My current skincare routine (last half of 2013)
This year has been good to me, skincare-wise. I've discovered a lot of new, amazing things that really helped my skin be its best possible version. I still break out every once in a while due to new cosmetics; that's just part and parcel of the job I guess!
One of the readers asked me why I just don't go to the derma to fix the blemishes and occasional acne. It's because I already know what works - if I just stick to it, then I'll be fine. But testing out new foundations and creams, even though I screen them beforehand, is necessary if I am to properly review them. It's risky yes but it needs to be done.
Anyway! Here's my current skincare routine. My core skincare as you know is the Shiseido Ibuki line - I can't say enough just how awesome this stuff is. Seriously. Not sponsored. No agenda. The facial wash, softener, and refining moisturizer works SO well on my skin!
Cleansing Skincare. I've tried a hoarde of products from various brands, but for cleansing, no other country does it better than Japan. It's probably because the Japanese have a better appreciation of Asian skin than Westerners in general - I don't know! But I tell you, Japanese skincare is the best at clearing off makeup, lessening oil, and preventing blackheads.
My favorite makeup remover is Bifesta, specifically the Moist variant. It's not as drying at the Sebum one (blue bottle). For waterproof mascara, I prefer to use the Shiseido Instant Eye and Lip Remover. This is crazy expensive, for a makeup remover that is, but it's gentle and doesn't irritate my eyes and lips.
As you know I love the Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser to bits. I'd probably bite you if you try to take it away. Then there is the Cure Natural Aqua Gel, which is the BEST exfoliator for me. I don't have to worry about blackheads because of this! Check out how economical it is. I haven't opened a new bottle since April, and I never fail to use this at least once a week.
My HG toner is still the Etude House Wonder Pore Freshener. I don't use it as often now since Bifesta is effective enough to remove most traces of makeup, but it's still handy when I feel like I have product buildup on my face.
Moisturizing Routine. I used to have one or two serums in rotation (from Kiehl's and Shu Uemura) along with a light moisturizer. Now those are great serums and I still stand by my rave reviews. However, the Shiseido Ibuki Softener and Refining Moisturizer has rid me of the need to use serums. These two give my skin a nice glow. It heals, refreshes, and fades my blemishes quickly.
You want proof? Okay. A couple of weeks ago I picked on an innocent bump on my cheek. It was a horrible mistake. The bump swelled, became a pimple, then a full-blown wound. I was upset. But I knew how effective Ibuki was so I didn't use any other creams.
Yuck, I know
Left is the fresh wound. Right is is the faded and completely healed crater - FIVE DAYS LATER. Right now the scar is barely obvious (about 12 days since the wound). Amazing eh? You have to note though that while my skin easily blemishes it also heals quickly and isn't prone to having craters and pockmarks. Cheek acne heals quickly too - but never this quick. So there. That's why I love Ibuki.
Sun Protection. My liquid foundation or base for the day usually has SPF already; it counts if I use a generous amount. I'm a huge fan of the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream (it's so nice that it feels like skincare, not makeup), Etude House CC Cream in Glow (moisturizing enough), and Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense with SPF50 for extra protection.
Eye Creams. I'm lazy when it comes to eye cream plus I'm not particularly loyal. Lately though I am really loving the Lancome Visionnaire Yeux. I feel that it works in lessening the lines in my eye area! Then there's the Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector and Shiseido Ibuki Eye Cream. These are nice maintenance eye creams, just to keep the eye area hydrated and elastic.
Acne and skin irritation fighters. The Acne Clearing Solutions from the House of Obagi is the best at drying pimples, for me. It stings like a bitch, but it seriously works and isn't that expensive (around P500 only). I use the VMV Hypoallergenics ID Monolaurin Gel for pimples too (it's easier to find in my vanity haha) but it's particularly useful for calming rashes and insect bites. Also for razor burns!
The Etude House AC Clinic Intense Red Spot Balm is great for pimples that have already popped, and the Pink Powder one is what I use on angry red white heads. That one smells exactly like calamine lotion, btw.
Lip hydration. Lucas Papaw Ointment is th best at chapped and dry lips while the Nuxe Rive de Miel (oooh French) is a moisturizing daily balm that isn't too slippery. I prefer to use this underneath lipsticks. If you're interested, you can purchase a tube from Digital Traincase. I'll be reviewing it in full next time!
Body care. I keep it simple when it comes to body care. I don't experiment much in this area so I stick to my favorites like a barnacle. I use a variety of body lotions but my favorite is the Nivea Body UV Whitening Serum SPF25 PA++ because it has sun protection that doesn't feel sticky.
Then Dove for body wash, and Asian Secrets Lulur for my body scrub. This scrub is the best. I've been using it for...let me see, three years now? It smells great, it's mild, and indispensable for someone who is on a laser hair removal regimen.
So there you go. Whew. Hope you found this interesting! Lemme know what your current skincare faves are too! ^_^
