skin, and the products I can't seem to live without.
Traveling is a big part of my life, especially when I'm out buying for Studio Opal. Long flights, changing climates, walking for miles, and long days exploring shops, markets, and meeting with vendors. I love every minute of it, but my skin doesn't always feel the same way!
Over the years, I've become pretty particular about the skincare products I travel with. I love trying new things, discovering little gems while traveling, and figuring out what really works for my skin.
Most of these products you can find at Studio Opal, and a few you'll have to find elsewhere. I don't think everything I share needs to be something we sell. Sometimes I just want to tell you about something I love.
Right now, my all-time favorite skincare line is Medicube. I'm hooked. The hydration, the way my skin feels plumped up and dewy, especially when I'm tired. It's become a staple in my daily routine.
Before I get into it, I want to say that this is simply what works for me. Everyone's skin is different, and some of us have more sensitive skin than others. I'm not a skincare expert, just someone who loves good products and taking care of my skin.
My Morning Routine
1. Start with a good wash.
Every morning starts with Éminence Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser. I've loved Éminence products for years, and this cleanser is one of my favorites. A good morning wash just sets the tone for my day.
I get all my Éminence products from my favorite facialist, Megan at @coveted.aesthetics. Want a good facial, like a really amazing facial? Go see Megan!
2. A little lifting and hydration.
Next is the Sungboon Editor Silk Peptide Intensive Lifting Ampoule. I love how this feels on my skin, and it's become part of my everyday routine.
3. My Medicube obsession.
After that, I apply the Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum. This is one of those products I really look forward to using. My skin feels hydrated and fresh, which is exactly what I need when I'm traveling.
4. The finishing touch depends on the weather.
I've learned that my skin needs different things depending on where I am.
If I'm somewhere humid, I use a lotion from Tracie Martyn. I discovered it in New York, and I absolutely love it. And if you ever get the chance to visit the Tracie Martyn spa, it's to die for! The lotion holds in all that moisture and those serums without leaving my skin feeling greasy.
If I'm somewhere dry, I use the Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream. This stuff is amazing. It's the perfect finishing touch and leaves my skin feeling so dewy and hydrated.
And of course, sunscreen before heading out for the day! I personally love Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen. This one we do sell at Studio Opal!
My Evening Routine
After a long day of walking, shopping, exploring, and usually eating way too much good food, I can feel the tiredness in my skin. My evening routine is something I really look forward to.
1. Wash the day away.
I start with my Éminence Mangosteen Cleanser again.
If my skin feels especially heavy or like it needs a little extra attention, I'll use a bit of Éminence Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant. I gently massage it in and rinse. I don't do this every night, just when my skin feels like it needs it.
2. Toner and serum.
After cleansing, I use a toner, followed by my Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Peptide Serum.
I love how my skin feels after a good cleanse. The serum seems to soak right in.
3. A little French pharmacy discovery.
One of my favorite finds from Paris is A313, a vitamin A skincare product.
I use this about twice a week, and I've really noticed a difference in my skin. I actually went a little overboard when I first started using it. Too much of a good thing! My skin wasn't happy, so I backed off and found that twice a week works much better for me.
It's definitely one of those products you want to introduce slowly and carefully. I also avoid exfoliating on the nights I use it.
4. The final layer.
On nights when I use A313, I finish with Ialuset Hyaluronic Acid Cream, another French pharmacy find.
This one is funny because when you first put it on, your face looks super white! I just gently rub it in, let everything settle, and head to bed.
When I wake up, my skin feels so dewy, soft, and hydrated. I love it.
A Little Hair & Body Love
I also have to mention my hair products because traveling with curly, dry hair can be a challenge!
I've recently started using Filament hair treatment, and it's made a huge difference. My hair feels softer and stays more hydrated. I'm always having a hard time finding good products for my curls, but I've been combining this with my custom Prose conditioner and gel, and I'm set!
And then there's Le Labo.
Before I head out for the day, I love using Le Labo Santal 33 Body Lotion on my arms, neck, and décolletage. It keeps my skin soft, and the scent is one of my absolute favorites.
I have a few other Le Labo scents I love, too. I'm a big fan of layering fragrances, and lately, Rose and Tobac have become a favorite combination. So good!
A Few Things I've Learned Along the Way
I used to think more was always better when it came to skincare. More products, more treatments, more often. But I've learned to pay attention to what my skin is telling me.
Sometimes it needs extra moisture. Sometimes it needs less. And sometimes the best thing I can do is keep it simple.
I also don't use every active product every night. A313 can be irritating, especially when combined with exfoliating products, so I keep those on separate evenings and give my skin a break when it needs one.
And that's really what this routine is about. Finding products I love, enjoying a little ritual at the beginning and end of the day, and taking care of myself wherever I happen to be.
Some of these favorites are available at Studio Opal, and others are little discoveries I've made along the way. I hope sharing them gives you a few ideas for your own routine.
P.S. One More Thing!
I almost forgot! I've also been drinking K2O by Kylie Jenner every day for about eight months now.
It's a collagen drink mix designed with skin hydration in mind, featuring VERISOL bioactive collagen peptides. I've really enjoyed adding it to my daily routine, and personally, I've noticed a difference in how my skin feels.
I know there are a million products out there promising great skin, but this is one I've stuck with, and I'm happy with it!
And please, if you have a skincare product you absolutely love, I want to hear about it! I'm always curious about what other people are using and discovering. I love skincare and trying new things, so send me your favorites, whether it's something you've used for years or a new little discovery. I love a good recommendation!
Have a favorite skincare product I need to try? Email me at shop@studioopal.com. I'd love to hear about it!
With love,
Kathy
Just a reminder: This is my personal skincare routine, not professional skincare advice. Everyone's skin is different. Introduce new products slowly, follow their directions, and be especially careful with exfoliants and vitamin A products. Daily sun protection is important, too.
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