I’m a woman in my thirties, and if there’s anything I am investing in other than my education, life savings, stationery (more washi tape, more joy), and makeup (soz about that), it’s skincare. For many years, I’ve changed from one product to another, to address my needs.
But through the years, I’ve had my favourites, my holy grails, and my ride-or-dies. But if there’s anything that I need to have in my skincare, it’s an anti-ageing product (more on that later). So, here are my mini-product reviews on the products I use.
Human Nature Bare Necessities Cleansing Balm smells amazing. And it’s very gentle on the skin. Since it’s in balm form, it’s not very greasy. This product is actually the first step in my cleansing routine.
The second product I use for cleansing is Skinfood’s Strawberry Black Sugar Mask. It’s not harsh on the skin and makes my skin feel smooth and soft. And IT ALSO SMELLS AMAZING. This is the second time I’ve bought this scrub, and I’m still so in love with it.
For the third step of my routine, I use Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser (which I have always used), Human Nature’s Pollution Defense Face Cleanser, and Cetaphil together. All three products help my skin to be less oily. The only bone I have to pick is with the Pollution Defense Face Cleanser, which has a weird smell (def not expired), but hey, it has done wonders for my skin.
Ahh, toners.
It took my skin a long time to get used to Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion. And to think that its formulation was made specifically for sensitive skin already! The first time I used it, I’ve had a few chemical burns (sorry, it’s a bit gross, however, honesty is the best policy), but after a few weeks of using, my skin finally adjusted to the formulation. On the other hand, it does its job, so it’s still all good. I’m still trying to decide whether it’s worth buying a second bottle, though. Also, on the safe side, I use the Clarifying Lotion once a week only.
I use Beachborn’s Healing Toner, Dear Klairs’ Supple Preparation Facial Toner, and Pixi’s Glow Tonic together. It’s the second time that I’ve bought the Pixi and Beachborn toners. The chemical formula of these three products combined together brought out the best of my skin, as I haven’t had a single breakout during the quarantine months, and I always get breakouts during stressful periods in my life (well hello there, COVID).
Technically, Cosrx’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence is more like a serum than a toner. Pros: it doesn’t have a sticky after-feeling that I usually experience with some serums. Cons: it’s expensive. So I try to use this product sparingly, and yes, a little bit goes a long way with this product. And yes, the hefty price tag is worth it.
For daytime moisturisation, I use Human Nature’s Pollution Defense Hydrating Emulsion. Since I used this moisturiser, I haven’t had acne in donkeys’ years–it works overtime to protect my skin from pollution. Only one con: that weird smell.
I use Laneige’s Firming Sleeping Mask only once a week. While it does firm my skin, using it more than once a week makes my skin feel oily. It leaves my skin really soft and smooth when used moderately, so that made up for the occasional oily side-effect.
Pond’s Age Miracle Wrinkle Corrector Night Cream is my nighttime ride or die. I have been using this product for years, and I have been reaping the effects. People say I look twenty-five, when in fact, I am pushing thirty-seven, and no one believes me when I tell people my real age. HAHA. Kidding aside, it’s light, not greasy, and it absorbs quickly. Cons: none.
Apologies for the really long update. But it’s one I feel pretty geeky and happy about, so I hope you all would not mind! Hope you are well, safe and healthy!