1. Cleansing Oil/Balm
The first step I do is removing my makeup, obviously. This is actually a pretty rigorous process that requires many steps to fully cleanse my skin and remove any dirt/grime/sebum. I've found that cleansing oils and balms are the most gentle on my sensitive and dry skin. Even if your skin type is oily, don't be afraid of cleansing oils/balms! It'll change your life as it easily melts away all your waterproof makeup, trust me.
My recommendations:
2. Cleansing Water
I'm currently using the Senka Perfect Watery Oil, which I can use with wet hands in the shower but it lessens the effectiveness so sometimes I'm still left with a lot of makeup on my skin. I bought the Huxley Cleansing Water at Nordstrom when they were having their K-Beauty pop up but it has alcohol in it so I wouldn't recommend it for dry or sensitive skin. I just use it on my eyes to remove any eyeliner that a cleansing oil can often miss. It's safe enough to use on my waterline with a cotton pad but only very lightly lol just don't douse your eyes with this. Most people would use a regular cleanser at this step but my skin is the type that is sensitive to ALL cleansers. Especially with dry skin, it's just not good to strip away all the natural oils so I use these milder products instead.
My recommendations:
3. Freshener
Some people count this as a toner and use it after exfoliating, but I have such a big bottle of the Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner that I use it in this step to further remove any leftover foundation on my skin. It's crazy to see how much is still left and in areas you wouldn't expect, like behind the ears or on your neck.
My recommendation:
4. Exfoliator
Depending on the type of exfoliant and your skin sensitivity, you can exfoliate 1-2 a week or once every 2 weeks. Honestly I'm way too lazy to even remember to do this routinely so recently I've been making use of the CosRx One Step Moisture Up Pads, which is gentle enough to be used every day. After the freshener step, I use the exfoliating side on the CosRx pad and then the hydrating side. It also picks up any remaining makeup that was still left on the skin. You should be sure to fully get rid of your makeup until there's nothing left on a cotton pad. Remove first, then add! Otherwise, there's no point and your skin won't be able to absorb any other skincare products.
My recommendations:
5. Toner
There are actually two different types of toners. One is more watery and another has more of a gel-like consistency. However, some brands have even created mist versions for light and quick toning! Currently I'm using the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner with the Klairs Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pads. Originally, toners were made to balance the pH levels of your skin after cleansing, but most were made with alcohol. Nowadays, Asian toners are meant to hydrate, soothe, and prep the skin for further moisturizing.
My recommendations:
6. Emulsion/Lotion
Now in between these steps, some people use sheet masks because of all the essence in it but to me it seems like a waste to discard it after 20 min when it's still dripping wet. One solution is to put it on your neck when you're done with the mask but on Get It Beauty they said it's actually better to use sheet masks after your moisturizer has been absorbed. Usually when I do sheet masks, I sleep with it on overnight.
Some people also use emulsions and lotions after their essence but it all depends on the thickness of your products. It should go from lightest to heaviest. My holy grail emulsion is the Nature Republic Shea Butter Emulsion which is pretty thick, but emulsions and lotions are meant to boost your skin's ability to absorb future skincare products, like serums which is why I like to use it first. I'm contradicting myself with the lightest --> heaviest method but this is just what I do lol.
My recommendations:
7. Essence
So what's the difference between an essence and an ampoule and a serum? Basically, essences are just a lighter and less concentrated version of serums, meant to add an extra layer of hydration to the skin. Ampoules are a more concentrated version of serums and actually recommended to be used before essences and serums! Kinda confusing with all the steps, right? Essences, ampoules, and serums are probably my most favourite type of products because of all the nutrients it gives to the skin. I love the lightweight and smooth texture as well!
My recommendations:
8. Ampoule/Serum
You know you go crazy with the online shopping when you have more skincare than you can use.. which is why I layer a bunch of different serums just to make use of all the ones I have 😂. Because vitamin C can be stimulating for sensitive skin, I mix the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop with the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum. After that, I add on the Amorepacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum and use the other ampoule and serums listed below in the morning.
My recommendations:
9. Facial Oil
I'm newly experimenting with facial oils! I've tried argan oil and coconut oil in the past but they're way too thick, greasy, and comedogenic (pore-clogging) for my acne prone skin. Thanks to Style Korean, I've discovered the Huxley Oil Light and More and I'm totally in love. It's like a dry oil that hydrates, absorbs quickly, and makes your skin look super dewy but without the heavy feeling!!
My recommendations:
10. Moisturizer/Sleeping Mask
Due to my extremely dry skin, I've gone through countless jars of moisturizers. Leave it up to me to recommend the best! In place of a nighttime moisturizer you can use a sleeping mask, but tbh I just use both since I usually do my skincare routine a couple hours before I go to bed, whereas I use a sleeping mask right before I'm about to fall asleep.
My recommendations:
- Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturizer
- Amorepacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Crème
- CosRx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask
- Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
- Chanel Hydra Beauty Hydration Protection Radiance Mask
Omg, it feels like I just wrote an entire essay but that's it for my nighttime skincare routine! It seems like a lot but I'd be done all the steps before you even finish reading this post. I didn't add a step for eye cream because I've only tried one so far, but if you're worried about wrinkles around your eyes like crow's feet then for sure go ahead and include it in your routine! It's never too early to start anti-aging skincare, unless you're a teenager I guess.
Hope you all have an amazing day! Be on the lookout for my morning skincare routine next.
x
Melissa
Disclaimer: I am not getting paid to post this. All opinions are 100% honest and my own. Some links above are affiliate links which means if you make a purchase, I do make a commission. You don't have to use the links, rather they are there for your convenience but if you do it would help my blog! 😊
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