So I went to Seoul again last summer and from my last visit you know how I go on about how big South Korea beauty industry is and how there's a butt-load of products that actually worked great and at a very affordable price. So as I trying and adding some stuff into my skincare, I thought I update about my skincare a bit. Now logically, if I am trying on new products obviously there will be a variety of things I use from time to time. *I think a lot of people are like this, not just beauty blogger or editor*
Now don't get me started on those who thinks it's a waste to buy a lot of skincare product, I know you got a point because we each have only one face but if you're into skincare why not? Some people invest in their outfit with designer label bags and shoes and even gadgets... I like how one of my favourite blogger Caroline Hirons encourage us to have a 'skincare wardrobe' and seriously, reading her blog and seeing her on Youtube just open your eyes about beauty etc. Seriously check her out.
So my skincare 'routine' pretty much follow a principle I learn here and there, although mostly inspired by her, Dr. Schultz and maybe some K-beauty, hehe. I will try to focus on laying out my BASIC skincare routine without commenting too much, I save that for other posts in the future. I also include links to the product so you can check it out.
Phase 1: Cleanse (Step 1 only at night and step 2)
Morning cleanser: only with gentle, non-foaming, gel cleanser.
I use:
Step 2: Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser .
Night cleanser: Double cleanse with oil cleanser preferably to remove makeup and sunblock and then follow by a clarifying gel cleanser.
I use:
Step 1 :MAC Cleanse off Oil Tranquil
Step 2: Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Cleanser
There is also time I use micellar cleansing water. Sometime I use that instead of the oil, sometimes I use in combination. No real rules to be honest, but it is also handy if I make makeup mistake or when I play around with makeup. NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals
Phase 2 :'Tone' (Step 3 and 4)
This is getting tricky as this is the time I start to rotate between products. Generally I use two type of toner, a sort of exfoliating toner with glycolic acid and followed by a balancing/hydrating toner or essence which I look for those typically pack with antioxidant and good stuff that claim to 'rejuvenate' or 'repair'. lols
Step 3. First Toner - Exfoliating toner or 'acid' tone like how Caroline says it:
REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner. I use this most of the time as it is very gentle.
Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner. If not REN I would use this but usually at night or in facial. This is slightly more stinging.
Step 4 Second 'Toner' - Since I just bought some new essences from Seoul and particularly those 'first essence' or fermented essence. I am trying those out one by one with a period of 5-7 days just because I think my skin kind of wreak havoc a bit in the summer with travel stress, summer weather careless skincare and the random use of samples I got, gosh Seoul is so generous with samples. I think it was too much for my skin. So to reduce the risk of more damage, I am trying products by changing one at a time while my skin calm down.Thank goodness I don't think it's the actual product causing damage. So I have not decided on one I would used more often for my BASIC skincare. lol.
Before this I use Aesop Parsley Seed Antioxidant Facial Toner and then mid July while travelling I use Caudalie Beauty Elixir.
Phase 3: Treatment and Phase 4: Moisturize (Step 5, 6,7, maybe 8 and then 9- *lol, I know right, quite ridiculous*)
Before anything I go for eyecare and lipcare first.
Step 5. Eyecare and lipcare
Just a good eye cream or treatment that fight ageing sign, preferably both darkness and lines.
MISSHA Misa Geum Sul Vitalizing Eye Cream (link lead to a US site but I got it when I was in Seoul. From the UK, online supplier is only option I think) and lipcare that keep my lips moisturize.
Eau Thermale Avene Lip Cream with Cold Cream
This is getting more complicated, even at times, I find myself baffled not sure of what to put on. I should have include the second toner in this actually because it is as complicated.
So this is where I always use the principle of LIGHT TO HEAVY in terms of texture. And after second 'toner', only stick to maximum 3 product, and plus 1, if I am using acne treatment such as Benzoyl Peroxide gel.
Step 6 and 7: Usually it's 2 serum, one for brightening and one for anti-ageing or antioxidant.
Step 8. Then acne treatment if I use one like Benzoyl Peroxide gel
Step 9. Finally follow by 1 good moisturizer, again pack with antioxidants and things that claim 'repair, rejuvenate, anti-ageing'.
