My Skin is Thriving + The Skincare Routine That Did It
Lexapro, investing in myself, consistency + skincare, and SO many reading updates!
My in-laws arrive today and we are hosting Easter for my entire family and most of my husband’s family this weekend. It’s supposed to be in the 70’s and I truly cannot wait for some sunshine and family time. Fitz is SO excited, and it’s honestly the cutest thing ever.
If you’ve been following along my stories on Instagram, you’ll know that I’ve not fully been feeling like myself lately, and have decided that I want to go back on Lexapro. It’s happening this week, finally!! I originally went on it about a year postpartum and really wished I had went on it immediately, because having a sick baby during covid was really hard on me. I remember feeling so much less sadness and despair while on it, and needless to say- I need to feel that again in my life!
My husband’s (and my) job are both greatly impacted by tariffs, and to feel like your entire family’s income is being threatened is really scary on top of all the other horrific things happening. I have stopped being excited about going to the gym, I am feeling low energy, and lacking motivation. This probably sounds ridiculous but Colin was worried when he asked me about my deadlift and back squat weight at the gym, and I was like I don’t know, and I don’t care. Thankfully, I haven’t lost my love of reading— if anything I’m probably reading too much to escape reality— as seen by my reading recap at the end of this.
If you made it through all that rambling, you’re a saint. All of that to say that one thing I really want to start to do each week (in Substack) is to share more of what I am excited about, what is bringing me joy and reinvigorating me— and I made the decision to invest in a consultant earlier this year, and it really revitalized my excitement for this work, and it’s one of the best decisions I made. I’m sharing a bit more about that below before we jump into skincare!
Investing in Myself
I can’t believe that I’ve now been creating content for over eight years now, and earlier this year, I needed some solid direction about where to go, what to do, and how to evolve my platform after craving a bit of a refresh. I was considering a few different directions (especially as I am relaunching my consultations- coming soon!!). I needed tactical, hands-on advice. I turned to Julia (aka
), and in one session, she gave me the clarity and roadmap I needed to move forward. She helped me refine my services and pricing, and connected me with a web designer to create a landing page, and from there I booked a photographer for a branding session/headshots, which are happening in the next couple weeks. It’s been about seven years since I’ve had proper headshots done!Whether you're a content creator seeking an expert, external POV or someone feeling career stuck (Julia works with professional across sectors), you should reach out to Julia. In both realms, Julia is also very generous with her network. In addition to our time in-session, she made numerous introductions to members of her network that have been immensely valuable for me (and this wasn't even part of our scope). For example, I want to do more consulting work with brands, and she immediately introduced me to several people in the industry who then shared strategic advice on how to expand those services, the language to navigate these offerings and how to price them. That is just one of many examples of how Julia has given me access to her network. I highly recommend working with her! You can find more about her services on her IG @smarterinasec, her website, or book a free discovery call with her directly on Calendly.
My Skincare Routine
To give some back story on why I am sharing this— I talked about how my skin has been really thriving lately, in this reel:
I’ve been working on a lot of brand projects behind the scenes— some partnerships, but also creating some content for brands (that you’ll likely never see on my page), and so I’ve not really wanted to try new products so that my skin looks it’s best. Everyone is obviously very curious about the exact routine I’ve been using, but I want to remind you that you don’t need to run out and order every single thing that I am using— the key is really sticking with the same products (so long as those are the right products for you) day in and day out that make the biggest difference in my skin (and those of my clients!!) I will never be one to tell you to run out and buy new launches— especially in this economy?! Use what you have, and try something new if you’re called to, once you finish something up. When people in my comments of a new launch say “adding to my wishlist for when I run out of my moisturizer” I feel SO much pride.
With that said, you’re going to recognize all of these products!! I love what I love.
AM Routine
Jordan Samuel Skin Hydrate The Mist - You all know by now, I don’t cleanse my skin in the traditional sense. I love spraying this on a cotton round to wipe down my face in the AM, then applying a few spritz’s directly to my skin. This soothes, hydrates and has antioxidant protection.
Superegg Pure Transparency Essence - (DEVSAY for 15% off) - This is a gorgeous thick and juicy essence with both low and high molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate deeper and surface layers of the skin. It also has Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate helps to gently increase skin cell turnover, which brightens and smooths the skin. Lastly, Cica peptide soothes and calms the skin.
ANFISA An-Dew Serum w/ 10% Azelaic Acid - (code DEVANJESMER for free shipping) - The star here is 10% azelaic acid which helps reduce rosacea related redness and bumps. It also has PHA to very gently exfoliate, and several tyrosinase inhibitors to fight hyperpigmentation- hexylresorcinol, resveratrol, and licorice root. Lastly, it has vitamin c from kakadu plum for additional antioxidant protection, but it isn’t irritating to my rosacea like most vitamin c serums. This is like 3 products in one and really helps streamline my AM routine.
Experiment Molecular Mesh Moisturizer - (code DEVSDAY10 for 10% off) - A mid-weight breathable barrier cream. It nourishes, smoothes and stimulates your skin’s natural repair processes. Fragrance free, acne safe and sensitive skin safe! I can use this both AM + PM, but have been loving this in the morning— it’s amazing under makeup! It ha section, phytosphingosine, centella liposomes and guaiazulene— I notice softer, smoother, more bouncy skin and major redness reduction via its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
La Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Hydrating Cream SPF 50+ (fragrance free version) - I truly truly cannot live without my favorite sunscreen of all time, so much that I bought eight of them in case Europe decides to stop shipping to the US to punish us. I linked the site I purchased from and have purchased from many times (yes, it’s legit! I wouldn’t recommend it if it wasn’t). This is hydrating, but it sets and doesn’t feel heavy or tacky. In the summer or a humid climate I will skip moisturizer under this and it’s perfect. No eye sting, amazing with or without makeup, and has great water resistance for makeup/swimming.
PM Routine
Beekman 1802 micellar Milk Froth Cleansing Gel & Makeup Remover - This is a gel-oil texture that I just love in a first cleanse. You apply on dry skin and work into your SPF and makeup. It then emulsifies and rinses completely clean once you add water. It doesn’t burn or make my eyes cloudy! I feel very strongly that this is one of their best launches! I much prefer it to the new Glossier cleansing balm that feels like an ointment in texture.
Prequel Gleanser - A classic, a staple. We know her, we love her. This is a stretchy gel cleanser that is also an amazing hand and body wash. It’s not drying or stripping. An incredible size and price point.
Violette_FR Boum Boum Milk - (code DEVAN-BBM20 for 20% off) - It is SO HARD to find a milky mist/toner/essence that is acne safe, and enjoyable to use. It was designed for the most sensitive skin. It’s calming, soothing, very anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, and helps to hydrate and balance the skin.
Cipher Skincare The Anomaly Eye Matrix Compound - I’ve always been a fan of eye gels, because I love the way they feel under my eyes. But haven’t found one that is as much of a powerhouse as this one! It tackles fine lines, dehydration, puffiness, dark circles, sallowness, thinning skin, and drooping lids with growth factors, peptides, ectoin, phospholipids + glycolipids, linoleic acid and much much more. The applicator is GENIUS! A cooling roller ball, that feels amazing and doesn’t require my fingers. Also, I’ve been using this for months 1x daily and it’s still going strong! A little goes a long way.
Experiment Super Saturated Serum - (code DEVSDAY10 for 10% off) - a hydrating, barrier supporting serum with 30% glycerin. No matter how sensitized I am, this NEVER burns or stings my face. It has multi-molecular weight humectants like polyglutamic acid, and super soothers like bisabolol, prickly pear extract, and niacinamide to keep irritation at bay. I feel like my skin is much more resilient when I use this.
Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum - (code DEVSDAY15 for 15% off) - this is my hyperpigmentation serum. It’s so easy to incorporate because it doesn’t have additional exfoliants or anything in it that would force me to pause using my other actives. It uses their hero ingredient malassezin to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation. I’ve been using it every single night to prevent sun damage, and to lighten any pigment I do have. It also helps to reduce redness as well as brown tones.
Sachi Skin Ursolic Acid & Retinal Reform - (code DEVAN15 for 15% off) - I have been using this on and off since it launched, and usually along with my prescription Tazorac. However, I recently felt like my skin was just becoming too sensitive to use an Rx retinoid anymore. While my chin seemed to like it, my cheeks became extremely irritated. My rosacea tends to prefer a more gentle approach. This is still quite potent, but gentle enough that I can use it 4-5x a week with no issues. The way this SMOOTHS the skin, yet doesn’t sensitize my skin— is unlike any other OTC retinoid I’ve used! (I rotate this with the Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Clearing Serum, and do not use them in the same routine)
Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Clearing Serum - finding an exfoliant that is effective, but also is gentle enough to not irritate my rosacea has been a struggle, until I found this product! It’s been a game changer for my sensitive acne prone skin. I do still keep a tiny bottle of my P50, so if I do have something deeper on my chin (which is very rare these days), I can treat the area locally to not anger my rosacea!
Sofie Pavitt Face Omega Rich Moisturizer - She is thick, and rich and lasts all night. But this doesn’t just sit on top of my skin— it sinks in and hydrates it!! It smells nice but doesn’t have fragrance, doesn’t feel like glue when I’m applying. It’s INCREDIBLE. My skin is so happy in the morning after using this. I feel like this majorly reduces redness overnight, and it’s a huge reason my skin looked so good first thing in the morning when I filmed that reel. Oh, and acne safe— duh!!
