Finally here's my skincare's post! Been procrastinating for way too long.
***My advise and these products might not be suitable for you.Individual result may vary.
I'm always intrigued by all kind of skincare / hair or make-up products. I have the habit of keeping extra shower cream, hair shampoo/conditioner, hair mask, body scrub, tooth brush, tooth paste, feminine wash and whatnot, any kind. I just like to keep! I use different kind of body washes depend on my mood.
I'm looking for something non-fragrance, colorant, alcohol and non-comedogenic (do not clog pores) now.
I think I'd mentioned it already. being a skincare junkie, trying new different skincare product is one of my long term hobby. Morbidly fascinated! Sometimes I regret because some of the products really cause a ruckus on my skin. I have quite a sensitive skin. I have to be really careful in choosing the right moisturizer. Actually referring to anyone.
I have combination to oily and a bit of dry skin sometimes. Little bit of dark spot and freckles on my right cheek bone, pores. Not much of dark circles but still noticeable compared to my skin color. I do not have flawless complexion, I think it's kinda hard to maintain flawless unless you go for all kind of aesthetic treatment. Read: Flawless = pore-less, no acne/pimple or redness, no dark eye circle, radiant complexion - ALL together.
Radiance and translucent are the key to great complexion to me. It is equally important to tanned skin, you just look dull without it. Pimple-less doesn't mean good skin. Radiance is the key.
I'm actually quite annoyed at people who self-proclaimed their flawless skin, it is not flawless if you are pimple-less but with DULL and YELLOWISH complexion! #seriously.
You know how people (especially Asian) always say that fair-skin cover all flaws? I used to go for whitening skincare a lot, and for some reasons whitening moisturizer always break me out without fail! Be it drugstore or counter brand, 20 bucks or 100 bucks. I just don't understand. It supposed to lighten and even out your skin tone, some of the whitening moisturizer do a good job on hydration too. On the contrary, it gives me bad skin. Major pissed off. Because of that, I don't go for whitening moisturizer anymore. I use whitening essence or serum to replace it and use a hydrating moisturizer.
If your skin is hydrated enough, or has enough water and moisture (it looks dewy), it will get rid of ALL kind of problems. No dry skin, no fine lines, no break out. Yes, no pimples. AND GLOW! PLUS it is easier for your skin to absorb whatever cream you apply on it too!
People with combination or oily skin normally use oil-control products. It will actually dry out your skin (too much usage) and if your skin is dry on the surface, it will replenish oil to the outer layer of your skin automatically. Kind of like send a message to the deeper layer of your skin informing them to replenish moisture (oil) to the outer layer whenever it detects dry surface. It will makes your skin oilier eventually.
The point is how to balance it. As long as you are using any oil-control product, use it together with a good hydrating non-comedogenic product. Example: oil-control serum with hydrating moisturizer, you may use moisturizing gel or lotion instead of moisturizing cream. It is very important to choose a right moisturizer though, some of the moisturizer contains too much oil in it, it will be too harsh for your skin. I don't know how to explain this, but if you are experienced, you could feel it when you try the tester. (Again, consult your dermatologist or beautician but don't listen 100% to beautician, sometimes they just wanna sell their products, they don't even use it yet they could tell you how good and how it suits your skin perfectly.)
As for people who keep using oil blotter paper, what you blot away is the 'natural oil' aka sebum from your face, it will produce even more after that. You need moisture not oil blotter paper. I use tissue to "blot" the oil on my face, so it won't totally dry out. (Again, it depends on individual.)
I like using Deep Cleansing Mask on the days closer to period (acne/pimples usually pop-up before period) because it usually purge out the dirt and impurities underneath my pores and skin. Skin feels refresh and less oily after that.
If you are dry skin, I think no need further explanation right? Beware of fine lines and find a really good deep hydrating serum/essence/moisturizer. Remember, ALWAYS use a moisturizer after essence to lock it in and retain the moisture.
Avoid scrub for acne skin. Too harsh. Avoid touching your face because the infection will spread on the whole face. No oily moisturizer and try to use anti-bacterial product. Do not pop your pimple out, let it dry by itself. Consult a dermatologist.
