A Simple Antioxidant Skincare Routine (That Actually Works)

Look, if your skin freaks out at everything else, you're probably going to love my stuff. I get emails from people saying Aurora is the only cleanser that doesn't make their face angry, and Equinox is what they reach for when they've overdone it with actives (please stop doing that, by the way).

I don't use common irritants like artificial fragrances or harsh preservatives. The essential oils I use are well below regulation amounts, and are the non-irritating type (I did study aromatherapy, after all! I'm not just sloshing things together all "wow durr this smell pretty.")
Everything is formulated to work WITH sensitive skin, not against it, even my enzyme cleanser. That said, everyone's skin is different, so start with one product and see how it goes.

Honestly? Don't overthink it. If you're new to Stark, I always recommend starting with Aurora Cleansing Balm because literally everyone needs to cleanse their face, and it doubles as a moisturizer if your skin is really dry.

If you're dealing with specific issues:

• Oily/acne-prone: Start with Petrichor Antioxidant Mist
• Dry/mature: Go with Midnight Oil Serum
• Sensitive/reactive: Equinox Calm + Smooth Gel is your friend
• Want to glow: City Light Oil is a bestseller for good reason

Of course! I'm not here to replace your entire routine (unless it's terrible, then maybe I am). Stark products play well with others. Just introduce one new thing at a time so you know what's actually working.

The only thing I'd say is don't use Petrichor with vitamin C products on the same day - they won't hurt each other, but it's overkill and your skin doesn't need that much of a good thing. You can use Petrichor with City because I designed them that way, but I can't speak for other brands/products.

Also, be careful if you use any harsh exfoliants or retinol, even if you are used to them. Slow and steady.

Ugh, I hate this question because everyone wants me to say "7 days!" like I'm selling miracle cream.

Real talk: You'll probably notice your skin feels better pretty quickly - less tight, less angry, more comfortable. Visual changes take longer because that's how skin works. Give it 4-6 weeks for real improvements, 3 months to decide if something is actually working long-term.

Anyone promising overnight transformations is lying to you.

First of all, Stark is pretty middle of the road. I'm sure you've seen plenty of $50-$60 drugstore products, because even L'Oréal sells them. Stark is not "cheap", but certainly nowhere near how pricey, and often over-inflated, many brands are. My long-term customers will tell you my prices are fair for the value they deliver.

Because I actually make these myself in small batches with real ingredients, not in a factory with the cheapest possible formulations, my costs can get really high. You're paying for my time, expertise, and quality ingredients - not shareholders and massive marketing budgets. Every dollar you spend at Stark makes a difference to this micro-company... can't say the same for most Sephora brands, nor a ton of the drugstore brands!

I could make cheaper products, but then they'd be cheap products, and what's the point of that? When you break down the cost per use, especially with something like Aurora that lasts forever, it's actually pretty reasonable.

Yes! I personally formulate and make every batch. I don't have a lab coat (disappointing, I know... I'm an apron kinda girl), but I do have 14+ years of experience and an obsession with ingredients that actually work together.

This isn't some celebrity or rando slapping their name on mass-produced products. When you email me, you're talking to the person who made your skincare. Try getting that from Sephora.

Midnight Resiliency Boost Oil Serum - hands down. It's rich enough for dry, mature skin but not so heavy that you feel like you're wearing a mask to bed. The fatty acids and ceramides help with barrier repair, which is what mature skin really needs.

If you want something lighter for daytime, City Light Oil is great for brightening and antioxidant protection without being heavy.

Aurora Cleansing Balm - I know it sounds backwards to put oil on oily skin, but trust the process. So many of my customers report that this has helped their acne when nothing else has! It removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping your skin, which just makes your skin produce MORE oil. Plus, you can use it as a moisturizer when your skin is being dramatic.

For daytime, Petrichor Antioxidant Mist helps with oil control and has antimicrobial properties.

Equinox Calm + Smooth Gel - it's like a drink of water for angry skin. I use ingredients like helichrysum and edelweiss that survive in harsh mountain conditions, so they're pretty good at dealing with stressed-out skin.

Yes! We have trial sizes available. Perfect for testing things out or for travel. I actually recommend starting with trial sizes if you're unsure - no point buying full sizes of everything just to find out your skin hates half of it.

Keep it simple:

1. Cleanse: Aurora or Eclipse
2. Hydrate: Equinox or Petrichor
3. Moisturize: Midnight (evening) or City (morning)
4. SPF in the morning (not mine, but please wear it)

That's it. You don't need 12 steps. You don't need to "layer" everything. Your skin wants consistency, not complexity.

Everything except Deep Midnight Retinol Serum should be fine, but honestly? Check with your doctor. I'm a skincare formulator, not a medical professional, and I'm not going to pretend to give medical advice.

Then don't use it! I'm not going to guilt you into keeping products that don't work for your skin. Email me (below) and we'll figure something out. I've been doing this for 14+ years - I'd rather have you happy with something that works than stuck with something that doesn't.