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. 

I'm in an unusual position of being able to experience a huge number of products on a regular basis. I don't try ALL the skincare I get - I usually check reviews online, and if they're good then I test the product for a week. If they suit me then I use it up. If, in that time period I haven't found something better, then I repurchase it. If not then I use up the new product, and the cycle repeats itself.

There are products I repurchase but you can see how it depends on several factors. What does my skin need at the moment? Did I recently receive something that can be a good or even better substitute? That's a beauty blogger problem, haha. That's why my current skincare routine is radically different from the one I posted seven months ago.

My skin right now! Not wearing foundation, just an awesome SPF base, concealer on the few blemishes remaining (none on eyebags), and sheer pressed powder to set.

Before I go into the nitty gritty I want to explain what's awesome about this routine. It's best for sensitive oily-combination skin, with a focus against dullness and blemishes.

A lot of people think I just go around using new face skincare products all the time. I don't! Haha. When I find something I love, I stick to it like a barnacle. Occasionally I like something new enough for me to use it regularly, but after a while, for some reason or other, I find myself going back to my core skincare products. 

So! Let's start. I've known myself to be combination-oily ever since my teens, but in the past couple of months, I find that my skin gets dry and irritated often. When that happens I take a break from my Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (Oily Skin Formula) and just use the ultra-mild Sebamed Face and Body Wash. Then I use a thicker layer of the Clinique Moisture Surge.

Sometimes, when I'm really lazy and dry, I use the Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil as an all-in-one facial wash and moisturizer. Seriously! After removing my makeup with the same oil, I use another layer and rinse it as a normal (but non-foamy) facial wash. Then I don't use anything afterwards. When I wake up in the morning, my face is kind of oily but glowing. I don't know but I feel that the Shu restores my skin's moisture balance.

This was supposed to be titled "my current skincare routine", but then I realized that I forgot to include a couple of regulars like the Myra e Daily Sun Protect Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 and the Eyliplex-2 eye cream. I also realized that I don't use everything every single day - as you know, I work from home, so I don't go out five days a week.

As such, I adjust my so-called "routine" into something less fussy. I'm vain, but I don't obsess about it!

Meet the team:

Left to right (click the links for reviews):  Muji Cleansing Oil for Sensitive Skin,  Pond's White Beauty Activated Carbon Cleanser, Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner,  Clinique Moisture Surge,  Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye, Smooth-365 Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum

Can I just say? I hate it that Muji hasn't yet restocked the Cleasing Oil!

My skincare routine is not only basic, but relatively cheap. I wanted it to be quick without ignoring my skin's needs. The products have to be affordable too, since I use them for maintenance - I should never run out.

Everyday I follow the most basic skincare routine: cleanse, tone, and moisturize. I use additional products when the situation calls for it, such as eye cream, SPF tinted moisturizer, or makeup remover.

So now, presenting my skincare basics! This is everything I use to take care of my face.

RDL Placenta Soap

I've been using this product for more than three years now. It's super cheap at only ~P50 per bar, one bar lasting me for about 3-4 months of twice-a-day usage. Awesome right?

It keeps my combination skin clear from pimples and has a lightening effect. This is is not the best facial soap out there, however. It dries my skin and doesn't stop my pre-period breakouts completely. Nonetheless, in my rare skincare exploits, this is the best soap for me that I've found so far.