In order to achieve beautiful skin, you need to have enough sleep too. Talk about beauty sleep, beauty sleep is NOT at 4am, 5am, or 3pm. #seriously x 2. Don't say you are catching beauty sleep at this timing!
Golden hour for beauty sleep is 10pm to 3am. Skin will generate new cells during sleep hours. It is also the best time for your skin to absorb whatever cream applied on your skin. No other cream/make up can gives you the magical glow without enough sleep/rest at proper hours, adequate sleep is the best!
Anyway, some others like to take birth control pill (the most common one will be Yasmin and Diane35) to maintain good skin. It has pros and cons definitely. Birth control pill is a pill to control your hormones to prevent pregnancy and also giving good skin at the same time (since it controls hormones). Individual result may vary b'cos my friend took it but see no difference, still never mind, it stops her menses for like 3 months until she stop taking it. Cons are you have to think probably if you would like to give birth, have to wait for minimum 6 months before planning a pregnancy. Your underarm and down-south-area (you know where) also tend to be darker if you are taking birth control pill. Best to consult doctor before any decision.
Long story cut short, here's my current skincare products. As I said, I've tried many different products. Some are good but some are not, it depends on individual skin. If you have skin like mine, maybe you can try?
My routine are usually:-
Morning Skincare Routine:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Eye Cream
- Serum*
- Moisturizer
- Sun Block.
I don't use moisturizer with SPF because it just doesn't give enough moisture and protection. Furthermore, moisturizer is moisturizer, meant to hydrate your skin. Protection is another procedure, that's why sun block exists. It just like shampoo = shampoo, conditioner = conditioner. 2-in-1 shampoo does not give you the same good result as a stand-alone conditioner.
Your make-up routine should be done after morning skincare's last step - sun block. If my make-up base contains SPF, I use make-up base instead. Aside from foundation color, if your pre-makeup is really 'thick' (base, color-control, concealer everywhere etc), your face will become extremely ghost-fair compared to your neck color tone. It looks like you have really thick make-up on. So make-up base is important too!
*These are my routine, everyone is different so depends in individual!
- Make-up base
- Liquid Foundation
- Concealer
- Eye Make-up
- Loose Powder
- Contour (bronzer)
- Cheeks / Lips.
OR
- Make-up base
- Concealer
- 2-way Foundation (powder foundation)
- Eye Make-up
- Loose Powder
- Contour (bronzer)
- Cheeks / Lips.
Night Skincare Routine (Normal):
- Make up Remover/Cleansing Oil
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Eye Cream
- Serum*
- Essence
- Moisturizer.
I usually scrub once 2-3times a week, do it after cleanser.
As for Masks, I do it once every 2 days depends on which type of mask I use. I have a lot of different masks from sheet mask, wash off, gel or clay mask, whitening, deep cleanse, moisturizing, firming etc etc. I use it depends on my skin condition. No pictures about mask in this post. I guess I have to do it in my next.
By the way, don't massage too often (or not at all) if you are oily / combination oily / acne skin.
I've been using Kiehl's for at least 7 years. Still remembered when I just started with Kiehl's about 6 or 7 years ago, we (me and friends, Peiyun & Weiting, when we were still studying in Poly, couldn't remember which year. Damn, old..) Kiehl's only located at Scotts, somewhere between TANGS and Far East Plaza, so many changes there I don't remember the building name already! Anyway, it was the ONLY Kiehl's store in the whole Singapore! Kiehl's has more outlets subsequently.
Kiehl's Recycle Programme is back!Keep your original bottle (not travel-sized), return and get a travel sized product!
Pictures below were taken a while back when I was sorting out the empty bottles to return to Kiehl's.
Make-up Remover/Cleansing Oil
Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil.- SGD 33 for a bottle of 120ml. SGD62 for 2 bottles.
I'm a huge fan of Fancl Cleansing Oil! Been using it since Day 1 (not baby okay, LOL I mean my first cleansing oil and still using it now).
In case you are wondering why I keep all these bottles. These are so called limited edition bottle (except right bottle in blue). Yeah, I usually keep these limited edition bottles till.... I don't feel like keeping them anymore.
