I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: I don’t exactly have a standard skincare routine. As someone whose job it is to test the latest beauty launches, my regimen is forever in flux. The only time I stuck to a strict lineup was leading up to my wedding (sorry, but I wasn’t risking a reaction right before walking down the aisle!), and right after saying “I do,” I was back to playing guinea pig. But that doesn’t mean I don’t ever play favorites. There are a few standout formulas I buy (and buy again) whenever I need a reset, and much to my delight, the majority of them are discounted for Dermstore’s Anniversary Sale.
Yep, from now through August 13, savvy beauty shoppers can score up to 25% off editor-favorite brands like Dr. Diamond’s Metacine, SK-II, 111Skin, and Sisley Paris—all of which have a place in my no-fail skincare roster. Scroll ahead to shop every item I swear by before they inevitably sell out (because you know I’ll be buying backups), and don’t forget to use the code CHEERS at checkout for major savings.
Shop My Go-To Skincare Products From Dermstore
If you know me, then you’re probably sick of me recommending Dr. Diamond’s Instafacial Plasma serum. Most likely, you already own it after I’ve raved about its glass skin-enhancing abilities. But if you somehow haven’t tried the magic yet, I implore you to make the splurge while it’s on sale. I’ve emptied four bottles and counting!
My husband and I legitimately fight over our shared bottle of Paula’s Choice 2% BHA toner, and I think it may be time to officially get him his own. The formula’s skin-smoothing power is unmatched, especially during the summer when my pores easily clog with sweat.
I genuinely fall in love with every U Beauty product I try. True story: A few days before my wedding, I ran out of my beloved Super Hydrator and couldn’t wait for shipping, so I sprinted to restock it person. With this set, I can score that same moisturizer, plus the cleansing balm, smoothing serum, eye cream, and neck cream for essentially the same price. Plus, it comes with a chic custom travel bag for on-the-go applications. My in-flight skincare routine is officially a lock.
Countless lip balms claim to rival the results of filler. This one actually delivers. Formulated by an industry-leading dermatologist, the clinically-backed, peptide-infused formula has been shown to increase lip smoothness up to 40%, enhance lip volume up to 21%, and reduce lip lines up to 33%. Anecdotally speaking, it makes my lips look noticeably pillow-soft and plump. I rarely finish a lip balm before I’m testing the next buzzy launch, but I emptied this one completely. That’s when you know!
Of course, I must call out one of my favorite French pharmacy staples. Embryolisse will forever have a place in my skincare routine, but I especially love to apply it before a big event, as it looks flawless underneath makeup. Pro artists agree; I have yet to meet an expert who hasn’t included it in their kit.
Speaking of event prep, these SK-II sheet masks are also nonnegotiable before applying foundation. I don’t use them every single time (I’m currently out, hence the need to restock), but when I do, I 1000% notice a difference. My skin looks brighter, plumper, and overall “camera ready.” They are pricey at $100 for a pack of six, which is why I recommend snagging them whenever they go on sale—like, ahem, right now.
BeautyStat’s lightweight, ceramide- and hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizer is a drink of water for your face. That’s really the only way I can describe how plump and hydrated my skin feels after massaging it in. My ultimate pet peeve is when a water-based moisturizer merely sits on top of the skin and pills; rest assured, this formula sinks in quickly and actually quenches thirsty complexions.
Yes, this is probably the most expensive eye cream I’ve ever owned. Let me tell you, though, it is 100% worth the splurge. I love it so much I was legitimately scraping the sides of the jar to enjoy one last application (photo evidence below). It also rarely goes on sale, so there’s never been a better time for me to restock.
I’ve flown through two bottles of Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum, and I think it’s officially time to level up. The brand offers the same formula at six different concentrations (1, 3, 6, 10, 20, and 24), so there’s no need to switch to an entirely new product if you’d like to increase the strength. It’s a smart move if you don’t want to play a retinol guessing game!
Twist my arm, and I’d tell you 111Skin is responsible for my all-time favorite sheet masks. (While SK-II is superb for event prep, I use these more regularly.) The only problem? There are multiple lines to choose from, and they are quite expensive. That’s why I always recommend the brand’s bundles, as you really do get the best bang for your buck. With this $128 set, you’ll score seven different masks (my go-to is the Celestial Black Diamond firming mask) and a leather travel case for easy organization.
Allow me to reveal the mineral SPF I’ve been slathering on all summer. Yon-Ka Paris’s weightless formula is an absolute dream, absorbing effortlessly into the skin and even calming redness thanks to the additional allantoin. I tend to skip the daytime moisturizer during the summer to prevent greasiness, and this fluid-like formula is hydrating enough to keep my skin nice and supple.
Look, I’m very discerning when it comes to TikTok-viral beauty products. Many don’t deserve the internet hype, but PCA’s Hydrating Toner does deliver spectacularly dewy results. You might not notice it immediately, but trust that the formula makes your skin look glassy smooth over time.
