Sharing to you my holy grail skincare products as my first beauty related post this year!

2019 and the past few years had been a trial and error period for me when it comes to skincare. I have tried multiple products and have experienced varied skin reactions, some good, most bad, as I have sensitive acne-prone skin.

Most of the products I used to try were mainly because these were hyped. But I’ve grown past that. It’s not easy to deal when my skin starts to react. My skin gets irritated so easily but calming it down again and treating it is just so difficult.

Here, I’m sharing the skincare products that I have relied on and have trusted.

Cleansing Oil/Water:

First, initial cleanse of the popular double cleanse. Double cleansing has helped my skin a lot plus it makes it feel cleaner.

Cleansing oils and waters makes a huge difference in my cleansing routine. I am in love with the Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil mostly for those times that I have really heavy makeup on, it just removes it easily, even a good mascara can’t beat this. I often use cleansing waters, especially for when I don’t use any makeup on. I love the Innisfree Rebalancing Cleansing Water and the Benton Tea Tree Cleansing water. I recommend these two cleansing waters as these are friendly for those with acne prone skin because the Innisfree Cleansing Water has Centella Asiatica and the Benton Cleansing Water’s main ingredient is obviously tea tree.

Facial Wash:

The second step for the double cleanse as we know is the facial wash, may it be a cleansing foam, a cleansing powder or a cleansing gel. One cleansing product that I have never dropped and been using since day 1 is the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser. I have seen the improvement it has given to my skin, it’s just amazing. The Centella Cleansing Powder is my go-to cleanser especially when I’m travelling.

Exfoliator:

Exfoliation is a very important step and I’ve learned that the hard way. I have tried multiple exfoliators as well but these two worked the best for me. I do my exfoliation at least twice a week. I have been using the Skin Food Rice Wash Off Mask ever since the hype for wash off masks rose and I never stopped using this ever since. My recent but new favourite is the Tony Moly Floria Brightening Peeling Gel. I use this for when I have to attend an important event as it is unbelievable how my skin gets so soft and bright after using this.

Toner:

Next to cleansers, toners are the next most important step in your skincare routine and makes a lot of difference to your skin too. I love the Somebymi AHA BHA PHA 30 days Miracle Toner because just like its name, what it did to my skin was like a miracle and ever since I saw the effects it gave me, I don’t think I will ever stop using it. Another one is the COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner. I don’t only use this for toning but also as a mist since it is really hydrating.

Exfoliating/Toning Pads:

Exfoliating/Toning Pads were raved 2 years ago as they have multiple purposes. It can be a gentle everyday exfoliator, a toner and can even be a makeup remover. Well, I use these for all of the reasons given. These came out from different brands but COSRX never fails me as my two favorites and most used ones are from the brand. I really like both the One Step Moisture Up Pad which I use every morning and the Green Hero Calming Pad which I use every night. These are very handy when traveling as well.

Ampoule/Essence:

Does the argument over the importance of using ampoules and essences still exist? Coz for me, this shouldn’t be questioned anymore. For me, ampoules and essences are like the vitamins you need for your skin. These are the stuff that do the miracle to your skin, depending on what kind of treatment your skin needs. These three are my absolute favorites and these have never failed me. In 2019, I discovered and started using the COSRX Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule and the VT Cosmetics Cica x Hyalon Cica Hydration Essence. After a few months of using both, I can see how my acne scars faded and how cystic acne has slowly gone down in appearing on my face. One essence that have been with me through several years is the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, the original essence for me and one thing I can’t let go of when we talk about essences.

Eye Cream:

Up to this day, I have been on the hunt for the perfect eye cream but I have been using the Mizon Only One Eye Cream for Face for 2 years now. I just tend to keep on purchasing this one as I can use this day and night.

Moisturizer:

Moisturizers are needed especially for those when your skin is so dry due to various reasons like the weather. Though, one thing to take note of is to avoid over moisturizing as like to over exfoliating, this tends to make your skin break out. Realizing this, I reduced using moisturizers to just every other day, especially that I use moisturizing essences at night and hydrating sun creams in the morning. Although I haven’t experienced it first hand, just a few people I know, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Two moisturizers that I’m in love with are the COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion as this is perfect for the summer months but the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream is one moisturizer that you can use all year long, though I don’t apply it everyday now.

Masks:

For those days that your skin needs some extra treatment, I run to masks. I do this once to twice a week. I like the VT Cica x Hyalon Pro Cica Mask, the Etude House Snail mask and the Innisfree Green Tea Sleeping Mask so much. I have tried how these products give my skin that extra oomph in hydration and these are soothing as well.

Acne Patches:

For someone like me who has monthly breakouts due to hormones and whose skin gets easily irritated, spot patches are needed. I was given the VT Cosmetics Spot Patch by the brand during my trip to Seoul last year and now, I must tell that these pimple patches have become my savior. Out of all the pimple patches that I have tried, these are the most effective ones plus you get these at a very affordable price.

Sunscreen:

There are three things that I can never let go of in my skincare routine, cleansers, toners essence; and the fourth one would be sunscreen. Whether I’m applying makeup or not, I never go out without sunscreen on. Even when I just stay at home during the day, I still apply sun creams. The weather has been so drastic lately that protection is always key to having good skin. My favorites are the COSRX Shield Fit Snail Essence Sun which was just released last year but have been with me to all the countries I have traveled to. The original and a certified must have for me is the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream which I have been getting myself over and over again and even highly recommend to my friends.

Body/Hair:

Skincare doesn’t only involve facial skin but also body and hair. I love the Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel so much that I use it during different seasons and it still managed to soothe and moisturize my skin. For hair, products are ever changing but This Mise en scene Moisure Hair Essence is something that has helped keep my hair smooth and silky.

You may have noticed that most of these products have Snail and Centella Asiatica as their main ingredient. These are two things I usually look at before I purchase and try out skincare stuff as these helped my skin a lot.

Have you tried these products? Is any of these products your holy grail as well?

Be pretty, be happy, be you! H~

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