Skin Care Routine - The Basics

Introduction

This is gonna be the most BASIC skin care routine I’ll ever post up.

For in depth information and specifics, feel free to ask :)

The flawless skin everyone wishes to achieve is really simple.

Although I’m only going to explain the skin care routine, take note that your dietwill affect your skin as well. Eat many dark green veggies, keep a balanced diet, and trust me on this, fish oil really helps. It’s not as gross as it sounds. Plus, fish oil promotes great looking skin & hair, healthy heart, healthy joints, eye & nervous system development, and improve learning. Drinking water will also help a lot. It flushes out the toxins in your body, promoting brighter and cleaner skin.

Skin care routine

Cleanse - Use a cleanser that it suitable for your skin type (dry, oily, or combination). Gels are usually recommended for oily & combination skin, whereas a cream cleanser would be best suited for dry skin. Always, alwayscleanse your skin completely of makeup before you go to bed. Pat dry the skin after wards.

Exfoliate - Exfoliate at least once to twice a week, unless you’re using one of those gentle daily exfoliators. This will slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote better skin renewal. Exfoliating is essential to prevent dead skin cells from clogging your pores, and from overproduction of sebum. This is the most common way that pimples/acne is formed. Pat dry the skin after wards.

Tone - A toner suitable for your skin type and needs should be applied after you have dried your skin from cleansing. Probably the most simple step in the routine.

Moisturize - Moisturize your skin afterwards, no matter what kind of skin you have, even if you’re oily. If you do not moisturize your skin, it would become even more oilier because the skin is lacking its moisture, therefore producing more sebum. Find a moisturizer that is specialized for your skin type, then life would be alot easier. Never go for those one-size-fits-all products. Those are just clever ways to lure you in. 

Protection from the sun - Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important steps you should take, especially if you go out often. UVA & UVB rays will kill your skin cells (tanned skin is just dead skin), and causes wrinkles to appear faster. Although most people want to become tanner, going to a tanning salon is literally asking for cancer. Many sunscreens for the face is specially developed to be oil-free, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. If sunscreen isn’t for you, wear a hat that covers your face well. 

That’s basically it. 

Some of you may have prescribed products that are specialized for your needs, but your dermatologist/pharmacist should be able to advise on how and when to use it in your daily skin routine. 

I hoped this has helped :)
Questions & comments are most welcome~ 

Laneige - Snow Crystal Dual Foundation

A really cute foundation and concealer in travel-friendly packaging.
A product that I’ve been wanting to try, but hesitant because of the price.
The reviews that I’ve seen for this seem to be fairly good though, averaged to 4.3/5. 

Hmmmm…

Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Description: “This miracle eyeshadow primer is unmatched by any other in the beauty industry! The genie in this bottle fulfills three wishes: eyeshadow that lasts, more vibrant and lasting color, and absolutely NO creasing. Apply Primer Potion to lids before shadow application. It dries down almost instantly (and invisibly), creating smooth lids that are super powered eyeshadow magnets.”

Review: This was bought at Sephora for about.. $24 CAN.

So, allow me to be the gazillionth reviewer on this fantastic product.
This is used by many make-up junkies and make-up gurus alike, and it seems to be an HJ product for most. Since I have oily-lids and pencil liners tend to smudge on me (liquid is pretty resistant though), I thought it would be a great idea to try this out. Apparently, it’s really handy if you have oily-lids!  

After trying it for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised that the primer started out as a creamy texture, to powdery after you have spread it on your eyelid. It helps keep eyeshadows vibrant, or dark, if you’re going for a smoky look. It also really helped with my eyeliner problem! I was happy with that.

Primers are supposed to provide a barrier on the skin, so makeup can adhere better, to make eyeshadows more vibrant, and help makeup last longer.

Quality of product: Great texture, lasts long, helped with my pencil liner problem.

Quality of packaging: Although the packaging is very cute and did look like a little potion bottle, after reading many reviews, I’m afraid that I’d have to cut it open to get the rest of the product. 

Pros:

• quite inexpensive for such a quality product
• can be bought in 3 different formulas
• does its job very well :)

Cons:

• packaging may not be very convenient
• may be very drying to skin types other than oily/combination

Rating:5/5

“Your makeup should never enter the room before you do”

—

Rona Berg

C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries - Rose Salve

Description: “Developed by Bigelow Chemists. This finished product is not tested on animals.

Our Rose Salve, loved for its ability to beautify skin, uses extra Rose Extract to help soothe and condition.”

Review: Bought this at Bath & Bodyworks for about $5 CAN.

Okay, I’ll admit it. This is glorified Vaseline. But I still find it so lovely~ The packaging, the scent, and the texture are all so appealing to me. Especially the scent. I could sniff it all day.

