I have been searching for the perfect skincare routine for a very, very long time. I’ve tried tons of products, many of which came recommended to me by other bloggers who created collages like this one.

If it worked for them, it should work for me, right? Wrong. Like, seriously wrong. Disclaimer: I have normal to dry skin. I’d say my skin is even on the more dry side than it is the normal side ever since I moved to SF. And dealing with dry skin has been a struggle because when you apply makeup on top of it, you end up looking like a scaly fish or dried up lizard. Grossness.

I love the following products. I hope they work for you too because you totes deserve to look as good as you feel in 2013.

Day Time Routine

#1. I was introduced to Dr. Dennis Gross’s line by my girlfriend, Mandy. I really like the foam cleanser. It’s very gentle and non-stripping. Sometimes, it smells like Kahlua. Not sure if that’s a good thing or not. In the past I have tried the DDF Salicylic Wash, which was entirely too drying and the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, which made me break out.

#2. I love this bareMinerals Advanced Protection Moisturizer because it’s formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, and artificial oils. It also has SPF 20. Not to get all skincare police-crazy on you, but you need to wear SPF. When you’re driving around minding your own business, the sun is coming through the window and pumping cancer into your veins. And if nothing else, it’s giving you wrinkles. Now, this does feel a tad like sunscreen (cause it is), but that’s how you know it’s working. I love it because I only wear makeup every other day, so I’m even covered when I’m not wearing my foundation with SPF.

#3. I just started using Dr. Dennis Gross’s Age Erase Moisture for Eyes because I had such great results with the cleanser. So far, so great. The skin around my eyes looks and feels hydrated. This product is great for preventative care.

Nighttime Skincare Routine

#1. I like these Neutrogena wipes because they’re inexpensive and are well lubricated, which helps take off every last bit of makeup. These don’t irritate my eyelids, which I’ve found to be the deciding factor when I try new makeup remover wipes. Although I’m a fan of these, I would be open to trying something different if anyone has a good (and inexpensive) recommendation.

#2. I’ve seen a huge difference in my skin since I started using my Clarisonic Mia 2 last August. It works great with a foam cleanser. Make sure you change out the brush head every three months. And FYI – the brush head that comes with the Clarisonic Mia 2 is a sensitive head, but they also sell delicate and normal depending on your skin type. I only use my Clarisonic at night since my skin is dry.

#3. Again, a great eye cream and a necessity before bed.

#4. A couple weeks ago, my mom reviewed Nerium on Vanilla Extract. This product has really, really changed my skin in a great way. I was really concerned about the expression lines in my forehead, but they’re practically gone after using this every single night for the past month. It’s essentially a (clear) mask that you apply prior to bed, and wash off in the morning.

On-The-Go

This is currently my number one skincare must-have of 2013: Maracuja Oil by Tarte Cosmetics. It was first introduced to me by my girlfriend, Chrisi, who actually models Tarte products on QVC. This oil is great for hydrating and targeting those areas of concern (eye, nose, forehead for me). It’s also formulated without parabens and mineral oil, so I feel really good about using it on my face.

When you take off the lid, you’ll find a silver rollerball that allows you to apply the product very easily without any mess. I mostly apply it around the eye or nose area since those spots are prone to dryness, however, Chrisi recommended that I use it on my cuticles and knuckles too. It has really helped during this cold, winter weather!

Have you tried any of these products? What are some of your skincare must-haves?!