Hi, I’m Ana. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by skincare products or let down by formulas that promised the world and delivered very little, you’re in the right place. I used to be a total skincare maximalist. My bathroom shelf looked like a mini Sephora aisle. But when my skin started reacting with dryness, redness, and clogged pores, I knew I needed a reset.
That’s when I discovered Monastery Skincare, and everything changed.
A Simple Brand With Soul
What first drew me to Monastery was its philosophy. Fewer ingredients, better results. It’s not just a minimalist brand. It’s thoughtful, botanical, and purpose-driven.
Founded by esthetician Athena Hewett, Monastery was created out of a need for clean, plant-based products that actually perform without irritating the skin. Everything is made in small batches in San Francisco using wild-harvested or organic ingredients. As someone who now reads every label obsessively, this immediately earned my trust.
What Makes Monastery Skincare Different
If I had to sum it up in three words: luxurious, effective, and clean.
Here’s what I noticed right away:
- No filler ingredients
- Each product smells like an upscale botanical spa without synthetic fragrance
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin but still delivers visible results
My Monastery Routine
Let me walk you through what I use and why I love each one. I keep it simple and intentional, just like the brand encourages.
1. Rose Cleansing Oil
This was the first product I tried and the one that made me fall in love. It’s lightweight, silky, and rinses clean without residue. My skin feels balanced, not stripped.
Key ingredients: Rose Damascena, Hazelnut Oil, Jasmine Oil
My results: Clean, soft, non-irritated skin from day one
2. Gold Oil
This facial oil is Monastery’s cult favorite, and now I understand why. It gives my skin that radiant, “I just got a facial” glow without ever feeling greasy.
Key ingredients: Rosehip, Raspberry Seed, Seabuckthorn Oils
My results: Brighter tone, calmer texture, and reduced redness
3. Aloe Hyaluronic Gel
As someone who deals with dehydration and flaking, this was my holy grail during winter. It hydrates like a dream and layers beautifully under oils and SPF.
Key ingredients: Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid
My results: Long-lasting hydration and zero breakouts
Why I’ll Keep Using It
After a few months of consistent use, my skin is:
- More balanced with no midday oil slicks or dry patches
- Less reactive even with travel or stress
- Naturally radiant so I wear much less foundation now
But more than that, I enjoy my routine again. Monastery helped me fall in love with skincare as a calming ritual, not a stressful chore.
The Downside
Monastery products are a luxury. The price reflects the small batch production and high quality sourcing. That said, I now use fewer products overall and actually spend less while getting better results.
Each formula is concentrated so a little goes a long way.
Who Monastery Skincare Is For
I’d recommend Monastery if you:
- Have sensitive or reactive skin
- Prefer botanical or minimalist skincare
- Are tired of layering too many steps
- Want products that nourish and protect
It may not be right for someone looking for harsh actives or overnight results. Monastery is about healing, not attacking your skin.
Final Thoughts From Ana
I never thought I’d be the person who could fit her skincare into just three products and feel great about it. But Monastery showed me that simplicity can be powerful.
If your skin needs balance, healing, or a fresh start, I truly believe this brand is worth exploring.
Thanks for reading my journey. Feel free to reach out with your Monastery questions. I’m happy to share more of my honest experience 💛
