Skincarma - best skincare blog

Welcome to Skincarma.

These are the musings of Carmine Montalto, NYC-based writer, skincare junkie and brand guru. The former copywriter at Kiehl’s, Carmine has more than 25 years of experience in beauty. Through the Skincarma Blog, he puts all of his product wisdom to work demystifying the ever-evolving world of skin care.

You can change your skin’s destiny.™

PRODUCT REVIEW: GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW DEW BALM SUNSCREEN STICK SPF 45 - Can I use sunscreen on my eye area? What is the best sunscreen for the eye area? How to avoid getting SPF in your eyes?

Aug 12

Aug 12 PRODUCT REVIEW: GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW DEW BALM SUNSCREEN STICK SPF 45 - Can I use sunscreen on my eye area? What is the best sunscreen for the eye area? How to avoid getting SPF in your eyes?

Carmine Montalto

anti-aging serums, anti-aging, Wrinkle serum, AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, best anti-aging serum, best anti-aging, sunscreen, best sunscreen, best eye cream, eye care, eye cream, Niacinamide, sunscreen for eyes

PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA'S CHOICE 5% VITAMIN C SHEER FACIAL MOISTURIZER SPF 50 - Can I use Vitamin C with sunscreen? How long after Vitamin C to apply sunscreen? Is Vitamin C ok for sensitive skin?

Jul 22

Jul 22 PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA'S CHOICE 5% VITAMIN C SHEER FACIAL MOISTURIZER SPF 50 - Can I use Vitamin C with sunscreen? How long after Vitamin C to apply sunscreen? Is Vitamin C ok for sensitive skin?

Carmine Montalto

anti-aging serums, anti-aging, Wrinkle serum, AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, anti-aging creams, best anti-aging serum, best anti-aging, Facial sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen for face, sunscreen for oily skin, best sunscreen, brightening serums, Vitamin C

PRODUCT REVIEW: KIEHL'S SINCE 1851 BETTER SCREEN UV SERUM SPF 50+ - What are collagen peptides? Which is better, chemical or mineral sunscreen? What is photoaging?

Jul 9

Jul 9 PRODUCT REVIEW: KIEHL'S SINCE 1851 BETTER SCREEN UV SERUM SPF 50+ - What are collagen peptides? Which is better, chemical or mineral sunscreen? What is photoaging?

Carmine Montalto

anti-aging serums, anti-aging, Wrinkle serum, AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, anti-aging creams, best anti-aging serum, best anti-aging, Facial sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen for face, sunscreen for oily skin, best sunscreen

PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORDINARY SACCHAROMYCES FERMENT 30% MILKY TONER - What is Saccharomyces Ferment? Is it OK to exfoliate your face daily? What is the best exfoliator for sensitive skin?

Jun 20

Jun 20 PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORDINARY SACCHAROMYCES FERMENT 30% MILKY TONER - What is Saccharomyces Ferment? Is it OK to exfoliate your face daily? What is the best exfoliator for sensitive skin?

Carmine Montalto

AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, Best toners, brightening, dehydrated skin, Hydration, moisturizer, oily skin moisturizer, PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, Toners, Exfoliators

PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA’S CHOICE CALM BARRIER PROTECT MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 30 - How do I choose sunscreen for sensitive skin? Is mineral sunscreen better for sensitive skin?

Jun 13

Jun 13 PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA’S CHOICE CALM BARRIER PROTECT MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 30 - How do I choose sunscreen for sensitive skin? Is mineral sunscreen better for sensitive skin?

Carmine Montalto

anti-aging serums, anti-aging, Wrinkle serum, AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, anti-aging creams, best anti-aging serum, best anti-aging, face cream sensitive skin, Facial sunscreen, sensitive skin, sunscreen, sunscreen for face, sunscreen for oily skin, wrinkle cream

PRODUCT REVIEW: THE INKEY LIST GLYCOLIC ACID EXFOLIATING BODY STICK - Is it good to use Glycolic Acid everyday? Is Glycolic Acid good as deodorant? How does the Glycolic Acid deodorant hack work?

May 27

May 27 PRODUCT REVIEW: THE INKEY LIST GLYCOLIC ACID EXFOLIATING BODY STICK - Is it good to use Glycolic Acid everyday? Is Glycolic Acid good as deodorant? How does the Glycolic Acid deodorant hack work?

