Dawn Siler: Editor’s Picks: 20 Splurge-Worthy Skincare Gifts That You Should Probably Just Buy for Yourself

If you're into skincare—and I mean REALLY into skincare—then no gift would make you happier than a new product or tool to add your growing collection.

Even if you have to buy it yourself!

That's why I created this list of the ultimate skincare gifts that any skincare aficionado would love.

I'm talking about the big guns here, like powerful retinoids, intensive moisturizers and high-tech gadgets, to name just a few. No, they're not cheap, but they might just be the most worthwhile additions to your daily routine. (And now is the time to invest, with so many holiday sales going on!)

Read on to discover this year's best skincare splurges....

The Ultimate Skincare Gifts

ZIIP Nano Current Device

The ZIIP Nano Current Device is like having a professional facialist on call to give you a customized skin treatment. This handheld device emits electrical currents (both micro and nano) that flood cells with ATP, a.k.a. cellular energy. That means it can help with sagging, wrinkles, pigmentation, dark circles and even breakouts!

Augustinus Bader The Cream

Have you noticed? Every other celeb whose skincare routine we've looked at uses Augustinus Bader The Cream. This silicone-free cream isn't just an effective moisturizer. It also features a proprietary complex that is said to activate cellular regeneration... and the overwhelmingly positive reviews indicate that it does. (I just bought a bottle myself, so expect a review in 2020!)

Foreo Luna 3 for Combination Skin

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the Foreo Luna cleansing brush (I only mention it in every one of my seasonal skincare routines!). This year, the brand launched an even smarter version: the Foreo Luna 3. Not only does it deep-clean your skin with non-irritating silicone bristles, but it also syncs up with an app to guide you through anti-aging facial massage regimens. I may just have to upgrade!

Shani Darden Retinol Reform

Shani Darden Retinol Reform (reviewed here) is one of the best retinoids I've ever tried... which is why I just purchased another bottle! The secret to its effectiveness is the combination of retinyl propionate and lactic acid, each in a five percent concentration. I saw great results from this product!

Skin Gym High Frequency Wand

If you suffer from occasional breakouts, the Skin Gym High Frequency Wand is a worthy investment. Inspired by professional facials, it zaps blemishes with high-frequency electrical current, which helps to shorten their lifespan—no drying spot treatments required.

Verso Super Facial Serum

To treat signs of aging without the irritation of retinol, Verso Super Facial Serum is a great option. It contains 0.1 percent of a stabilized vitamin A complex, including retinol retinoate, a powerful but gentle retinoic acid ester. (Types of retinoids explained over here!) So it acts like a 0.8 percent retinol, sans side effects.

BeautyBio The Complete Glo

BeautyBio The Complete Glo has all you need to get started with microneedling at home, from head to toe. This kit includes four different needle attachment heads (face, eyes, lips and body), all of which will help to stimulate collagen and increase product penetration. This is the derma-roller I use personally!

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum is the most popular product from the German skin doctor's sought-after line (see my interview with her here). This weightless, silicone-free serum is packed with hyaluronic acid, purslane and skullcap to plump and protect skin of all types.

Dermaflash Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser

Dermaflash Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser could be a good investment if you struggle with congestion. The "pore extractor" mode uses sonic vibrations to gently loosen and extract dirt, oil and blackheads. Then, on the "infusion" mode, it enhances the penetration of your favourite serums.

Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence

I was no fan of the oils in the Active Botanical Serum, but the Vintner's Daughter Active Treatment Essence, I can get behind. This water-soluble essence promises to gently exfoliate, hydrate, brighten and firm, thanks to more than 35 active botanical extracts infused into the formula. And the reviews are just as glowing!

Saint Skin Micro Press + Youth Serum

Saint Skin Micro Press + Youth Serum solves the problem of what to apply to your skin after microneedling—because it's a tool and a serum in one! The single-use treatment creates microscopic punctures in the skin while simultaneously delivering a blend of nutrients, including vitamin C. Genius!

Ava Isa Ultra Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen

Ava Isa Pure Untinted Ultra Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen

If you saw my recent tutorial, then you know that most sunscreens are failing to protect us from UVA—the rays that cause aging and skin cancer. That's why you need Ava Isa Ultra Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen (in Untinted or Aurora Rose), which gives superior UVA protection in an ultra lightweight and matte formula.

Pulse+Glo Deep & Quick Ion Enhancer

Created by celebrity facialist Georgia Louise, Pulse+Glo Deep & Quick Ion Enhancer is a galvanic current device that pulses active ingredients into your skin. It's designed to work in conjunction with a sheet mask, and promises 10 times deeper penetration. At the same time, it also boosts blood circulation and softens the appearance of pores and wrinkles!

MZ Skin Brighten & Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum

MZ Skin Brighten Perfect 10 Percent Vitamin C Corrective Serum — MZ Skin Brighten + Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum

Vitamin C serums with L-ascorbic acid are notoriously unstable and only last two or three months. So you'll get more bang for your buck from MZ Skin Brighten & Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum. It uses 10 percent ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, a stable vitamin C derivative that brightens, boosts collagen and fades dark spots.

ReFa Carat Face Roller

ReFa Carat Face Roller is a step up from massaging your face with a jade roller. This device replicates the gentle kneading technique of a professional facialist to release tension, de-puff, and get a glow going. At the same time, it emits a mild microcurrent to help with overall firming. I have one of these, and the massaging power is legit!

Alpha-H Vitamin B with Copper Tripeptide

Alpha-H Vitamin B with Copper Tripeptide combines two of the very best ingredients for your skin: niacinamide and copper peptides. The former treats just about everything (read about all its benefits here), while the latter are comparable to retinoids for warding off the signs of aging. It also offers hydration, thanks to hyaluronic acid.

NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device

If your main concern is a lack of firmness, the NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device is your best bet. Similar to the ZIIP, it delivers a painless electrical current that gives your facial muscles a workout. The difference is that it's microcurrent-only, which is the best type for strengthening muscles.

Skin Regimen 1.5 Retinol Booster Wrinkle Concentrate

I'm always on the lookout for new retinoids, and Skin Regimen 1.5 Retinol Booster Wrinkle Concentrate is the latest to catch my eye. It's fragrance-free and silicone-free, and is made with 96.4 percent natural ingredients. (The brand doesn't disclose the percentage of retinol, but be aware that it's not 1.5 percent as the label suggests, since one percent is the maximum allowed over-the-counter.)

Red Light Man Red Light Device

Of course, no skincare recommendations list would be complete without my all-time favourite tool, the Red Light Man Red Light Device. LED devices are becoming more and more popular, but none compare to this one. Not only does it emit the optimal wavelengths for skin benefits, but it's also far more powerful. Read more about red light therapy here and here!

111Skin Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask

Anyone with a penchant for sheet masks needs to know about the 111Skin Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask. Developed by a plastic surgeon, it's made with ultra fine fibres that lock the ingredients (like silk amino acids and arbutin) into your skin. It's no wonder this is one of the sheet mask brands that celebrities always mention!

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Which skincare gifts are you buying for yourself?

Editor’s Picks: 20 Splurge-Worthy Skincare Gifts That You Should Probably Just Buy for Yourself syndicated from The Skincare Edit
December 20, 2019 at 03:56PM

Dawn Siler

Friday, December 20, 2019

Editor’s Picks: 20 Splurge-Worthy Skincare Gifts That You Should Probably Just Buy for Yourself