Have you ever heard of “slugging” your skincare overnight? It’s the practice of layering a thick, nearly impenetrable layer of occlusive product over serums and other treatments overnight, in order to lock in their goodness and maximize results. This idea has actually been around for generations. Did your grandmother sleep in a thick layer of cold cream or petroleum jelly? She was slugging.

In the name of research, I “slugged” several new-to-me products and chatted with experts who offered their thoughts on why ease is where it’s at when it comes to taking care of your skin.

Kat Rider, Make-up Artist/Beauty Consultant | Balliets

“What I think is most important is a cleanser, eye cream and moisturizer. Then, depending on what the skin needs, adding in a serum,” says Rider. She agrees that your routine need not be complicated or include dozens of products. “When you find the right products it makes things easier, so you’ll stick with it — and I always encourage women to pay attention to ingredients.”

Rider is a huge fan of Spanish luxury skincare line Natura Bissé. “I really love Natura Bissé for skincare, especially the Diamond Cocoon Sheer Cream and the Diamond Cocoon Sheer Eye.”

She also said that when layering your products (including slugging), it goes by texture, thinnest to thickest. Wait 10 minutes between products, and sunscreen always goes on last. “You always, always need sunscreen regardless of the season.” Two products she especially loves for an at-home day are Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Souffle Mask ($52) and the Trish McEvoy Triangle of Light Eye Mask Pads ($69 for 8 pads).

Lacy Dvoracek, RN and Lindsey McElvaney, Medical Aesthetician | Restorative Injectables

Dvoracek and McElvaney agree that women can get overwhelmed by all the products and all the steps, so it is best just to start with the basics. “Cleanser, moisturizer and a good sunscreen are a must,” Dvoracek says. When asked about toner, McElvaney said she thinks it is often the missing piece in some routines. “With toners people can quickly see a change in their skin — pores get smaller, and skin gets brighter.”

With a solid routine in place, they said, your skin is prepped so any serum will work that much better and in turn, you get more return on your investment. Speaking of more bang for your buck, medical grade products may be more expensive, but both agree they’re more cost-effective in the long run because a little of each product goes a long way. “There are more fillers and extras in drugstore products, while medical grade is more active. It is actually doing much more for your skin and it lasts longer,” says McElvaney.

One question I had for Dvoracek and McElvaney was about mixing products from different lines. Their answer: it’s A-OK! “I love different things in all our lines and like to mix depending on skin type,” McElvaney says.

And as for taking tips from social media, be careful who you trust. “Often all you see are short, attention-grabbing clips that don’t give you all the information you need, or even good information. So if you have questions, it is best to see a professional to get you started on the right products,” says Dvoracek.

Both Restorative Injectables and Balliets offer complimentary consultations.

New to Me

Lucky me! I was gifted several new-to-me skincare products and I couldn’t wait to dig in. While I have a solid skincare routine, I am always open to trying new products, especially if they’re multitasking … because to be honest, I am not patient enough for more than three.

First to arrive were products from the Natura Bissé Diamond Extreme Collection: the Diamond Extreme Oil and the Diamond Extreme Mask. The first thing I noticed was the lovely, spa-like scent — so soothing! I started with the oil, which felt rich to the touch. The directions said only 5 drops, and that was the perfect amount to cover my face and neck. After about 10 minutes I added the mask, which includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol and copper peptides that are said to firm and plump the skin. I loved how my skin felt and looked in the morning; it was soft and bright and did seem a little plumper.

Next up was U Beauty. I was given its Resurfacing Compound (which I had already heard was amazing), the Super Hydrator, the Barrier Bioactive Treatment and the Plasma Lip Compound. Because I follow Tina Craig, founder of U Beauty, on social media I was already aware of the products and how the Resurfacing Compound replaces up to eight products. That speaks to my lack of patience in skincare steps for sure!

I used the Resurfacing Compound day and night, the Super Hydrator each day and most nights and the Barrier Bioactive Treatment about twice per week, especially if I had been outside that day or in the sun (yes, I do wear sunscreen every day). I loved how the products felt when they went on, but what I loved most is how my skin looked the next day. It didn’t take long for me to begin to feel more comfortable running my morning errands with just some mascara and a swipe of lipstick. I loved trying these new products and was thoroughly impressed with everything!

One-on-One with International Skincare Guru Tina Craig

One person I will always watch on social media is U Beauty Founder Tina Craig. We came to know Craig (who also founded BagSnob.com) and her product line because key members of her marketing team are based in Oklahoma City. In another Luxiere exclusive, she took the time to share a little about herself and why U Beauty is perfect for those suffering from skincare confusion. She’s fascinating. Enjoy.

Tell me about your background — where you grew up, school, etc.

I’m Chinese; I was born in Taipei and immigrated to Los Angeles when I was eight years old. I attended the University of Southern California and graduated with a degree in finance.

What made you decide to start your blog BagSnob? What lessons did you learn that prepared you for starting U Beauty?

I started BagSnob in 2005 after just giving birth; I needed something to keep me busy while I was home with a newborn… It actually ended up becoming the motivation for U Beauty. Years of being a beauty influencer gave me access to the best the beauty world had to offer. It also made me realize that there had to be a more streamlined yet effective approach to skincare.

What led you to start U Beauty?

Cosmetic confusion! I was using 15 products a day, twice a day. I was tired of countless steps and dozens of products each day just to barely maintain the health of my skin. Not only was I beholden to an elaborate routine, I’d developed rosacea and sensitivity. I wanted to find a better way, because I knew there had to be one. So I set out to simplify my routine and preserve and protect the skin I had.

What sets U Beauty apart?

What sets us apart is our one-of-a-kind technology: Our double-patent-pending SIREN Capsule Technology is the only innovation in the beauty industry that’s strictly activated in the presence of free radicals. Developed at our medical-grade lab in Italy, you won’t see this delivery system in any other skincare, and it’s the reason products that I’d only dreamed of before are now on the market.

As my girlfriends and I talk about skincare, we are often confused about what to use, the order, the best products, etc. What would you tell us?

U Beauty is as streamlined, simplified and effective as a skincare routine gets. After cleansing, apply the Resurfacing Compound, which replaces up to eight products in a single formula, including retinol, toner, exfoliator, AHAs, antioxidants, vitamin E and more… If you want glass-like skin, this is it.

Next, the SUPER Hydrator, featuring five unique types of hyaluronic acid — including dehydrated long-chain hyaluronic acid — delivered through HYDRA-SIREN Capsules, it keeps your skin dewy and ultra-hydrated for up to 48 hours straight. Apply it after the Resurfacing Compound to seal it in.

For night, the BARRIER Bioactive Treatment repairs, softens and strengthens your skin on a deep level like you’ve never experienced. Designed as a sumptuous overnight mask (and the final step in your routine), you’ll wake up to healthier, younger-looking skin, even if you’ve barely slept!