I’ve been going through my archives and realised that it’s been a long time since I’ve shown you an update to my skincare routine (my last one was in 2013!). It has definitely changed a lot since then and I’m happy to say that I’m quite at peace with what I’m using now.
As a beauty blogger, I get the opportunity to try out a lot of different types and brands of skincare but funny enough, most of the ones I really like were ones that I’d discovered on my own and love using. You’ll notice that I use a lot of serums and I love them because they’re the ones doing the bulk of the job on taking care of my skin. Well, next to sunscreen, of course.
Here’s what I’ve been using lately:
DAY:
Bioderma Sensibio Lotion (got this from Japan, using it as a toner. To be honest, it doesn’t do anything for my skin. Don’t know why I’m still using it but hey, waste not, want not, eh?)
Dior Prestige White Collection Le Nectar Blanc* (will be reviewing this very soon)
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Eye Serum*
Clinique Turnaround Daytime Revitalising Moisturiser*
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Water Base SPF50+ PA+++ (my favourite sunscreen)
EVENING:
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (I got the limited edition packaging)
The Skincare Company HB5 Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B serum* (this is pretty much the same as Cosmetic Skin Solutions’ Hydra B5 Gel)
Sunday Riley Good Genes (Holy Grail stuff!)
Cosmetic Skin Solutions Retinol 1.0 Creme (I alternate the use of the Good Genes and the retinol serum. I don’t use them together and I definitely don’t use them daily. Review coming soon!).
Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Eye Correcting Cream*
SK-II Stempower (my favourite moisturiser)
WASH OFFS:
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (I love this cleansing balm)
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (this one’s a very close second)
Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm
Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Cleanser*
Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub*
Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys
HydroPeptide Anti-Wrinkle Polish and Plump Peel* (best at-home microdermabrasion-like scrub EVER!)
I put the “wash-offs” in a separate category as these are the items that I use that will be washed off my skin. The only item I use twice a day is the cleanser. I’m not particularly a fan of the Jurlique cleanser; I don’t love it all that much but I don’t hate it either. It’s just what I’m currently using.
For me, cleansers come and go. I can use good cheapie drugstore stuff to the super high-end; as long as they cleanse my skin without leaving it tight and dry, I’m good. I switch up my cleansing balms whenever I feel like it. The rest are used on a weekly basis.I didn’t take any pictures of my facial sheet masks so imagine that I popped a few in there from SK-II, L’Herboflore and My Beauty Diary. 😛
I’ve been on this skincare regime for a few months now and I’m loving it. The serums in particular are doing wonders for my skin. Pop in 1-2 facial sheet masks per week and my skin will be singing the Hallelujah chorus.
It took me this many years to realise I need to really amp up my mask usage in winter. Spring, summer, autumn, I’m happy to slap it on as and when I need it or feel like it but in winter? OMAIGAWD, almost everyday if I need to. Like you, I’ve started on the heavier chemical-ly serums and oils. Ageing and whatnot. I also use the CSS Hydra B5 mask everyday. I slap on a toner, apply a generous layer of the mask for 10 mins and massage the remainder in. On nights I need a sheet mask, I have the mask on a mask – if that makes sense. Sufferer of dry skin *sigh* I try to be more conscientious as well. If I know I have a big night ahead (friends’ wedding), I drink a shit ton more water (like 3-4L) because I know there’ll be lots of toasting and drinking involved. I’ll also start on masks a little ahead. Sigh. Hot showers and blast of heaters really don’t help 🙁
Evenings before a big event, I’ll be using facial sheet masks like crazy. Nothing new that I haven’t tried before and preferably one from SKII. Dehydrated skin, even on oily to combination skin, is not pretty. >.< Oh yeah, I really have to drink a lot more water too because my mouth develops ulcers if I don't. 🙁
I recently decided it was time to get a good eye cream, so I’m using Thalgo Exception Ultimate Time Solution for Eyes and Lips. I’ve also been loving Paula’s Choice Resist Retinol Serum and the Clinique Smart Serum.
