Dr. Ali’s February Skincare Favorites
As February comes to a close, I’m rounding up the skincare products that carried me through the month—keeping my skin balanced, hydrated, and protected. From antioxidant powerhouses to soothing hydrators, here’s what I’ve been loving and why each one earns its spot in my routine.
1. Eminence Eight Greens Phyto Masque
Let’s start with the most insane product of the bunch. This mask is an experience—it literally heats up on the skin, increasing circulation and leaving you with a flushed, post-facial glow. The magic lies in its herbal cocktail of phytoestrogens (hence the “Eight Greens”), including flaxseed, hops, and yucca, which help to balance oil production and improve elasticity. It also contains paprika and cinnamon, which create that intense warming sensation and boost microcirculation. I use this once a week when my skin is feeling dull—it’s a powerhouse for radiance but not for the faint of heart!
2. SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
If you’ve been here a while, you know my love for SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic runs deep—but sometimes, I switch it up with Silymarin CF. The difference? This version is oil-free and formulated with silymarin (milk thistle extract), which helps prevent oxidation of sebum, making it an excellent choice for acne-prone or oily skin types. I alternate between this and C E Ferulic depending on how my skin is feeling—I reach for Silymarin CF on days when my skin is more congested.
3. e.l.f. Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
I recently ran out of my Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm (a longtime favorite), and in the meantime, I’ve been using this drugstore gem. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides—making it an impressive and budget-friendly alternative. It does a great job at breaking down makeup and sunscreen without leaving a greasy residue, and for the price, it’s unbeatable.
4. Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream
Winter skin demands extra moisture, and this has been my go-to night cream for the season. It’s formulated with centella asiatica, ceramides, and panthenol, making it deeply soothing and perfect for compromised skin barriers. I use this every night as my final step—it locks everything in and helps my skin stay calm and hydrated.
5. I’m From Rice Toner
I’ve been incorporating this into my morning routine as a gentle, hydrating prep step. Rice extract is known for its brightening and soothing properties, and this toner has a lightweight, milky texture that layers beautifully under serums and moisturizers. It’s especially nice in the winter when my skin needs extra hydration but not extra weight.
6. Eminence Cornflower Recovery Serum
A hidden gem! This soothing, anti-inflammatory serum is packed with cornflower extract, chamomile, and clary sage—making it a great option for calming redness and irritation. I like using this when my skin is feeling sensitized or post-exfoliation. It’s lightweight but effective, and I love how quickly it absorbs.
7. Skin1004 Centella Water Fit Sunscreen
I just got back from Costa Rica, and this was the sunscreen I reached for most. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave a film—perfect for humid weather. While it’s not my all-time favorite (I still reach for EltaMD UV Clear more often), it was a great travel companion and didn’t clog my pores in the tropical heat.
8. Coola Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30
One of my favorite underrated SPF products! Your scalp needs sun protection too, and this mist makes it easy. I used this daily in Costa Rica to keep my scalp from burning while keeping my hair fresh and non-greasy. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, this is a must-have—especially in warmer months!