A complete luxury skincare wardrobe: cleansers, toners, essences, serums, retinoids, exfoliants, eye treatments, moisturizers, masks, SPF, lip care, neck care and devices from La Mer, SK-II, Augustinus Bader, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Dior and more.
The Ultimate Luxury Skincare Wardrobe: Everything Your Top Shelf Needs
Build your luxury skincare wardrobe
A skincare wardrobe works like a good closet: a few dependable essentials, a handful of treatments you reach for when you need them, and the occasional indulgence. This edit covers every category on a complete top shelf, from cleansers and toners to retinoids, neck care and devices, with prestige formulas from La Mer, SK-II, Augustinus Bader, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Dior and more. You will not need all thirteen categories at once. Start with a cleanser, a moisturizer and SPF, then add the rest as your routine grows. I went deeper on a related idea in The Ultimate Affordable Skincare Wardrobe: Every Essential, Every Step.
Cleansers: the foundation
Every routine begins with a cleanse. These foams, balms and oils are designed to remove the day while leaving skin comfortable, and they set up everything that follows.
Toners: a hydrating reset
Modern toners are less about stripping and more about hydration. Pat one into clean skin to help prepare it for serum and moisturizer.
Essences: the layer that adds glow
Essences are lightweight, watery formulas designed to add early hydration. Apply them before serums and let them settle for a moment.
Serums: your targeted step
Serums carry the most concentrated ingredients in a routine. Choose by goal, such as hydration or brightness, and apply to clean skin before moisturizer.
Retinoids: the night-time essential
Retinoids are among the most studied ingredients for the look of fine lines and texture. Use them at night, start two to three nights a week, and build up slowly.
Exfoliants: smoother-looking skin
Exfoliating acids and resurfacing treatments help lift away dull surface cells. Use one once or twice a week, and always wear SPF the next day.
Exfoliants
Eye treatments for the delicate area
The skin around the eyes is thin, so eye treatments tend to be gentle and concentrated. They are designed to hydrate and soften the look of fine lines and puffiness.
Moisturizers that seal it all in
A moisturizer is designed to hold in moisture and support the barrier. Choose a lighter cream for day and a richer one for night if your skin runs dry.
Moisturizers
The Moisturizing Soft Cream Moisturizer for Hydration and Barrier Repair
La Mer
$200
Face Cream — Gentle Daily Cream for Sensitive Skin, Hydration & Anti-Aging Benefits
Dr. Barbara Sturm
$240
The Dewy Skin Cream Hydrating & Firming Refillable Moisturizer
Tatcha
$74
Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream
Shiseido
$146
Masks for a weekly treat
Masks are the indulgent step of a routine. Use one once or twice a week after cleansing, then follow with serum and cream.
SPF: the daily non-negotiable
Dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning. Apply it as the last step in your morning routine and reapply outdoors.
Lip care
Lips have no oil glands of their own, so they benefit from regular care. Keep a balm in your bag and a lip mask by the bed.
Neck care
The neck and chest show age too and are often overlooked. Extend your serum or moisturizer down, or add a dedicated formula designed to hydrate and smooth the look of lines.
Skincare devices
LED, microcurrent and massage devices are optional add-ons designed to complement your routine. Follow each device's instructions and use them on clean skin.
Build it one category at a time
A strong top shelf is built slowly. Choose the products you will use daily first, add treatments as your skin asks for them, and give each new product a few weeks before judging it.
