Since I started my skin care routine last year, I learned about what works and what doesn’t work, and when I need to change up my routine. I’ve tried different products, let go of others, and figured out which ones I need and when. The experimentation was scary sometimes, but they paid off. I’ve had a few breakouts, sometimes really bad ones, but they’ve hardly left any scars. I must be doing something right!

Since 2018 started, my morning and evening routines have changed a bit. This is what’s working for me now.

Morning

STEP 1: FACIAL CLEANSER

Celeteque Acne Solutions Acne Cleansing Gel if I’ve been breaking out, Human Nature Nourishing Facial Wash if not.

STEP 2: TONER

I like the CosRX Galactomyces Alcohol-Free Toner for basic hydration. I don’t feel like it does anything special for my skin though, so I probably won’t repurchase. After I finish the bottle I have now, I’m going back to Celeteque Hydration Alcohol-Free Toner. Cheaper!

STEP 3: TREATMENT

I super super love the Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution. Within two weeks of using this, the skin all over my face was much smoother, even on my t-zone! Primarily I use it on my chin, where I’ve been breaking out.

STEP 4: EYE SERUM

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG: I hadn’t tried The Ordinary before, but my friends rave about it! I got this bottle from Caroline, who felt like she didn’t need it. It’s refreshing! I don’t feel the need to use it every day though.

STEP 5: ESSENCE

I feel like CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence will always be part of my routine. I loved it so much that I was using four pumps, twice a day, when I first got it! Now I use one pump in the morning.

STEP 6: MOISTURIZER

I love the CosRX Oil-free Moisturizing Lotion. It’s so lightweight, and it smells so good!

STEP 7: SUNSCREEN

I think most people are so lazy about sunscreen, mostly because we’re used to that sticky white stuff our moms made us wear when swimming. It doesn’t feel like it would sit well under makeup, and who wants to feel sticky under the summer sun? I like Maybelline Super BB Super Cover (SPF 50) or Biore UV Perfect Bright Milk (SPF 50), both of which have a powdery finish on my skin, and make a great matte makeup base.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BG-5_xIBqug/

Evening

STEP 1: MAKEUP REMOVER

Always remove your makeup at night! I use Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Blue (For oily, acne-prone skin). I transferred some into a spray bottle, and I spritz it all over my face, so it’s cool and refreshing. Then I wipe off the makeup with cotton balls or a soft towel.

STEP 2: FACIAL CLEANSER

I saw Rucy’s Vanity Foam Cleansing Green Tea on BeautyMNL and I decided to give it a try. I think it was on a list of products recommended for acne-prone skin. And for the price, I got a pretty big tube of product! It seems to work pretty well. I also use Céleteque Dermoscience™ Gentle Exfoliating Facial Wash, but only twice a week, or on days when I wear heavy makeup.

STEP 3: ACNE TREATMENT

The CosRX Acne Pimple Master Patch is a LIFESAVER. Breakouts don’t terrify me anymore, because this keeps the scarring to a minimum!

STEP 4: TONER

I use CosRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol when I have a breakout. Apparently you’re only supposed to use this every other day. You can also use it as spot treatment.

The rest of the time, I use the CosRX Galactomyces Alcohol-Free Toner.

STEP 5: TREATMENT

Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution

STEP 6: SERUM

It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VB Effector

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTtwkZhAzHz/?tagged=itsskinvbeffector

STEP 7: EYE SERUM

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbpIMEqAE4g/?tagged=theordinarycaffeinesolution

STEP 8: ESSENCE

If I have a breakout, I use the essence from a Bioaqua Pure Skin Acne and Rejuvenation Moisturizing Mask. I used one, and it was so full of liquid that, as advised in reviews, I saved it in a bottle and used it as an essence. It seems to help clear up my skin!

Otherwise, I just use two pumps of CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

STEP 9: LIPS

I didn’t really care about my lips until I started wearing lipstick more often. I have lip balm during the day, but I realize that breastfeeding leaves me dehydrated, which leads to dry lips. So I use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly at night.

STEP 10: MOISTURIZER

The Celeteque Acne Solutions Acne Clearing Facial Moisturizer Gel is also great for drying up pimples! I use it at night, because it makes my skin feel a little tight, and it feels weird under makeup.

So yeah, this is what works for me right now! I’m pretty happy with the results.