Melinda Farina

To me, beauty is authenticity. It’s about embracing who you are and celebrating the uniqueness that sets you apart. True beauty comes from confidence, self-respect, and the courage to define your worth on your own terms, not by anyone else’s standards. It’s not about chasing perfection but about enhancing what makes you feel most empowered and vibrant in your own skin. When a woman feels confident and supported in her choices, her beauty radiates far beyond the surface. It’s a force that inspires, connects, and uplifts everyone around her.

Finding a skincare regimen that works is like hitting the jackpot. After years of trial and error (and a bathroom cabinet that could double as a Sephora pop-up), I’ve landed on a routine that makes my skin feel like it’s living its best life. Here’s a peek into my tried, tested, and totally obsessed lineup for daytime glow.

AM:

This daytime lineup has become a ritual I actually look forward to, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s all about balance: cleansing without over-stripping, hydration without heaviness, and protection without compromise. The result? Skin that’s radiant, healthy, and ready to take on the world—because let’s be honest, there’s no better accessory than great skin.

1. Prequel Cleanser. This gentle yet effective cleanser is my wake-up call in a bottle. It gives me that “just left the spa” feeling without stripping my skin.

2 . Evian Mist -This hydrating mist is my morning refresher and feels like a little spa moment before the hustle.

3. Prequel Serum. When I say this serum is magic in a bottle, I mean it. It’s like a vitamin shot for my face—instant plump and glow.

4 . Quench Moisture game strong! Quench is my hydrating powerhouse that makes my skin feel like it’s drinking a tall glass of water.

5. Clarins Double Serum – This classic is the overachiever in my routine. It’s multitasking brilliance—anti-aging, glow-boosting, and ultra-nourishing.

6. Redness Reform by Prequel. This is the peacekeeper my skin didn’t know it needed. It tones down redness while keeping things smooth and calm.

7. Augustinus Bader The Cream. Ah, the queen of creams! Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, this is my go-to for that lit-from-within look.

8. One Skin SPF, a non-negotiable! This SPF doesn’t just protect—it makes my skin look and feel flawless. Sunscreen is the ultimate anti-aging secret, and this one’s a keeper.

PM:

This is my time to unwind and pamper myself—no rush, no distractions, just me and my skin. I genuinely look forward to this ritual every night because it’s about so much more than the products; it’s about how it makes me feel. My nighttime routine is all about cleansing away the day, and treating my skin to some TLC.

1. Environ Pre-Cleansing Oil. Double cleansing is my religion, and this oil is perfect. It melts away makeup, SPF, and NYC grime like a dream. There’s something so satisfying about watching the day slide off your skin.

2. Environ Cleansing Lotion is step two of my double cleanse. A luxe, creamy lotion that leaves my skin squeaky clean but still super soft. It’s like a little detox session without any drama—no tightness, no stripping, just pure hydration.

3. Royal Fern Toner – Toning is that underrated step everyone skips, but not me. This one feels so fancy and fresh, like a botanical hug for your face. It preps my skin perfectly for all the goodness that follows.

4. Environ C-Quence Series 2 – Vitamin A, anyone? This serum is like a personal trainer for my skin, working overnight to smooth, firm, and basically turn back the clock. If I could bottle confidence, it would probably look a lot like this.

5. Environ Moisturizing Oil Capsules. These tiny capsules are pure genius. I crack one open and smooth on the silky oil, which feels like liquid gold. It’s the ultimate hydration boost and leaves my skin glowing like it’s had 8 hours of beauty sleep (even if I haven’t).

6. Now for the pièce de résistance: my SKORR Glow device. It’s like giving my face a mini workout! The gentle microcurrents boost circulation and help my products work harder. It’s high-tech skincare at its best, and yes, I feel very fancy using it.

I also love Epicutis masks, Aluram leave-in conditioner, and all Environ body products!

My makeup favourites-

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – This foundation offers a lightweight, buildable coverage that imparts a natural, radiant finish. It’s renowned for its silky texture and ability to create a flawless complexion.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer – This concealer provides full coverage with a smooth, blendable formula, effectively brightening the under-eye area and concealing imperfections.

Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick – This contour stick offers a creamy, blendable texture that allows for precise application, enhancing facial structure with a natural-looking finish.

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick – This blush stick delivers a fresh, dewy flush of color, blending seamlessly into the skin for a youthful glow.

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder – enhances and sculpts the face, providing natural-looking warmth with a soft matte finish.

Tom Ford Brow Sculptor features a unique calligraphy tip for precise application, allowing for the creation of natural, defined brows.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Mascara – delivers voluminous, lifted lashes with a long-lasting, smudge-proof formula.

KKW Beauty Lip Liner in Nude 0.5 – This lip liner offers a creamy texture that glides on smoothly, defining lips with a natural-looking hue.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk provides a universally flattering nude-pink shade with a matte finish, enhancing the natural lip color.

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Nude Dip – This eyeshadow palette features four complementary shades with a silky texture, allowing for versatile eye looks ranging from subtle to dramatic.

For haircare, I stick to three main brands, Wella, Milbon, and Aluram. These all have good ingredients that do not strip my hair, and are very moisturizing. Anytime I deviate from these three brands I definitely notice a difference.

Early to bed early to rise, always. I rarely ever drink alcohol – maybe one or two glasses of wine per month. I start my day with yogurt and protein powder, and two egg whites with avocado, tomato, and olive oil. I stick to a Mediterranean diet -Something my Nonna taught me was the most important. Weight training is important for me and the first thing I did in my new house was set up a gym. I have no excuses to skip. I take magnesium baths 4x a week. I surround myself with positive humans who are wildly intelligent and kind. That’s important. Health has a lot to do with the company you keep as well. Small circles, good humans.

I lean into warm scents, musks, cedars, and ouds…and right now I am loving Arquiste, it’s an indy brand and it’s spectacular. I’m wearing Peau and Sydney Rock Pool daily. I’m an avid collector of fragrances- so no real nostalgia attached to my choices- I just like what I like. I have many of the Byredo scents as well. Pretty simple.

You wear your thoughts about yourself and others. Read that again.