Mother Science Molecular Genesis (code DEVSDAY15 for 15% off) - I love rotating this with the Sofie Pavitt to get some additional anti-aging via the growth factors and copper peptides. This also uses their hero ingredient that is in the serum— malassezin, and together this is meant to help smooth, brighten and firm the skin. It has a thicker, buttery texture but it looks and feels more matte on the skin than the SP. I don’t find it’s quite as hydrating as the SP, so I like to use this on nights where I’m using my Mandelic acid. I save my SP moisturizer for when I’m using the retinoid.
Questions? Let me know below!
I watched the first four episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu. I love that they kicked off the season with three episodes airing right away. I feel like especially with this type of show, and where it’s been so long since last season— it helps pick things back up quickly and gives it some momentum. Episode four aired this past Tuesday (4/15), and from here on out, they release one episode a week (for 10 total). I feel like this is a very rare instance where I haven’t read any of the books, so I genuinely have no idea what’s going to happen and I’m on the edge of my seat!!
I am really behind on my YouTube game, but just watched this Chicken Shop Date with Harris Dickinson (from Babygirl), and it’s SO CUTE. They have such good chemistry! It’s not quite on the same level as Andrew Garfield, but it’s up there.
I have been reading a LOT, and getting more into audiobooks. I feel like listening to them is truly a skill, and I’m slowly teaching myself, if that makes sense? I have to make sure to keep focus, and not let my brain wander— and I’m getting better at it! It’s nice for when I am doing chores, driving, etc. or even nights where I have a headache and just want to relax my eyes.
I am currently reading The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings, who wrote the Magnolia Parks Universe, which is a favorite of mine. This is a wealthy family drama meets romance following Georgia’s return to South Carolina after her father’s sudden death. At the same time, I am listening to Emma Grey’s Pictures of You and really enjoying it so far. It has such an interesting premise— Evie wakes up from a deadly car crash, and she has no memory of her now dead husband, and her best friend and family don’t have a relationship with her, so she is trying to piece together what happened.
I finished Swept Away which is Beth O’Leary’s newest release, and I think it was my favorite book of hers I’ve read! I was expecting it to be more funny, like they’re lost at sea and boozing it up and getting to know each other, but it was actually like they were on Survivor on a houseboat in the middle of the ocean. I really enjoyed it, and very different plot than most romances, obviously!
I read
’s book Wear It Well, which I don’t feel like I learned anything new from. I think it’s worth a read if you aren’t a rabid consumer of her content like I am.I finished the audiobook ARC for Emily Henry’s newest, Great Big Beautiful Life— and I fully understand the mixed reviews. This is more like a general fiction book following a family drama, with a romance subplot. I didn’t feel like the family drama side was that inventive, meaning I feel like I’ve read this book many times before. The romance piece was fantastic, there just wasn’t enough of it. Overall, worth a read, but not my favorite Emily Henry.
I read Tinx’s new book, Hotter in the Hamptons. I am not a fangirl of hers, and know very little about her other than she is a big Tik Toker. I went into this not knowing much about the book itself— and honestly, it wasn’t good. First off, I felt the writing was very elementary. Secondly, she has several LGBTQ+ characters that are written so stereotypically they felt like caricatures. Tinx is straight— and it gave me the ick. I was texting with some friends about this, and they were told me go watch tik tok reactions from the LGBTQ+ community, and needless to say— it has not been received well. I don’t know who let Tinx publish this!
I read Mayluna which was recommended to me by so many people, and while I didn’t love it, I did really enjoy it. It’s a rockstar/music journalist romance— where what happens between them is kept secret for a variety of reasons, until now.
I read Jessica Anya Blau’s new book Shopgirls, which is the same writer as a favorite book of mine— Mary Jane. They’re both coming of age/historical fiction. Shopgirls takes place in the eighties in San Francisco. This writer has a way of making the mundane so fascinating— I couldn’t put it down and I loved hearing about Zippy working in this high end department store. What a fun read! It comes out May 6th— for sure add it to your Libby holds.
Another May 6th release, I read Katherine Center’s The Love Haters, and it was my least favorite book of hers which really pains me. The FMC is annoying, and has body image issues that I didn’t feel were handled with care. The romance was lacking completely, and the plot was barely there. This is one I wouldn’t recommend to anyone, and I don’t say that lightly.
I finished the audiobook for Twisted Games by Ana Huang and I really enjoyed it— it’s not a literary masterpiece but it’s a princess and bodyguard forbidden romance, and just a fun, sexy listen!
Questions? Thoughts? Let me know in the comments!!
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Thank you so much Devan for the kind words and mention! It was an honor to work with you and excited to support you / help you grow in any way 🥹
I’m loving the mandelic serum from Sofie!