Karla’s Over the Counter Favorites
This is a list of my current favorites that have also worked for several of my friends and family throughout the years. Each item includes an Amazon Affiliate link that will earn me a commission if you purchase through this link. These items can also be sometimes found at Target and Walgreens.
I would describe my routine as low maintenance, no fuss necessities.
Vanicream Facial Cleanser
The MVP of my life: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. Gentle enough for face but strong enough for whole body. Everyone in my life uses this. You haven’t washed your face if you haven’t washed it with this yet. Retails between $9-$14, so it is extremely affordable. Non scented, no bells and whistles. It doesn’t do 100 different things, it just cleans your face superbly well.
Laneige Lip Sleep Mask
I came across this product while modeling! The ultimate lip saver. I apply after washing my face morning and night and it mostly does the job. I notice during the winter I could use a bit more. 1 jar has lasted me an entire year with consistent use. Retails ~ $23
Vichy Facial Moisturizer
This is my current daily moisturizer! It is pricey (~$30 for 2.5oz) but I had a lot of samples and now I don’t remember what I ever used before this… Well I do, Neutrogena and La Roche-Posay have similar serum type formulas that I liked well enough but Ty is currently obsessed with Vichy and has been purchasing for me since he used quite a bit of my samples. I am thinking about switching it back out for La Roche-Posay‘s formula because I like the scent on LRP, it smells elegant and tasteful and not too overpowering ( usually don’t like any scents!). Also I feel like the Hyaluronic Acid in Vichys formula is a little stronger and more drying to my skin.
Hand/Body Lotions
These two creams are great for dry hands, feet, elbows, etc. The vanicream is a slightly lighter for daily use while this Aveeno is great for when you need some intense moisture repair right away. The Vanicream is unscented which I like for my hands because I don’t like walking around with heavy scents.
Ointments
Ointments are a good way to lock in moisture and help repair small cuts and fissures in the skin. If your skin is already irritated or torn, most lotions/creams will burn/sting you because they all contain chemicals for moisturization. Ointments generally do not contain those stinging ingredients so they’re my go to for extremely rough dry skin. They’re also great to put on top of creams/lotions to lock in those other products and increase efficacy.
Sunscreens
The best sunscreen is “the one you use” but Cetaphil facial moisturizer has been my #1 go to facial sunscreen. It is not a zinc titanium sunscreen so unfortunately it is chemical based and sometimes it does melt into my eyes and it stings. But for the most part everything works out fine with this sunscreen. Like most sunscreens it does have a bit of purplish tint but I think it fades pretty quickly. My housemate likes this formula too and said it leaves a flattering dewy glow, I agree! When I don’t want to do the purplish glow at all I like to use Cerave Tinted sunscreen. Both of these items retail ~ $13-$15. I bump up to SPF 50 during the summer. If you have a really oily face (which you shouldn’t if you’re washing with Vanicream then these sunscreens might not be for you.) Try Neutrogena sunscreen formulas, I find them usually more matte.
Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
My bf and my housemate both use this even though they have very different types of hair. This is the most moisturizing hair mask I’ve yet to experience. I discovered it around 2011, I realized it was amazing, forgot it about it then years later came across it and haven’t looked back. I have an irrational fear that this will be discontinued one day. I usually lather it in for 5-7 minutes rinse off with cold water repeat 1 more time, and do this every week or so.
DHS Zinc Shampoo
Before doing my hair mask I use this shampoo about once weekly or so in combination with the hair mask. This shampoo contains zinc, it is really great for dandruff and itchy scalp. It is not great for colored hair. I express a lot of caution with this product because it will remove all the oil from your hair/scalp so it can feel a little scary because if you don’t have a good hair hair mask to use right after your hair will feel verrrrryy dry. But it definitely works to pull all the oil out but that allows your scalp and hair to be clean and absorb the good/clean oils you put into it. My hair feels sooo clean after using this stuff and so nourished after using the hair mask.
Moroccanoil Treatment Light
This haircare brand I also came across it in modeling. I really liked when stylists would use the hair spray but I don’t really use hair spray in my regular life. But when I was shopping for a new hair oil I decided to try out this one. I chose the ‘light’ version because my hair strands are very thin. I have a lot of hair, but the strands are thiiiin. So I wanted an oil to lock in my moisture but not weigh my hair down and this worked perfectly! I usually apply on damp hair after washing it. It has a soft smell.
Disclaimer: I don’t only use over the counters!
I used a small, peasized amount of prescription retinol 3-5 times a week depending on how dry my face is. I also use Onexton (a mix of Benzyol peroxide and Clindamycin) for spot treatment on cystic pimples as needed. Always check with a medical provider for possible interactions before starting anything medicated. Wash off retinol in the morning, never go out in the sun with retinol on your skin. If your skin is irritated from retinol let your skin heal for a few nights with ointment.