I mainly use it for my lips, but it really helps moisturize my elbows and my cuticles. It does not leave a sticky residue like Vaseline, has a slight pink tint, and smells wonderful. Leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized, plus since it’s multi-purpose, I don’t need to buy another lip balm, or an intense moisturizer. 

Quality of product: A great moisturizer with no stickiness, just a really yummy and useful product. Lasts for a very long time.

Quality of packaging: I love the vintage tin design. Although I’ve heard that some people have a problem with opening it, I have no problem. It was hard at first, but now it opens pretty easily and smoothly. 

Pros:

• smells wonderful
• the packaging is cute/vintage
• affordable
• lasts for a very long time
• multipurpose moisturizer

Cons:

• basically just glorified petroleum jelly

Rating:5/5

Joico - K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor

Description: “Joico’s original intensive protein reconstructor for dry and damaged hair rebuilds and improves the structure of hair. pH 4.5 to 5.5. Contains QUADRAMINE COMPLEX, an exclusive blend of low molecular weight and size proteins (MWS 150 - 2500). This balance of 19 essential amino acids (the building blocks of hair) adheres quickly and effectively to ensure maximum protection and reconstruction from the cuticle to the cortex. Color-Safe.” 

Review: This is not a cheap product by any means. I bought this at Shoppers for about $25 CAN. The highest price I’ve seen for this product is $30 US.

This product helped strengthen, and actually reconstruct my hair. I recommend this product for anyone who’s hair has gone through dying, highlighting, perming, or any kind of chemical treatment. It heals your hair in ways that a conditioner can’t. This is a penetrating product, to put it simply. It does not coat, but reconstructs your hair from the inside out. 

Joico claims that it has a tropical and fresh fragrance. To me, it smells like a coconut/tropical kind of scent. Not the worst scent, but it could be better. 

Oh and one important thing you should know, Joico K-Pak Reconstructor is NOT meant to replace your conditioner! You must use it in conjunction with your conditioner as this treatment is not meant to add slip, soften, add shine, or moisture to your hair. 

Quality of product: It’s a great product, only if you know how to use it. Since this is a professional salon product, the directions are very sparse, very vague. It is said to simply “Apply to damp hair. Leave in for 5 minutes. Rinse.” but it does not tell you that you should only use this once to twice a week, and that it is NOT a conditioner. Only use this up to twice a week, even to the most damaged hair. Overuse of protein in the hair can actually cause your hair to be brittle and dry. 

This is a treatment. It is meant to be used after your shampoo and conditioning. It rebuilds your hair using the 19 amino acids in the Quadramine Complex. It does not condition, it does not moisturize, it does not detangle, it simply rebuilds the structure of your hair, filling in the structural holes in your hair and making your tresses stronger, more resilient, reduces breakage, resulting in healthier hair. 

Hair is basically dead protein (as with your fingernails). As a general rule, a healthy lifestyle leads to healthy hair, nails, skin..etc. Many products like Pantene, TRESemme, and BioSilk contain silicone. Although silicone does make your hair appear shinier, feel smoother, and look healthier, it does not penetrate inside the shaft to actually repair damage and reconstruct your hair, like proteins and amino acids. What silicone does is that it coats your hair, it acts as a barrier (just think plastic wrap), preventing nutrients from other conditioners/treatments/masks from penetrating deeply into the hair. It makes your hair look and feel healthier, but that is because it is only a coat, and not deeply conditioning. 

Joico’s K-Pak line is made to restore and rebuild, and over time, hair will become much stronger, there will be less chance of breakage, split ends, and hair will become healthier, and not just appear healthy.

For the consistency, I think that the product looks yogurty and fluffy. I think it is because of the yeast present in the formula. It spreads very easily so there is no need to use very much of this product. 

Quality of packaging: Comes in a typical squeeze bottle. Durable cap.

Pros:

• strengthens hair from the inside out
• delivers much needed nutrients and proteins to the hair
• fills holes in the structure
• it works!
• recommended

Cons:

• expensive
• scent may be off putting
• vague directions (only because it is a salon product)

Rating:5/5

L'Oreal - Lineur Intense - Carbon Black

Description: “Stand out with a dramatically bold or sleek look. Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner has a tapered natural brush that gives you the control to create the most precise lines for your desired eye looks. All-day wear up to eight hours. Water-resistant. Smudge-proof. Fragrance-free. Ophthalmologist-tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.”

Review: Bought this one at Wal-Mart for $7.

This is actually the only eye liner that works with my oily lids. I have an unfortunate case of oily skin so any pencil liner, gel liner, or liquid liner usually smudges, both on my lid and under my eye. This liquid liner successfully lasts a whole day without smudging, it is highly pigmented, and the consistency is very smooth.

