Before I started writing about beauty almost a year ago, when it came to shopping for beauty products, my main spots were Sephora and the local drugstore. I didn’t really give much thought to other retailers because I pretty much had all my needs met with those two—I could shop my tried-and-true makeup and skincare brands. Because I didn’t really experiment with a bunch of new products, I always knew what I was going to get and that each store would be stocked with what I wanted.
Fast-forward to a year later and I’m much more knowledgeable about skin conditions, makeup looks and techniques, and, of course, products. I’ve been influenced so many times by my co-workers telling me about their favorite serum or moisturizer or their holy-grail mascara or must-have lipstick. I’ve also come across a slew of new beauty retailers to shop. One of my absolute favorite discoveries during this time has been Dermstore.
To be honest, I hadn’t really heard of Dermstore before I started working at Who What Wear, and it’s quickly become my go-to place to shop. Because I’ve always cared more about skincare than makeup, it’s fun to browse the site and geek out over the dermatologist-recommended formulas and brands. It’s really great that you can get some drugstore brands there, too, so it saves me a trip in these social-distancing times.
Want to see how I would shop at Dermstore? Take a look at some of the products I currently own from the retailer, plus other items that are on my wish list, including a few of the team’s favorite sunscreens and serums that are currently on sale.
This drugstore micellar water is probably one of my most-used skincare products. It just does such a good job of cleansing my skin of dirt and makeup without drying it out. Most days, I wash my face with my regular cleanser and then swipe this on to feel extra clean.
Speaking of cleansers, IS Clinical’s Cleansing Complex is my daily go-to. I was turned on to it by my Who What Wear colleagues, and I’m so grateful for their rec. It’s a gentle formula that manages to exfoliate, tighten pores, and unclog pores.
My hair normally feels a bit thin and limp, so I had been looking for the right volumizing shampoo for a long time. Enter R+Co’s Dallas Shampoo, which makes my hair feel so voluminous and thick. Ever since I started using it, my hair feels so much healthier, too. The shampoo is packed with ingredients such as provitamin B5, biotin, coconut oil, and saw palmetto berry extract.
And of course, I have to get the matching Dallas Conditioner. It makes my hair feel soft and shiny, but it doesn’t weigh it down at all.
This is another beloved rec from my Who What Wear colleagues. The two-step treatment is basically an at-home facial that leaves your skin glowy, smooth, and soft. The formula includes five alpha and beta hydroxy acids and a retinol blend with vitamins, antioxidants, and resveratrol.
I bought this sunscreen spray over the summer, and it’s become my go-to. It has UVA and UVB protection thanks to zinc oxide. I actually like that it goes on white and dries clear because I can tell how much I actually put on.
This slightly-tinted lotion version of the formula is great for the face.
If I had to choose my absolute favorite product from Dermstore, it would be SkinCeuticals’s C E Ferulic. I resisted buying it for so long, but I heard all my co-workers raving about it and decided to give in. I don’t regret it at all. It leaves my complexion looking so incredibly glowy and smooth. It also works to even out my skin tone.
NeuLash was recommended to me by an esthetician who does my eyebrows, so it’s been on my list for a while now. Ever since I got off glaucoma eye drops that made my eyelashes grow like crazy, I’ve been complaining about my lashes looking thin and sparse. This serum is supposed to condition your existing ones and promote thicker and voluminous lashes.
In the meantime, I’ve been obsessed with this eyelash curler I added to my Dermstore cart a few months ago. Curling my lashes makes my eyes really pop, and this one is so easy to use. The best part? I’ve never had to deal with any of that uncomfortable pinching you might get when using a curler.
Whenever my scalp is acting up, I like to use this shampoo, which exfoliates and detoxifies. It’s also formulated with coconut oil to moisturize and peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oils to reduce redness and irritation.
So many people rave about Sunday Riley’s Good Genes, so it’s definitely on my list of skincare products to try. It contains glycolic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores, leaving skin smoother and more radiant.
When I’m running on only a few hours of sleep, I turn to these gel eye patches to make me look more awake. They’re infused with hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration and caffeine to de-puff the eyes.
This is another product that’s on my wish list. The cleanser is supposed to leave your skin hydrated and brightened, which are definitely two of my skincare goals. You can use it as an exfoliating mask, too.
Fur’s oil has been so crucial in preventing painful and annoying ingrown hairs for me. It nourishes the skin, soothes redness, and clears pores.
If you have dry-skin woes, you’re going to want to stock up on Weleda’s cream. It is super nourishing, and you can use it all over your body. The formula includes ingredients such as fatty acids, vitamin E, and organic calendula flower extract to repair your skin.
If you struggle with hyperpigmentation or any kind of discoloration, this is the serum you want in your arsenal. Apply to affected areas twice daily, and be sure to use daily sun protection with SPF 20 or higher while using this product, since skin can become extra sensitive.
Supergoop’s Glowscreen is my everyday sunscreen. It’s so lightweight and glides on smoothly. It also makes my skin feel softer and moisturized. Plus, the formula leaves a glowy finish, which is great for Zoom calls.
Now that I’m in my 30s, I’m starting to get more serious about my eye creams, and this one is at the top of my wish list. Not only does it have anti-aging benefits, but it also targets dark circles and puffiness.
I always need to have these gummies in my supplement stash. They do such a good job at dealing with hair loss and thinning. Ingredients include biotin, zinc, PABA, and folic acid.
