Desert Island Skincare Picks
8 estheticians on their stranded-on-an-island, holy grail products
I have a feeling I’m an estheticians’ worst nightmare. Every single time I get a facial, I cannot, for the life of me, shut up with my questions. I sound like a little kid on a road trip — what are you doing now? What are your favorite hydrating, but not pore-clogging moisturizers? What nanometer of red light are you using? How did you choose this career path? Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m a genuinely curious person, but if I’m being honest, there’s probably a part of me that’s trying to avoid laying silently on a bed for an hour with a stranger touching my face.
At about the halfway point, I get hit with a wave of self-awareness and start apologizing profusely for literally grilling them at their place of work. “What can I say, I’m a journalist,” I joke with a weird feigned bashfulness. They assure me they don’t mind. I know the routine well.
During my interrogation, my annoying ass loves to pull out this question: “if you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring 5 skincare / makeup products, what would they be?” It’s a take on the classic fake-scarcity scenario, loosely adapted from Desert Island Discs’ podcast premise with a skincare bend to appeal to its recipient. Obviously. (Side note: desert or deserted? I used to think they were interchangeable because the arid climate was implied, but it just (re-)hit me that Manhattan is an island, so there goes that logic.)
Inevitably I get hit with a response that resembles “wait — do these products need to be for a desert climate? or is it just my top 5 picks forever?” to which I respond, “interpret as you wish.” It adds a fun touch, IMO.
Don’t worry (I know you were), I will continue to harass my future facialists, but I figured it would be fun to extend the question to a broader network of experts and publish it on the internet. There’s nothing better than seeing a curated selection of Hall of Fame products from people who know the industry best. Maybe that’s just me.
Oh, and desert vs. deserted is open to individuals interpretation. You already knew that.
Samantha Mims
Esthetician at Brooklyn Face + Eye
My top five skincare products I'd select to have with me on a desert island would be:
Dieux Baptism Gel Cleanser: Cleansing is such an important step in any routine and i wouldn't want to miss out on this moment despite being stranded on an island. There is no routine without this step.
Epi.logic Total Package Moisturizer: If i'm going to be limited with my skincare choices, I must have a moisturizer. One thing that I despise is feeling dry and appearing dry. I love this moisturizer for how rich it is and how well it hydrates the skin. Regardless of how small it is, I can use this everywhere on my body if necessary and that's key for me.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50: SPF is that one product that i just don't go without. Considering I'd be stuck on an island and exposed to lots of sun, I'd want to make sure i'm protected in some way. I like how transparent and blendable it is.)
Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in Boba Bounce: This by far has been my favorite lip moisturizer. It's multifunctional, beautifully toned and adds a pampering touch in each use.
Sunaroma Oatmeal Bar Soap: I like to feel clean from head to toe. Having a classic bar soap thats nourishing with a fresh scent feels appropriate and makes the routine complete. As long as I have access to water, I'll be just fine.
Esthetician at Practise NYC and Writer of Hotline Skin
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel: my favorite SPF of all time. It’s hydrating, light, zero cast and so glowy. It’s the sunscreen that I use to convert people to wearing daily sunscreen.
Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum: I’m extremely acne prone and mandelic acid is a main part of keeping my acne at bay––I’ve used the ingredient for years, but this serum really put it on the map and I’m so happy it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves. It’s gentle enough to use daily and has antibacterial properties.
CurrentBody Series 2 LED Mask: The best LED mask on the market, hands down. It has all of the ideal key parameters & each individual mask goes through a comprehensive testing process. I’m wearing it right now as I write this. Second to sunscreen, I credit consistent LED use for the quality of my skin.
Sachi Skin Pro-Resilience Serum: It’s a lightweight, extremely reparative and restoring serum, filled with advanced antioxidants, peptides and hydrators. As the name implies, it makes your skin more resilient. I love Sachi for their innovative, multitasking formulas and I’ve gone through probably close to 20 bottles of this. It was also tested to be able to be used under LED & one of the few products I recommend using under it.
Environ AVST 3 Moisturizer: after years of using prescription Tretinoin, I decided to make the switch to Environ last year and my skin is better off for it. The brand has been pioneers in the field since the early 90s and they have extensive research to back up their products. Environ’s entire philosophy revolves around the consistent use of vitamin A (retinoids) to normalize healthy skin and AVST is the step-up system they developed to ease your skin into daily vitamin A.
If I was actually on a desert island with limited resources & trying to survive, I would have a very different approach than if it’s just the 5 products I would take with me if I had to pick. Because I'm me, the literal interpretation is something I’ve thought about considerably in the past, so…
*note from the author: if you want Jolie’s ACTUAL skincare go-bag, I can share.
Kristen May Lee
Lead Esthetician at ONDA Beauty
I can ONLY take 5 things!!!!
Honey Mud from May Lindstrom: A cleanser that you can also use as a mask. I would definitely need products that are multifunctional given the situation. There are some light acids in this beautiful concoction, so that would take care of my exfoliation commitments. The aromatic bliss of the natural ingredients leave me incredibly happy.
Monastery Coppola Hideaways Essence: I'm imagining the conditions on a desert island are going to be hot so I'm definitely going to need a hydrating mist that will help tone. The rare orchid oil is beautifying and moisturizing but there are a host of other properties like antioxidants and anti-fungal properties that will keep problematic potential skinflammation at bay. I can see myself spritzing to soothe myself on sunny days.
Instant Peel from Lilis: It’s my latest obsession that I’d bring for my body. This liquid is applied to dry skin and then balls up upon application forming a gommage to help roll off dead skin in a gentle manner. It leaves everything so soft and bright.
