My Rest Religion Review: The Skincare for Women Who Don't Have Time for 12-Step Routines
My Rest Religion Review: The Skincare for Women Who Don't Have Time for 12-Step Routines
Fellow Hermits, this one's for us.
You know that feeling when you see a skincare influencer with their 47-step morning routine and you're like... girl, I barely have time to brush my teeth? Same. That's exactly why Rest Religion caught my attention – and why it's become my go-to for that "I definitely got 8 hours of sleep" glow, even when I've been binge-watching Netflix until 2 AM.
What Actually Is Rest Religion?
Rest Religion has been featured in heavy hitters like Elle, and Vogue, but what actually is it?
She’s basically the antithesis of hustle culture skincare. While everyone else is telling you to wake up at 5 AM for a meditation-skincare-workout combo, these guys are like "nah, we'll just make products that work even when life is chaos."
Founded in 2021 by Anastasiya Van Elswyk, the brand focuses on what they call "psychodermatology" – the connection between stress and skin health. Basically, they acknowledge that modern life is stressful AF and created skincare that actually helps your skin recover from that stress instead of adding to it with complicated routines.
Their main philosophy: Make your skin glow like you've slept... even if you haven't.
Chef's kiss to that energy.
The Two-Product System That Actually Works
Here's what I love about Rest Religion: they don't try to sell you 15 different products. They have two hero products that form a complete routine:
1. Retinal Skin Restoring Serum ($58)
Contains 0.1% retinal (stronger than retinol but gentler than tretinoin)
Bio-retinol, peptides, and niacinamide
Works on fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin texture
One pump covers your entire face
2. Ultimate Glow Moisturizer ($63)
25 clinically studied active ingredients (more than any other moisturizer on the market)
Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide
Scientifically proven to boost synthesis of 6 skin-rebuilding essentials
Provides hydration for up to 72 hours
Total investment: $121 for a complete anti-aging routine that lasts 3-4 months. Compare that to Sephora hauls that cost twice as much and don't work half as well.
Real Talk: My 3-Month Experience
Before Rest Religion: My skin looked tired (because I was tired), had some stubborn dark spots from old breakouts, and my texture was just... meh. I was using a basic drugstore routine that wasn't really addressing any of my concerns.
The First Month: Honestly? My skin felt different immediately. The moisturizer is rich but not heavy, and it absorbed completely without that sticky feeling. The serum has a slight earthy scent – not unpleasant, just very natural. I experienced zero irritation, which is saying something because my skin can be sensitive.
Month Two: This is when I started getting compliments. My skin looked brighter, more even, and had this subtle glow that people noticed. The dark spots from old acne were definitely fading.
Month Three (now): Y'all. My skin texture is completely different. Smoother, firmer, and I wake up looking like I actually take care of myself. Even on my most chaotic days, my skin looks put-together.
What Makes This Different from Every Other "Clean" Skincare Brand
1. They're honest about stress: Instead of pretending we all live perfect wellness-girl lives, they acknowledge that stress is real and formulate accordingly.
2. Science-backed ingredients: This isn't just marketing BS. Every ingredient is clinically studied and they're transparent about concentrations.
3. Minimalist approach: Two products. That's it. No overwhelming routines or pressure to buy everything.
4. Results that actually show up: The peptides and retinal work together to create visible improvements, not just temporary glow.
The Hermit's Verdict: Why This Works for Our Archetype
As Hermits, we value:
Authenticity ✓ (They don't pretend skincare is a cure-all for life's problems)
Self-care without overwhelm ✓ (Minimal routine, maximum results)
Quality over quantity ✓ (Two exceptional products vs. 10 mediocre ones)
Inner peace ✓ (Knowing your skin is taken care of so you can focus on other things)
This isn't skincare for people who want to spend an hour on their routine. This is skincare for women who want to look good while they're busy living their lives, pursuing their passions, and prioritizing their mental health.
Who Should Try Rest Religion
Perfect for you if:
You want effective anti-aging without the fuss
You're tired of complicated routines that don't deliver
You have stress-related skin concerns
You value quality ingredients over trendy packaging
You're looking for sustainable self-care practices
Skip it if:
You love elaborate skincare rituals (no judgment!)
You're on a tight budget (though the cost-per-use is actually excellent)
You have very sensitive skin and prefer to introduce one ingredient at a time
The Bottom Line
For $121, you get a complete anti-aging system that actually works and respects your time. The 20% affiliate commission they offer tells you something about their confidence in the product – they know once you try it, you'll be back.
This isn't just skincare; it's permission to prioritize yourself without the guilt or overwhelm that usually comes with "self-care." Sometimes the most radical act of self-love is finding products that work with your real life, not against it.
My rating: 9/10 (points deducted only for the price point, though the results justify it)
Repurchase? Already on my second bottle of moisturizer. That should tell you everything.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. This doesn't change the price for you, and I only recommend products I genuinely use and love. Rest Religion has become a staple in my simplified routine, and I'm excited to share products that actually align with our values.
