The 8 skincare products that would let me survive being stranded on a deserted island

My non-negotiables, after 10 years of perfecting my AM and PM routines.

I’ve been a skincare fanatic since I was 13. My mom bought me a pink Neutrogena Wave during the summer between 7th and 8th grade, and I’ve been hooked on taking care of my skin ever since.

I love the ritual that comes with it. Building a reliable and enjoyable skincare routine is, in my opinion, one of the most grounding things you can do for yourself. I may not always have my life together, but each day starts and ends with skincare. And there’s peace to be had in that fact.

Let’s go back to my skincare journey for a sec: I went from being a clear-skinned teenager (I know, I’m jealous of me from back then, too) to struggling with hormonal breakouts all throughout my 20s. I’ll never forget being ~19-20 years old and staring at my acne-covered face in the mirror, thinking: why me? Why now? What do I DO about this? Where is my Neutrogena WAVE?!?!

It took a decade of experimenting with different products and routines to finally come back to (mostly) clear skin now at age 30. I *hate* how trial and error the past 10 years have been, but guess what? Now, you get to reap the benefits. I’ve cut the crap and I’m telling you about all of the good stuff.

After all my years of trying, trying, trying to clear my skin and feel like my best self, here are the 8 products I’d want when stranded on a deserted island. Can’t live without ‘em.

Note: The Emsider uses affiliate links, meaning: if you purchase from a link I’ve shared, I will earn a small amount of commission at no additional cost to you. This is part of what keeps The Emsider free.

1. Beauty of Joseon rice + probiotics sunscreen (affiliate link)

This is my holy grail of holiest grails. Not to be dramatic, but seriously, this sunscreen changed my life. I’ve gifted it to friends and family over the past couple of years, trying to show them the light. If you’re still using American-made sunscreens, no offense, but what are you doing?!?

Let me explain further. Korea has more *advanced* filters than the US. That means that sunscreens manufactured there are smoother, lighter, not greasy, and best of all, FREE of that sunscreen-y smell!! You know exactly the smell I’m talking about!

This sunscreen feels so effortless, like the lightest touch of a feather on my skin. It absorbs beautifully—no white cast!—and it’s SPF 50, which I feel like is on the higher end of SPFs.

But yeah, anyway, I could nerd out about this sunscreen for hours. I added a link from Olive Young, but be warned if you try to buy this from other retailers. There is a sub-par “US version” in addition to the Korean version. Make sure you’re buying the Korean version if you decide to buy from TikTok or another website.

2. POV Beauty drip it serum (affiliate link)

Say what you want about influencer-owned brands, but when they get it right, they really get it right. There’s a reason this serum (and the matching moisturizer) both have 4.9/5 stars. Mikayla really ate with POV Beauty.

I love how glassy, glossy, and rejuvenated my skin looks after applying. I can instantly see a difference. I know that sounds infomercial-y but it’s true. I feel way more awake and ready to take on each day with the life this gives my skin.

3. POV Beauty whip it moisturizer (affiliate link)

Adding a moisturizer to my morning routine has been game-changing. I can’t go back to my old ways. This moisturizer is super light and soaks into my skin quickly and easily. My foundation and concealer sit on top of it without pilling, which is an issue I’ve had with other moisturizers in the past.

Using this with the matching serum gives me such a nice glow that I’ve been going foundation-less more often. My foundation is $$$, so this is a very welcome change 😂

4. Strivectin exfoliating face pads (affiliate link)

I grew up using the Noxzema face pads (affiliate link), I consider these to be a grown-up version. I use one on my face and one on my neck once every 4 days to exfoliate and deep cleanse. These truly make me feel like my cleanest self. Seeing the dirt that these pick up is equal parts disturbing and satisfying.

5. cocokind revitalizing eye cream (affiliate link)

Haters will say eye cream doesn’t do anything. I think they’re wrong. The skin under your eyes is extremely delicate and thin, and in my opinion, deserves special attention.

This eye cream has been so hydrating for my undereyes. The applicator is also very well-designed—the metal cools and depuffs my skin as I swipe the cream. I’ve noticed that my foundation and concealer have been creasing less in my undereye area since I started using it.

6. Glow Recipe strawberry smooth serum (affiliate link)

I know Glow Recipe is kind of a teeny-bopper brand these days (thanks to Sephora kids), but this serum is sooooo good. I will fight through crowds of kids to buy it, I don’t care (half kidding).

It smooths and evens out my skin so well. And it smells amazing. The only thing I dislike about it is the price. I wish it were less expensive. You don’t get a ton of product. If there’s a Nina Poole dupe for it, can someone please let me know? lol

7. Axis Y dark spot correcting glow toner (gifted)

For years, I didn’t believe in using toner. As in, I didn’t see the point of using it. I didn’t understand it. I thought it did nothing. Turns out it balances your skin’s pH and enhances the effect of any products you use afterwards.

My attitude towards toner shifted when I got a facial earlier this year, and my facialist suggested I add toner into my routine to balance my skin. I had this Axis Y one under my sink, thanks to my friends at Senti Senti (it was gifted to me), so I started using it right after cleansing.

And whaddya know? My skin hasn’t been this clear in ages. Guess I’m a toner girlie for life now.

8. BYOMA lip mask with peptides (affiliate link)

This is a little embarrassing for me to admit, but I’ve suffered from having the driest, crustiest lips for years now. I’ve tried so many different things to help: Aquaphor, Vaseline, Laneige, lip scrubs, a Paula’s Choice serum that my facialist recommended, you name it. Not ONE of them worked.

I had pretty much given up. I really thought I had to be crusty-lipped and disgusting for the rest of my life. But in May, I decided to order this BYOMA lip mask on a complete whim. I had nothing to lose (except $11.99 plus tax). And sure enough—it WORKS! *Hallelujah angels sing*

I couldn’t believe it. My lips still do flake a tiny bit, but it is NOTHING in comparison to what I was dealing with before. I apply this every night as the last step in my routine, and each time, I thank god that I recklessly added a bunch of things to my Ulta cart one night in May.

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Thanks so much for reading (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

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