My skin always felt more on the dry spectrum of normal skin. Not so much in the summer, but in the winter, I have to lather up all the rich moisturising creams I can find. That’s why I was always on a hunt for any good nourishing, hydrating thing I could find. At one point my skincare had an abnormal number of steps, but I’ve toned it down. Right no, I feel like I found the sweet spot and also the perfect combination of products. I see my skin improving day-to-day (if I also drink enough water, that is).
Routine
Morning
- I usually wash my face with only water, unless I feel really sticky, then I’ll do a light Tea Tree wash.
- After that, I do the most important step – moisturising. For weekdays under make-up, it’s the CeraVe with SPF. For the weekend, it’s the Miracle cream.
- Then I do my make-up, optional.
Evening
- I start with the cleansing balm to clear off my make-up.
- If I feel extra, I follow with the Tea Tree wash.
- After that, I do the rosehip oil. (Yes, oil before the serum! It absorbs better in this combination.)
- I follow with the Miracle serum. (Trust me, this combo is phenomenal, after a week, you’ll see it in the morning!)
- If my skin feels extra dry, I add some Miracle cream. But usually, the oil & serum combo does the trick.
Products
Staples
Right now, I think I found a sweet spot between having too many products and steps in the skincare routine and ticking off all the boxes of what my skin needs. From having 5 Ordinary bottles that I had to follow in the exact order, to having max 3 steps in the morning & evening. And what’s even better, I see much greater results now than I had before. Needless to say, my roster changes from warmer to colder days, but two things are constant: cleansing & good hydration.
- Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
- The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
- CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 30
- Revolution Pro Miracle Day Cream
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
- Revolution Pro Miracle Night Rescue Serum Advanced Complex
- Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
- Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Occasional Extras
Occasionally, my skin needs extra help. For some extra clear skin, I will add the Aesop exfoliant and follow up with their mask – it’s the perfect pairing. If my skin feels extra dry, I will add some argan oil in the evening (or through the day if I’m not wearing any makeup). For days in the sun, some extra SPF is a must. And when I don’t want to wear makeup, but still like to have even skin, I will use just the red correct.
- Aesop Exfoliant Paste
- Aesop Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque
- The Ordinary Argan Oil
- Hello Sunday SPF 50
- Erborian CC Red Correct Cream
Alternatives
I’ve tested many products throughout the years and even though I don’t currently use them, they’re still good. I will continue adding things as the routine changes.
- Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
- Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Dr. Jart + Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
- Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
- The Ordinary Argan Oil
Testing Phase
I have a few things in my “testing” pile that I’m trying out to see if they deserve a permanent spot.
- Mediheal Watermide Moisture Pad
- Mediheal Teatree Trouble Pad
- Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pad
- Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
- Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
- COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch