When I’m super busy, my self-care tends to go out the window. It’s ironic because I know that I need it the most when I’m tired and stressed. And it does tend to show up on my skin because I neglect my skincare routine, doing very little else besides washing my face before bed. Considering that I have so much to do throughout the day, the idea of having to apply several different skincare products just does not appeal to me.

What shocked me back to taking care of myself was seeing a photo that Nine took of me. My skin looked pale and ashy, and she thought I was wearing eyeshadow because of how dark my eyebags are! More than having such an unflattering photo of myself, it was a wakeup call not just to get back on my skincare routine, but also to make more of an effort to refocus my energy back to the things that are good for me.

Of course, the easiest first step was finding products that allowed me to do a very short regimen with maximized benefits. I had been intrigued by the new Clinique iD line because of the unique concept: you can create your own custom moisturizer infused with your choice of actives! There are three “bases” from their famous Dramatically Different moisturizers: the classic Moisturizing Lotion, the mattifying Oil-Control Gel, and the brand new Hydrating Jelly.

Once you’ve chosen your base, you can then pick one of four cartridges to mix with your base: Blue for uneven skin texture, White for uneven skin tone, Orange for fatigue, and Purple for lines and wrinkles. These special cartridges have concentrated ingredients which turn your base moisturizer into a potent treatment. This is the perfect solution for anyone who has struggled to find the right moisturizer because the system allows you to create 20 different combinations!

The Clinique iD line is endorsed by Emilia Clarke, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains, and the Mother of Dragons. Her favorite is the combination of the Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly with the Orange Fatigue cartridge, so that’s what I tried. I have no illusions of looking as luminous as Emilia as a result of using this combo, but I was actually reminded to be as strong and fierce as her character whenever I reached for my bottle.

The Hydrating Jelly is exactly the kind of moisturizer that I like using these days: light, watery, and sinks almost immediately into the skin. There’s no silicone in this, so there’s no weird primer-like feeling after. Meanwhile, the Orange Fatigue cartridge introduced me to an ingredient I hadn’t before seen in my skincare. It has concentrated levels of taurine, which is an amino acid that maintains hydration, boosts intercellular energy, and re-energizes skin to have a radiant glow. I’d only ever heard of taurine as good for my brain, but apparently its antioxidant properties have been studied for acne treatments and anti-aging benefits as well.

I was also happy to spot glycolic acid and caffeine in the ingredients list, as both are known for helping to create a brighter, more even complexion.

With the cartridge installed, my Clinique iD made it possible for me to hydrate and treat my skin in just one step. I like dispensing two pumps and applying it all over my face and neck - then it’s bedtime! I love my acids but this is so much faster and easier than waiting 20 minutes before applying another product.

On days when I have a little more time and feel indulgent, I follow up my Clinique iD application with Clinique Fresh Pressed Repair Clinical Multi-Dimensional Age Transformer Duo. I turned 36 last month and I’m not ashamed by feeling the need for anti-aging treatments. This pot has two kinds of “rejuvenating moisturizers”: half is for Resculpting the saggy bits while the other half is for Revolumizing the areas where I’ve lost a lot of collagen (aka the dark hollows of my eyes and my nasolabial folds).

Both have the more traditional cream moisturizer consistency but lavender-colored Revolumize cream feels a bit more balmy. I apply on my target areas and give myself a little massage in the areas I would like to Resculpt - I’m not expecting a face lift effect but it sure feels nice! I haven’t been applying Fresh Pressed as consistently as the Clinique iD so I don’t know if it has actually made any improvements, but when I asked Nine to take my photo again after two weeks, she said I was looking much better!

I know that skincare isn’t the only thing I need for self-care, but it’s a start and it’s motivating to see results. If like me you’ve been feeling burnt out, try changing some small aspect of your life, even if it’s just adding a new product to your regimen. What’s important is to start from somewhere and let the change snowball from there.

Clinique iD is P2,650 for 115ml of moisturizer plus 10ml of concentrate. The Fresh Pressed Repair Clinical Multi-Dimensional Age Transformer Duo is P4,600 for 50ml. All are available at Clinique counters and from LazMall.

Photography by Nicole Quindara

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