My Morning Skincare Routine

#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 💗