I love skincare. I always have.
I love the ritual of it, the science behind it, the way great skin makes you feel confident before you have even applied a stitch of makeup. I love knowing that what I am putting on my face is not only effective, but thoughtfully formulated.
Over the past year, I have become far more ingredient-conscious. I run everything through the Yuka app. I read labels. I care about clinical backing. I want products that help me age gracefully, protect my skin barrier, and genuinely improve texture and tone over time.
Because I do not gatekeep and I firmly believe sharing is caring, today I am walking you through the five products I use every single morning.
My nighttime routine is different. This one is designed for radiance, hydration, protection, and creating a smooth, healthy base that pairs beautifully with makeup.
Here is exactly what I use and why.
1. Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe (Yuka Score: 85/100)
Why I use it
Vitamin C is non-negotiable for me in the morning.
I want antioxidant protection. I want brightness. I want long-term support against hyperpigmentation and fine lines. However, I do not want a thin, watery serum that disappears into my skin and leaves me dry.
Medik8’s C-Tetra Luxe feels different immediately. It has a silky, almost oil-like texture that makes my skin look nourished within seconds. I use it with my gua sha tool for lymphatic drainage, and the slip is perfect. It allows me to sculpt and de-puff without tugging.
This formula contains 14% stabilised vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), which is potent yet gentle. It is boosted with red ginseng for brightness and includes squalane and vitamin F to support the skin barrier.
What I notice most is glow. Within minutes, my skin looks more even and slightly luminous. Over time, I have seen more clarity and a subtle improvement in tone.
This is not just a “brightening” product. It is a confidence product.
For more information and to purchase the product, please visit Lookfantastic or Amazon.
2. Trinny London Take Back Time Eye Treatment (Yuka Score: 100/100)
Why I use it
I am extremely particular about eye creams.
My under-eye area can get dry quickly, and dryness is what makes fine lines look worse. If an eye cream is too light, I look crepey by midday. If it is too heavy, concealer slides.
Trinny London’s Take Back Time gets that balance right.
It is clinically proven to reduce crow’s feet and under-eye lines in four weeks and to soften lines in just seven days. What I personally care about is how it performs at 3 p.m., not just 8 a.m. This one keeps my under-eye area hydrated all day long.
It gives a subtle smoothing effect without feeling sticky. My concealer sits better. My under-eyes look fresher.
When a product scores 100 on Yuka and performs this well in real life, it earns its place permanently.
For more information and to purchase the product, please visit the Trinny London website.
3. Trinny London The Elevator (Yuka Score: 88/100)
Why I use it
The neck is often the first place to show age, yet most people stop their skincare routine at the jawline.
The Elevator is designed specifically for the neck and décolletage. The skin there is thinner, drier, and more prone to sagging. This formula uses peptides to smooth and firm and includes encapsulated alpha arbutin to help prevent dark spots.
I do not use this because I have major concerns. I use it because prevention matters.
It is deeply hydrating and gives that area a smoother, slightly plumper appearance. Over time, I have noticed improved texture and a more even look across my neck and chest.
When I say I want to age gracefully, this is what I mean. Intentional care before you “need” it.
For more information and to purchase the product, please visit the Trinny London website.
4. Embryolisse Lait Crème Sensitive (Yuka Score: 93/100)
Why I use it
This is my dependable, no-drama moisturiser.
Embryolisse’s fragrance-free Sensitive version is ideal for reactive skin. It is made with 98% ingredients from natural origin and is suitable for adults, children, and even babies. That tells you everything about its gentleness.
My skin can be sensitive, especially when I am traveling or testing new products. This one never irritates. It layers beautifully over my serums and treatments and creates a smooth, hydrated canvas for makeup.
There is a reason Embryolisse has such a cult following among makeup artists. It simply works.
For more information and to purchase the product, please visit Amazon, Lookfantastic (also has a travel size version!), and Sephora.
5. Bioderma Photoderm Milk Ultra SPF 50+ (Yuka Score: 90/100)
Why I use it
SPF is not optional.
This Bioderma formula offers very high UVA protection and is suitable for sensitive skin, including children and those undergoing photosensitising treatments.
What I love most is that it is genuinely comfortable to wear. It hydrates for up to eight hours, absorbs quickly, and does not leave a white cast or greasy residue. It works on both face and body, which I appreciate when traveling.
My friend actually introduced me to this one after accidentally leaving it at my house, and I have repurchased it ever since.
High protection. Good ingredients. Comfortable texture. That is the trifecta.
For more information and to purchase the product, please visit Lookfantastic and Amazon.
My Exact Morning Order
- Vitamin C (Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe) + gua sha
- Eye treatment (Take Back Time)
- Neck concentrate (The Elevator)
- Moisturiser (Embryolisse Lait Crème Sensitive)
- SPF (Bioderma Photoderm Milk Ultra SPF 50+)
Final Thoughts
This routine gives me glow, hydration, protection, and peace of mind about the ingredients I am using. Every product scores 85 or above on the Yuka app, which matters to me as much as performance.
Skincare is personal. It is science, ritual, prevention, and confidence rolled into one.
If you would like to see my nighttime skincare routine next, let me know. I would also love to know what skincare questions you have for me. Are you more concerned about fine lines, pigmentation, hydration, or sensitive skin?
Sharing is caring, and I am always testing.
Did you find this blog post helpful? I always love a simple thank you but if you did want to buy me a coffee as a thank you (my favorite beverage while writing these blog posts!), visit:
buymeacoffee.com/jessicagioglio
Jessica Gioglio founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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