#AhjummasOfMNL

Annyeong! As I have already shared with you my evening skincare routine weeks ago, it is but obvious to share my morning skincare routine as well. 😉 So let's get started!

Step 1

Son & Park Beauty Water, 500 mL, PHP1,980.00 Althea

You might be wondering why step 1 is not an oil-based cleanser. Personally, I am just too lazy to put the oil cleansing balm all over my face early in the morning as I prep so I think that this is a much better alternative since this can be an "on-the-go" cleanser. (You can read more purposes of The Beauty Water here). The brand was initially formulated by two known make-up artists in Korea, Son Dae-Sik and Park Tae-Yun. Dubbed to be one of the holy grails in the skincare of a lot of beauty/skincare junkies, The Son & Park Beauty Water is a cleaning liquid made from natural plant extracts that tones, exfoliates, and hydrates to deliver smooth and revitalized skin. What I love about this product are 1.) It has a very simple yet elegant design 2.) It does not have a strong scent 3.) It has natural ingredients such as papaya extract and rose water which does not irritate my skin.


Step 2

B-Lab, I am Sorry Just Cleansing Foam, PHP260.00 Althea

At first I was surprised as it smelled like dried leaves (I'm sensitive when it comes to scent of products) and I almost threw this one out (haha). But after several days I get used to it and I realized that it really doesn't smell bad after all. Been using this for a couple of months now and this does not break me out. Anyway, it will always be effective to use water-based cleansers by gently massaging your face in circular motions to help increase circulation to the face.


Step 3

Green Tea Repairing Spray, PHP150.00 Miniso

I've learned that every after shower, you should always apply the 3-second rule, and that is to spray a facial mist onto your face immediately within 3 seconds (a thorough and scientific explanation was provided to us by Soko Glam here) to keep your face moisturized. I am still searching for a perfect mist, but for now, this cheaper product from Miniso has quite been doing the trick. I am also using an Aloe Vera facial mist (from Mumuso) in the office whenever I feel that my face is getting dry due to very cold AC temperature. (Shoutout to Kevin for giving me the Mumuso facial mist, he's really supportive into this, I might even convince him to give me an Althea box full of goodies. LOL 😈)

Step 4

Wonder Pore Freshner, PHP898.00 Etude House

I have been using this product the longest since 2015 after being persuaded by a saleslady while mama and I are shopping at Etude House. This one feels like water and unlike the astringent I have been using before, this doesn't sting and dry my face. In the morning, I don't use any cotton pads but I put a pea-sized amount of toner in my hands and pat my face. I repeatedly do it for 3 times (the 7-skin method is quite too much for me, that's why).


Step 5

Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum, PHP640.00 Althea 

This product is also called the Stinging Serum because some say that you might feel a bit of stinging sensation when this is applied. On my experience, however, it did not really sting much but I love its citrus smell that isn't overpowering. I use 4 to 5 drops using the pipette which is enough to cover my entire face and neck area. Then I pat the product gently to my face for better absorption. I think using more than 5 drops of serum makes your face stickier so it's better not to overdo. 

Step 6

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Eye Cream, PHP1,070.00 Althea 

I was born with dark circles under my eyes (yup, no kidding!) and using eye cream like one from Innisfree helped reduce the dark circles and puffiness. Because the skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate skin on your face, always remember to use your pinky (or ring) finger to gently tap the eye cream.


Step 7

Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel, PHP180.00 Althea 

This is one of the first products I bought from my first Althea purchase and I have been using it for six months already and there's still a lot left on the tub! While some moisturizers have thick consistency, this one is lightweight and not sticky. What's to love more about this product is that it can also be used as a body lotion and hair mask. It can also soothe allergies and sunburns since it is made up of aloe vera. Moisturizers usually "seal" all the products you've put on your face and also bring hydration.

P.S. Sharing with you EXO's A/S commercial (again, LOL).

screengrab from YT 💛




Step 8

Innisfree Perfect UV Protection Cream (Triple Care), PHP618.00 Althea 

And of course, prior proceeding with your make-up, it is important not to forget this most important step in the morning skincare routine which is the sunscreen. Regularly wearing SPF is vital to maintain and protect the health and beauty of your skin, specially since exposing yourself to sun rays without applying SPF can contribute a lot to premature aging (to know more about SPF, you may watch a short clip from Soko Glam here). Unlike other suncreens, this does not have a sticky feeling and does not leave a white cast. This product is also a 3-in-1 sunscreen that comes with an anti-wrinkle, brightening, and UV protection functions. The triple care variant is perfect for all skin types, while the other one, Perfect UV Protection Cream, caters to oily skin types.


It really puts a lot of effort waking up early in the morning and applying all these products in my face, considering that I'm always in a rush every morning... but it is better to take good and preventive measures to save your skin (even if a little bit!) from Manila's pollution 😄 Besides, it's better to step outside the house all feeling beautiful, prepped, and hydrated for the whole day. 😎


Source: Charlotte Cho's The Little Book of Skin Care

GOMAWO! 

(probably) one of the frustrated Song Hye Kyos, 

Abby 💗 

My Evening Skincare Routine

#AhjummasOfMNL

It's been a while since I have blogged, my last attempt was during 2013 where I started on my Wordpress account. I decided that my comeback blog shall focus on (nothing else but) my skincare routine *tada, surprise!* since I have been into this craze for about six months now.

It was February 2017 when I watched AC's vlog (If you're not familiar about AC, you can check his vlogs, I'm a fan!) about his Korean skincare routine. Jassy (my Coldplay buddy and co-"Ahjumma") and I have been fond of watching his vlogs and we're also into watching Koreanovelas, so this Korean skincare hype really was interesting. I bought my first legit skincare haul from Althea, a Korean online beauty store which carries a lot of leading brands in skincare and make-up. (Will be doing a separate blog on my Althea experience, so wait for it!) Since then, I cannot stop buying (thank God for credit cards) and trying different Korean skincare products because of all the positive reviews I've read on articles from Soko Glam and watched on other vloggers like Joankeem and Morgan.

They say that it's best to invest in skincare when you're young (yup, still am), so let me share with you the products I have been using for the past few months since I started the Korean skincare routine. 😏


(I'll try to keep my thoughts into each step and corresponding product as short as possible!)

STEP 1: OIL-BASED CLEANSER

Banila Co Clean It Zero (Classic), PHP890.00 Beauty MNL 

I started incorporating this oil-based cleanser around three months ago after learning from Joankeem that you should still use an oil-based cleanser even if you're not wearing heavy make-up because oil-based cleansers are designed to remove all oil-based products in our skin such as make-up, sunscreen, as well as dirt from pollution. The Banila Co Clean It Zero is a sherbet-form, lightweight formula which eventually melts onto your skin and dissolves excess oil, dirt, and sebum. Personally, I love the scent of it and what I also love is that it doesn't sting my eyes! I wear light make-up in the office everyday and this is really helpful in removing excess make-up.

STEP 2: WATER-BASED CLEANSER

B-Lab, I am Sorry Just Cleansing Foam, PHP260.00 Althea

Prior this foam cleanser, I've used the Etude House Happy Essential Foam Collagen for almost a year and I didn't expect that using this foam cleanser from B-Lab would be quite an adjustment for me because of it's scent. At first I was surprised as smelled like dried leaves (I'm sensitive when it comes to scent of products) and I almost threw this one out (haha). But after several days I get used to it and I realized that it really doesn't smell bad after all. Besides, what's more important is how it complements with the oil-based cleanser. Steps 1 and 2 are commonly know as double-cleansing, which is very essential in starting your skincare routine as it aims to thoroughly cleanse your skin for proper and better absorption of succeeding skincare products.

STEP 4: TONER

Wonder Pore Freshner, PHP898.00 Etude House

I have been using this product the longest since 2015 after being persuaded by a saleslady while mama and I are shopping at Etude House. She said that it is one of their best-sellers and I must buy one because it will soon run out of stock. What convinced me to buy this is that during that time, it's buy 1 take 1 plus each toner has a pack of cotton pads, so of course it was a good buy for me! This one feels like water and unlike the astringent I have been using before, this doesn't sting and dry my face. It also claims to be a "10in1" toner (you can Google it up to know more). Toners are used after double cleansing to remove leftover residues from cleanser while prepping the skin to succeeding moisturizing products to follow.

STEP 4: SERUM

Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum, PHP640.00 Althea 

This one has been on my routine for (I think) two months now. Before, I have been using green tea and olive-flavored serums which I bought from Miniso for only PHP150.00. I did not purchased any serum before since we're (Jassy) in the search of (what we thought is) the proper/suitable serum for our skin type. I discovered this product from a vlogger (AC's friend, Camille) and after some research (a.k.a reading/watching reviews), I bought the product. However, I had a hard time checking the product out my cart (using Althea app) because it's always out of stock. Luckily, I finally had a chance to buy it at a discounted price at around 10%. They also call it the Stinging Serum because some say that you might feel a bit of stinging sensation when this is applied. On my experience, however, it did not really sting much but I love its citrus smell.



It is advised to shake the bottle before use to combine the water and oil layers of the serum. I use 4 to 5 drops using the pipette which is enough to cover my entire face and neck area. Then I pat the product gently to my face for better absorption (because giiiirl it gotta go into the pores so it won't be put to waste!).

STEP 5: SHEET MASKS

Nature Republic Real Nature Mask Sheet (Tomato, Green Tea), 10+10 PHP525.00 

Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Sheet Mask, P88.00/pc. 

After applying the serum, I wait for about three minutes to make sure that the serum has been truly absorbed (been using the term frequently haha, obviously all these products needed to be applied properly for the product to be really effective) before moving onto the next step which is the sheet mask. While they say that essence is the heart of the skincare routine (still looking for a good essence, wanted to buy Missha but it's expensive), sheet masks are considered to be the soul of the skincare routine. Sheet masks help the products (you've put beforehand) from evaporating and forces the skin to absorb more nutrients. The Nature Republic sheet masks was recommended to be by an officemate and I continue to hoard (and hoard and hoard some more) them ever since because (I think) it offers the cheapest price among other roadshop brands here in the country, especially when you buy their 10+10 promo. I've included Dear, Klairs sheet mask in the photo but I haven't used them yet (I bought two from Althea). Friendly tip: Don't EVER EVER leave the sheet mask on for more than what is instructed in the and NEVER EVER sleep without removing the sheet mask on your face or else the mask will bee sucking out all the moisture from your skin and it might cause breakouts! (Remember the scene from WFKBJ when Bok Joo forgot to remove them? Don't be like her.)
P.S. I use mask sheets every other day, if you're wondering. 😈

STEP 6: EYE CREAM

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Eye Cream, PHP1,070.00 Althea 

Innisfree is known for it's all-natural products and I learned the brand from Joankeem because it's one of her favorites. I was looking for a much cheaper eye cream back then but I'm skeptic because of the reviews. Good thing I was able to come across this one; I was actually looking for the orchid eye cream from Innisfree but Althea doesn't carry the product yet. Anyway, green tea is also a good alternative for its anti-aging property. I was born with dark circles under my eyes (yup, no kidding!) and using eye cream like one from Innisfree helped reduce the dark circles and puffiness. Because the skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate skin on your face, always remember to use your pinky (or ring) finger to gently tap the eye cream.

STEP 7: MOISTURIZER

Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel, PHP180.00 Althea 

Nature Republic's Soothing Gel has been quite a craze lately, just last week I visited a Nature Republic store in MOA and as expected, they were out of stock. This is one of the first products I bought from my first Althea purchase and I have been using it for six months already and there's still a lot left on the tub! While some moisturizers have thick consistency, this one is lightweight and not sticky. What's to love more about this product is that it can also be used as a body lotion and hair mask. It can also soothe allergies and sunburns since it is made up of aloe vera. Moisturizers usually "seal" all the products you've put on your face and also bring hydration. [For hygienic (and measurement) purposes, I'm using a little spatula.]
P.S. EXO's product commercial is just... I have no words... (But saranghae, Sehun. Bogoshipo.)

STEP 8: LIP BALM 

Nivea Med Repair SPF 15, PHP98.00 Watsons 

Lip balm is really not included in the Korean skincare routine but I incorporated it anyway as lip balm protects my lips from getting dry and chapped (every cold, cold, cold night). It also provides extra moisture on the lips. (Thanks to Jassy for recommending this product for me!)

OTHER SKINCARE PRODUCTS THAT I USE

EXFOLIATOR

Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine, P1,650.00 Beauty MNL 

After double cleaning, one should at least exfoliate twice a week or more, depending on your skin needs. Exfoliating helps loosen clogged pores, improve the skin texture, brighten complexion, and also absorb products better. Althea does not carry the Neogen brand yet but Beauty MNL does, it's expensive though. I bought two variants, green tea and wine, mama and I have been using the green tea and we're down to our last two pads. I gave the remaining pads to her and decided to try the wine variant. Unlike the green tea, the scent of wine is less stronger and sweeter, but both flavors gave proper exfoliation and my face always feel smooth and brighter after using it.





The tub contains 30 pieces of gauze pads soaked in essence. Each gauze pad have small pockets where you can slip two to three fingers for application purposes. After double cleansing, pat your face dry and gently rub the quilted/rougher side over the entire face (avoiding the eyes and mouth) then flip and use the smoother side to clean remaining debris in your face.

SLEEPING PACK

Innisfree Green Tea Sleeping Pack, PHP590.00 Althea 

I bought this one which can also be an alternative to the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. Unlike the Nature Republic Soothing Gel, it has a thicker consistency with little white beads that eventually melts when you massage your face. I use the sleeping pack once a week (as replacement to Nature Republic Soothing Gel) to provided deeper and intense hydration.

And that's a wrap! Thank you if you're still reading this article up to this point. It really means a lot to me. 💙
Will be posting more about skincare and other random stuff. 😋


Source: Charlotte Cho's The Little Book of Skin Care

GOMAWO! 

(probably) one of the frustrated Song Hye Kyos, 

Abby 💗