I've tried a lot of skincare over the past couple of years - at least 50 products in the past two - and I've learned about what my skin likes, what it doesn't like, and which products I actually use long-term.
My skin is sensitive, so I have to be a little careful about what I use. I've damaged my skin barrier before and have had dermatitis flare-ups from products that didn't agree with me. But I’d describe my skin as normal. It’s not particularly oily, although I still get the occasional breakout, usually around my T-zone.
I'm also interested in skincare and love trying new products, especially Korean ones. So while I have some longtime favorites, I definitely don’t have a fixed 10-step routine I follow every morning and night. I don’t have time for that!
So I thought I'd document what I'm actually using right now. This is my skincare lineup for fall 2026 - what I use, what I like, and what I’ll probably drop before next season.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive compensation when you click on a product link or purchase an item linked on this site. Click here for details.
A personal note: I received many of these products as samples sent to me by brands, while I purchased many others myself. Regardless of how I obtained a product, I've written my honest opinions below based on my own experience using them.
Face cleansers and washes
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam Cleanser
SKIN1004 is one of my favorite Korean skincare brands. I purchased a set that included this Centella Asiatica foam cleanser, but I don't have time to use a set with multiple steps or products every time I wash my face. So I just use the cleanser because it's my favorite item in the set.
My face feels so fresh every time I use this. It's gentle on the skin, with a nice, soft scent, but it also makes me feel awake. I think part of why it feels so good is that it contains a high concentration of Centella Asiatica extract. Even though it leaves my face feeling clean, it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight.
And I need less than a pea-sized amount to wash my whole face, so this container lasts a long time. I'll buy this again when I run out.
BRMUD Deep Melting Mud Pore Cleansing Oil
I use this mud pore cleansing oil as my first face wash of the night. It does a great job of removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen. Those can be difficult to remove with a regular water-based face wash alone, which is why I like using an oil cleanser first.
This one is gentle and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or uncomfortable.
The only thing I dislike is the scent from the mud. After trying it for the first time, I put it aside because of the smell - it smells like mud, which I suppose is fitting - and didn't use it for a while. But then I tried it again and continued using it because I like how well it cleans my face.
At that point, I didn't really notice the scent anymore. I know it still has a scent though, because my husband mentioned it the other day.
It works well, but I'll probably pass on getting it again because of the scent. There are other cleansing oils that can do the same job without a noticeable smell.
Bioderma Sébium Foaming Gel
I purchased this Bioderma gel on a whim and was initially worried because I bought a huge bottle without knowing if I would like it. It turns out I actually love it.
This is the second face wash I use at night after the cleansing oil. It's formulated for combination to oily skin and is intended to help purify the skin and reduce excess sebum.
I like that it's really gentle and doesn't leave my face feeling dry or flaky. I would buy this again too.
Face lotions and creams
Ongredients Skin Barrier Calming Lotion
This Ongredients calming lotion is a lightweight, vegan Korean moisturizer designed to soothe sensitive skin. I’ve been using it every morning for about 10 months now to moisturize my face before putting on my makeup. It’s such a light layer on the skin it doesn’t feel like anything on the face. There’s no scent either, which I like.
I would purchase this again, but I really like trying out face lotions. I’m always on the hunt for the perfect face lotion that will do everything: keep my makeup on intact, moisturize my skin, keep my skin looking dewy throughout the day, feel good on the skin, create a smooth surface for nice makeup application, have minimal to no scent, be cost effective, etc. This one is great, but I like to reach for perfection.
Beef tallow
I know beef tallow gets a lot of flack, and people say it doesn’t work for them. But my face has never looked more hydrated in the morning than when I use beef tallow overnight. It’s gentle on my skin, doesn’t cause me acne, and keeps my skin from drying out.
I didn’t use this for 10 days while traveling recently because I didn’t want to bring a jar of beef tallow. Big mistake! My skin was drier and just didn’t look as good without using this. I couldn’t wait to get home and put it on again. I’m buying beef tallow for life!
The brands I currently use are Terra Lotus and Evil Goods. I have a few more in storage that I’ll get to eventually.
Lip balm
DHC Lip Cream
My dance classmate gave me this DHC lip cream as a small gift at Christmas last year, and I’ve been using it regularly ever since. I like that it’s a thin lightweight tube so I pop it in my makeup bag or purse without adding much weight. It glides on easily, feels smooth instead of sticky, and keeps my lips moisturized. It doesn’t contain SPF so I’m mindful of that if I’m going to be out in the sun. I would purchase this again, especially because the price is reasonable for a nice lip cream.
Dr. Reju-All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Lip Serum
Dr. Reju and PDNR products are so popular in Korea right now that I had to try this lip serum, and I really like it. The main complaint I’ve heard is that it’s too thick, like putting Vaseline on your lips. It’s definitely thicker than the DHC Lip Cream, and you have to like that feeling of a thick layer of balm on your lips, but I actually like the thickness of it. It gives my lips a bit of a glistening shine, and my lips aren’t dry while I use it. Using this through the winter will be a good test of its effectiveness.
Sunscreen
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica
This is my favorite sunscreen. I’ve been using it for years now. It’s ultralight, SPF 50+, and made with 100% mineral UV filters. It’s also designed to prevent and help repair existing sun damage. I have sun damage, so I use this with the hope that it will help. I’m not sure if it actually does it, but I like this sunscreen for many other reasons too.
