The most impactful routines in life are often the most deliberate.
Whether I’m designing a residence or preparing for the day ahead, I’m guided by the same philosophy: that thoughtful choices yield lasting results. Beauty, like design, is a reflection of how we move through the world. It’s not simply about appearance. It’s about how something makes us feel, how it grounds us, and how it fits into the rhythm of a well-lived life.
Over the years, my personal skincare ritual has become a space for clarity. I do not believe in excess for the sake of indulgence. I believe in investing in fewer, better things that support and enhance our daily experience. In this way, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s collection has been a longstanding companion. Her formulations are deeply rooted in science, but what sets them apart is their restraint, their elegance, and their enduring efficacy.
I have often been asked which products I personally use and recommend. This list includes five that I reach for consistently. And for the record, no one asked me to write this. I just couldn’t keep it to myself! These products have become essential in my routine, not only for their performance but for the way they embody a philosophy of beauty that aligns with my approach to design: refined, intentional, and quietly transformative.
Hyaluronic Serum
There’s something incredibly comforting about starting your day with a product you trust completely. That’s what this serum is for me. The Hyaluronic Serum is one of those rare products that delivers immediate hydration while also improving the skin’s texture and balance over time. It uses a blend of short and long-chain hyaluronic molecules, which allows it to hydrate both the surface and deeper layers of the skin.
I use it every single morning, and sometimes again at night if my skin feels dry or dull. It absorbs instantly and never leaves any residue, which makes it the perfect first layer under moisturizer or SPF. Even on days when I keep my routine minimal, I always reach for this. It’s lightweight, efficient, and creates the kind of smooth, hydrated canvas that makes everything else work better.
It’s not a flashy product, and that’s what I love about it. It doesn’t promise miracles, but it delivers real, lasting results. My skin always feels plump, calm, and consistently supported, and after years of trying different hydrating serums, this is the one I always come back to.
Glow Drops
This is one of those products that just makes you feel good. The Glow Drops are my favorite way to bring a little radiance to the skin without needing makeup. It’s not a highlighter, and it’s definitely not glittery. It’s subtle and refined, and the glow it gives is the kind that makes people ask if you’ve just gotten back from a weekend away.
I usually apply it as the final step in my skincare routine, right before SPF. On no-makeup days, this gives me the kind of soft, healthy sheen that makes me feel more put together without any effort. And on days when I wear foundation, I’ll mix in a drop or two to add some luminosity. It blends beautifully and never sits on the skin—it just becomes part of it.
I also love that it’s not just about aesthetics. The formula includes ingredients that support hydration and skin health, so it’s doing something more than just giving you a glow. It’s one of those little luxuries that instantly improves how I look and feel, even if the rest of my day is full of meetings or travel.
Super Anti-Aging Face Cream
Whenever my skin needs something more restorative—whether it’s after travel, during a seasonal change, or just a particularly long week—I reach for the Super Anti-Aging Face Cream. It’s deeply nourishing without ever feeling too rich or heavy, and it leaves my skin noticeably smoother, softer, and more resilient by morning.
The texture is beautiful: dense enough to feel substantial, but it melts in effortlessly. I use it in the evenings, usually after applying a serum, and it always brings my skin back to a more balanced and rested state. What I love most is that it doesn’t just sit on the surface. It works deeply to support hydration, improve elasticity, and soften fine lines.
It’s one of those creams that feels like a real investment in your skin’s long-term health. You can tell that it’s been thoughtfully formulated, not only with powerful ingredients but with the experience of using it in mind. It’s soothing, effective, and has become a non-negotiable part of my evening routine.
Face Mask
There are few things I love more than taking a quiet moment to reset at the end of a busy week, and this mask is a part of that ritual. The Face Mask is something I reach for when my skin feels stressed, dehydrated, or simply in need of a little extra attention. The best part is that it delivers a calming effect almost immediately and leaves my skin noticeably more even and refreshed after just one use!
What I appreciate even more is how gentle it is. So many masks can feel aggressive or overly stimulating, but this one is creamy, hydrating, and incredibly soothing. Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and purslane help reduce redness and calm irritation without compromising on results. After about fifteen minutes, my skin always feels softer, calmer, and visibly more hydrated.
I keep it in regular rotation, especially during travel or after a stretch of long workdays. It’s simple, reliable, and feels like the skincare version of taking a deep breath. It doesn’t try to do everything, but what it does, it does exceptionally well.
The Good C Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C can be a difficult product to get right. So many formulas are either too strong, too unstable, or too irritating for daily use. That’s why I’m so loyal to The Good C Vitamin C Serum. It’s gentle, incredibly effective, and it’s become a staple in my morning routine for maintaining brightness and even tone.
This serum absorbs quickly and layers beautifully with everything else in my routine. It contains a stable form of vitamin C, along with zinc and glycerin, which help calm and hydrate the skin while still delivering powerful antioxidant protection. After consistent use, I’ve noticed a real improvement in clarity and texture, especially in areas that tend to get a bit uneven or dull.
It’s one of those products that doesn’t feel flashy or complicated. It just works. And it fits into my day effortlessly, which is something I’ve come to value more and more. If you’re looking for a vitamin C that delivers results without irritation, this is the one I’d recommend.
The Power of Thoughtful Daily Care
When I think about the products I use daily, what matters most is how they make me feel. Do they support my skin? Do they offer consistency and calm? Do they elevate the experience of caring for myself, even if only for a few quiet minutes? These five products have answered all of those questions for me, which is why they’ve earned a permanent place on my vanity.
What I appreciate most about Dr. Barbara Sturm’s collection is the restraint behind it. Nothing is excessive. Each product has a purpose and performs it beautifully. They’re formulated to support, not overwhelm. And that, to me, is the most luxurious kind of beauty—something that fits into your life and makes it feel just a little more balanced and intentional.
These aren’t quick fixes or trend-driven formulas. They’re thoughtful, effective tools that allow me to take care of my skin in a way that feels personal and grounded. I hope they offer the same to you.