Anyway, it is the best cleansing oil I've ever used. It contains ingredient to get rid of blackhead too. I tried the famous Shu Eumura Cleansing Oil too, but I prefer Fancl's coz Shu is oilier. Fancl removes make-up and dirt really well yet not too dry/oily to the skin.
Cleanser
Kéraskin Mousse Fouettée - RM150-170.
Fancl Washing Powder - SGD26 for a bottle of 50g. SGD48.50 for 2 bottles.
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser - SGD42 for 125ml.
SKII Facial Treatment Cleanser - SGD89 for 120g.
I use all kind of Cleanser. I'm using Benefit Foamingly Clean Facial Wash at the moment (not in the picture). Fancl Washing Powder really cleanse well and leave smooth skin, but it is quite a hassle to use powder and the ball to create foam. Forget it if you are lazy.
Kéraskin is a brand under the infamous hair product Kérastase. The cleanser is a soap free foaming cleanser cream. You have to use the expander, add on a little water to lather into foam. Use the foam as cleanser. It is a very good moisturizing cleanser yet helps to remove dirt completely.
I've tried Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser before, not that bad but I just want to try others so I didn't continue. I tried SKII Facial Treatment Cleanser too, didn't continue because I think it feels like a normal cleanser but at the price of SGD89. Change! Tokyo Kawaii is not bad too. Actually out of so many brands (counter or drugstore), I find all about the same! only difference between all : whether it gives tight feeling to your skin after you wash it off. If you do, it's time for you to change a cleanser. Make up remover still the 'main cleanser' anyway.
I always change my cleanser. My morning cleanser is different from my night's. I use a moisture cleanser in the morning, a deep cleansing one at night.
Scrub/Exfoliate
Kiehls's Micro-Dermabrasion - SGD92 for 75ml.
Laneige Strawberry Yogurt Peeling Gel - SGD 44 for 150ml.
Kiehl's again! Their Micro-Dermabrasion scrub is really expensive but good!! SGD 92. I've been using for MONTHS and still left with more than half! Smooth baby skin after one scrub. It will re-texture your skin, you can also use it as a treatment, leave it on your face no more than 2 minutes before rinse it off.
As I said I use scrub 2-3 times a week but I only use Kiehl's once per week. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to use gel-like scrub. I use Lanaige alternately.
Laneige Strawberry Yogurt Peeling Gel is in grainy strawberry bits, very gentle, soft and smell really good! Good for acne skin too. Too bad I heard strawberry range has already been discontinued. Their new range called Multiberry or something.
Scrub is really important, it helps to remove dead skin. Your facial products will not be absorbed into your skin with thick dead skin on the surface.
Again, avoid scrub for acne skin. Too harsh.
Toner
Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner - SGD43 for 250ml.
Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner - SGD78 for 250ml.
and many other brands.... Just finished Kose Sekkisei Lotion the infamous toner but I find it average and don't really like the alcohol smell. More on Kose next post!
Favourite toner all time! Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner is suitable for all skin types and dry or sensitive skin, a cucumber based, soothing effect toner. My first product with Kiehl's! I like the herbal smell and how gentle it is.
Back then it was only SGD28 for 250ml (alright, years ago.) then to SGD30, then I stopped for a while because I changed my skincare to Clarins. After that when I changed back to Kiehl's, Cucumber toner has gone up to SGD38, then... to SGD41, now SGD43!!!!!!!!!!! It just keep going up. -_-
I tried Clarins toner too but I don't like the smell..
From Right: Kiehl's Yerba Matte Tea Lotion, I use a few bottles and I think it suits sensitive skin but not a very moisturizing lotion
2nd right: Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner! Cucumber toner is meant for any skin types and dry skin. Calendula Herbal is more suitable for combination skin! For the same size of 250ml, guess the price? It is SGD78 (yeah, back then it was SGD50+ LOL)
I like it and I alternate it with Cucumber toner. I'd go for Cucumber when my budget is tight. hahaha. But now that my face has become less oily. I usually just go for Cucumber Toner. (Anyway I'm also using Hada Labo now).
Eye Cream/Gel
Kiehl's Line Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate - SGD72 for 15ml.
Told you I'm a Kiehl's user.
I've tried a lot of other eye gel / cream, cheaper brand like Olay, Loreal, Garnier etc, higher tier like Clarins and Clinique. Tried it all but just didn't give me the result I want.
