My 2020 skin care routine lets me go foundation-free – here’s how!

I have a confession to make: last year, I started teaching myself to buy less makeup. I unfollowed a lot of cosmetic brands on social media, and stopped consuming makeup content from videos to blogs, and even newsletters. When I see a sale, I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and walk away. I still love makeup and that’s not gonna change, but I needed to stop an unhealthy shopping addiction that had me buying waaaay more than I need. What snapped me back to reality was seeing a drawer full of expired makeup that I hadn’t even used more than thrice. So this 2020, my New Year resolution is to stay committed to #ProjectPan and doing a low buy!

Aside from limiting my source of temptation, one thing that helped me curb my appetite for makeup was investing in skin care. I guess there is some truth to the saying that the best foundation is no foundation at all. When I made it a habit to apply sunscreen and moisturizer for face use regularly, I found that I didn’t really need primer, foundation, and powder for my day to day makeup routine. Using a proper moisturizer for oily skin and a broad spectrum SPF product were enough, and I saved money and time by investing on good skin instead. That’s the promise Olay is giving to women with their skin care line - that you can ditch the heavy makeup days this 2020 by switching to an Olay skin care regimen.

The Olay White Radiance CelLucentTM Essence Water Hydrating Toner (P1,399 for 150ml) and Olay Power Duo (P1,899) comprise a three-step skincare routine that promises clear, bright, bouncy looking skin that could do without BB cream or even tinted moisturizer. If you need tips on how to moisturize skin overnight, this trio makes it as easy as 1-2-3. 

After cleansing, I pat on the White Radiance Toner as my first step hydrator. Some people find toners to be an unnecessary step, but I find that this preps my skin well to absorb my next skin care layers better and maximize my moisturizer benefits. If you love using Japanese skin softeners, you’ll adore this version from Olay like I do. This is a lightweight, easily absorbed formula that hydrates and brightens. The CelLucentTM complex lightens skin tone by reducing melanin formation and fading dullness and dark spots. 

After toning, Olay’s Power Duo comes into play. This consists of their bestselling White Radiance Light Perfecting Essence and Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream. The Light Perfecting Essence feels like skin care and a glowing primer in one as it delivers an instant glow, thanks to the fine iridescent shimmers in the essence. It contains niacinamide which reduces blemishes and improves skin texture. With continued use, the patented Pearl Optics complex promises to reduce dark spots, brighten skin tone, and improve skin translucency. I like that this delivers a lot of moisturizer benefits without being too greasy. This essence is perfect if you’re looking to achieve the Korean glass skin glow.

Last but not the least is the Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream. This is Olay’s most advanced anti-aging cream and also what put Olay’s skin care line on people’s radars. This rich moisturizer packs a strong punch of moisturizer benefits because it is chock full of actives like niacinamide, amino peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycerol, carob fruit extract, and olive-M. While it’s on the pricier side of drugstore skincare, I believe that you get what you pay for with the great mix of actives that you’re getting! It’s a great moisturizer for sensitive skin, and the amino peptides that stimulate cell repair and strengthening also work as a powerful anti-aging skincare ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is also one of my oily skin’s go-to ingredients for moisturizing as it can attract moisture 1000 times its weight. Unlike a tinted moisturizer that simply covers, the Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream, along with the White Radiance Toner and Light Perfecting Essence, gives you a lit from within glow.

These days, I’m able to go out with just brows, a lip and cheek tint, and some under eye concealer. I’m stepping into 2020 feeling more confident in revealing my own skin, sans the foundations and BB creams. 

Olay is available in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide, and online via Shopee, Lazada, and Watsons Philippines. Follow #OlayPhilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and visit their website at Olay Philippines.

This story is brought to you by Olay Philippines.

Photography by Nicole Quindara