It's lightweight, blends well into my skin without leaving a white cast, and has the perfect consistency. My makeup spreads easily and lays nicely on top of it. This is the best sunscreen I’ve found in that respect. I could put this on multiple times a day and never feel like I’m caking layer upon layer on top of my face. That’s a very rare quality to find in sunscreen.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Sunscreen
I use this La Roche-Posay sunscreen because it provides very high protection against UVA and UVB radiation. It includes the filter Mexoryl 400, which is designed to protect against ultra-long UVA rays that aren't covered as well by some older sunscreen filters.
I purchase this from Europe using Care to Beauty so that I get the European formula.
I like it for its high level of protection and its lightweight, non-greasy feel. I use it mainly in the morning or before going out for the day.
I don't like to carry it with me when I'm out because it's a very runny fluid sunscreen, and I'm afraid it will spill when I pour it onto my fingers to apply it.
Mania Holic Sunscreen Pack Broad Spectrum SPF 40
This Mania Holic sunscreen was a sample that I decided to try, and I was surprised by how much I like it. It's a Korean sunscreen and makeup primer. It uses second-skin cellulose technology to form a protective layer over the skin, which is intended to be for sensitive skin.
I think there's something to that because I liked the way this sat on my skin even before I knew about that feature. It doesn't settle into the cracks and wrinkles of my skin like some sunscreens do, and I have no issues with it even after reapplying it a few times. It also contains niacinamide, adenosine, and hyaluronic acid. I would definitely purchase this again.
RoundLab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Serum SPF 50
Knowing the RoundLab sun serum is one of the most popular Korean sunscreens, I had to try it for myself! This is lightweight, easy to layer, leaves no white cast, has no noticeable scent, and works well on my sensitive skin.
It does leave my skin looking dewy or a bit shiny, which I don't mind at all, but some people may not like that look. It's also a bit runny, so I usually make sure to shake or tap it a little before squeezing some out.
It's hard for me to pick which sunscreen is my favorite because there are so many good ones, even in Korea alone. But I would purchase this one again, too.
Sun Zapper Zinc Stick Sunscreen SPF 50+
I use this zinc stick sunscreen on top of my other sunscreens and makeup as an additional protective layer for my blemishes and dark spots. I think of this almost like a spot treatment.
It's way too thick to use all over my entire face, and I can probably handle only one or two reapplications before it starts to feel too heavy or sets into my fine lines and wrinkles. But it's great coverage and provides phenomenal mineral sun protection for the areas that need it most.
It comes in a few shades. I use the light shade, which actually doesn't match my skin tone. I don't think any of the shades match my skin tone, which is another reason I use it as a spot cover-up rather than an all-over sunscreen.
How do I decide which sunscreen to use?
My sunscreen collection
I rotate through my sunscreens depending on a number of things: how much I like them, convenience, price, what I’m doing that day, how long I’ll be in the sun, how many times I need to reapply, and other things.
I've been using La Roche-Posay UVMune 400 a lot in the morning because I have several bottles I need to use before they expire, and they're within easy reach on my bathroom counter.
I keep the Mania Holic in my purse and often put that on as I'm leaving work so I'm protected from the sun during the drive home.
I have two zinc sticks - one on the bathroom counter for morning application and one in my makeup bag to use as needed during the day.
And I always pair sunscreen with physical sun protection. I wear my Sobari sun hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeve shirts when I can, especially when I'm walking the dog when the sun is out and strong.
What I’m trying this season
Froya Organics Anti-Age & Insane Glow Day Balm
I loved this Froya Glow Day balm from the first time I tried it. This makes my skin glow!
It's concentrated, so you only need to use a little bit at a time. The jar is small for the price, but it lasts a while. It's also a 100% natural, non-medicated formula with ingredients such as sea buckthorn, pomegranate, and rosehip.
I would buy this again. In fact, I'm thinking about purchasing the entire set of balms next time because I like this one so much.
Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm
I bought this Medicube balm hoping it would work for me, but I was skeptical that it would. This has 5% Volufiline, PDRN, and other ingredients intended to improve the appearance of the skin. The main thing it's supposed to do is plump the skin to improve the appearance of hollow areas and fine lines.
I have dark hollows under my eyes and have been searching for something topical that might help them. I've been using this for more than three months now, but I haven't seen any significant effect.
It feels nice and glides smoothly over the skin, but it hasn't given me the results I was hoping for. I might need something stronger with more Volufiline.
What's Next in My Skincare Stash?
I have so many skincare products I want to try but not enough time to try them all and only one face to try products on. These are on my list for the coming months:
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
I’m eager to try this newly launched sunscreen from Skin1004. I already like many of their skincare products, so I hope this one is good so I like it too.
Face masks
I bought a bunch of face masks from brands like Torriden and Mediheal while I was in Korea. I don’t typically use face masks, but I’m hoping these will get me into the habit.
Neck Cream
I don't know if I need a dedicated neck cream. I think my neck is doing okay with the face lotions and sunscreens I've been using.
But I have a few neck creams in my stash including the Dr.Melaxin Necksphalt and GoPure Tighten & Lift Neck Cream, so I should use them and see whether I notice a difference in my neck over time. I don’t think it hurts to be preventative here.
Eye Cream for Dark Circles
My dark circles and hollows are an ongoing battle, and I haven't found much that helps when it comes to skincare products.
I'm not sure what I'm going to try next. I have something from Obagi, and I've also seen a few Korean products for this like this Dr.Melaxin one that look interesting.
One Face
Goodness, it seems like I use a lot of skincare products when I look at the list in this post.
I like to remind myself that I can only use so many things at one time because I only have one face. And I need to give myself enough time to try each product and see whether it will actually work for me.
This post (and the ones ahead) will be a good reminder of what I've tried and what works for me.
I always want to put my best face forward...literally!