Here's my updated skincare routine for 2016. I've actually been using these products everyday for the past few months. It's a mix of drugstore products, because you don't have burn your wallet just to have a good complexion. :D
For makeup remover: SAVE or SPLURGE
I have oily skin so I like to use something light and refreshing for my entire face, just like Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion. It's a 2-in-1 product - cleanser and toner, and it actually feels just like water! You can just apply this using a cotton pad to cut short your skincare routine for tired nights and/or for when you have something done on your face (AKA eyebrow threading or tattoo) and can't wet your face. Super handy! It's efficient, and I like it a lot since it removes my everyday light makeup quickly. (My everyday makeup is devoid of any eye makeup, so that's another story.)
For days when I wear heavy waterproof makeup and/or eye makeup (shimmer eyeshadow, liner, and mascara), Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion is not enough. To prevent tugging, I reach for my potent cleansing oil, Shu Uemura Whitefficient Skin Purifier, to remove my makeup with minimal effort. As in, it melts off my makeup in seconds. This is also a 2-step product: makeup remover and facial cleanser. You first apply it as oil all over your face (or on your eyes and lips, if you prefer), massage to loosen the makeup, emulsify it with water, and rinse off. A little goes a long way with this one, so a big bottle will last you months.
For makeup removers, you can SAVE because there are a lot of options that will get the job done, but SPEND if you want to save time and get it done with minimal effort.
Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion (P419)
Shu Uemura Whitefficient Skin Purifier
For facial wash: SAVE
Don't fall for facial cleansers that promise you the world. At the end of the day, all they do is wash off dirt and oil from your face, while the fancy ingredients only sit for about a minute on your face. For my facial wash, I just use whatever is on the sink. This time, it's from Belo AcnePro. I like that it cleanses without drying out my skin, but I honestly prefer a less-scented foamier one. This gel fomula lathers up a bit, and it takes me more product than usual to get it to foam up and remove all the oil from my face. The good side is that this one's not drying at all considering it's an anti-acne product. It's also unique since its active ingredient is purified bee venom, a natural ingredient that fights pimples and reduces inflammation.
For toner: SPEND
Toner restores the skin's PH balance after washing (usually with soap, which is alkaline). Our skin has a thin, protective layer on its surface, referred to as the acid mantle. Toner removes leftover dirt, oil, and makeup our cleanser might have skipped, thus minimizing breakouts. They also prime the skin for it to absorb moisturizer better. I like Tony Moly AC Control Whitening Toner since it makes my skin feel soft! I've used up this bottle to the last drop, and I loved how mild and gentle it is. Long term use also resulted to lighter post-acne marks.
For eye cream: SPEND
Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel (P1,248)
Bioderma is a French drugstore skincare brand. Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel is for sensitive skin. It's hydrating and it has a light gel cream texture that feels refreshing on the eyes. It moisturizes my skin without feeling oily, so I can use this even during daytime under makeup. It is gentle as it didn't irritate my eye area - no itchiness, no milia. Puffy eyes aren't my biggest problem, so I can't tell if it really depuffs, but it doesn't lighten dark circles. Overall, this is a basic eye cream; it moisturizes gently and prevents wrinkles.
For pimple/spot treatment: SAVE
Nature Republic Bee Venom Treatment Spot (P525)
I picked this product up on whim during Nature Republic's launch at Robinsons Place Manila. Little did I know that my sister and I will be using this almost everyday. Yes. We all love this!
For starters, this one is made of MD Water (Alps Matterhorn Glacier Water) and 77% Bee Venom Complex. The ingredients list is extremely long, but it's mostly filled with natural extracts from plants. This product is a spot treatment, and I use it for zits that have reared their ugly head, and those that have yet to come (when I feel a bump forming). It flattens pimples before they fully emerge. It works in drying out my pimples in 2-3 days. It has a gel cream texture that absorbs well. It doesn't dry the skin surrounding the zit, nor does it sting or leave a dark post-acne mark. The packaging comes in a hygienic squeeze tube with a slim nozzle to dispense the right amount of product. The best part is that it contains 30ml worth of product. This could last me over a year; but then again, my two sisters steal this from me every night. It's super effective and it has been keeping my skin clear for over 3 months. Now, I want the entire Nature Republic Bee Venom range!
For moisturizer: SAVE
I say SAVE because moisturizers don't go into deeper layers of the skin. (Serums do.) This one's my unexpected favorite light moisturizer. The only Pond's product I've ever used consistently was their cold cream and this! I was initially apprehensive of using this one at first since its rose smell was kind of strong for a face product, but I tried it anyway. I'm happy to say that I'm now halfway through with my third tub, and I'm planning to repurchase. They came out with a cream version of this with SPF (interesting), but I'd still go for the gel formula because of my oily skin. This moisturizer absorbs quickly, and the scent goes away in a minute. It keeps my skin hydrated but never shiny. The gel formula feels cooling, too!
I've also spotted a nice promo from Pond's at Landmark Trinoma. Get a free exclusive rose gold sling bag when you buy P500 worth of Pond's Flawless White products inclusive of 25g BB Cream. I've been lemming for the Ponds Flawless White BB Cream in Light since Julia reviewed it, so now's the perfect time to shop! :D
Love,
Helen
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