Skincare Shelfie: 11 Products a Makeup Artist Has on High-Rotation
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
I have a confession to make: I am a serial sticky beak.
I could say it’s the journalist in me but, honestly, I’m just endlessly fascinated by people.
I’ll take any chance I get to peek into someone’s life beyond their carefully curated social media feeds.
Whether it’s people-watching from behind my oat cap, binging back-to-back episodes of trashy reality TV or shamelessly eavesdropping on a couple’s argument (sorry, not sorry).
If you’re like me, hi! I’ve got some good news.
We’re peeling back the curtain (so to speak) on the skincare shelves of Adore Beauty staffers to reveal which beauty products made the cut and which ascended to prime position.
And we’re calling it: Skincare Shelfie. Cue applause.
Put simply, Skincare Shelfie is essentially the skin sidekick to our What’s In My Makeup Bag series you guys know and love.
First up is none other than our Social Media Manager, resident makeup artist and great skin haver, Megan.
Keep scrolling for all the products Megan regularly reaches for.
1. asap Gentle Cleansing Gel.
Fast facts:
- asap gentle cleansing gel is a light-lathering, soap-free cleanser that gently removes excess dead skin cells, oil build-up, makeup and excess oil without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Its soap-free gel texture is cooling and helps sensitive, dry or dehydrated skin minimise water loss and redness.
- It’s formulated with anti-inflammatory and hydrating ingredients to nourish and calm the skin.
- It’s suitable for all skin types and gentle enough for use in the morning and night.
Why it made Megan’s skincare shelf:
“I usually can’t use a gel cleanser because I find my face ends up feeling stripped and harsh, but this one is amazing.
It doesn’t sting when it gets in your eyes and has antioxidants. If you’re not sure where to start with a cleanser, this is a holy grail worth trying.”
2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum.
Fast facts:
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is a hydrating vitamin C serum that protects the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, stimulates collagen production and helps prevent premature signs of ageing.
- It’s considered the GOAT of vitamin C serums — a quick scan of Beauty IQ and you’re likely to see many AB staffers recommending it (including our founder!).
- It combines 15% vitamin C and 1% vitamin E with ferulic acid to provide 8 times the protection against photoageing.
- It’s suitable for normal and combination skin, dry skin, mature skin and sensitive skin.
Why it made Megan’s skincare shelf:
“It actually took me three years to try this after being at Adore. I’m getting married this year so I thought I should give it a whirl and it’s literally my everything.
It’s got vitamin E which gives me a nice glow and there are other formulations of SkinCeuticals vitamin Cs that are suited to other skin types. It’s worth the investment.”
3. Skinstitut 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum.
Fast facts:
- Skinstitut 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum is a deeply hydrating serum formulated with four types of super hydrator hyaluronic acid to target multiple layers of skin.
- It works over time to plump and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels.
- It also protects against environmental aggressors such as pollution, cold weather and heat.
What AB customer Anna said about Skinstitut 1% Hyaluronic Serum:
"I love this serum, I've found while being pregnant it's the only product I can find that helps reduce my oily breakouts. I use it in combination with the full range, but if I haven't got time to use it all, I just use this alone as it's a must."
4. Skinstitut 10% Niacinamide Power Serum.
Fast facts:
- Skinstitut 10% Niacinamide Power Serum is an all 'round super serum that nourishes and soothes the skin, protects it from external aggressors and improves skin tone and texture in one.
- It’s formulated with cucumber seed oil and hyaluronic acid which strengthen the skin’s barrier function and prevent hydration loss for plumper, healthier-looking skin.
- It also contains aloe vera which calms and nourishes sensitive skin, and helps to reduce the appearance of redness.
Why the Skinstitut serums made Megan’s skincare shelf:
“I love Skinstitut because if you’re a complete skincare newbie, they actually have little descriptions of what each serum does.
The hyaluronic serum deeply hydrates and plumps and the niacinamide power serum strengthens and calms. I use these in both my AM and PM routines.”
5. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Sunscreen.
Fast facts:
- Ultra Violette Supreme Screen is a three-in-one that combines broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with the hydration of a moisturiser and the pore-blurring benefit of a primer.
- It contains the active ingredient pentavitin for long-lasting hydration, plus Australian kakadu plum for vitamin C protection.
- Its lightweight, non-sticky texture applies invisibly on the skin.
- It’s free from parabens and is suitable for all skin types.