So I tried Kiehl's Line Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate, it really eliminate dark circles! Not totally disappear but it improves a lot especially lighten my dark circles and appearance of fine lines.
One of the top seller in Kiehl's. One tube can last for at least 4-5 months! I'm finishing my 3rd tube now and thinking to change to another brand. #itchyhand
In case you are wondering, I didn't buy 2 tube at the same time, one of it actually an empty bottle (recycle programme!)
Essence / Serum
Olay White Radiance Pristine White Essence - SGD 59.90 for 40ml.
I love Olay White Radiance Pristine White Essence!
(I missed this out so I just grab a picture from web!)
Olay essence has a very light texture. It helps to lighten dark sports and give you radiance skin. Proven. (at least to me!) Their older range of whitening essence is good too. It is still in the market, transparent bottle with pink color vitamin bits gel. I feel like trying their white radiance moisturizer too. Hopefully it won't break me out like other whitening moisturizer.
I tried many other brands but still think Olay is good and affordable.
SunBlock/SunScreen
Clarins UV Plus Day Screen SPF40 (Tinted Version) - SGD 74 for 30ml.
I usually buy from airport DFS when I came back from holiday for about SGD55, around there.
p/s: I just got the limited edition 50ml from airport DFS! SGD 84 for one! and now they come out with new color - Beige!
This got to be my favourite sunscreen of all. Tried many other brands before Clarins and also switch to other brand in between. I still prefer Clarins! It doesn't leave any greasy feeling like the other sunscreen. Been using this sunscreen for years. I'm using 5th or 6th bottle now!
From the picture above, 1st bottle from left is their newest design (the other two are empty bottle). It contains new ingredient: Melon. It gives you protection against harmful pollution and antioxidant. Furthermore, the new sunscreen can be applied on your eye area!!
p/s: If you are still using the older version, do not apply on your eye area.
Some people prefer the normal version (in white texture) but I prefer their tinted version (in pink texture). It helps to enhance our skin radiance and kind of even out your skin tone a bit. I've been using tinted version since day 1 with Clarins sunscreen. I tried Kiehl's sunscreen but still prefer Clarins.(Now they have Beige color too.)
My sis and my girlfriends are using Ettusais Sun Block (Oil Block) for combination and oily skin. I think it is good, non-greasy too but it has lower SPF protection. I still prefer Clarins tinted sunscreen!
By the way, I tried Ettusais Sun Block (Dry Block for dry skin) too, result? Break.out.on.me.
Lip Balm
Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 - SGD17 for 15ml.
I think I don't need to elaborate more about Kiehl's #1 infamous lip balm!!!!!!
The BEST lip balm EVER. I have perpetual dry lip. I can't sleep or go out without lip balm! Uncountable is the word to describe the brands that I've tried for lip balm. Kiehl's gives me the best result.
Also, it has the least difference in price compared to old price. It was SGD14 > 15 and now 17. HAHA. I'm so good at this.
Now I found another drugstore brand CARMEX, it is good as well so I'm using CARMEX in the day. It leaves your lips with a tingly feeling because it is minty. Using Kiehl's in the night only because CARMEX is much more cheaper.
Carmex picture HERE.
I tried Ettusais lip essence at SGD26 per stick. Expensive and I still prefer Kiehl's.
Shampoo / Conditioner
Kiehl's Ultimate Thickening Shampoo
Kiehl's Hair Conditioner Formula 133
Love Kiehl's shampoo too. These are gift from my friend.
Hand Cream
Crabtree & Evelyn Nantucket Briar Hand Therapy - SGD33 for 100ml.
Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Rejuvenating Hand Remedy - SGD45 for 100ml.
Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy - SGD20 for 50g.
Jurlique Rose Hand Cream - SGD86 for 125ml.
Hand cream is a must for me. I've been living on my own for 10 years, dealing with all kind of house chores because I don't trust maid and I don't need a full time maid. I really want to hire part time maid though, they can come once per every 2 weeks when I'm around.. recommendation anyone?
Anyway trust me, I tried all kind of hand creams! Always buy for my mum too. I usually carry a small one in my bag so I can apply whenever I need.
I'm using Crabtree & Evelyn now.
