I'll have what she's having

There’s a certain comfort in going back to something that simply works. After months of testing Skinbetter Science (which, to its credit, impressed me with clinical formulations and cutting-edge ingredients), I recently found myself reaching again for Barbara Sturm — a brand I’ve had history with, and one that feels like home to my skin.

Skinbetter gave me results, yes, but it also came with multiple steps, layering, and a learning curve. Barbara Sturm, by contrast, is more streamlined. Its routines are pared down yet potent, delivering what my skin actually needs — and nothing more. For someone like me, who values both results and simplicity, that felt like the right balance.

Why the Switch Back?

The truth is, Barbara Sturm has always fit my skin type. Its formulas are designed for sensitive, redness-prone complexions, but still pack in high-performance actives that target fine lines, hydration, and elasticity. Instead of overwhelming my skin barrier, the products slot in effortlessly.

After a few weeks of being back on Sturm, I noticed exactly what I’d been missing: smoother texture, hydrated skin that feels plump without heaviness, and fewer flare-ups. My face looked rested, like it had finally exhaled.

And then there’s the luxury of it — the textures, the finishes, the way the Super Anti-Aging Serum sinks in like silk. It’s undeniably an investment, but one that feels worthwhile when the results are visible.

My Current Routine

I kept some favorites from other brands (because a good double cleanse is non-negotiable), but the backbone of my current lineup is all Sturm.

Morning Routine

1. Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Enzyme Cleanser
   A gentle foaming cleanser with papaya enzyme that keeps my skin polished without stripping.
2. Super Anti-Aging Serum (100 mL)
   The star of the show. Hydrates, firms, and gives me that glass-skin effect. I’m using the 100 mL size — which retails at USD $845 (~CAD $1,140+) — but smaller sizes start at USD $130 on Sturm’s official site.

1. Ceramide Drops
   Skin-identical ceramides that strengthen the barrier and lock in hydration. Retail price: ~USD $160.

1. Super Anti-Aging Face Cream
   Lightweight yet nourishing, with peptides that help maintain firmness. Retail price: ~USD $360.

1. Super Anti-Aging Eye Cream
   Rich, hydrating, and designed to smooth fine lines and crepiness around the delicate eye area. Retail price: ~USD $230.

1. Vitamin C (SkinCeuticals)
   Not a Sturm product, but a mainstay in my AM routine for brightening and antioxidant support.

Evening Routine

1. Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm
   First cleanse — melts away sunscreen and makeup like butter.
2. Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Enzyme Cleanser
   Second cleanse to make sure my skin is truly clean.
3. Super Anti-Aging Night Cream
   Richer in texture than the day cream, this one works overtime while I sleep. Retail price: ~USD $395.

1. Super Anti-Aging Eye Serum AM and PM
   Lightweight but potent — helps with puffiness and tired-looking eyes. Retail price: ~USD $300.

1. Retinol (Skinbetter Science)
   Still in rotation, because I believe in the power of retinol. I alternate this on nights when my skin feels up for it.

---

Investment Skincare: Is It Worth It?

Let’s not dance around it — Barbara Sturm is expensive. The Super Anti-Aging Serum 100 mL alone is a splurge at nearly USD $845, and the creams hover around the USD $360–395 range. Converted to Canadian pricing, that’s even higher once duties and retailer markups are factored in.

But here’s how I look at it: instead of buying dozens of mid-range products that don’t always work well together, I’m streamlining into fewer, highly effective formulas. The cost per wear (or per pump, in this case) makes more sense to me than a crowded shelf of half-used bottles.

Final Thoughts

Returning to Barbara Sturm felt less like a switch and more like a reset. It’s skincare that fits my lifestyle: fewer steps, less irritation, and visible results that justify the spend. While Skinbetter Science delivered great results, Barbara Sturm still feels like my perfect match — the one I know I can come back to again and again, confident my skin will respond.

Sometimes beauty isn’t about chasing the next new thing. Sometimes it’s about honoring what already works for you — and for me, that’s Barbara Sturm.