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The Holy Grail: The Top 5 Products I Can’t Live Without

As a skincare professional, people often ask me what are the top products that I can’t live without. We all have those items in our regimen that we cling to with unflinching loyalty, and will not compromise.

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If you're a loyalist, you’re not alone. Euromonitor International revealed results from a study on personal appearance survey.50

And why is this?

It’s because they work! They’re faithful, and they’re always there for us. No matter what choices we make (Sure, I can pull an all-nighter!) or our circumstances (My skin seriously cannot with this dry weather), we know our standbys will be there to rescue us. They’ve been given a permanent resident status in our beauty routines, and our hearts.

I’ve tried a wide variety to products. And, while there are many that I love, there are some that I just can’t live without.

Today, I'm so excited to share my top 5 must-have products with you guys!

These items are tried and true, and they never fail me no matter what season or situation my skin is in. And I can’t wait to share them with you!!

The 5 Holy Grail Products I Cannot Live Without

1. Epicuren Eye CreamEye cream

I’ve used this eye cream day and night since I was 23 years old. I’m 35 now and, I don’t like to brag, but my eyes are still totally youthful, especially compared to my other mom friends that are my age or younger.alana eye cream 1

This is a classic eye cream, so it’s not oily and doesn’t contain any retinols. The secret to this rich formula is the Metadermabolic Enzyme which is a combo of proteins and B vitamins that evens, tones and improves the elasticity of skin around the eyes. It also contains antioxidants to boost tissue repair to combat damage of UV exposure and free radicals.

So, essentially, you get a super moisturizing and anti-aging eye cream that you can use day or night (or both). Your eyes won’t water when applying this product either, so that’s a huge bonus!

I truly believe this product is the reason my eyes have remained wrinkle free for the past 12 years!

Pro Tip: When applying eye cream, use your ring finger (your weakest finger) to gently pat or massage cream into skin around the entire eye area (including brow bone, lid, corners and under eye).

If you’re using eye cream in the morning, allow it to absorb into skin before applying makeup to avoid any powders or concealers getting cakey.

2. Alana Mitchell Hyaluronic Moisture Boost SerumAM serum

Not only did I formulate this serum so that it could be used by people with all skin types, I use it myself daily! I apply this ultra-moisturizing serum twice a day and reapply whenever I need a little freshen up.

I designed this product wanting a great hydrating hyaluronic active ingredient. That’s 20% hyaluronic acid, to be exact, which exceeds many other brands. This active ingredient is a powerful humectant, which means it binds moisture to skin to provide hydration. And, it fights wrinkles and fine lines by plumping skin.

This formula goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly into skin without leaving behind any residue or white streaks. Just apply to skin for refreshing hydration and mission accomplished!fun fact

3. Image SkinCare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Image C

This cleanser is the first product I use in my nightly skincare routine. It removes all the excess oil, dirt and makeup from the day and leaves my face feeling clean and fresh.

It’s also hydrating, so my face feels clean but not dried out. This rich cleanser includes antioxidants and vitamins to balance skin and infuse it with moisture. Its soothing ingredients calm skin so it can be used by those with sensitive skin concerns, including rosacea. It’s so rich, in fact, that it can be used as a shaving cream!

Pro Tip: Maintaining clean skin is the foundation of any good skincare routine. This vital step helps to remove makeup, excess oil, dirt and other pore cloggers. Make sure you’re using the right cleanser for your skin type. If you have oily skin, don’t use one formulated for dry skin.

Always cleanse skin twice a day with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a soft towel. To lock in skin’s hydration, follow up immediately with serums and moisturizers. Clean skin is happy skin!

4. Emani Organic Soy Infused Mascaramascara

Oh, how I love this mascara from Emani. It goes onto lashes so smoothly without clumps or flakes. The benefits of this mascara are two-fold: 1) It curls and lengthens lashes to make eyes really pop. 2) The soy-infused formula nourishes and strengthens lashes to prevent breakage and continues to help your lashes with each use. And, it feels good while you’re wearing it instead of feeling hard or brittle.

It’s also formulated so that even those with sensitive eyes can use it. Bonus points to this mascara for being long-lasting and smudgeproof as well. No raccoon eyes here!

5. Dermaquest SheerZinc SPF 30 - Tinteddermaquest

I love tinted sunscreens! As a busy working mom, I have no time for perfecting my foundation game every day, but I still want to make sure I’m wearing my sun protection daily. With this tinted sunscreen, I get two-in-one SPF protection with foundation-like coverage. It doesn’t provide complete coverage, but it’s pretty close.

This is a physical sunscreen (which I prefer) that uses Zinc Oxide to protect against the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays, so it’s less irritating to skin than chemical-based sunscreens. Plus, Zinc is great for skin, especially if you have acne or sensitive skin concerns as it heals inflammation.

It also absorbs quickly so your skin is left feeling silky smooth, not greasy. And, it doesn’t leave behind any residue or white streaks. This is the perfect sunscreen for everyday wear to give you light coverage and protection that keeps skin healthy and naturally beautiful!

These are my holy grail products. What are the items you can’t live without? Share them with us in the comments section!

3 comments

Thank you for writing in with this question. It is great to hear a women of experience loves to look good and feel great! Keep on moving Continued success in all your endeavors. Blessings

Chimene Jackson @ 2019-02-17 8:19am

Hi, Barbara! I absolutely love the Glo Skin Beauty Luminous Liquid Foundation! https://www.skincarebyalana.com/gsb-luminous-liquid-foundation.html It is a lightweight liquid mineral formula that provides good coverage and offers light-diffusing diamond powder that creates a soft, luminous complexion.

Alana @ 2019-01-10 11:24am

Alana,I’m looking for light coverage,but with the ability to cover some of my lines…I’m afraid I’m already 73 yrs.old,but
my skin is not bad..maybe it can still use some pampering.

Barbara Ann Grimes @ 2019-01-02 7:07am

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