How a Top Dermatologist Would Spend $100 on Beauty Products

Photo: Instagram
Whether she’s treating a blemish with cortisone or conducting basal cell carcinoma surgery—AKA removing a common form of skin cancer—Mona Gohara, MD, a Danbury, Connecticut dermatologist does it in a badass #OOTD.

She’s a vitamin C-loving, SPF aficionado, who treats patients at her practice and teaches skin health as an Associate Clinical Professor at Yale University’s Department of Dermatology. Despite her daily fight to “kick cancer’s ass,” she still makes time to hang out with her two sons, all while keeping her shoe game on point.

Take a scroll on her Instagram and you’ll see that Dr. Gohara doesn’t skimp out on the good stuff (her belt collection alone totals more than the pennies in my savings account). So, knowing her good taste and knowledge of all-things-skin-care, it made me wonder what beauty products she buys and uses on herself.

I put Dr. Gohara on a spending spree to see what skin-loving items she would purchase on a $100 budget (to be fair: the total actually rang up to $102, but I'll take it). Because when it comes to skin care, my motto is: Do as derms do.

Keep scrolling to find out what you should stock up on.

First Aid Beauty
Photo: First Aid Beauty

First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Ginger & Turmeric Vitamin C Jelly Mask$32

“I like to mask in the morning, so I’ll brush my teeth and dry my hair while it’s on to save time,” she explains. “I’m excited about this one because I haven’t seen many vitamin C masks out there, and I’m a huge fan of the antioxidant. When it’s infused into the skin, it wards off signs of ultraviolet light, making your complexion glowy, even-toned and radiant.”

Mona Gohara
Photo: Dove

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash with NutriumMoisture, $5

“This body wash deposits moisture deep into the skin and replaces crucial lipids that you naturally lose in the shower,” Dr. Gohara says.

IT Cosmetics
Photo: It Cosmetics

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder with SPF 50+, $35

“SPF is crucial, regardless of skin type or skin tone,” she explains. “I like powder formulas because you can re-apply them throughout the day—and I’m all for easy application. Plus, it color-corrects and functions as a CC Cream, so it’s a great multitasker!”

Mona Gohara
Photo: Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm, $18

“I use this balm year-round, but I really slather it on when it’s cold outside,” she says. “Harsh winter air is particularly rough against your lips, so infusing them with hydration and moisture is key. The bonus: It doubles as a great, neutral lip gloss.”

Mona Gohara
Photo: Tarte

Tarte Tartiest Pro Cruelty-Free Lashes in Little Black Dress, $12

“Aside from being cruelty-free—which I love—they are much gentler on the eyelid than other lashes I’ve tried,” Dr. Gohara says. “They’re even comfortable enough to wear on a regular basis and not just for special occasions!”

Originally posted December 8, 2017, updated August 26, 2018. 

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