What Deena’s Loving: 9 Products That Do the Heavy Lifting

I was already a fan of the original Medicube booster device. It's one of those skincare gadgets that makes your serums feel like they’re actually doing something. But this newer version adds a little more muscle to the routine. The device uses technologies like electroporation, microcurrent and vibration to help push your skincare deeper into the skin while also giving a subtle firming effect. I’ve only had it for a few weeks, but I’ve been using it about three times a week and it’s already become a staple. It’s also simple to use, even though it’s doing a lot behind the scenes. I usually glide it over my face after applying serum and my skin instantly looks a little more hydrated, a little more glowy and generally more awake.

I’m always a little skeptical when a tiny tube goes viral and starts promising the skincare equivalent of a new life. But the first time I applied this, I understood the obsession. The formula centers on 0.1% retinal, a potent vitamin A derivative that works faster than traditional retinol to speed up cell turnover and smooth fine lines. I experienced minimal tingling and, within a few weeks, my skin looked noticeably smoother, as if it had gotten its act together overnight.

When a complexion product comes from Laura Mercier, I’m already inclined to trust it. The brand is an absolute OG in the makeup category, so you know they’re always going to get the base right. What makes this skin tint feel a more updated is the skincare twist. It’s infused with peptides to help improve skin texture over time, plus hydrating ingredients like squalane that keep the formula comfortable instead of matte and chalky.

As a woman of a certain age, I’ve accepted that my face will always be a little dry. Fine. But this year my entire body decided to join the party; arms, legs, elbows, places I didn’t even know could feel parched. So when I found myself lingering in the shower a little longer with Dove’s body wash oil, it felt less like cleansing and more like damage control. The slippery formula is packed with moisturizers that support the skin barrier instead of stripping it, and yes, it still manages to work up a rich, (very satisfying) lather. Which means I can feel like I’m actually getting clean while trying to rehydrate my entire epidermis. At this point, my shower routine is less about hygiene and more about negotiating a truce with my skin.

I’m pretty much down for anything Amouage launches (the house has a way of making perfume feel like an event) but Love Hibiscus felt like a particularly special treat. The scent opens with a juicy pop of passion fruit and bergamot before melting into a hibiscus heart that’s equal parts tart, floral and slightly powdery. What really hooked me, though, is the contrast: a touch of salted caramel sweetness up top and a warm base of sandalwood and vanilla that makes the whole thing feel indulgent but still elegant.

I’ve never really been an essence person. For years I looked at that watery step in the routine and thought, What exactly is the point? Another liquid? Another layer? But Sulwhasoo Lumiwise Essence may have finally converted me. The featherlight formula sinks in almost instantly but somehow makes the skin feel softer and more hydrated. It’s powered by ingredients like ginseng-derived PHA and niacinamide, which help smooth texture and boost brightness over time. The result isn’t a dramatic overnight transformation, but skin just looks…better.

Glow products make me nervous because the term radiance can very quickly turn into a glitter ball. But this serum hits that sweet spot. The formula is loaded with vitamins B12, C and E plus hydrating ingredients, so it actually treats your skin while giving it a soft glow. I like mixing a drop into my foundation when my complexion looks tired. What really sold me, though, is how good it looks on brown skin. The pink-gold pearls add warmth and dimension instead of leaving behind that weird ashy sheen some illuminating products can create. The result is skin that looks hydrated, radiant and suspiciously well-rested.

Most days I’m extremely picky about hand cream. My hands are always dry, but I have zero patience for anything that leaves me feeling like I just dipped my fingers in butter. But Confetti Sky has become my little luxury fix. I slather it on right before bed when I want something deeply moisturizing, and I also keep a tube in my bag for those moments when my hands need extra love. The formula is packed with peptides, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and smooth skin, so it actually feels like it’s doing something beyond just sitting on the surface. One caveat: this scent is very sweet. Like, dessert-level sweet. Personally I enjoy the indulgent vibe (notes like coconut, chocolate and sandalwood make it feel almost edible), but if you’re not trying to smell like candy, you may want to keep moving.

Some body creams smell like nothing. Others smell like you accidentally bathed in perfume. Augustinus Bader’s Geranium Rose Body Cream sits perfectly in the middle. The scent is a soft mix of fresh geranium and rose that feels clean and slightly green. It’s not so light that it disappears the second you get dressed, but it’s also not one of those lotions that announces itself before you even enter the room. Instead, the fragrance stays close to the skin. Someone might notice it if they lean in for a hug or stand next to you, but it never feels like you’re trying too hard.