Hello, friends!
I know I have been MIA in posting updates related to skincare, I was not even able to do my annual Skincare Daebak for last year. ✌Allow me to make it up to you and share my updated skincare routine for this year! Just to note, I do not always follow the below-mentioned routines – except steps 1 and 2 which are vital – I do the routine depending on what I prefer or what my skin needs during that time.
(https://thenimetyou.com/products/living-cleansing-balm)
I have previously mentioned – and I cannot reiterate further – the importance of double cleansing and so I never skip this part whenever doing skincare. TIMY is basically a brand by Charlotte Cho (who is also the founder of Soko Glam and she personally handpicked the ingredients to be incorporated in her products. My best friend and I were very lucky to have won an international giveaway of TIMY last 2019 that we get to experience the luxurious feeling of first cleansing using this product (it was sent to us from the US; currently TIMY do not offer international shipping in the PH *sobs*). The Living Cleansing Balm contains main ingredients such as sea buckthorn oil, olive oil, persimmon extract, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E.
Water-based cleanser: Senka Perfect Whip
(https://www.watsons.com.ph/perfect-whip-120g/p/BP_50010100)
The water-based cleanser I started using early this year is a Japanese Brand called Senka which is part of another famous Japanese Brand, Shiseido. The Senka Perfect Whip is deemed as the no. 1 facial cleanser in Japan for ten consecutive years. I came across this product through various advertisements and reviews I’ve seen online. Given the price point and good reviews, I never hesitated to try the product. It truly does its job in cleansing my face and neck and I also get to save a lot of product because by just squeezing a pea-sized amount, it can go a long way. It is not drying and does not have an overpowering smell which is good; I also love that it is not stripping the consistency when you lather the foam cleanser.
Wash-off mask: Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2x
(https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/innisfree-jeju-volcanic-pore-clay-mask-2x-special-gift-set-with-free-spatula-i1074514719-s3669288900.html?spm=a2o4l.seller.list.21.2e8c1f44tIKC8E&mp=1)
Innisfree is another road-shop Korean brand which is famous for their volcanic masks series. They revamped the Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask and introduced the Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2x which is basically almost the same price but you’re getting twice the efficacy of it. This mask aims to shrink pores, control sebum, exfoliate, deeply cleanse, brighten skin tone and cool. What I love the most about this product is the cooling effect upon rinsing; it just refreshes my face and the little granules of volcanic ash does the trick in removing dead skin cells because my face just feels so smooth and even afterwards.
Toner: a) Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner; b) Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad
(https://www.klairscosmetics.com/klairs-products/supple-preparation-facial-toner/)
(https://www.neogenlab.us/collections/neogen-dermalogy/products/real-cica-pad)
Both of these products are my holy grails!😍The Dear, Klairs toner is lightweight yet it feels so rich and heavy (in a good way) whenever applied directly to face. Its main ingredient is Phyto-Oligo which helps moisturize skin and resolve dryness. I use this without cotton pads every morning. Meanwhile, Neogen’s Real Cica Pad contains centella asiatica (cica) repair essence and a gentle acid called polyhydroxy acid (PHA) which are both skin-calming ingredients and does not have any artificial fragrances making it more perfect for all types of skin. I use the cica pads every night to ensure that I have removed other dirt after double cleansing.
Essence: Missha Time Revolution Artemisia Treatment Essence
(https://www.misshaus.com/default/time-revolution-artemisia-treatment-essence.html)
Missha is known for their essences which has been the holy grails of many. Initially, I was not able to buy and try them immediately because I find it too expensive but good thing that I came across their latest type of essence half the price at a local Korean beauty store, Go Bloom and Glow! This another lightweight essence has double-fermented artemisia extract, or also known as mugwort extract (a rising Korean beauty ingredient), which possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and targets breakouts and redness of skin.
Serums: a) Luxe Organix Miracle Repair Serum; b) Nature Republic Green Derma Mild Cica Serum
(https://www.watsons.com.ph/miracle-repair-serum-niacinamide-2%-30ml/p/BP_50009278)
(https://naturerepublic.com.ph/products/green-derma-mild-cream-set-with-cica-serum)
Admittedly, the main reason why I bought the Luxe Organix serum is because I saw the recommendations from beauty content creators from Youtube, Anna Cay and Anne Clutz LOL. 😋Nonetheless, I love using the serum because it is not sticky and contains key ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin E, and licorice extracts, which are all helpful to lighten dark spots and pigmentation and improve skin’s barrier. It is also affordable at less than PHP500 pesos given such rich ingredients. Meanwhile, I interchange this serum with the one from Nature Republic. Their Green Derma Mild Cica Serum aims to strengthen skin barrier against free radicals and provide hydration.
