The other night at a girls’ dinner, we were talking about skincare (as one does in their late 30s/early 40s), and I realized that my friends all have incredible glowing skin, so I asked them to share their number one holy grail skincare products. Like the one thing that they couldn’t ever give up. The list is great, and I actually use a lot of these products myself too!

iS Clinical Active Serum: “The number one thing that helped my acne-prone skin and reduced dark spots at the same time. This really turned my skin around about 10 years ago. Everyone who breaks out should own it!” – Eva

Note from Julia: Eva turned me onto this a few years ago and I use it religiously every night before moisturizer. It has also helped my breakouts a ton.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair: “It’s literally one of the best anti-aging serums in the world and it’s so lightweight on your skin and great for men/women (think sunburns, razor burns, etc). I started using this in my early 20s and never looked back!

The only other thing you know I’d throw out there is please give a moment for sunscreen or else all of these products mean nothing!” – Sofia

Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads: “I use these religiously every night after Julia turned me onto them. They make my skin clear and glowy. I recently had pre-cancerous cells removed and my dermatologist said that these pads likely brought it to the surface before it turned bad so I’m a fan for life!” – Tyndale

Dr. Barbara Sturm Vitamin C Serum: “It makes my skin look radiant and dewey!” – Rachel

Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer: “From the token Midwest friend who does not believe in self-care whatsoever and enjoys defying Julia. Per my Amazon order history review, I can confirm I purchase 4 ounces of Olay Moisturizer once every 7 years for a total skincare routine cost of $1.35 per year.  Julia’s MIL randomly mentioned it was kind of strange we hang out and when Julia asked why, she said, “Isn’t she like 22 years old?” (False, I am 150 years old).  Fear not, I make sure to bring this story up as often as possible, and with as many people present as possible. Nothing matters, we all turn to dust. Goodbye. ” – Kelly, my bestie who should be a comedy writer

Goop Genes Eye Masks: ” These are the only eye masks that actually helps with puffiness. They’re worth the $$$ and they scare my kids, so it gives me 10-minutes of peace. An added bonus!!!” – Bitsy

U Beauty Resurfacing Compound: “For the best glow I’ve ever had!” – Faye

Note from Julia: U Beauty sent me a sample of this to try over the winter and I’ve added it to my routine every other night (the nights where I don’t use the Dennis Gross Peel Pads). It really helps with skin texture for me, smoothing everything out. I wake up with baby-soft skin!.

Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum: “This is an absolute must for my morning routine. As I age, dullness is becoming a bigger concern and I have definitely noticed my skin is brighter from using this product. I love the formula- it’s lightweight, not oily, and smells great. I’ve tried their oil and I think this formula is better, it absorbs into the skin better than the oil. And I went down a rabbit hole and it seems like this is one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C.” – Christen

Note from Julia: I’ve used Skinceuticals Vitamin C Serum for years but might just have to try this after her review!

Crest Whitestrips: “Whenever I have an event coming up I like to feel like I’m doing a few small things for the days leading up to it to enhance my glow, such as face masks, scrubs, a blow out, etc. But my real secret weapon is whitening strips. I want to come into that wedding/beach vacation/conference with teeth that shine because nothing leaves a more lasting impression than a sparkling smile.” – Lauren (my sister)

Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion  Correction Pads: “I’ve been using these for 8 years and anytime I take a break from them, I immediately regret it. They keep my skin clean and clear and glowy!” – Carly

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum: This is hard because so many of my favorites are already on this list (peel pads, resurfacing compound, iS clinical serum), but my numero uno of all time is Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum. I wrote a full review on it here but let me give you the main overview: It’s great for glow, texture, acne, and wrinkles. It does it all!!! – Me!