If you’ve ever panic-added a product to your cart after seeing it on SkinTok at 2 a.m., you’re in good company. Whether it’s the Jumiso toner quietly replacing P50 in cool-girl routines or the I’m From rice mask having a viral renaissance, we’re living in the golden age of “wait, does this actually work?” skincare.
We’re talking about a landscape where K-beauty dupes out-earn department store classics, ceramides are the new retinol, and everyone suddenly has an opinion on peptides.
Slugging is now seasonal. Fragrance-free is a debate. And if your cleanser isn’t in a Muji pump bottle, do you even do skincare?
Meet Cierra Miller, an NYC-based graphic designer by day and beauty connoisseur by night.
When she’s not finessing color palettes and kerning type at Max Mara, she’s elbows deep in textures, formulas, and ingredient lists—all in pursuit of skincare that actually does what it says.
Her social feeds are a goldmine of glazed skin, no-fluff reviews, and the kind of recs that make you feel like you’re in on a really good secret.
Keep reading for Cierra’s ride-or-dies: a guide to skincare worth the scroll and the spend.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner – Sephora
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If you deal with tiny white clogged pores (mine were always on my chin), this is the fix. It’s my holy grail — consistent use completely cleared my skin. I swipe it on every night with a cotton round. Can’t live without it. Chemical exfoliants are a must.
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid – Sephora
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After a workout, a walk around NYC, or any time my skin feels grimy, this is my reset. It’s basically hand sanitizer for your face — in the best way. It helps other products absorb better, keeps acne and redness calm, and just works.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist – Sephora
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The glow this gives? Unreal. Think glazed-donut-level dew. I keep one on my work desk when the office air feels dry, and another in my bag for an instant skin refresh.
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash (10% Benzoyl Peroxide) – Ulta or drugstore
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The best $8 you’ll ever spend. Keeps breakouts away and doubles as a pit wash for no stink (yes, it works). It’s simple, effective, and dermatologist-approved.
Rhode Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence – Sephora or Rhode
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This texture is perfection — my skin drinks it up. I use it after my Tower 28 spray to really flood my pores with moisture. It’s hydrating, balancing, and gives that signature Rhode glow.
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment in Watermelon Slice – Sephora or Rhode
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I’ve tried hundreds of lip balms, and this is the one. It doesn’t dry your lips out, leaves the perfect gloss, and keeps them soft all day. I always have one in my bag, and it’s my go-to with lip liner.
Tretinoin 0.025% (Prescription) – Dermatologist
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The only clinically proven product for both acne and wrinkles. I’ve been through the purging period and now use it once a day — my facialist always asks what I’m using because my skin looks that good. True skin gold. Probably my No. 1 recommended product.
Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream – Amazon or K-beauty stores
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I’m constantly testing new moisturizers, but this one stuck. I’m on my fourth tube. It’s healing, hydrating, and just magic — pure Korean skincare excellence.
Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum – Dermstore
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This feels like Botox in a bottle. It’s packed with growth factors that heal, firm, and lift the skin. It’s definitely an investment, but 100% worth it.
Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Pink Collagen Jelly Gel Mask – Amazon or K-beauty store
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Everyone’s talking about “salmon sperm skincare,” and I get it. This mask gives insane glow. I wear it while I needlepoint or read, and when you peel it off… the glow is insane. Mask of the year.
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