I’m a Millennial Beauty Editor: Here’s Everything I Currently Use On My Face
Sarah Tarca is a beauty journalist, writer and co-founder of Australia’s first dedicated beauty newsletter, gloss etc. Her skills involve applying lipstick without a mirror, bullying people to wear sunscreen and procrastinating washing her hair. She loves her kids, skincare and potatoes in equal measure — almost as much as she loves SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Almost. Find her on socials @tarca
If you’re new to my writing and my face — hi! I’m Sarah and I’ve been a beauty editor for almost two decades. That was not a typo; I started in the industry young, and just never left because it’s so damn fun.
If you’re doing the maths, yes that does make me an older millennial and it does also mean that I've tried precisely 984330 beauty products to date.
The first part is important because it means my skin has different needs now to when I was starting out in beauty (duh), so if you’re not a Gen Z, you may be interested in what I stash in my arsenal to keep my skin looking fresh, clear and healthy.
A caveat: this list is by no means exhaustive: it’s a mix of what I’m currently using, some favourites that always have a place on my vanity, and some brand new, because it’s literally my job to try new products.
Marine Collagen.
When I say I hoard this stuff, I’m not messing about; I always have at least two backups for fear I will run out. I’ve been taking it for five years and I have far more elasticity than I deserve to have at my age.
But, not all collagen was created equal. If you’re taking it for skin quality/elasticity/ firmness, here’s what to look for:
- Marine collagen over bovine and porcine. Marine collagen is highest in collagen types 1 and 3, which offer the best benefits for skin.
- Collagen peptides that are low molecular weight. This means they can absorb easier/ get to the deeper layers of skin so they can get to work on stimulating that collagen.
- Clinical studies and research. There has been MUCH research now on the benefits of collagen supplementation — 1500 research papers published in 2023 alone. Look for brands who invest in the research and can back up their claims.
But here’s the thing: you have to take it consistently, which means every day. But oh, I promise you it’s worth it for the elasticity. My favourites are Vida Glow Pro Collagen + the business if you’re past 40 and your skin needs a little more, and Par Olive — the organic coconut variant is delicious.
A Peptide Serum.
Peptides are the Dua Lipa of the beauty world: seemingly everywhere with a hand in everything.
But, I’m cool with that, because they are the business, and I’ve easily slid one into my routine this year, which has made a noticeable difference to my skin. I wrote an article a couple of months ago and said that Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP my serum of the year.
Yep, I still feel the same, because aside from the peptides they’ve put in mini-proteins to target skin ageing concerns, and also hyaluronic acid at multiple weights for instant—and long lasting — plump.
If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly peptide serum, No7’s Future Renew is also great. I use these in tandem with Vitamin A every night.
A Vitamin A Serum.
You’ve probably heard that vitamin A serums (retinal/retinol/retinyl/retinoic acid) are a gold standard ingredient for anti-ageing concerns — and that’s right.
It’s one of the most widely researched and has a lot of evidence supporting its efficaciousness. Part of its success is thanks to the results it brings home: faster cell turnover, improved texture, softer lines. But all this comes with a caveat: they can be drying and… spicy on the skin.
So if you’re new to the category, start slow (every other day, at a low percentage) and work up to daily use. Medik 8 Crystal Retinal is great for that — it’s numbered so you can start at 3 and work your way up to 20, which is where I’m currently at.
A Vitamin C Serum.
Yes I use a lot of serums. Yes, they’re all essential. You know about vitamin C’s: elite antioxidant protection, which will help stave off environmental aggressors that accelerate ageing.
Also they give you added brightness and clarity for your trouble too. I’ve just finished a bottle of Mesoestetic’s AOX Ferulic, which is now amongst my top three vitamin C serums of all time. It’s a stunning product.
A Do-It-All Cleanser.
This is blasphemous as a beauty editor but I despise double cleansing. I want a one-and-done deal that removes everything (sunscreen, makeup etc.) and doesn’t leave a gross film on my skin that means I have to double cleanse.
I hate most cleansers because they fail at this, however, the bright, shiny light of excellent single-cleanses is Alpha-H’s Melting Moment Cleansing Balm.
I try a different cleanser every two weeks, but I always come back to this: always. The texture is balmy not greasy, lightweight, and it smells gorgeous.
Two Moisturisers.
Here’s where I don’t do one-and-done: moisturisers. One for night, one for day, always.
But, I’m notoriously disloyal in this category because I believe the hardest-working-product award goes to the serums.
For the day, my two requirements are lightweight and plays well with makeup (no pilling). I’m loving the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Water Cream for this brief, which is why it’s currently on rotation. For night, I’ve just cracked open the Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen+ Peptide Cream which is predictably juicy and great (you can tell I’m a Medik8 stan) and Lancôme’s Réneregie Mulit-Lift Night Cream was memorable for its perfect texture: light enough to sink in (not sit on) skin, but felt immediately hydrating.
Sunscreen.
You’ve heard this from me before: all of the above is redundant if you don’t use a sunscreen every single day.
I don’t care which one, as long as it’s SPF50+, broad spectrum, and that you’re applying enough (a teaspoon for face and neck).
Here’s a bunch that I have on rotation at the moment: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid, a classic, one of the first brands to really do wearable sunscreen; Ultra Violette Fave Fluid, I love how light, easy and silky on the skin this is; Beauti-Fltr Feather Light SPF 50+ because again, it’s a texture thing, this one can even double as a moisturiser; it’s super hydrating and lovely on the skin.
Unsurprisingly, this has turned into a tome, but hey I’m passionate about this stuff.
The thing is, all of this will not stop time (we are… living after all) so wrinkles will happen.
But for me, it’s more about the confidence having great skin gives you. It doesn’t have to be complicated: every skin is different, so it’s more about finding what works for you, and what will help you get the most out of the skin you have.
Discover more of Sarah's tried-and-true top beauty buys below:
