Skin Type Confessions: Get Ready to Face Yourself

What's your skin story?

Ready to dive into skincare but feeling overwhelmed? Consider this your beauty compass for navigating the basics. Whether you're starting fresh or refining your routine, I'll break down everything you need to know and give you the best product recommendations -- But first, let's get to know your skin.

Think of this as your skin's personality test – and trust me, it's a lot more reliable than those zodiac readings on TikTok.

THE BASIC SKIN TYPES, AND HOW TO SPOT THEM.

Normal Skin, The golden child of skin types – balanced, clear, and drama-free. If your skin is like the below, you've hit the skincare lottery. But don't skip the routine – even good skin needs maintenance.

• Feels comfortable without product

• Rarely acts up or breaks out

• Has minimal visible pores

• Maintains a healthy glow

Dry Skin, Feeling tight? Your skin might be giving you the silent treatment. Signs include

• Feels tight after cleansing

• Shows visible flaking or rough patches

• Fine lines appear more noticeable

• Makeup looks patchy or clings to dry areas

• Drop Test: Press a finger gently on your cheek, if fine lines appear instantly, you're dealing with dryness.

Oily Skin, The overachiever of sebum production. You're dealing with oily skin if:

• Shine appears by midday

• Pores are more visible

• Makeup slides off faster than your weekend plans

• Breakouts are a regular uninvited guest

  Pro Tip: Oily doesn't mean unhealthy – that extra sebum might keep you looking younger longer.

Combination Skin, The "why choose one when you can have both" skin types. Classic signs:

• Oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)

• Dry or normal cheeks

• Different pore sizes across your face

• Seasonal changes affect different areas differently Think of it as your skin's way of keeping you on your toes.

Sensitive Skin, The drama queen of skin types. You're in this club if:

• Products often cause stinging or redness

• Skin flushes easily

• Environmental changes trigger reactions

• New products are your skin's arch nemesis

THE BARE-FACED TEST

It's time to play detective with your skin. Here's your mission:

Drop Tip: For this test, avoid cleansers with active ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid – we want your bare skin to show its true colors.

• Cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser

  Here are my tried-and-tested picks for beginners:

  Cleanser Recommendations - Luxury Drop

  • La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser ($14.99)

    Why we love it: Gentle, non-foaming formula that never strips

  • Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($39)

    Why we love it: Soothes while cleansing, perfect for sensitive skin

  • Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser ($39)

    My TOP pick! This clean, green beauty superhero combines powerful antioxidants with gentle cleansing. Perfect for all skin types, it removes makeup and impurities while keeping skin balanced and hydrated. The kale, spinach, and green tea blend makes this cleanser a green juice for your face.

    Drop Tip: A little goes a long way – one pump is all you need!

  Cleanser Recommendations - Drugstore Drop

  • CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($12.99)

    Why we love it: No-frills, gets the job done, dermatologist favorite

  • Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser ($12.99)

    Why we love it: Its creamy jelly texture feels luxurious, and its barrier-supporting ingredients are perfect for sensitive skin. The tri-ceramide complex helps maintain the skin's moisture while cleansing.

    Drop Tip: Great for morning cleanse or second cleanse in PM routine

• Wait 30 minutes (perfect time to scroll through our latest drops)

• Observe your skin:

  • Tight everywhere? Dry skin

  • Shiny all over? Oily skin

  • Shiny T-zone but dry cheeks? Combination

  • No significant changes? Normal skin

  • Redness or irritation? Sensitive skin

PLOT TWIST: YOU MIGHT BE WRONG ABOUT YOUR SKIN TYPE