I first started applying makeup when I was 15 years old. Don’t freak out though, I only filled my eyebrows in. Gradually, I started using more (foundation, concealer, bronzer… you get the drift) and that was when I realised my complexion getting worse. I always had acne, my T-zone was constantly oily and my skin looked perpetually dull and lifeless. So of course, I knew I had to buck up when it came to skincare.
Now, I am a big believer of it. I love layering my products and I’m not one to have a simple five-step sort of routine. I have combination skin and it can be tricky sometimes when choosing the right products but after testing out a huge amount, here are some of my must-haves I can’t live without.
I love cleansing oils. They are just so easy to use (I use them in the shower so I don’t have to remove my makeup beforehand) and makes the entire cleansing process a more enjoyable one. This is suitable for oily and combination skin and removes stubborn makeup easily (trust me, I use waterproof everything). It is made with small oil molecules that quickly penetrate into pores to remove debris and dirt. It is also infused with a Japanese sakura duo complex, which targets the root of pore concerns to give you a fresh, refined complexion.
What I really like about this foam cleanser is that it does not dry out the complexion and instead, leaves it feeling super soft and smooth. It is also really gentle and is formulated with Shiseido’s moisture-boosting Aqua-In-Pool to reinforce skin’s barrier function.
I recently got this in Seoul and it has quickly become one of my favourite beauty products. This isn’t just any ordinary toner, it cleanses, tones, hydrates and exfoliates. More importantly, this has a pH value of 4.5, which is similar to that of our skin. After cleansing, our skin’s pH levels may be altered and it’s crucial to always bring it back to a mildly acidic state (more specifically, pH 4-6) to allow our skin’s barrier function to work effectively. Previously, I used to apply two kinds of toner – one to rebalance my pH level and the other to hydrate but now, I only need to use one.
This absorbs really quickly and has a subtle scent that’s not too overpowering. It protects skin against environmental aggressors and prevents signs of ageing. Its star ingredient Kombucha provides a double-defense to counteract the effects of pollutants. It is said to deactivate pollutants, which are commonly found in air and water, preventing them from causing oxidative stress and damaging skin. It also has powerful antioxidant activity, which helps to effectively neutralise free radicals and counteract the effects of pollutants.
If you’ve been keeping up with this space, you know that I have probably featured this one too many times because it really is effective. I always wake up to a more radiant and plumper looking complexion the next morning and I love how it is also gentle on the skin. It uses three different technologies to both hydrate and brighten dull, tired skin.
I love layering my serums and one that I cannot skip on is a hydrating serum. The hyaluronic acid molecules in this have different molecular weights to hydrate skin on the surface and help restore plumpness. It is also enriched with antioxidant boosting iris extract and natural-origin ingredients to ensure skin is radiant and healthy-looking.
Ask any beauty editor or industry insider and they would say a moisturiser is one of the most important products to use. I prefer a gel-type moisturiser that feels weightless and absorbs quickly into the skin. This does just that and even strengthens skin’s moisture barrier while improving the look of fine lines, flakiness and tightness from dehydration. It also features an exclusive Auto-Replenishing Technology that instantly boosts skin’s moisture levels, while helping it activate its own internal water source to deliver non-stop hydration.
These easy-to-use eye patches help to hydrate and instantly improve the look of fine lines and under-eye darkness while giving a cooling effect upon application. It is saturated with multiple sizes of hyaluronic acid that help to attract and retain up to 1,000 times their weight in water from moisture in the atmosphere to lock in hydration. Ceramide NP, collagen and marshmallow root extract smooth and soften the appearance of fine lines, caffeine de-puffs and Arnica lightens dark circles – just what I need.
Many of us may not have the habit of applying facial oils because they can leave a greasy feeling after, which is pretty uncomfortable but I personally can’t live without them. This is one that I always use whenever I need a quick pick-me-up the day after as it works through the night to repair and restore skin for a more well-rested complexion. It is also 99.8 per cent made from naturally-derived oils that give a pleasant scent and does not feel heavy too.
This is another lightweight oil that I’m loving. It really helps brighten my complexion thanks to its star ingredient, the ume flower. It is known for its repairing, anti-melanin and anti-sallowness properties to really perk up tired and dull skin.
I have acne-prone skin and this is really a life savior for me. It is specially formulated for those who are prone to acne and have oversized, enlarged pores as it is made with a potent blend of botanic extracts, calcium lactate and calcium ions to speed up skin’s renewal process and effectively draw out debris from pores. It also helps to treat black and whiteheads for a clearer complexion.
Not only does this adhere really well to the skin, it also features a formula to note. This two-piece hydrogel sheet mask is rich in nutrients like vitamin A as well as evening primrose and raspberry oil extracts to soothe, tighten pores and firm up sagging skin. Once I remove the mask, my face immediately feels tighter and more lifted.
On lazy days, I opt for overnight sleeping masks. This contains the brand’s Pitera to clarify skin and a derivative of the albizia plant, which is said to deliver intense hydration to the skin. My complexion always seems to appear brighter and more energised when I wake up the next morning.
Some sunscreens just protect your skin from harmful UV rays but this also features brightening properties to boost radiance. Its lightweight, gel-texture is also perfect for those (like me) who have combination skin and it does not leave a sticky residue. It is even made with 50 per cent of skincare ingredients such as the brand’s Super Hyaluronic Acid to effectively pump moisture to the skin and protect it against sun damage and ageing. The best part? It is sweat and waterproof.
My lips tend to get dry and chapped so I can’t go to sleep without applying a lip mask or balm. Two coats of this reportedly act as a leave-on mask for your puckers to heal and soften them overnight.
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