Di from Max The Unicorn recently posted..Getting Dirty with New Lush Massage Bars!*
I recently got the Clinique Smart Serum but I haven’t started using it yet. How are you finding it? Good?
I recently (like a few weeks ago) started to love the Elemis cleansing balm too! I first noticed it in a department store as it came in a huge as* box that could function as a doorstopper. I tried it and oh dear. Do you know those moments when you just breathe something in and your eyes just roll-back into a zen moment? Yeah that happened hahaha. I got two huge 200ml tubs. nuff said *hides under a rock*.
I’m just curious though, do you use balm cleansers in the morning as well? Personally I use something much less effort to wash off in the mornings cause my inner lazy-beast has not been tamed ha.
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Oh yeeesssssss! That’s EXACTLY how I feel when I place the hot face towel on my face with the cleansing balm on. SO GOOD.
Nah, I don’t use cleansing balms in the mornings, only evenings. Mornings don’t require that much cleansing so it’s either my usual cleanser or even just Cetaphil.
I’m with you on face wash – no holy grail, I just buy what’s on sale and making sure I don’t re-purchase the ones that burn my eyes (yikes).
Interesting that you like the SR Good Genes, because either people like it or think it’s worthless. Most people (bloggers/youtubers) seem to rave about SR Luna Sleeping Oil, but at $105 (USD) for 1 oz .. I’m still on the purchasing fence.
Monica.
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I bought the Luna and returned it 48 hours later. I cannot, CANNOT stand the smell. So far, no one’s complained about the scent yet (at least, not the reviews I’ve read or watched on YT) so it makes me wonder if I’m really the only one who hates the smell. I love the Good Genes. Works very well for me. 🙂
Sephora was offering a deluxe sample so I quickly placed an order just so I could try Luna. I don’t mind the scent of the product at all. I’m not sure this is the miracle product everyone claims .. but I’ll use it a bit, see if it “does” anything 🙂
Monica.
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I have found using a “soap and oil free” cleanser has helped calm my skin down a bit, but I use to just use whatever.
I don’t use any serums!! I need to get on the serum train, but they’re all so expensive and there are so many D:
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Oh you should definitely get on the serum train! They’re the ones which do the bulk of the work for you so really, it’s worth the dosh. Cosmetic Skin Solutions and Paula’s Choice have good ones that don’t cost an arm and a leg. But when you can, do try out Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair. It’s really worth the hype.
Hi Tine. I always love to look at what others are using in their skincare :-). I am really interested to hear your thoughts on Cosmetic Skin Solutions Retinol 1.0 Creme as I am currently looking for a good retinol cream that does not cost an arm and a leg. Plus Caroline Hirons been saying that once you are past your 30s, you need to use retinol. LOL.
I’ll be reviewing the retinol serum next week so do stay tuned to that. 🙂
Caroline Hirons is my skincare hero. LOVE HER.
Hi Tine! I was just wondering how your skin reacted when you made the move to Australia. I’ve been here for almost 2 months now (I’m from the Philippines: very tropical!) and my skin is reacting very badly to the cold, dry weather! I’ve been breaking out nonstop. Any advice on which products I can use? I have oily, sensitive skin..
I just discovered your blog a few days ago and I’m loving it! 🙂
Aww thanks, so glad you enjoy it!
As for changes to my skin, I found that it got dehydrated really quickly given that it’s so dry. I discovered hyaluronic acid serums work very well in restoring balance and hydration to my skin. In your case, I’d suggest cutting your skincare down to the basics to start off with and then focus on getting all that hydration back. A couple of product recommendations: try Bioderma’s Hydrabio range. It’s for sensitive and dehydrated skin (for oily skin, get the Light cream instead of the Riche). A serum I really like for hydration and also to calm my skin down is Trilogy’s Very Gentle Calming Serum. When my skin reacted to overuse of the Clarisonic, it saved my skin.
Good luck! 🙂
Thanks so much! 🙂