ÂN GLOSS by Anfisa Skin: I would slather my lips with this. It hosts five skin identical ceramides along with two plumping peptides, and it leaves a glossy buttery finish. I need constant lip care these days, morning to night.
Serum Radiant by French Farmacie: I need this deeply nourishing face oil that will also help shield me from potential UV damage while actively tending to some dark spots. This oil is loaded with vitamin C which also helps amp up protection from the sun. The scent is a potent blend of beautiful botanicals that really create a superior complexion.
Elizabeth Grace Hand
Founder and Esthetician at Ställe Studios
Bioeffect Cleanser: 4 pumps, rub in, add water and rub in some more = squeakiest, cleanest skin without the squeak. Balmy, milky perfection.
Sofie Pavitt Face Micellar Pads: best, easiest way to remove all traces of dirt, oil, makeup and nastiness from the desert island.
Retrouvé Intensive Replenishing Moisturizer: the best hydrating product that has ever been created in the history of the world. Plus, it makes the skin look dewy AF.
Auteur SPF: glass skin SPF. Think of the worst SPF you’ve ever used, but the opposite.
Monastery Attar: the best smelling and hydrating balm for snail skin.
Bryce Anthony
Esthetician at Proper Atelier
La Roche Posay Purifying Cleanser: A good, non stripping cleanser. It’s pretty large in size so I feel like this would last me a long time.
Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum: A gentle but mighty exfoliant to keep in-growns and dark spots in check. Could double as a deodorant!
Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks: Puffy under eyes? Dark circles? Don’t know her!
Paula’s Choice Youth Extending Fluid SPF 50: SPF is non-negotiable and this one does the job. It has a lightweight, almost watery consistency and it’s SPF 50 which is ideal for hot tropical weather.
Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Balm in Butter Mochi: THE UNDISPUTED BEST LIP BALM OF ALL TIME!
Kristyn Smith
Founder and Esthetician at Practise NYC
If I were stranded on a desert island, my top five skincare products would be:
Environ AVST Moisturizer: Restores skin health with a focus on Vitamin A, promoting resilient and balanced skin. A fun fact is that it can help boost the skin's own sun protection factor (SPF).
Omnilux LED Mask: Enhances skin vitality using infrared light to boost cellular energy and overall skin health.
Liposmose Serum: Targets puffiness and fine lines, providing effective refreshment for the delicate eye area.
Environ Concentrated Alpha Hydroxy Toner: Provides light exfoliation to maintain a smooth and radiant complexion while preparing the skin for better product absorption.
OmniLux Mineral Sunscreen: Offers essential UV protection with physical blockers, reflecting sunlight for added safety during prolonged sun exposure.
Founder and Esthetician of Sean Garrette Skin, Writer of
The 5 products I would bring if I were on a desert island:
Rhode Pineapple Refresh Cleanser: this is one of my favorite cleansers! It’s hydrating, non stripping, and gently exfoliates the skin and gives you a radiant glow.
Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Serum: I love mandelic acid, and Sofie makes one of my favorite mandelic acid serums. It helps keep acne, texture, and hyperpigmentation in check.
Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer: I’ve gone through so many tubes of the of this moisturizer. It’s just a great cream. one that works for my dry/combo skin. Helps my skin hold on to moisture and is extremely nourishing.
Prequel Solar Shade Sunscreen: A great affordable sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast or purple cast. gives great protection and is actually hydrating and doesn’t dry out the skin through the day.
Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Glossy Balm: this is just a really good lip balm. It’s nourishing, moisturizing, plumps and smooths the lips and has a tasty vanilla flavor. also give the lips a glossy finish that lasts.
Esthetician and Writer of
Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser: One of my favorite cleansers that leaves the face feeling fresh and clean but not stripped. It's great for all skin types, and gentle enough for AM and PM use. A no-brainer for life on the island.
Prequel Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum: I am an oily girl and start sweating just thinking about the sun. My hydration strategy is to use a lightweight heavy-hitter. This Prequel serum checks the boxes for me, and is another pulling double duty as for the AM/PM routines. Bonus: I can use it as a lip treatment.
skinbetter science Mystro Active Balance Serum: The Mystro serum from skinbetter science is the best product I've used for calming my rosacea. It makes me feel like I can actually achieve my goals to be a 'sunscreen/brows/mascara-only' girlie on the reg. The price tag is rude but so is being stranded on an island!
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice+ Probiotics SPF: She's been that girl for a reason ... I haven't used another sunscreen brand on my face in 3 years. This formula is lightweight with zero white cast, and one I'm actually happy to reapply throughout the day.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serum: This will be the last step in my nighttime routine after I repeat 1-3. Just because we're deserted doesn't mean we give up on encouraging cell turnover.
You know this was all a clever ruse for me to a) talk to a bunch of estheticians and b) be nosy. Oops. At least I’m honest.
Not a single person asked, but if you were curious what my top five desert island picks would be, I’d say they change every week. In this current moment, I’m choosing:
Eadem’s Le Chouchou: this is the most storied product in Plant Based history.
Activist’s Manuka Honey Mask: this mask is magic. I don’t know what else to say.
Marie Veronique’s Barrier Restore Serum: some of us are still trying to repair our skin barriers, okay?
Bioeffect’s EGF Power Eye Cream: the best eye cream in town, trust.
Monastery’s Deep Red Mask: I told The Strategist the full truth and nothing but the truth — this mask is very expensive but worth every penny, particularly if your skin has inflammatory tendencies.
the HIGHEST honor is to be recognized by estheticians I also admire. Thank you everyone- I love making excellent products for you all! XOXOXO
Damn the reign of Sofie Pavitt on this list! Amazing for her!!!!