When I first learned my cousin was studying to be a dermatologist, I was excited. First and foremost, I was proud of her — but also, I knew I’d soon have a skincare expert I could pester with all my pressing questions about my own routine.

Now, years into her career, my cousin, Dr. Maria Tempera, is the owner and founder of Chiara Skin Clinic in Morris Plains, NJ. And yes, she answers every single text and phone call regarding my skincare concerns.

The best piece of advice she’s given me is that while you can spend a lot on skincare , you don’t need to. “Expensive does not always equate to a better product,” she said. “Many luxury skincare brands spend money on packaging, marketing, and fragrance, which increases the price but not the quality.”

So while I do splurge — and get to sam

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