Editors talk about their first skincare product and what they use now

Though we *cringe* at the thought of all the ways we practiced self-help (like plastic bead exfoliation and Lip Smacker rituals), every skincare addict has to start somewhere. And to congratulate the newcomers to the world of skincare, we asked our editors to share their first memorable skin care products in their collections as well as the products they now use instead of them. Needless to say, we've come a long way.  

Dawn, Senior Editor

Then: Sea Breeze Toner

Now: Skinceuticals Tonic Conditioner

As a teenager, I loved the intense tingling sensation of a serious tonic. After it, my skin became clean to a squeak, but at the same time a little dry and tight. Well, toners have come a long way, and one of my current favorites is Skinceuticals Tonic Conditioner. It is loaded with exfoliating acids and some moisturizing ingredients. It makes my skin feel soft and plump instead of squeaky, which is all I want these days.

Lindsey, Content Director

Then: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Now: Lancôme Absolue Repairing & Brightening Soft Cream

The only beauty products that I distinctly remember my mom using when I was growing up were Pond's Cold Cream and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. To this day, I don't understand the cold cream thing. I'll settle for an oil-based makeup remover any day, but I've spent decades following in the footsteps of her yellow facial lotion. However, as I got older, my skin became more and more dry, which forced me to increase my facial hydration levels. The light, airy Clinique has been replaced by a series of richer creams. Currently I'm smearing my skin in Lancôme Absolue A revitalizing & brightening soft cream. It transforms from from a thick moisturizer to a thin serum-like lotion to a thick layer that fills the skin with moisture throughout the day. Despite being made from rose extract, the fragrance is fresh and not in the least bit old fashioned.  

Alanna, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Then: Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker

Now: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

I will also never forget how almost every single day in the fifth grade I smeared my lips with a version of Dr. Pepper with cherry cola. I'm not sure if I was addicted to this stuff because it actually made my lips more hydrated, or because I had a sugary taste from the smell, but either way, it was my absolute favorite lip balm in my elementary school. school years. Now, I've finally put that soda-scented lip care regimen aside and replaced it with a more adult version: the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. This hydrating mask makes you feel like your lips are bathed in moisture and I use it all the time even when there is no chapped skin in sight. What's more, the berry scent is lust worthy, so while it will never fill the void in my heart for my favorite Lip Smackers Dr. Pepper, he's pretty damn close.

Tempe, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Then: apricot scrub St. Ives.

Now: Urban Skin RX Lactic Glow MicroPolish Gentle Cleansing Gel

Once upon a time, anyone with even the slightest concern for skin care used the St. Ives - obviously, including me. I rubbed it into my skin hotly and aggressively throughout college. Lately I've switched to chemical exfoliation and prefer to let acids do the exfoliation for me. My favorite is the Urban Skin RX Lactic Glow MicroPolish Gentle Cleansing Gel, which contains citric, malic, and lactic acids for gentle exfoliation, and jojoba granules for radiance.

Jessica, Assistant Editor 

Then: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Oil-Free Moisturizer.

Now: Kiehl's Ultra Moisturizing Face Cream

I vividly remember my mom and I driving to the local CVS store to pick up my favorite high school skincare product: Neutrogena Oil-Free Sensitive Skin Moisturizer. I used a lightweight formula morning and night and stuck with it for years because the non-comedogenic formula didn't irritate my skin (and didn't cause breakouts, which was my main problem at the time). Incidentally, that was when I thought SPF was just for the beach. Now I never leave the house without an SPF and use a separate moisturizer in the morning and evening (because night creams are magic). Kiehl's Ultra Moisturizing Face Cream is one of my favorite day products because the lightweight cream absorbs easily into my skin and goes well under makeup. Unlike most SPF products, the moisturizer is not at all greasy and I feel like I'm wearing nothing at all. With the added bonus of broad spectrum SPF 30 protection in the formula, I get the best of both worlds: hydration and protection against skin damage.