Carmine Montalto

Exfoliators, AHA treatments, AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, Best exfoliators, Deodorant, Glycolic Acid

PRODUCT REVIEW: REMEDY FOR DARK SPOTS NIGHTLY ALL IN ONE TREATMENT - What is the cause of dark spots? How do you get rid of dark spots on your skin? What is Tranexamic Acid?

May 9

May 9 PRODUCT REVIEW: REMEDY FOR DARK SPOTS NIGHTLY ALL IN ONE TREATMENT - What is the cause of dark spots? How do you get rid of dark spots on your skin? What is Tranexamic Acid?

Carmine Montalto

PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, anti-aging serums, antioxidants, best anti-aging serum, brightening, brightening serums, dark spots, Exfoliators, hyperpigmentation, Niacinamide, Retinol, Retinol serum

PRODUCT REVIEW: SKINFIX BARRIER+ TRIPLE LIPID-PEPTIDE CREAM WITH B-L3 COMPLEX - How can you tell your skin barrier is damaged? How do you fix a damaged skin barrier? What are oligopeptides?

Apr 28

Apr 28 PRODUCT REVIEW: SKINFIX BARRIER+ TRIPLE LIPID-PEPTIDE CREAM WITH B-L3 COMPLEX - How can you tell your skin barrier is damaged? How do you fix a damaged skin barrier? What are oligopeptides?

Carmine Montalto

PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, AM ROUTINE, AM Regimen, anti-aging creams, best face cream, best moisturizer, damaged skin barrier, dehydrated skin, dry skin, face cream, face cream for dry skin, moisturizer

PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORDINARY RETINAL 0.2% EMULSION SERUM - What does retinol do? what is the difference between retinol and retinal? Should I use retinal or retinol?

Apr 21

Apr 21 PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORDINARY RETINAL 0.2% EMULSION SERUM - What does retinol do? what is the difference between retinol and retinal? Should I use retinal or retinol?

Carmine Montalto

PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, AM ROUTINE, AM Regimen, anti-aging serums, best anti-aging serum, dark spots, Retinol, Retinol serum, Retinol treatment, Retinoids, Wrinkle serum

PRODUCT REVIEW: YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE SUPERFOOD SKIN DRIP SMOOTH + GLOW SERUM - What are superfoods? What are the benefits of superfoods in skincare?

Apr 10

Apr 10 PRODUCT REVIEW: YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE SUPERFOOD SKIN DRIP SMOOTH + GLOW SERUM - What are superfoods? What are the benefits of superfoods in skincare?

Carmine Montalto

PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, Peptides, AM ROUTINE, AM Regimen, antioxidants, Niacinamide, damaged skin barrier

PRODUCT REVIEW: FIRST AID BEAUTY 0.3% RETINOL COMPLEX SERUM WITH PEPTIDES - Can retinol be used on sensitive skin? What percentage of retinol is best for sensitive skin?

Mar 25

Mar 25 PRODUCT REVIEW: FIRST AID BEAUTY 0.3% RETINOL COMPLEX SERUM WITH PEPTIDES - Can retinol be used on sensitive skin? What percentage of retinol is best for sensitive skin?

Carmine Montalto

PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, anti-aging serums, anti-aging creams, anti-aging, Peptides, Retinol, Retinol cream, Retinol serum, Retinol treatment, Wrinkle serum

PRODUCT REVIEW: MURAD VITA-C GLYCOLIC BRIGHTENING SERUM - Can you use vitamin c and glycolic acid together? Is glycolic acid too strong for sensitive skin?

Mar 17

Mar 17 PRODUCT REVIEW: MURAD VITA-C GLYCOLIC BRIGHTENING SERUM - Can you use vitamin c and glycolic acid together? Is glycolic acid too strong for sensitive skin?

Carmine Montalto

PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, anti-aging serums, brightening serums, dark spots, Glycolic Acid, hyperpigmentation, Vitamin C

PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 AND CERAMIDES - Is the hyaluronic acid good for sensitive skin? What's the difference between The Ordinary HA serums?

Mar 10

Mar 10 PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 AND CERAMIDES - Is the hyaluronic acid good for sensitive skin? What's the difference between The Ordinary HA serums?

Carmine Montalto

PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, sensitive skin, AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, best moisturizer, dehydrated skin, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydration

PRODUCT REVIEW: COCOKIND BEGINNER RETINOL GEL 0.1% - What retinol should a beginner use? Is 0.1% retinol too strong for beginners? How often should you use retinol when first starting?