Jurlique Rose Hand Cream is selling at SGD86. 86 for a hand cream zzz. I bought mine in Taiwan by a few dollars cheaper. As you can see it is finishing (like really) haha! not going to buy 2nd tube. Their hand cream has thicker texture, it is good only when you apply before bed time, too greasy for the day.
Crabtree & Evelyn has a few range of hand product. For their hand therapy series, I prefer Nantucket! It smells really good and not too oily for day use, yet moisturizing enough. It gives you softness and hydration.
Hand Remedy is more to age-defying, reduce the aging sign. I use it alternately with Nantucket hand therapy.
For hand cream, L'OCCITANE has a very good hand cream too. Get their Shea Butter Hand Cream if you wanna try.
My mum said Neutrogena is good though.
I'm also using Etude House Hand Bouquet Rich Butter hand cream and Rich Collagen hand cream. Cheaper than Crabtree & Evelyn and not bad!! Remember to GRAB IT if you are going Korea!!
Body Lotion
Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Body Lotion - around SGD 8 for 725ml.
Biotherm Anti-Drying Body Milk - SGD77 for 400ml
I REALLY LOVE these two body lotions!!!!!!
You know how we hate body lotion especially with our hot and humid weather like that? I've been looking for non-oily or non-sticky body lotion for ages. I got dry skin. My arms and legs feel itchy sometimes after shower or swimming. I need body moisturizer and finally I found it!
Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Body Lotion is super duper cheap as a drugstore brand.Only less than SGD10! The only thing I don't like about this body lotion is the Cocoa Butter smell, too overwhelming! It's okay for me to apply in the day, the smell will go off after a while but not at night before bed time. I don't want my bed smells like chocolate and I don't send invitation to ants! hahaha.
I use Biotherm Anti-Drying Body Milk at night. Trust me. It is NOT OILY OR STICKY AT ALL. (okay maybe a bit: Level of stickiness: 0.00000000001)
For one like me who have tried so many different types of lotion, trust me, this is extraordinary.
It has citrus refreshing smell, a very good body milk that keeps my skin hydrated.
Stickiness and Oiliness:-
Vaseline: 1.5/10
Biotherm: 0.5/10
You definitely need a non-oily body lotion for night, who wanna go to bed with sticky body?
Elishacoy Cacao GreenTea Age Fitness Mask
Elishacoy Milk Cacao Black Sugar Scrub
Another scrub I tried. Elishacoy's scrub has sugar bits. As for their Age fitness Mask, it did helps in rejuvenating and brightening but I just can't stand Cacao/chocolate smell. -_- (I'm giving this away FREE, almost brand new, only use 2-3 times before. Anyone? Both come with a mini spatula so don't worry about hygiene issue)
DHC Camu-Camu Whitening Range
DHC Acne Whitening Gel
DHC Camu-Camu Whitening Range gave me a MOTHER HUGE break out after 1 week.
Maybe it's the whitening cream that caused the problem (as usual on me). Sigh. Whitening moisturizer is my biggest fear.
DHC Acne Whitening Gel is good gel to lighten scars though.
Clinique Skincare Range
Clinique - not bad for maintaining.
Clarins
Whitening range, cleanser, toner etc.
I was a fan of Clarins. This is one of the pic. I tried their morning and night whitening moisturizer but I don't like it! Gave it to my mum after that. I like their whitening serum though (SGD 135 for freaking 30ml). After one bottle and I didn't continue after that. Olay to go! Cheap and good!
Tadah. Expensive whitening serum.
Clarins sun block for eye! I bought it for my my Bali trip, back in year 2008!!
That's all for now!
This post is not the whole detailed skincare routine of mine, I will cover more on my next post for mask. (hopefully I'm hardworking enough.)
People always ask me what products do I use, sometimes they buy the same products but couldn't get the same result. If you want a good skin, the key points are:-
Don't be lazy. x10
Adequate sleep.
Drink enough water.
Eat healthy, less oily food. (guilty on this because I like fried food)
Find your right skincare products.
Truth hurts but if you are lazy, you will never get good complexion!
p/s: when the products give me breakout, I usually stop and try to use it again after 1-2 weeks, stop using if it still react the same way after weeks.