But currently I use:-
Step 6. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum.(This probably a compulsory for me everday, twice, day and night)
Step 7. Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream (I just want to finish this).
No Step 8, I'm not using any acne treatment at the moment.
Step 9. Grown Alchemist Hydra-repair Day Cream: Camellia and Geranium Blossom (the main moisturizer I used now, but I actually started using this when I travel to Seoul which was mid July. Together with the 2nd toner, it was quite a bad idea because that was the time my skin went wreak and I could not confirm 100% if it is good)
Seeing how much I repeat antioxidants and repair, you kind of getting the gist of what I am looking for in skincare. And sometimes usually at night or in facial (masks) I would change up the 2nd serum with oil or different cream like I do currently. Since I started trying 'first essence', it can be a bit complicated on which goes first so that is why it's good to use "LIGHT TO HEAVY" or thin to thick texture as rule of thumb. For example 'watery like toner to flowy fluid like some essence or serum to emulsion to oil and lastly thick cream.
Phase 5: Protect from the Sun (Step 10 only for the DAY)
I am one of those asian that hate the sun and always wear sunblock everyday, but just on my face, to be honest. Maybe because I wear hijab and covered up, that is an advantage. In the day I apply SPF 30 on my face and it must be a PA+++ *asian thing*. Even recently I just upgraded my lipbalm from SPF15 to SPF30 just to be consistent.
Step 10. Laura Mercier Foudation Primer Protect SPF30 PA+++ Wear this like sunblock with a sunblock amount, even if they advice you don't need much. You may not need much for priming before foundation but I need 2-3 peas size to cover my face from the sun.
Nivea SUN Protect Lip SPF30 In this case don't wear too thick, if you don't want white cast.
Miscellaneous
In term of skin type, I am usually a bit more oily than most people and prone to acne but not as bad as 2 years ago. I still use creams and oils but not everyday and less than the amount recommended as it will be too heavy. Since I layer a number of products, I am careful of the amount and how I put on. I always put on little at my tips of my fingers, spread on both hands (just the fingers) and carefully smooth on. Not rub.
I don't do crazy extensive facial massage because it irritate my skin to breakout even though I know how good it could be. But when I smooth on facial oil, I do press on lightly and use this Facial Massager tool from The Bodyshop which is good enough because it still stimulate, but does not irritate my skin.
So that's pretty much the an outline of basic skincare routine and I will talk a bit more on each and do a post for at home facial etc.
So my skincare 'routine' pretty much follow a principle I learn here and there, although mostly inspired by her, Dr. Schultz and maybe some K-beauty, hehe. I will try to focus on laying out my BASIC skincare routine without commenting too much, I save that for other posts in the future. I also include links to the product so you can check it out.
Phase 1: Cleanse (Step 1 only at night and step 2)
Morning cleanser: only with gentle, non-foaming, gel cleanser.
I use:
Step 2: Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser .
I use:
Step 1 :MAC Cleanse off Oil Tranquil
Step 2: Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Cleanser
There is also time I use micellar cleansing water. Sometime I use that instead of the oil, sometimes I use in combination. No real rules to be honest, but it is also handy if I make makeup mistake or when I play around with makeup. NUXE Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals
Phase 2 :'Tone' (Step 3 and 4)
This is getting tricky as this is the time I start to rotate between products. Generally I use two type of toner, a sort of exfoliating toner with glycolic acid and followed by a balancing/hydrating toner or essence which I look for those typically pack with antioxidant and good stuff that claim to 'rejuvenate' or 'repair'. lols
REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner. I use this most of the time as it is very gentle.
Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner. If not REN I would use this but usually at night or in facial. This is slightly more stinging.
Step 4 Second 'Toner' - Since I just bought some new essences from Seoul and particularly those 'first essence' or fermented essence. I am trying those out one by one with a period of 5-7 days just because I think my skin kind of wreak havoc a bit in the summer with travel stress, summer weather careless skincare and the random use of samples I got, gosh Seoul is so generous with samples. I think it was too much for my skin. So to reduce the risk of more damage, I am trying products by changing one at a time while my skin calm down.Thank goodness I don't think it's the actual product causing damage. So I have not decided on one I would used more often for my BASIC skincare. lol.
