This Is How a Beauty Editor Chooses Her Lineup of Skincare Products
Ever wish you could peek into the beauty cabinets of other women? Ask them about each and every product before you gather your notes and make a beeline for the nearest Mecca? We did too, hence our Real Women, Real Routines series that will be running for the next month. We’re shining a spotlight on actual women, and detailing the ins and outs of their personal skincare routines.
We asked all the questions, from their approach to skincare, to issues they’re dealing with, morning and evening beauty rituals, and the products they’ll keep buying forever. In this week’s column, Byrdie Australia Senior Editor Lisa Patulny so kindly walked us through every single step in her expertly curated skincare routine. Being a beauty editor, hundreds (if not thousands) of products are at her disposal, so you know that all those who made the cut are seriously good.
Keep reading for all the skincare products a beauty editor swears by.
Byrdie Australia: What’s your approach to skincare?
Lisa Patulny: Targeted, minimalist, unfaithful…
Before I was pregnant, I used a lot of products with active ingredients like salicylic acid and retinol as I feel they “do something”. I still do prefer actives, however, my choices are more limited for the time being.
Overall, I’m quite simple about my routine in my mind but I know my husband does not agree. (But he barely washes his face most days, so who’s listening to him?) I probably do around six steps both morning and night without thinking about it.
I do have some product loyalties but it takes a lot for me to want to buy/rebuy. Unless I feel something has been extremely beneficial for my skin in a very visible way I am happy to let it go in favour of trying out replacements. Good thing, too—I’d be a dud beauty editor if I was overly faithful.
B: How do you go about choosing products?
LP: As a beauty ed I receive new product to trial on a daily basis. Having been in the game for quite some time, I’ve come to know which brands and ingredients I like, so those factors can sway my decision on whether to try or not. I also love a raving product review (from other beauty eds, my pals, strangers on the internet…), so those guide me, too.
B: Do you have any skincare issues you’re currently treating?
LP: I thought I would escape pregnancy-induced hyperpigmentation, but I haven’t. (I think they call that “being delusional”.) I currently have what I’m calling a “pigmentation moustache” which, at eight months along, is tremendous for my self-esteem. I can’t do much about it for now aside from hide it with makeup, and stay out of the sun. Once the baby arrives I’ll be off to Melanie Grant to zap it off.
B: What do you buy over and over?
LP: Considering the amount of product I trial, the list is relatively short. Bioderma Crealine ($32) (now called Sensibio), SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum ($188), Ultraceuticals Even Skin Tone Serum ($112), SK-II Mid-Day Miracle Mist ($85), May Lindstrom The Problem Solver Mask ($148), and Lanolips 101 Ointment ($15).
B: Anything you’d never use on your skin?
LP: I’m not a huge fan of manual exfoliants, so I don’t really go for those. (That said, I am still besotted with Goldfaden MD’s The Doctor’s Scrub, $110.) I don’t like anything heavily fragranced or overly rich. I also steer clear of moisturisers in tubs because the tiny spatulas annoy me.
B: Walk us through your current morning routine.
LP: I cleanse my face from bed using Bioderma’s micellar water ($32) and cotton rounds, then follow with a few serums. Right now, I’m on SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic ($188) for antioxidants and increased sun protection, and Ultraceutical’s B Serum ($89) for hydration. Next, I do a plain, active-free moisturiser from Drunk Elephant. Then the all-important SPF by way of Invisible Zinc’s 30+ facial moisturiser ($35). Lanolips on the lips, and I’m done.
B: Walk us through your current evening routine.
LP: I start with something like a Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse ($53) to get all the makeup and sunscreen off. Then I do a gel or foam cleanser like Go-To’s Properly Clean ($32) (which I adore), to get that off. I have a custom (and preg-safe!) chemical exfoliant from Hop & Cotton, so I swipe that over my skin with a cotton round. Then it’s onto serums again. Advanced Night Repair ($150) is currently back on rotation—I’d forgotten how much I love it. To finish off I either do a plain moisturiser or oil. Anything from health food shop jojoba to Drunk Elephant’s Marula ($105). Lano on the lips for good measure.
B: Which experts do you look to for your personal skin upkeep?
LP: Between them, Jocelyn Petroni and Melanie Grant have taught me so much about my skin, and skin in general. They’re both incredible women—intelligent, kind, discerning—and there’s nothing they don’t know. Every time I have had a personal skin issue I’ve found the solution by simply asking. Also? They both perform the sort of facials you’d sell your grandma for. (“Blissful and effective.”)
