Towards the end of last year and especially this year, I’ve committed myself to upgrading my skincare routine. Maria and I both experienced after turning 25 that our skin changed somewhat dramatically. I’ve finally gotten down to a couple of products I can’t imagine going without ever again!

To give you a point of reference, my skin primarily needs hydration. Regardless of season it just always seems a little dry these days.

Codage no. 1

This serum is a serious lifesaver. It’s ultra hydrating yet so comfortable and easy to use. I find that it sinks in really quickly and the result is fast. I see a noticeable difference in my skin almost instantly. The consistency is somewhere between water and oil. It’s fairly fluent but not so much that it runs off between your fingers, yet not quite heavy and sticky enough to be an oil. In the winter I use it morning and evening but in the summer I find that only using it in the evening is enough. As far as serums go, the price tag isn’t too hefty on this one and it lasts quite a while. I also like that Codage does a mini size (10 ml), which allows you to try out the product first at a reduced price. That’s how my obsession started and I have since then repurchased the big bottle (30 ml) twice! The product should be available all over Europe, as I believe the brand is French.

Boscia Makeup-Break-Up Cool Cleansing oil

Maria and I were just talking about how rarely we come by good makeup removers. This is one of them though, and I’ve been using it religiously for over a year now and struggle to see myself go back to the more water based makeup removers especially because the skin around my eyes is getting more sensitive and dry! I’ve struggled for years to find a good makeup remover, YEARS! Who knew, all this time I’ve been using the wrong formula! So, a gentle reminder if your routine isn’t really working for you, switch things up a bit. I was using water based makeup removers for years and they are so much work on my waterproof mascara, not to mention they require the use of a single-use product (cotton pad) of some sort. With the oil based makeup remover I simply pump one or two pump onto my fingers and hold them over my eyes, then wash the product off with a damp face cloth.

Pudderdåserne alt-i-en beskyttelse

Sunscreen is a must have in any routine – regardless if it’s sunny or not where you live! I doubt this one is available internationally but maybe you’re able to find something similar. The point is to add a separate sunscreen other than the one you find in your moisturizer or makeup. Let the makeup and moisturizer do their job and the sunscreen do its own job! This product is amazing, and I say that even though it’s a fairly new addition to my routine because I don’t see myself ever switching it up. It’s lightweight, evens out the skin and the skin tone yet you don’t feel it on the skin and it lasts forever. There’s no stickiness, no sunscreen smell, no sweat lock, no nothing! It adds a bit of color, just enough to even out the skin tone, but not enough that it qualifies as makeup, BB- or CC-cream.

Ecooking Peel Mask

Finally, adding a peel mask has made a world of a difference to my skin. This one from the Danish brand, Ecooking, might not be available outside of Denmark, but then I recommend trying out another peel mask – they really do work! I use this once or twice a week depending for about 5-6 minutes, and it honestly feels like I’ve got a layer of brand new skin with a healthy glow. Use peel masks in the evening as they can make the skin flare up a bit but don’t worry, it’s normal! I like that it feels like it deep cleanses my skin, taking away all the excess oil and dirt, yet it doesn’t feel tight and it leaves my skin feeling renewed.

What are your skincare essentials you can’t live without?