Before this I use Aesop Parsley Seed Antioxidant Facial Toner and then mid July while travelling I use Caudalie Beauty Elixir.
Phase 3: Treatment and Phase 4: Moisturize (Step 5, 6,7, maybe 8 and then 9- *lol, I know right, quite ridiculous*)
Before anything I go for eyecare and lipcare first.
Step 5. Eyecare and lipcare
Just a good eye cream or treatment that fight ageing sign, preferably both darkness and lines.
MISSHA Misa Geum Sul Vitalizing Eye Cream (link lead to a US site but I got it when I was in Seoul. From the UK, online supplier is only option I think) and lipcare that keep my lips moisturize.
Eau Thermale Avene Lip Cream with Cold Cream
This is getting more complicated, even at times, I find myself baffled not sure of what to put on. I should have include the second toner in this actually because it is as complicated.
So this is where I always use the principle of LIGHT TO HEAVY in terms of texture. And after second 'toner', only stick to maximum 3 product, and plus 1, if I am using acne treatment such as Benzoyl Peroxide gel.
Step 6 and 7: Usually it's 2 serum, one for brightening and one for anti-ageing or antioxidant.
Step 8. Then acne treatment if I use one like Benzoyl Peroxide gel
Step 9. Finally follow by 1 good moisturizer, again pack with antioxidants and things that claim 'repair, rejuvenate, anti-ageing'.
But currently I use:-
Step 6. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum.(This probably a compulsory for me everday, twice, day and night)
Step 7. Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-enriched oil-free renewal cream (I just want to finish this).
No Step 8, I'm not using any acne treatment at the moment.
Step 9. Grown Alchemist Hydra-repair Day Cream: Camellia and Geranium Blossom (the main moisturizer I used now, but I actually started using this when I travel to Seoul which was mid July. Together with the 2nd toner, it was quite a bad idea because that was the time my skin went wreak and I could not confirm 100% if it is good)
Seeing how much I repeat antioxidants and repair, you kind of getting the gist of what I am looking for in skincare. And sometimes usually at night or in facial (masks) I would change up the 2nd serum with oil or different cream like I do currently. Since I started trying 'first essence', it can be a bit complicated on which goes first so that is why it's good to use "LIGHT TO HEAVY" or thin to thick texture as rule of thumb. For example 'watery like toner to flowy fluid like some essence or serum to emulsion to oil and lastly thick cream.
Phase 5: Protect from the Sun (Step 10 only for the DAY)
I am one of those asian that hate the sun and always wear sunblock everyday, but just on my face, to be honest. Maybe because I wear hijab and covered up, that is an advantage. In the day I apply SPF 30 on my face and it must be a PA+++ *asian thing*. Even recently I just upgraded my lipbalm from SPF15 to SPF30 just to be consistent.
Step 10. Laura Mercier Foudation Primer Protect SPF30 PA+++ Wear this like sunblock with a sunblock amount, even if they advice you don't need much. You may not need much for priming before foundation but I need 2-3 peas size to cover my face from the sun.
Nivea SUN Protect Lip SPF30 In this case don't wear too thick, if you don't want white cast.
Miscellaneous
In term of skin type, I am usually a bit more oily than most people and prone to acne but not as bad as 2 years ago. I still use creams and oils but not everyday and less than the amount recommended as it will be too heavy. Since I layer a number of products, I am careful of the amount and how I put on. I always put on little at my tips of my fingers, spread on both hands (just the fingers) and carefully smooth on. Not rub.
I don't do crazy extensive facial massage because it irritate my skin to breakout even though I know how good it could be. But when I smooth on facial oil, I do press on lightly and use this Facial Massager tool from The Bodyshop which is good enough because it still stimulate, but does not irritate my skin.
So that's pretty much the an outline of basic skincare routine and I will talk a bit more on each and do a post for at home facial etc.
