Current Skincare Routine (Summer)
So I realised if I really want to do this blog thing, it's probably time to make this post. This is my current skincare routine at the time of posting, and I'll probably make regular adjustments and updates. It's based off an Asian routine so all the steps will probably seem excessive but if it helps, I don't do all of them, everyday.
 AM ROUTINE
0.5 Exfoliation / Mask
Sometimes my skin needs an extra pick-me-up so I start off with some exfoliating. Depending on how much time I have, the quickest method is to use a peeling gel which is gentle enough for daily use (I like the MIZON Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel or GINVERA Exfoliating Marvel Gel with Green Tea) or a wash-off scrub like the SKINFOOD Black Sugar Scrub Foam or OSKIA Micro Exfoliating Balm.
If I have more time I will use a mask according to my needs. If it's for exfoliating I have SKINFOOD Black Sugar Strawberry Mask Wash Off or on days I don't want to rub my face, VDL Naked Facial Exfoliant. Cleansing masks include GLAMGLOW's Supermud Cleansing Treatment (HG!) and Dualcleanse Treatment also a new product I'm currently trying, PAI's Copaiba Deep Cleanse AHA Mask. If I just want a brightening effect, OSKIA's Renaissance Mask is my go-to.
1. Cleanse
For the morning, I like to keep things simple; so a quick splash of water (to wake me up than anything) followed by micellar cleansing water. My ultimate holy grail is BIODERMA's Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution but I will occasionally pick up an alternative. I'm currently trying out a few drugstore versions including GARNIER Micellar Cleansing Water, NIVEA Sensitive 3-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water and the L'OREAL Paris Skin Perfection Micellar Water.
2. Acid Toner / pH Adjusting Toner
I used to use MIZON's AHA/BHA Daily Clean Toner but since that has been out of stock everywhere, I'm back to using the PIXI Glow Tonic. I also recently picked up BRAVURA Revitalising Ginseng Toner which is supposed to be a PIXI dupe, though I have no idea why as it should be the other way around, PIXI being cheaper overall.
3. First Essence
My current favourite is the NATURE REPUBLIC The First Essence and to save time, I also skip the hydrating toner in the mornings.
On days, which I need to get out of the house really quick and don't have time for all the toners and serums, an alternative for steps 3 to 6, is an all- in-one product like SKIN FACTORY 7 Seconds Morning Mask. Just take it out of the fridge and swipe each side of the cotton pad on your face, done.
4. Hydrating Toner
I normally don't use anything in the morning that requires waiting times, so even though the COSRX Natural Returning A-Sol contains BHA, it's not at a high enough pH to exfoliate. Also use LA ROCHE-POSAY's Serozinc as spray toner as well.
5. Essence
My main acne targeted treatment is LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence which I use before any other serums because of the thin, water-like texture. But I am currently trying out an alternative, TOSOWOONG Tea Tree Natural Pure Essence.
6. Serum
I then follow up with another serum, normally one targeted for moisturising and hydration, and I'm currently using SUPERDRUG Super Hydrating Serum.
7. Emulsion
Even though it's suited for the earlier steps, I prefer to use my MIZON All-in-One Snail Repair Cream just before my moisturiser as I believe it helps my makeup go on better.
8. Moisturiser
My day cream is the EMBRYOLISSE Lait-Crème Concentre Moisturiser and I will never swap it out for anything; it's light, it moisturises my super dry skin and does double duty as a primer. I also like to mix a drop or two of ampoule - my current choices are SOY BIO+ Fermented Lumpoule or the COSRX Propolis Light Ampule - to the cream for a dewier, glowy look.
9. SPF
I am constantly changing my SPF, trying to find the perfect one, right now it's SHISEIDO Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ WetForce.
 PM ROUTINE
1. Makeup Removal (1st Cleanse)
We all know how important double cleansing is at night so the first step is makeup removal. If I've worn mascara or any other waterproof eye makeup (not a daily thing for me) I will use Eyeko Mascara Off Wipes Eye Makeup Remover.