Why it made Megan’s skincare shelf:
“For my normal to dry skin type I like a dewy finish on my skin, so the Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Sunscreen is perfect for that!”
6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Sunscreen.
Fast facts:
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid is a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen that provides SPF50+ protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
- It combines super skincare ingredients with broad-spectrum protection to hydrate the skin and shield it from other skin aggressors like pollution.
- Plus, it’s eco-tested to ensure it’s respectful of marine life (love!).
Why it made Megan’s skincare shelf:
“The other SPF I cycle in and out is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen.
Like Ultra Violette Supreme Screen, Invisible Fluid is very hydrating!"
What AB customer Rose said about La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Sunscreen:
"I have been on the hunt for a daily sunscreen. And this has ticked all my boxes. It is lightweight with a runny texture. Comes in a nice compact package easy to pop into your bag. I highly recommend it!"
7. La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol B3 Serum.
Fast facts:
- La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol is an anti-ageing serum formulated with pure retinol to resurface and renew the look of fine lines, deep wrinkles and dark spots.
- Its gentle formulation is specifically designed for sensitive skin havers who find traditional retinol too harsh without compromising on efficacy.
- It combines instant-release and gradual-release active ingredients for short-term improvement that continues to get better over time.
Why it made Megan’s skincare shelf:
“The La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol serum has vitamin B3 in it as well so it’s nice and hydrating as well as getting your retinol benefits.
It’s what I use for age management, it feels really nourishing on the skin.
If I’m having a retinol night I won’t go in with any other active because my skin can be fussy. I’ll pop on a hyaluronic acid and moisturiser and call it a day."
8. Alpha-H Liquid Gold.
Fast facts:
- Alpha-H Liquid Gold is an exfoliating lotion that removes dead skin cells and debris to brighten and improve the appearance of dull-looking skin, pigmentation, age spots and acne scarring.
- It’s formulated with the AHA glycolic acid which has a small molecular size to penetrate deep into the dermis and act as a delivery vehicle for other ingredients.
- It also contains glycerin to maintain hydration, silk proteins to improve skin clarity and texture, and licorice extract to brighten skin.
Why it made Megan’s skincare shelf:
“If I’m looking for a really nice glow, I use Alpha-H Liquid Gold.
It’s formulated with glycolic acid which really helps with exfoliation and getting those new skin cells through. And the glow I get from this, especially when I pair it with a vitamin E or something nourishing, is just next level.”
9. Murad Professional Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil.
Fast facts:
- Murad Professional Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil is a facial oil that’s infused with a powerful cocktail of vitamins to boost skin with antioxidants and moisture, prevent free radical damage, minimise the appearance of fine lines and brighten skin.
- Its ultra-light, non-comedogenic formula sinks seamlessly into the skin for instantly smoother, softer and plump skin.
- It’s intended to be used during the serum step of your skincare regime, rather than at the end like other facial oils.
Why it made Megan’s skincare shelf:
“I’m literally obsessed with this. It’s not heavy, it absorbs nicely, it’s super lightweight, it has so many skincare ingredients in there and is just really great for hydrating skin.”
10. Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Rich.
Fast facts:
- Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Rich is a thick, ultra-rich moisturiser that strengthens the skin barrier and protects it from environmental aggressors that can trigger sensitive skin.
- It combines antioxidant-rich ingredients with strengthening and soothing ingredients for healthier, happier skin.
- It’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, perfect for sensitive skin havers (and everybody, really).
Why it made Megan’s skincare shelf:
“Super hydrating but doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on the skin. It’s also great for sensitive skin.”
What AB customer Tina said about Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Rich:
"Received this product as a sample and have now purchased it! Leaves my skin feeling supple and nourished. Love using it at night or as a base under my makeup. Fantastic hydrator after spending days out in the sun!"
11. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
Fast facts:
- Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a cult classic for its deeply nourishing formula that keeps lips hydrated overnight while you sleep to reveal soft and smooth lips when you wake.
- It smooths, plumps and rejuvenates lips, and reduces flakiness and dryness.
- It’s available in four lip-smacking flavours (Megan’s go-to is Berry).
Why it made Megan’s skincare shelf:
“This is a little luxury treat but it lasts for ages. I’ve had it for months and it’s still going.”
What AB customer Zara said about Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask:
"Absolutely love this. I put it on at night and it feels amazing. My lips are very soft in the morning, the container lasts ages as it is very large so the price is very reasonable and the little spoon is very cute, will definitely repurchase."
After more skincare tips and recommendations? Check out these Beauty IQs:
