When I started listing down all my resolutions for the new year, one of the things that I put at the top of my list was to simplify my skincare routine.
Nowadays, there are so many things that social media will throw at your face that you “have to have” or “absolutely need”--- when in reality, just a simple 5-step routine will have your skin perfectly glowing. If I’m being real with myself, there’s no reason for me to have some fancy clay mask or serum if I’m only going to use it now and then!
I also have realized the importance of sticking to brands that improve and consistently work well with your skin. For me, that’s Hero Cosmetics.
With all sincerity, this K-beauty-inspired brand checks all the boxes that I think are required for the ultimate dream skincare: affordable (check), results-driven (check), and made with clean ingredients (check- my sensitive skin agrees).
I’ve been getting into the world of skincare for some time now, and out of all the dozens of products I’ve tried, 5 of Hero Cosmetics’s products will always be on my must-have list.
If you’re looking to narrow down your skincare to something more simplified, efficient, and results-based, here are the products that I’ve tried, tested, and trust to bring with me into the new year:
The Glow Balm
I didn’t realize how much my skin was suffering in the winter weather, but the Glow Balm keeps it smooth, supple, and happy.
This glide-on skin stick has quickly become my go-to for the cold season, and my skin has never looked more glowy, smooth, and plump. There’s something about the way it puts on a thin but protective layer of moisture that locks into the skin, making it brave the coldest, driest temperatures.
Powered by linoleic acid (for nourishing), ceramides (for moisturizing), and vitamin E (for softening), this creamy stick smoothens out all the dry spots without clogging the pores.
What I love most about this is how it truly feels like a heavy cream, minus the weight it puts onto the face. With the on-the-go applicator, it’s perfect to bring along anywhere and everywhere.
The Clear Collective Trio
Forget about all the fancy skincare things- if anything, these are the basic 3 products that you cannot go without: a proper cleanser, toner, and moisturizer.
Actually, forget about basics- if anything, the Clear Collective Trio is the essentials.
The Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser is the first step to anything that I use, day and night. This effortless cleanser features little jelly bits made with glycolic and mandelic acids, which dissolve dead skin buildup. I love how easily it lathers, and after a minute of massaging it into the skin, I instantly feel so refreshed and clean.
The Balancing Capsule Toner comes next. I used to ignore how important toners were, but now that I’ve started implementing it into my daily routine, the difference it’s made is truly amazing. With the toner, my skin feels so much more hydrated with the hyaluronic boost and calmer with the green tea water.
Finally, I end the 3-step routine with the Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer. This moisturizer might genuinely be the most simple thing ever, but it’s become one of my favorite products that I’ve ever used. Right when the skin is a bit damp from the toner, I love applying the moisturizer to lock in the hydration. This is so lightweight and makes the skin feel so soft, and I just can’t go without it!
This dream team set is gentle and effective on the skin, making it perfect for both morning and night. With “no skin-irritating artificial colors, fragrance, parabens, pore-clogging silicones, or mineral oil,” this is the perfect set for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
The Rescue Retinol
If I’m going to be completely honest, I wasn’t sure how to feel about retinol at first. After a few weeks and seeing the results it’s brought me, I’ve become a fan.
I’ve been using this cream overnight, and right away in the morning, I’ll notice a few things. Firstly, my skin looks so smooth- all the texture has calmed down visibly. It also looks bouncy, energetic, and overall healthy in a way no other cream has done. Lastly, much of the hyperpigmentation has faded.
That’s all thanks to the Rescue Retinol’s special formula of “retinol blend, squalane, and Rescue Balm Complex™.” Retinol does have an image in the skincare world as being more complex to start with, but Hero Cosmetics makes this ingredient easy and simple to use.
The cream has a neutral, ointment-like scent with a slightly sticky and non-greasy application. I love slathering on a thin layer overnight. In the morning, you’ll wake up with your skin genuinely looking the best it’s ever been- all without the hassle of breaking out to a new ingredient.
The Bright Eyes
For someone who gets dark circles too frequently, this eye cream has become a must.
Loaded with tons of niacinamide and a luminizing tint, this eye cream targets dark circles like nothing else. With just a swipe, Bright Eyes will erase off all the late-night exhaustion, and make me look so much more energetic.
I love how it has a metal applicator, making the cool surface feel extra good when applied around the eyes in the morning. It has a lip balm-like shape, making it glide just the way you want it.
With this cream, a little goes a long way. My favorite thing is how lightweight it is, and how it doesn’t feel sticky or greasy. It also pairs well with concealer, making it a must for the morning routine!
The Rescue Balm
Last but certainly not least, the Rescue Balm will always be a forever favorite cream.
This has become like a first-aid ointment to me, except I can slather it on at night and see immediate results the next morning.
The Rescue Balm is a multi-use cream for so many situations, from when you’ve just popped a pimple, to dry and flaky patches, bumpy textured skin, or even red spots from acne.
I especially love it for acne aftercare. Usually, when you pop a pimple, it becomes dry and turns into a dark scar, but applying this cream right after helps heal it safely. Also, for all the acne scars that have faded into a dark patch, this cream works wonders for fading them away.
Plus, it’s dermatologist-approved, has zero fragrance or irritating ingredients, and has the perfect creamy consistency- making it ideal for some overnight magic.
