Things worth sharing... skincare edition!

14+ can't-live-without skincare recommendations from friends of Mera Magazine!

Feb 27, 2026

Hello!

Welcome back to Things Worth Sharing, my monthly roundup series where I share things I’ve recently enjoyed and think you might like too. This month’s letter is brought to you by Elizabeth Cotton and is loaded with skincare recs from me and friends of Mera Magazine.

I’m not big on makeup, but I’m always on the lookout for great skincare products, especially as I get older (and my skin is suddenly much drier???). I treated myself to a facial for my 40th back in September, and after learning that I should incorporate a ceramide-based product to reduce dryness, I’ve been curious about what other women my age are using on their beautiful faces.

Aside from my latest new obsession — a facial brush that I use most mornings while my coffee is brewing — my skincare routine is a bit basic (NL friends, I bought the brush here; everyone else, you’re on your own… jk, found the same one here).

I can’t live without my CeraVe cleanser and moisturizer, and I use this exfoliant 1–2x a week, but after going down a rabbit hole, first to understand wtf ceramides are and then to find a natural, affordable option, I landed on 100% natural jojoba oil (my research tells me it’s ceramide-rich), which I now apply before my moisturizer (half a pump if I apply it during the day, an full pump at night). It has helped with dry skin and blemishes that I usually get around my period. I also use it on my hair and body. I’ve recommended it to everyone from my 10-year-old niece to my girlfriends to my 73-year-old father. NL friends, this one’s great. US friends, here’s the one I sent to my niece.

All this skincare research got me curious, so I asked my lovely friends (thanks, gals!) and a few 40+ women from The Old Girls Club (a women’s networking group I’m in) to share one skincare product they can’t live without. They gave so many great recs, so I thought I’d share them with you, too. (I’ve already tried #8 below, and I think I’ve finally found a sun cream that I don’t want to wash off immediately, and I’m eyeing #11.)

14+ can’t-live-without skincare recommendations from friends of Mera Magazine

I love this HaruHaru cleansing oil. It’s reasonably priced, gently removes my mascara, and leaves my skin feeling amazing. It has a light, clean scent that isn’t overpowering. —Janelle
The Augustinus Bader Rich Cream is 100% worth the hype (and price tag) — it’s one of the few products that my skin can tolerate after developing allergies to basically everything in my early 40s. It’s expensive, but it’s also helped me cut way down on the rest of my routine, so it kind of evens out. —Meghan from Fractional Fridays
I can’t live without this Dermatologica moisturizer. It’s just so smooth and luscious; I love how vibrant my skin feels when I use it. —Yasmin
This one, because it prevents sun damage and repairs existing damage with DNA repair enzymes. —Valerie from How Not to F*ck Up Your Face
This Aquaphor healing balm stick provides lasting hydration on the go- smear all over your face, and you’ll look fresher and dewier. —Liv
Huge fan of the La Roche Posay products- gentle cleanser especially. Doesn’t dry out my sensitive skin (rosacea). —Lorraine
I love this exfoliant. Also, if you have a blemish forming, you can rub some of it on the spot, and it will kill and stop it from growing larger. It’s like a miracle product. —Cristina

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I have sensitive, acne-prone, combination skin, and love trying new products. However, since I discovered this sunscreen, I’ve been a loyal repeat customer. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and applies like a dream, leaving a beautiful finish on the skin. Somehow it also works for me year-round, no matter the weather or temperature. I also recommend this Bioderma makeup remover. —Jessica (aka Jazzy)
Prescription tretinoin & SPF every single day! —Lizzie
My skincare routine is a bit basic these days because of the rosacea I’ve been dealing with, but when I started using this product, it helped the dry, flaky texture issue I was experiencing on my cheeks, and I find I have noticeably less redness. I use 3 on my cheeks and 1 on my forehead, and I leave it for 20 mins. Leaves my skin nice and hydrated and calmed. —Emi
I love Sunday Riley Good Genes. It’s a lactic acid treatment that exfoliates and brightens your skin, but it’s very gentle and smells great. —Liz from Elizabeth Cotton
Retinol is a non-negational must have! Two products I’ve used and loved are Zo Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener and African Botanics Cell Recovery Serum. —Rebecca
This 3-in-1 face cleanser from Vichy from their derm range has been a go-to for years. It works as a milk, toner, and eye makeup remover all at once. My sensitive skin enjoys how gentle it is, and I love that it leaves my face feeling fresh and hydrated without rinsing. It makes my mornings (and late late nights) so much easier by keeping my skincare routine simple and fast. —Erica
A couple of years ago, I switched to a collagen cleanser, toner, and vitamin C serum to roll back aging a bit. Right now, my go-to vitamin C serum is this one. —Regina

A few more things worth sharing…

If you need a comfy robe for your next self-care session, try this one from Elizabeth Cotton. I love that it’s 100% cotton, and the Liberty of London prints are so sophisticated. A great way to step up your Sofa Saturday game (at least, I think so). Note: Liz has kindly offered Mera Magazine readers 20% off with code ALEXIS20. Shop the full collection here. Thanks, Liz!

These baked banana oat bites turned out well! It’s a healthy take on banana bread.

I recently finished Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy after reading her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. Both great! I wondered how much of her novel was real-life in disguise (or maybe sexual fantasies?). I recommend reading her memoir first.