With all the clever marketing strategies, personalized ad re-targeting & shelfie all over social media, it is understandable on how overwhelming it is for us to choose the right skincare products for our skin & wanting to try all of them. Don’t get mistaken that you need to have everything your favourite skincare enthusiast posts on his/her page. Be reminded that it is their job to test and review products so you can have an in-depth view on a certain product. Don’t be FOMO & hoard everything they own, okay? More products does not necessarily mean greater or flawless skin. Instead, it could have an adverse effect on our skin.
So, let us sit down today & go through on what I personally think are essential for your skincare routine. Low maintenance, pocket-friendly & less beauty clutter.
Today’s goal; healthy, bouncy skin with only four skincare products
1) Choose the right, gentle cleanser
No one likes a stripping cleanser. We used to think squeaky face right after rinsing portrays clean skin but truth to be told, that cleanser has removed all the natural moisture on your skin, my dear. Our skin should be always well moisturized to slow down the appearance of fine lines (think… desert ground).
How do you know if the cleanser is too drying for you? Try to cringe your face or smile a few minutes after cleansing (without any products on). If your smile lines & cheeks feel a tad bit tight, that could only mean that your cleanser might be too dry for your skin.
Product Recommendations
Make P:rem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam
Neogen Real Fresh Blueberry Foam Cleanser
(click to read full review on Instagram)
Left: Make P:rem Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam
Right: Neogen Blueberry Foam Cleanser
These two are mild cleansers that I would recommend to most skin type.
Personally tried both & they definitely do not strip the natural moisture of my skin.
2) Pick a hydrating toner
Toners are quite underrated, in my opinion. Many thinks toners are pretty unnecessary since cleanser will technically wash away most of the impurities from our face but being a #teamtoner, I’m definitely encouraging you to incorporate this in a minimal skincare routine.
Toners not only helps to remove the remaining gunk / impurities that stayed on our skin after cleansing – which may eventually clog our pores, but soooo many toners in 2021 are mostly packed with great skincare ingredients. Depending on its texture, a good hydrating toner may even replace the essence & serum step!
For dry skin, try looking for toners that are slightly more viscous to deliver extra hydration to your skin. For oily / combination skin, a lightweight, watery toner is highly recommended.
Product Recommendations
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
One Thing Houttuynia Cordata Extract
(click to read full review on Instagram)
Left: Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Right: One Thing Houttuynia Cordota Extract
Pyunkang Yul is slightly more viscous in texture, perfect for drier skin type
One Thing extract is very watery, perfect for oily – combination skin
3) Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize
Hands down, moisturizer is THE most important step in any skincare routine. Morning, mid-day or night, always remember to seal everything you’ve layered on with a good moisturiser. Imagine moisturizer as a “veil of protection”, guarding your skin from any transepidermal water loss, maintaining skin balance & protected from environmental damage.
To find the perfect moisturiser for your skin, first, pick the right texture for your skin type, followed by your skin concern.
Product Recommendations
For sensitive or dry skin, the Make P:rem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cream (left) is a great pick as it contains only 12 ingredients plus, the thicker texture creates a nice layer of protection on the skin. For oily skin, try using gel type – such as the Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel (middle) which is super lightweight & will not “drown” your oily skin. For dry or aging (but not sensitive as the following recommendations contain fragrance) skin, try the Neogen Probiotics Cream (right) which helps with skin firming, assists to boost skin’s collagen for a stronger skin barrier & structure.
4) Never Skip Sunscreen
Never. Skip. Suncreen. As important as your moisturizing step, sunscreen is the Captain America in our skincare game. It shields our skin from harmful UV rays from the sun, protecting it against skin cancer & prevent premature skin aging (age spots, wrinkles). Also, wouldn’t it be nice to have Chris Evans guarding you everyday? TEEHEE.
No matter your skin type, apply that sunscreen, even if you’re always staying indoor (sun rays can still peep in from your window to say HELLO!). Sunscreen isn’t what it used to be 10 years ago (sticky & suffocating), so don’t be afraid to explore! Korean sunscreens are my favourite as most of them are not sticky, doesn’t leave a whitecast on the skin & provides a great amount of moisture to the skin.
Product Recommendations
Mixture of sunscreens for different skin type
Make Prem UV Defense Me Sun Cream
Neogen Probiotics Relief Sun Essence
Left: Mixture of different sunscreens with different finishes
Middle: Make Prem UV Defense Me Sun Cream
Right: Neogen Probiotics Relief Sun Essence
That’s it! I hope this simple guideline helps you to look for what is essential for your skincare routine, especially if you’re new to the skincare game! If you would like to know more on the products recommended, they’re linked to my review on Instagram. Let me know if you have any other questions in the comment section down below!
Stay safe, everyone. xx
Disclaimer: Everyone’s skin is different so one person’s experience with a product may vary from another’s. If the product is not suitable for your skin, donate it to a friend or family member / sell it off at a pre-loved price (just make sure it is in a clean condition – wouldn’t recommend selling jar products) & move on to the next one. Don’t hoard products & abandon them, which will be forgotten and eventually…. expire.
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Gudeiary 