DORÉ

Morning: The first thing I do when I wake up is a cold water wash followed by some Vintner’s Daughter Serum. It smells good and is not loaded with chemicals.

The one thing I use everyday no matter what is sunscreen. I try to be militant about it because I’m a bicycle commuter (clocking in about 10 miles each way to-and-from work) and you can’t avoid the sun on the open road, even in Manhattan. Any product I put on my face has to have it. I’ve been alternating between La Mer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Sunscreen and Clarins Sunscreen Wrinkle Control Cream SPF50. I also like Supergoop Skin Smoothing Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40. Their products have a really smooth and unique texture and don’t feel heavy or greasy. I let that sink in for about 15 minutes. If I need serious sunscreen I use Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Creme Wetforce SPF50. It makes you look like a a bit of a ghost, but nothing is getting through that.

In terms of makeup, I try to keep it as simple as possible. My standby is Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Color Control with SPF 35. I have tried every CC cream (and I mean EVERY cream) and this is one of the best. It looks and feels natural. My new obsession is Guerlain Aqua Nude SPF 20. I really love this one. For every skin tone they have a number (e.g. light #2) and then for every number they have two shades, N or C. One is pinkish and the other is more green/tan. It’s very light and you really don’t feel like you are wearing any foundation which is a real plus. A touch of Bobbi Brown bronzer and blush, Dior Show Mascara, and I always comb my eyebrows with Anastasia Clear Brow Gel. In the summer I nix any moisturizer and go straight to the sunscreen.

Day: During the day I always have Supergoop Acaifusion Lip Balm with SPF in my bag. I started being more conscious about using lip balm with SPF about 10 years ago. I also use Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector Plum Shimmer, or Tom Ford. I love his lipsticks. They are expensive, but worth it. I always have an eyebrow brush in my bag (the freebies from Sephora are great) and Giorgio Armani Concealer for easy touch-ups.

I am OBSESSED with hand cream. I’ve used every hand cream in the world and am always trying new ones. In another life I would develop hand creams. I think it’s a neglected category. I put it on all day and have so many it’s actually crazy — in my desk, every handbag, knitting bag, night table, everywhere. My three all-time favorites are Caudalie, Lancome Absolute Hand, and Santa Maria Novella. I’m currently trying Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResistant24 Day Emulsion with sunscreen.

Night: At bedtime I use Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover to take it all off. I use it all over my face, not just my eyes. Lancome is the best. I wear contacts, so my eyes are dry and tired by days end and can get very sensitive. I’ve tried a lot of different types of makeup removers and love that this one is not as oily as others and never irritates my eyes.

I then use Eve Lom Cleanser, which I love because it doesn’t dry me out. To cleanse use really hot water and a good washcloth that is soft and not abrasive. I like gentle cleansers and I never use scrubs of any kind.

Estee Lauder Night Repair is fantastic. It it one of those great products that hasn’t changed because it just works. I started using it because of my sister. She has beautiful skin and is far more disciplined about skin care than I am, but I try. I apply SkinMedica Retin A two or three times a week (or when I remember) and top it off with Creme De La Mer. It helps balance out the drying aspect of the Retin A. You have to be patient with La Mer as it takes a little longer to sink in, but it’s a non-negotiable. I don’t use any eye cream (I probably should). When in doubt, Vaseline is a lifesaver for under eyes, lips, anywhere.