Sheet Masks: Nature Republic Real Nature Mask Sheet
(https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/nature-republic-real-nature-green-tea-mask-sheet-1010-i376868038-s856618771.html?spm=a2o4l.seller.list.23.451e62e8zSYrLe&mp=1)
I am not that picky into sheet masks because they all deliver one main thing – that is to hydrate and revitalize your skin. Although, while I have tried a lot of sheet mask brands (especially during my early phase wherein I wanted to try every new Korean product out in the market 😛), I always go back to Nature Republic because of its affordable price. What’s good is that they offer the 10+10 bundle at only PHP60 (or PHP30 per sheet mask)! I personally prefer the green tea variant because I am a sucker of anything green tea haha. 💚 Also, the consistency of its essence is light and does not feel sticky afterwards. Out of all skincare routine, this step is my most favorite because it truly is the soul of the skincare routine – it mainly represents what self-care is all about. 😌
Eye Cream: Benton Fermentation Eye Cream
(http://bentoncosmetics.com/product/fermentation-eye-cream-30g/50/#prdInfo)
I learned this product from Soko Glam and as one of the eye creams previously recommended by Joan Kim. Eye creams are usually more concentrated and is delicately formulated as it is used around the eye area hence their prices are quite pricey. Based on my personal experience, using eye cream help lighten my dark under eye circles that’s why I never remove eye cream in my routine ever since. The Benton Fermentation eye cream mainly contains galactomyces ferment filtrate which fights the targeting fine lines, dullness, and uneven skintone, while improving elasticity and hydration.
Moisturizer: a) Neogen Vita Duo Cream; b) Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel
(https://www.neogenlab.us/products/vita-duo-cream-joan-day-night-vita-cream)
(https://naturerepublic.com.ph/collections/best-sellers/products/soothing-moisture-aloe-vera-92-soothing-gel)
Since 2017, Nature Republic’s aloe vera gel has been part of my staples, I really make use that I never ran out of it. Their soothing gel has been my go-to whenever I wanted a quick skincare routine. However, I realize that I needed to have a moisturizer which will further up my skincare game and can better integrate and seal all the products I have previously put. Hence since late last year I have been using the Joan Day and Night cream from Neogen because apart from the product being a collaboration between my two favorites, Neogen and Joan Kim, I love the formulation of the cream. As quoted from their website, “Vita Duo Cream provides a dual cream system containing natural ingredients and vitamin C & E, which provides intensive soothing and hydrating benefits for morning and night.” – and I swear by this attestation! ☝
(https://www.watsons.com.ph/lip-care-repair-&-protect-4.8g/p/BP_10037672)
(https://www.mycarmex.com/classic-lip-balm/original-tube/)
Technically speaking, lip balm is not incorporated in the Korean skincare routine but it does not mean that we should take for granted the lip care aspect. A lot of skincare enthusiasts suggest to use lip balm as it protects lips from getting dry and chapped (specially on cold nights). It also provides extra moisture on the lips. Currently, I am using two lip balms namely the Nivea Med Repair SPF 15 and Classic Carmex Medicated Lip Balm. Whenever my lips are chapped, I would always reach out the one from Carmex because it feels like an ointment for the lips because it contains camphor and menthol to soothe and protect flaking lips. But whenever I am feeling more extra, I use them both. 👌
(https://shopee.ph/Belo-SunExpert-Tinted-Sunscreen-SPF50-PA-50mL-Free-10mL-i.9217434.58953772)
Apart from the significance of double cleaning which I learned when I started doing the Korean skincare routine, I also learned that applying sunscreen is very much important to prevent premature aging and skin cancer. This very affordable sunscreen from Belo perfectly does its job in protection against the harmful UV rays with the SPF50 and quadruple PA+ properties. It also has Tone Adapt Technology which evens out skin tone and conceals dark spots (it does not leave any white cast). This sunscreen goes perfectly with my moisturizer too.
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Oh, great, you just reached the end of this blog! I hope I have imparted some knowledge and insights to you. Thank you for taking time reading this entry.
Always remember to put self-care first above anything else.
Your full-time skincare influencer,
Abby 💖
