MY SKINCARE ROUTINE

Over the years, I have become super interested in the functioning of my skin and what I could use to improve it. My skin type is generally combination with an oily T-Zone (ok super oily...) with some areas of pigmentation. This year I decided, rather than talk about it, I'm gonna be about it. I am going to dedicate the time and patience to actually use all the million and one products that I buy.

AM ROUTINE

In the morning, I wake up quite early but somehow I can't  be bothered to do more than the necessary for my skin nor do I think it is necessary. 

First, I use my Garnier PureActive facial cleansing gel. I feel like this gel is gentle enough to use in the mornings but also gives me that little kick I need to really wake up. This cleanser also possesses a brightening quality which is always a good thing for me. 

Then I follow up with my Nivea Day Cream. Once again, it is lightweight and not greasy, has an SPF of 15 and also has a mattifying effect.

PM ROUTINE

Now here is where all the million products come into play. These are the products I use to take off the junk that has accumulated in my skin throughout the day. Living in a city means that the pollution definitely plays a part in the quality of your skin so it needs that little extra helping hand to keep it at it's best. 

Depending on how my skin feels, I will either exfoliate or just go straight to face wash. For exfoliation, I use the Garnier PureActive Energising Exfoliating Scrub and for my cleanser, I use Beauty Formula's Charcoal Detox Cleanser. I love how clean and fresh these leave my skin. 

Then, for toner, I like to use the Garnier SkinActive Toner with Rose Water. I love the naturalness of this product and how it can get any dirt that I may have missed. 

After my toner, my skin feels a little dry so I like to use Aloe Vera gel followed by my night cream by Bonte. 

When I remember, I like to put a little bit of under eye cream. I can't say for sure if this works with respect to dark circles but I know my under eyes feel more hydrated. The one I use is from deliplus.

After all of that I like to end with my Rose Hip Seed Oil from the Ordinary. This product hydrates my skin without leaving it oily and it helps even out and achieve overall healthiness.

WHEN I WEAR MAKEUP

During the week, I almost never wear makeup but when I do, the products I use tends to change. First of all I like to do my version of double cleanse, sometimes I use a cleansing balm but generally I tend to use the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash and follow it up with one of my normal cleansers or my Tony Moly Clean Dew Blueberry Cleanser.

Afterwards, I give my skin a bit of extra help by using the Garnier Micellar Water as a last cleanse and toner. No matter how well I think I washed my face, this toner always gets some dirt that I missed. 

Then I continue my routine like I usually do on regular days.

EXTRAS

There are products that I don't use on a daily but rather 2 or 3 times a week. 

First up is my Lush, Don't Look At Me face mask. I love this stuff so much. I don't know why, but the scent reminds me of the fruit loops haha. It leaves my skin super smooth and soft!

Maybe twice or three times I week I will use Lactic Acid 5%  + HA 2% from The Ordinary. I am in a trial process with acids so I don't want to overdo it nor do I think it is recommended. I haven't been using this long enough to be able to tell you if it really works for me but I'll keep you posted!

For a gentle peel, I love to use the LEMON D-TOC! I don't know what it is about this but it really gets my skin clean and bright.

When I really need to clean out the blackheads and whiteheads out of my nose, I use the trusted piggy nose pack. It looks cute but it really works to get out all that yuckiness out of your nose.

Some other products that I love to use are the hydrogel eye patches that leave my under eyes looking like brand new and also my Korean face masks. I adore how supple and healthy my skin feels after using K-Masks. I tend to use the I'm Real ones from Tony Moly or It's Real ones from Innisfree. There is a mask according to your skin's needs at the moment. 

I generally tend to use products that aren't on the pricey end and quite accessible. Surely there are more high end products that may work for you or homemade skin care products that do wonders, everyone's skin is different, so what may work for me might not work for you. It is all about finding out what suits you and sticking to it!