Navigating the world of beauty and skincare - whether it's green, clean, vegan, cruelty-free, or conventional - can be a bit overwhelming in this day and age!
The Twinkle Apothecary approach is minimalistic, all-natural, sustainable, and microbiome-friendly. I strive to keep it simple and truly believe that less is more.
You might notice that my product offerings haven't changed all that much over the past six years. That's because these products, and my approach, actually works for all skin types. The way I see it, there's no need for me to release new products because why fix something that's not broken? I am also trying to do things sustainably here, so encouraging people to shop around constantly for the next new (disposable) product just doesn't fit in with my whole vibe.
Still, with all of the information and advice there is out there, it can be hard to know where to start when you're trying to create a routine and find products that work for you. We all want healthy, glowing skin, but it seems that there are a million different approaches and new products released daily, all claiming to be the miracle that finally gives you the skin of your dreams.
Not to mention that everyone talking about skincare claims to be the only person with all the answers. How can that be? And with so much conflicting advice out there, who should you listen to, really?
I've never felt comfortable saying that my approach was the end-all-be-all only way to skincare. I know that my products and routines work so well for me and so many others, but you have to figure out what works for you. Unlike other brands (or skincare social media influencers,) I have ZERO interest in trying to make things more complicated than they need to be, so what you see here is what you get.
Getting the healthy, glowing skin of your dreams will take a fair amount of research, learning, experimenting, (bravery!) adjusting, and, most importantly, discipline, because from where I stand, it looks like sticking to a routine is half the battle for most people. Other lifestyle factors - like sleeping habits, diet, and stress management - make an enormous impact on the health and appearance of your skin.
Here's the thing though...
As a one-person, handmade business, I can't be everyone's dedicated skin care coach.
I can't offer personalized skincare recommendations to everyone who asks.
I'll be honest. It seems that most of the questions I get are from people who are MAJORLY OVERTHINKING EVERYTHING. Please don't take offense - but I'm forever flummoxed by how the instructions included in every product listing - such as - massage a pea-sized amount of butter into your skin after cleansing and toning - are somehow not enough? My theory is that other brands (and skincare influencers) intentionally make things way more confusing than they need to be in an attempt to keep you guessing and thus keep you buying more, more, MORE. Like, "Aw, that didn't work? Maybe you need this new expensive thing instead!" Or, "Stay tuned for more *content*!"
I refuse to play that game. I'm not trying to go viral on TikTok. I'm trying to give you good skin - with simple, wholesome products and no drama.
There are no hidden secret techniques here that I'm withholding from the shoppers on this website. The information in the product listing is really all I have to share! If it doesn't work for you as I've described, I want to empower you to try a different approach as you see fit. There is no right or wrong way to apply a moisturizer, no matter what you've seen someone say on Instagram and TikTok. You are more than capable of figuring this out - I PROMISE!
There aren't enough hours in the day for me to listen and respond thoughtfully, helpfully, to everyone's questions and concerns, on top of crafting and shipping the products. Trust me, I tried it, and I ended up burned out, sick, and tired. I'm also not a doctor, and it makes me very uncomfortable to diagnose and treat medical skin issues!
I share everything I know about my products, why they work, and how to use them here on this website. Every product listing has all of the information that you need to know.
My complete suggested skincare routines are below (scroll down to see what I recommend for everyone!) It's up to you to order samples, test things out, and seek professional help from a doctor when necessary.
However, if you've done your research and still have skincare questions for me, here's the best way to get in touch. (Hint: it's not email.)
1. Ask a question on the product page.
On every product page on my website, there is a space for questions. The great thing about this feature is that it's community-focused - say perhaps you have a question about how to use a product and someone else has been wondering the same thing...
Ask your question on the product page, and I will respond there, sharing my advice with you and anyone else who's reading. Asking a question on the product page is helpful to others and much more efficient than waiting for me to respond to everyone's emails, trust me!
2. Join my Patreon community and participate in my weekly Q&A session ($5/month)
Every Friday, I invite my patrons to ask me anything throughout the weekend. This Q&A is the place to pick my brain about skincare, perfume, ingredients, techniques, or just anything you're curious about in general. Patreon is also a great way to get to know me better personally and see how I incorporate my products into my routine. There's so much information available for just $5 a month, plus it's super fun!
3. Become a Shooting Star Patron (cost: $50/month)
For members of my Patreon community at the $50/month level, I WILL TOTALLY be a dedicated skincare coach. Shooting Star members can ask me questions about anything, any time, and I'm more than happy to get into the nitty-gritty science-based details (if that's your thing!) and help you design and stick to a routine. Click the button below to learn more and sign up!
Now, scroll down for all of the information you need to get started using my products.
I recommend everyone start with the travel skincare set ($48) adding on a skincare set ($80) once you get the hang of the 3 step cleanse/tone/moisturize routine. My personal, complete skincare routine is below. It works for my maturing combination skin prone to clogged pores and breakouts. I've stuck with this same routine for years, and I'm so happy with my skin!
These are my best recommendations at this time. You are welcome to adopt or adapt any or all of this advice to fit into your current routine as you see fit. Again, I have no interest in overthinking things. My philosophy - if you're using good products, you really can't go wrong.
And these products ARE SO GOOD.
- Stefanie -
Skincare Routines:
Which Moisturizer Should You Choose:
Essential reading:
4 reasons to fall in love with powder cleanser / The ultimate guide to washing your face / How to oil cleanse / My nighttime skincare routine (video) / Morning skincare routine (video) / The Twinkle Apothecary guide to oily skin / How to choose a facemask / Fifteen ways to have great skin without buying new products
