By: Esther Izaguirre Photos by: Rachel Benavides
Growing up, my mom encouraged me to start using my little cremitas (face creams) to take care of my skin. As a teenager, I didn’t value the wisdom she was imparting. A decade later, as signs of aging began to emerge, I finally understood what she was talking about. A combination of hitting my 20s, teaching five-year-olds and daily stresses of life made me realize it was time to research and invest more time in finding what works for me. Through trial and error, I finally found products that work for my skin and keep me looking, as mami says, a “jovencita” (young lady).
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
There are not enough words to describe how much I love this product! It has a gentle formula which leaves my skin feeling clean, soft, and fresh. A little goes long way – another reason this is my all-time favorite cleanser. Product available at Dillard’s, $10-$20
Skin Clarifier No. 75 Pore & Oil Control
This little bottle of serum is absolutely magical. Searching for something to help minimize pores and balance my complexion, I was ecstatic when I found this product. Since I began using it, my skin looks and feels brighter. I use this as my second step in my face regimen every morning and night; two to three drops do the trick. Product available at Dillard’s, $47
Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate
This antioxidant serum infused with ginger root, sunflower oil, and tamanu oil helps my face look fresh and revitalized all day long. I use it every morning to help reduce the appearance of fatigue for energized, radiant skin. It’s the perfect effortless pick-me-up! Products available at Dillard’s, $47 -$123
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
The perfect night companion to the Daily Reviving Concentrate, this serum contains lavender essential oil, primrose oil, and squalene. I honestly look forward to my nightly application because aside from smelling divine, it leaves my skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated – all while working hard to replenish and enhance my skin’s recovery process while I sleep. The result is visibly smoother, more radiant skin by the time I wake up. Product available at Dillard’s, $49-$125
Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum
Created as a five-in-one eye serum that firms, hydrates, smooths, visibly lifts and restores the youthful shape of eyes, this product makes it simple to take care of the delicate area around my eyes. Aside from being lightweight, it leaves my eye area feeling lifted and luminous. Product available at Dillard’s, $48
Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment
I’m 32 and at times still have to worry about pimples. Although it’s never fun to get a huge one on my chin or nose, I can always count on this spot treatment to zap any blemishes trying to live their best life on my face. Applying this combination of salicylic acid, frankincense, and ginger root extract overnight assures me of seeing a difference in the morning. Product available at Dillard’s, $18
Redken One United Multi-Benefit Treatment Spray
This spray treatment is the newest item I’ve added to the small collection of hair products I truly love. It has 25 benefits that help nourish, protect, and give my hair a smooth and shiny look day in and out. It can be used as a leave-in or rinse-out hair treatment. Product available at ULTA, $24
Living Proof Full Volume Blast
My hair: I have a love/hate relationship with it. Most days it’s love, but there are moments I consider cutting it short to see how I like it. Knowing it’ll never happen, I make time to look for great products to benefit my long locks. This styling spray – wow! It adds just the right amount of volume and body where I need it, especially on those mornings I’m short on time. Product available at ULTA, $15-$29
Clinique Moisture Surge
This moisturizer gives my skin a major boost! I have combination skin, and was worried this moisturizer would be too heavy. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the opposite effect. It always leaves my skin dewy and looking oh-so-healthy. Product available at Dillard’s, $39
