You might be a seasoned Korean skincare veteran or just a curious beginner looking for your first foaming cleanser. Regardless, I hope you find this post useful. I decided to put together a complete skincare day - an example of what one of the days in the life of my skin looks like.
To keep it semi-simple, I am omitting supplemental products like peeling gels, masks, patches, etc. and sticking to the basics. I will provide links to the full reviews and where to buy throughout the post.
The setting:
Early June 2018, hot and sunny outside (high of 95F/35C most of the week), dry and cold due to the air conditioning indoors.
My skin - combination with an oily t-zone and dry-to-normal cheeks, rare breakouts. Super fair and prone to freckles.
Age: 28 until the end of July :)
This what it all looks like:
Morning
I reluctantly drag myself out of bed at 5:40AM, reminding myself that some people have to work really hard to fit into pants, and go work out, cursing and sweating, in the living room. Then I sweat crawl into the shower feeling superbly proud for waking up early yet again.
Scroll through the slide show for pictures of all of my morning products:
A great, gentle cleanser that will work for any skin type. Doesn't cause any dryness or irritation and washes off all the sweat so well. Full review
I get out of the shower thinking that tattoo artists have it nice - they start the workday around noon (as opposed to my 7:30 am). Then I apply one of the toners, depending on my mood and skin needs.
Non-alcohol toner that controls shine all day without drying the skin. I love its fresh smell. Full review
A light watery essence that helps control pigmentation and signs of aging while shrinking pores. Full review
A very hydrating serum that is still light enough to use in the summer. When my skin becomes dehydrated, it produces more oil, so I take care in hydrating it well. Full review
At this point, thankful that I don't have to dress up for work, I squeeze into my undies, jeans, and some sort of shirt and brush my teeth while the skincare sinks in. Right around that time my husband starts to timidly knock on the door asking to at least get in to grab his deodorant, but one cannot rush perfection so I say I'm still not done :) I brush my hair and put a bit of product in it, then proudly come out with a sense of victory.
Yes, I keep the rest of my skin stuff on the vanity in the bedroom so the poor spouse can at least brush his teeth in peace.
5. Emulsion: Farm Stay Visible Difference Moisture eBay
A light yet hydrating pomegranate emulsion that's perfect for summer. No sticky residue or heavy feeling. Full review
I'm finishing up my second stick of this awesome product. Just like all of my summer morning skincare, it is light and not greasy but cools and hydrates the delicate eye area well. Full review
I dry my hair, put on my watch and wedding band and ponder the meaning of life for a minute or so while the emulsion gets absorbed.
Sebum control sunblock that gives a nice matte finish. Might leave a white cast on people with darker skin than mine but I don't have that issue. Full review
I go to the guest bathroom and put on my two makeup staples - powder and mascara. Then it's a mad dash to the car and a short-ish drive to work while listening to an audio book (currently finishing Perelandra by C.S. Lewis).
Evening My skincare time starts when the kid is in bed and the husband is working out in the basement.
Scroll through the slide show for pictures of all evening products:
Oil cleansing is essential if you wear any makeup or sunscreen - it dissolves all the dirt, grime, oil, primers, etc. and prepares your skin for the foaming cleansers. This Huangjisoo oil is amazing and my favorite ever. Full review
A gentle anti-aging cleanser that even foams itself - perfect after a long day and the pollution of the city. Full review
I have multiple toners for different skin needs, but currently trying to finish this one. It's very hydrating and smells delightfully of bergamot. Full review
A light watery essence that helps control pigmentation and signs of aging while shrinking pores. Full review
An anti-aging and anti-inflammatory serum with safe ingredients that makes my skin look great by morning even if I'm breaking out. Full review
I like to let the serum really sink in, so at this point I brush my teeth and put in my super sexy mouth guard (so I don't clench my teeth and hurt my back at night - so fun).
A soothing and anti-aging eye cream that hydrates and lifts without a heavy feeling. Full review
7. Emulsion: Farm Stay Visible Difference Moisture eBay
A light yet hydrating pomegranate emulsion that's perfect for summer. No sticky residue or heavy feeling. Full review
An anti-aging cream with 10 different peptides for a strong rejuvenating and lifting effects. Full review
I slowly slither into bed promising myself that tomorrow I will definitely hit the pillow before midnight, because I really need to sleep more :)
What are your routines? Let me know in the comments!
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