I will always have a rotation if at least 4 different cleansers, and choose according to my mood. My ultimate favourite is the Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/I (I've tried other colours but I prefer this one). But alternatives right now include: SKINFOOD Black Sugar Cleansing Oil, BANILA CO. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm and A'PIEU Clean Up Herb Source Cleansing Balm.
If I'm super lazy, just want to fall into bed, or only wearing sunscreen, I sometimes just a one step cleanser to replace my double cleanse, like BIO-ESSENCE Miracle Bio Water Jelly Make Up Remover or PHILOSOPHY Purity Made Simple Cleanser.
2. Face Wash (2nd Cleanse) + Foreo Luna
For the second cleanse, foaming/bubble cleansers are most popular but as they tend to be drying and have a high pH, I prefer milk, gel and powder cleansers which work just as well. My usual choices are SUNDAY RILEY Ceramic Slip Cleanser, REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel or INNISFREE Jejubija Anti-Trouble Cleansing Gel. I'm also currently testing the YADAH Anti Trouble Bubble Cleanser which has pH of 5.5.
I used to use my Foreo Luna for both steps but nowadays I'm extra lazy plus I haven't had breakouts as often so I only use it for my second cleanse. It's gentle enough for my skin (no harsh brushing like the Clarasonic) and I find it helps as I'm touching my face less which tempts me to pick at my skin.
3. Acid Toner / pH Adjusting Toner
Again, I use the PIXI Glow Tonic as an acid toner/pH adjusting toner. An alternative I sometimes use at nights is FIRST AID BEAUTY Facial Radiance Pads (especially if travelling).
4. Vitamin C
Back when I was using the OST Original Pure Vitamin C20, I would use Vitamin C and AHA serums on alternative nights as I have senstive skin. After testing, and loving the BTRC Vitalizer C10 Whitening Ampoule (which is a lower concentration and more stable) I am using it nightly.
5. AHA or BHA (alternative nights)
On alternative nights I'll use either an AHA, MIZON's 8% AHA Peeling Serum or BHA, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.
6. First Essence
My current favourite is the NATURE REPUBLIC The First Essence which helps reduce redness and prep my skin for more steps.
7. Hydrating Toner
I have so many alternatives for this step but it's normally CHOSUNGAH Wonder Milk, COSRX Natural Returning A-Sol or LA ROCHE-POSAY's Serozinc. I've even used all three for days when I need extra moisture (and had loads of extra time before bed).
8. Essence
My normal LJH Tea Tree 90 Essence just ran out, so I'm testing the TOSOWOONG Tea Tree Natural Pure Essence.
9. Serum
I then follow up with another serum, normally one targeted for moisturising and hydration, and I'm currently using SUPERDRUG Super Hydrating Serum.
9.5 Sheet Mask
I aim to use a sheet mask at least 3 times a week, sometimes they'll all be different, sometimes I'll try one continuously and see if the effects are better.
10. Night Cream
Though I have my day moisturiser set, I continuously try out different night creams. I've found loads of good ones but my go-to fow winter is the GUERISSON 9COMPLEX Cream.
For the summer I've changed it up a bit, first is the COSRX Centella Blemish Cream which is a thick cream but not moisturising enough for me so I add an emulsion, HERA Aquabolic Moisturizing Emulsion which is then followed by an all-in-one/multitasking product.
11.1 Sleeping Pack
As part of my current summer routine, I then follow up the emulsion with SHARA SHARA's Berry Bomb All-in-One Ampoule which can be used as a serum, moisturiser and sleeping pack.
11.2 Spot Treatment
Whatever seems most suitable between MIZON's Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot and ORIGIN's Super Spot Remover and hydrocolloid dressings from NEXCARE or COSRX. I also use HEALGEL Intensive to help healing and reduce scarring.
