When it comes to face creams and serums, we women can get a little crazed. We want to take good care of our skin, to maximize the smooth and supple qualities that fade with age . But as just about anyone who’s visited a makeup counter can tell you: it’s a confounding process. Do we really need layers of serums, toners, balms and moisturizers—or will one or two good products do? That’s a question best left to dermatologists, but what I do know is that most of us have a few go-to products. Below are some favorites.
kate somerville goat milk cream Light and with a pleasant scent, this cream is perfect as a day cream if you tend toward dry skin, or for night if you don’t. It contains lactic acid, goat milk, jojoba and avocado. $65 at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Sephora
amore pacific future response age defense cremeThis cream is luxuriously rich, which makes it perfect for night use on drier skin. It also is SPF 30, to keep those harmful, aging rays off your face. $195 at Nordstrom and Sephora
eminence coconut age corrective moisturizerBilled as a natural retinol alternative, this uses coconut oil, shea butter, carrot extract and grapeseed oil to battle the effects of aging on skin quality. $58 at eminenceorganics.com
arbonne extra moisture restorative day cremeThe direct-sale brand from Switzerland uses botanically based products that smell and feel great. There’s a lot to choose from, but this day cream is emollient and softening, and has a complementary Intensive Renewal Serum with collagen-supporting ingredients.
cream: $50, serum: $58 Available locally at jennykutterman.arbonne.com
laura mercier flawless skin infusion de rose nourishing cremeThere is something soothing about rose-based creams, and this one is no exception. It’s rich enough for day or night and has a strong rose scent. $68 at Saks, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom
ven effect anti-aging intensive moisturizerBased on phytoestrogens, a natural plant-based technology, this brand replenishes the estrogens we lose during aging. The line was developed by two sisters, one of whom is a gynecologist, the other a skin care expert. $185 at Soft Surroundings
