Meagan Fowler

A Few of My Favorite Things: Skincare (Right Now)

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I’ve never been someone with effortless skin.

Not in my teens. Not in my twenties. And definitely not now, as I’m inching closer to 40.

For a long time, I thought good skin came from finding the product. The one thing that would fix everything — the redness, the uneven texture, the fine lines that seemed to appear overnight.

But what I’m learning (slowly, and sometimes stubbornly) is that it’s not one product.
It’s consistency. It’s layering the right things. It’s listening when your skin says, “this is too much.”

And it’s being okay with progress that doesn’t always show up dramatically in photos.

These are a few of the products I keep reaching for lately — not because they’re perfect, but because they’ve earned a place in my routine.

The Ones I Keep Coming Back To

There’s something comforting about having a few staples. The kind you don’t have to think too hard about.

Right now, my routine usually starts with a gentle cleanse using
The Lyfestyle Co. Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser or the
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm — depending on how much makeup I’m taking off that day.

Both feel simple, reliable, and most importantly — they don’t leave my skin feeling stripped.

After that, I’ll go in with something like the
Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser or
Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap (Mild)
to actually cleanse my skin without overdoing it.

Hydration First (Always)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that everything works better when your skin is hydrated.

Lately, I’ve been using the
TULA 24-7 Ultra Hydration Triple-Hydra™ Serum
as my base layer. It’s one of those products that doesn’t feel dramatic, but my skin definitely notices when I skip it.

On nights when my skin feels like it needs a little extra support — especially after using actives — I’ll layer in something like the
Avène Hydrance Boost Serum
or even the
Olay Collagen Peptide Serum for a little added hydration and support.

The “Trying to Be Consistent” Phase

A few months ago, I added Vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.

I really thought I’d wake up one day and see a dramatic difference.

That hasn’t exactly happened.

What I have noticed are smaller things — slightly smoother texture, makeup sitting a little better, and less of that dull, tired look some days.

It’s subtle. And if I’m being honest, sometimes a little frustrating.

The Missing Piece

One thing I’ve realized recently is that I was missing something.

Not more products — just the right one.

For me, that’s been adding a BHA exfoliant — something that actually helps clear out the small bumps and congestion that sit under the surface.

I’ve started incorporating the
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
a couple nights a week, and it already feels like it’s doing something my other products weren’t.

Not harsh. Not overwhelming. Just… effective.

Treatments (When I Feel Like I Need a Reset)

When my skin feels a little off or textured, I’ll occasionally use the
Versed Doctor’s Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask
or the
DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask.

Not every week. Just when my skin feels like it needs a little extra help.

I’ve learned the hard way that doing too much too often doesn’t help — it just makes everything angrier.

Daytime: Keeping It Simple

In the mornings, I try not to overcomplicate things.

After skincare, I’ll usually go in with something lightweight like the
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 35
or
DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46.

Both give me enough coverage to even things out a bit without feeling like I’m wearing a full face of makeup.

What I’m Trying to Focus on Now

Instead of constantly switching things out, I’m trying to stay consistent:

  • Hydrate well
  • Use actives on a schedule (not all at once)
  • Protect my skin during the day
  • Keep things simple when my skin feels overwhelmed

And maybe most importantly — not expect overnight results.

The Truth About “Favorite” Products

If I’m being honest, my favorite products aren’t the ones that promise the most.

They’re the ones that:

  • don’t irritate my skin
  • work well with everything else
  • make my skin feel balanced

That’s it.

Nothing revolutionary. Just reliable.

Where I’m At

My skin isn’t perfect.

There’s still redness. Still texture. Still days where I feel like nothing is working the way I want it to.

But it’s better than it was. And I’m learning to notice that — even when it’s not dramatic.

And maybe that’s the whole point.

If you’re figuring out your own routine right now, I hope this reminds you that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Or perfect. Or immediate.

Just consistent.

And maybe a little patient.

Shop My Routine

If you’re someone who likes to see everything in one place, here’s what I’ve been using lately — broken down in the order I actually use it.

Nothing complicated. Just what’s working for me right now.

🧴 Makeup Removal

🧼 Cleansers

💧 Hydration & Serums

  • TULA 24-7 Ultra Hydration Triple-Hydra™ Serum
    https://a.co/d/08XUCvHB
  • Avène Hydrance Boost Serum (sample, but worth mentioning)
  • Olay Collagen Peptide Serum

✨ Treatments (Use a Few Times a Week)

☀️ Moisturizer + SPF

  • Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Daily Defense SPF 35
  • DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46

💡 A quick note

I don’t use all of these every day.

Most days are simple:
cleanse → hydrate → SPF

Then I rotate in treatments (like BHA or masks) a few times a week depending on how my skin feels.

I’ve learned that doing less — but doing it consistently — works a lot better for me than trying to do everything all at once.

If you try anything from this list, I’d love to hear what works for you. I’m still figuring it out too.

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● About Me

I’m Meagan, the creator and author behind this blog. Join me as I share my thoughts, life and love of coffee.