Feb 26

Feb 26 PRODUCT REVIEW: COCOKIND BEGINNER RETINOL GEL 0.1% - What retinol should a beginner use? Is 0.1% retinol too strong for beginners? How often should you use retinol when first starting?

Carmine Montalto

PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, anti-aging serums, anti-aging, best anti-aging, best anti-aging serum, Retinol, Retinol serum, Retinol treatment, sensitive skin, Wrinkle serum

PRODUCT REVIEW: MURAD CELLULAR HYDRATION REPAIR SERUM - What does skin look like when dehydrated? How to treat dehydrated skin? What is Hexapeptide-9?

Feb 18

Feb 18 PRODUCT REVIEW: MURAD CELLULAR HYDRATION REPAIR SERUM - What does skin look like when dehydrated? How to treat dehydrated skin? What is Hexapeptide-9?

Carmine Montalto

AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, dehydrated skin, dry skin, anti-aging serums

PRODUCT REVIEW: THE INKEY LIST BIO-ACTIVE CERAMIDE REPAIRING AND PLUMPING MOISTURIZER - Should you use ceramides everyday? Which is better ceramide or retinol?

Feb 4

Feb 4 PRODUCT REVIEW: THE INKEY LIST BIO-ACTIVE CERAMIDE REPAIRING AND PLUMPING MOISTURIZER - Should you use ceramides everyday? Which is better ceramide or retinol?

Carmine Montalto

AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, best face cream, best moisturizer, anti-aging, anti-aging creams, dehydrated skin, dry skin, face cream, face cream for dry skin, wrinkle cream

PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA'S CHOICE SKIN PERFECTING 6% MANDELIC ACID + 2% LACTIC ACID LIQUID EXFOLIANT - Is Mandelic Acid good for sensitive skin? Which is better Salicylic Acid or Mandelic Acid?

Jan 16

Jan 16 PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA'S CHOICE SKIN PERFECTING 6% MANDELIC ACID + 2% LACTIC ACID LIQUID EXFOLIANT - Is Mandelic Acid good for sensitive skin? Which is better Salicylic Acid or Mandelic Acid?

Carmine Montalto

AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, best face cream, best moisturizer, AHA treatments, Best exfoliators, brightening, dark spots, Exfoliators, hyperpigmentation, Lactic Acid, sensitive skin, Salicylic Acid, Toners

PRODUCT REVIEW: UNTOXICATED MOISTURE BOOST HYDRATING CREAM - What to do when you have an allergic reaction to skincare? What are ceramides and what do they do?

Jan 15

Jan 15 PRODUCT REVIEW: UNTOXICATED MOISTURE BOOST HYDRATING CREAM - What to do when you have an allergic reaction to skincare? What are ceramides and what do they do?

Carmine Montalto

AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, best face cream, dry skin, face cream for dry skin, wrinkle cream, best moisturizer, clean skincare, dehydrated skin, face cream, face cream sensitive skin, moisturizer

THE 2023 SKINCARMA PRODUCT OF THE YEAR: PAVISE DYNAMIC AGE DEFENSE SPF 30 MINERAL SUNSCREEN - Do any mineral sunscreens not leave a white cast?

Dec 29

Dec 29 THE 2023 SKINCARMA PRODUCT OF THE YEAR: PAVISE DYNAMIC AGE DEFENSE SPF 30 MINERAL SUNSCREEN - Do any mineral sunscreens not leave a white cast?

Carmine Montalto

AM ROUTINE, AM Regimen, face cream sensitive skin, sensitive skin, anti-aging, anti-aging creams, antioxidants, best anti-aging, Niacinamide, wrinkle cream

PRODUCT REVIEW: NATURIUM MULTI-PEPTIDE ADVANCED SERUM - What do peptides do for skin? What can't you mix peptides with? What do copper peptides do?

Dec 26

Dec 26 PRODUCT REVIEW: NATURIUM MULTI-PEPTIDE ADVANCED SERUM - What do peptides do for skin? What can't you mix peptides with? What do copper peptides do?

Carmine Montalto

AM Regimen, AM ROUTINE, anti-aging, best anti-aging, PM Regimen, PM ROUTINE, best anti-aging serum, anti-aging serums, face cream for oily skin, oily skin moisturizer, Peptides, Wrinkle serum