The Project Vanity Top Ten for 2014: Skincare

My best skin year would have to be 2014. It's the year I achieved a clear, even, and barely-blemished face, which I did not think was possible in my younger years. It might be because my hormones have settled down (no more cystic acne yey!) or it might be because I know my skin extremely well at this point. I know now what to use, what to avoid, and when to switch things without skipping a beat. 

Of course, it didn't happen without a little help from my favorite skincare products. Each one is good individually but when used together, I get fabulous results. Here are ten that I feel truly changed the texture and level of clarity of my skin!

Burt's Bees Daisy White Facial Toner (P795). This is a gentle, water and aloe-based toner that refreshes and brightens my skin with regular use. It has a citrusy green scent that also invigorates me whenever I sniff it. Totes serious.

Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner (P795). I'm loathe to include another toner here, moreso from the same brand, but the Tomato Toner is also a non-negotiable part of my skincare routine. I use the Daisy White as my daily toner while the Tomato one is for when my skin is looking dull. This helps erase blemishes a little quicker and smoothens my skin like nobody's business. It also cleans up my pores thoroughly.

Clinique Even Better Brightening Moisture Cream Plus (P2,550) and Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Defense SPF45PA+++ (P2,000+). The Even Better line looks like its made for me - it brightens, fades blemishes, and protects my skin from environmental aggressors. Plain speak: I get bright and clear skin with the moisturizer and SPF cream! 

I use the moisturizer at night and the SPF during the day. Can't beat the SPF45PA+++ in there, plus it feels like nothing when dry.

Estee Lauder Clear Difference Blemish Serum. If I can only choose on beauty find for 2014, it would be this. It's hard to describe without sounding like I'm just repeating myself, but this is the reason my skin is extra nice. Whenever I stop using this, my skin doesn't look bad naman, but it loses some radiance and the refined, flawless texture. 

Total must-have!

Kiehls Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum (P2,750). I used this eye cream while going through a break up and my eyes looked quite good even after crying everyday. If that's not a good test, then I don't know what is! :P This is perfect for hydrating and plumping the under eyes without feeling heavy and clogging up the pores around that area.

Bioderma Sebium H20 Purifying Micellar Cleanser (P1,900 for 500ml in Watsons). This takes makeup removal a step more by being a product that actually contributes to improving my skin. I've noticed that my face feels smoother and plumper whenever I use this. 

Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover (P300). IMHO the best eye makeup remover, as it can remove even the toughest waterproof mascaras (ehem Heroine Make)! And it only 300 bucks too. You gotta try this if you haven't yet seriously.

Mary Kay Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush (P2,190). I have not had the pleasure of trying out the Clarisonic, but if I die not trying it, I will be totally fine. I love this one from Mary Kay! It's not too expensive and exfoliates my skin super well without stressing it out. I use this 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin and to just make my skin glow! Highly recommend this.

The Body Shop Fijian Water Lotus Body Lotion (P400+). I use a buttload of body lotions, creams, and oils, and that's why my skin is seriously soft (let's forget false modesty for a minute lol). However, this particular lotion from The Body Shop made my skin noticeably better compared to others. It wouldn't just feel soft; it would also be smooth and silky. IDK why since it's not marketed as such, but I'm not complaining!

This smells fantastic too, in a sophisticated sort of way. ^_^ I will definitely hoard this!

A Bonne Spa Milk Salt (Shower Formula), P140. Drat it, I forgot to include this in the top 10 photos above! I think I left it on my table before I started photographing everything. Anyway. This is my best body care find of 2014. It's cheap, it's available everywhere (except when it's sold out) and effectively lightens dark areas of my skin. I was able to achieve a fairly even overall complexion due to this product! I hoard it in Watsons all the time. 

And that is that! I hope you enjoyed my list! I would love to know yours. Sound off in the comments!