Unfortunately, it flakes in my crease (I have typical Asian mono-lids) but it is not noticeable unless I close my eyes. I’d have to say though, this has been my HG liner for a long time now. 

Quality of product: The consistency is very smooth, very crisp, and very pigmented. A pretty good liquid liner that is department store priced. Only thing is that it can flake, and it is not waterproof. It`s actually very water soluble.

Quality of packaging: It comes in a tube with a brush tipped applicator. I would`ve rated this 5 out of 5 if it wasn`t for the brush. I prefer a felt tip applicator because this brush is simply not thin enough for me for those delicate strokes, although I`ve grown into it and I can use it efficiently, I`d still prefer a different applicator.

Pros:

• smooth, consistent, highly pigmented formula
• washes off very easily
• lasts all day
• will not smear or melt

Cons:

• brush applicator tip was okay, but not the best
• may flake due to contact to sebum or water

Rating: 4.5/5

Peter Thomas Roth - Lips To Die For (Pink Bombshell)

Description: “Protect and maintain soft, supple, sexy and kissable lips with this invigorating daily lip conditioner.”

Review: Okay, seriously, I just love this lip balm so much. I wanted to just post a picture of this and say “holy crap, best lip balm ever!”, but then I wanted to be consistent and decided to write a proper review instead.

My mom also got this PTR product from a retailer, but I think this is sold for $20 CAN.

Once the lip balm is applied, your lips will feel much more supple, smoother, and softer. It is a really nice, light fragrance. I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s like a minty citrus fragrance. Your lips will also be treated to a soothing tingly sensation provided by menthol in the product (my favourite lip balms often contain menthol). The slight pink in the lip balm will give your lips a natural rosy glow, or can be used to enhance lip colour. 

Quality of product: Great product. Contains aloe, Vitamin E, mango & shea butter, all very moisturizing and nourishing for the delicate skin on the lips. Lasts for a very long time.

Quality of packaging: This lip balm comes in one of those little pots where you have to unscrew the lid to use the product. Although not many people are usually fond with the idea of dipping their finger in the pot to use the lip balm, I’m pretty satisfied with it. The quantity is larger than if it was in stick form, and if you’re worried about hygiene, use hand sanitizer. 

{ Overall }

Pros:

• extremely moisturizing
• cooling sensation
• high quantity of product
• enhances lip colour
• refreshing fragrance

Cons:

• packaging may not please everyone
• expensive
  

Rating:

Peter Thomas Roth - Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash

Description: “This gentle yet effective oil-free acne wash deep cleans without over drying. Helps eliminate the breakout cycle while it removes excess oil, makeup, and bacteria. Soothes and conditions the skin, leaving it “squeaky” clean, oil, and residue-free.” 

Review: I’m not exactly sure how much my mom bought it for (since she’s an esthetician, she bought it for retail price) but on sephora.com, it is priced at $35 CAN. 

It comes in a clear, liquidy gel form and foams up. It worked really well for me when I used it the first time, and I’m almost finished my second bottle (one bottle lasts for months). It really did keep my acne down and the gel is great for those with oily skin. However, it does dry up your skin because of the salicylic acid (2%) so always remember your moisturizer!

You only need to use about a dime sized amount and it will lather up nicely.

I’m not sure why though, but after a long time of using it, it doesn’t seem as effective as before. I do switch cleansers/exfoliators after a number of months though so my skin won’t be “too used to it”. It is recommended to change/rotate your cleansers once in a while. 

Quality of product: Peter Thomas Roth products are usually very high quality and very effective. Salicylic acid is proven to reduce and prevent acne, and this cleanser is formulated with the highest concentration of salicylic acid. It is oil-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, alcohol-free, and is animal cruelty free. 

Quality of packaging: This cleanser comes in a clear plastic bottle with one of those pop-up caps. Very durable bottle, though not recommended for travelling because of the size. 

{ Overall }

Pros:

• contains 2% salicylic acid
• great for oily skin
• lathers easily
• exfoliates
• oil/fragrance/dye/alcohol-free
• one bottle lasts for long period

Cons: 

• may be too drying
• expensive

Rating:4/5

Laneige - Sliding Pact_Ex (No.1)

Description: “The new UV protecting Sliding Pact lightly slides and fits on your skin, effectively absorbing excess sebum to portray long-lasting powdery skin.”

Review: I also bought this at the local Asian mall in my area. I don’t remember the exact cost, but it is probably about $30 CAN. 

One thing I love about this Sliding Pact is the SPF! I bought the No. 1: Translucent Skin Tone one (I’m not sure why I was told to buy this one), it has an SPF of 35 PA+++. A pretty decent SPF. So I can just spread some powder on my face and I’m protected from the UV rays. It claims to control sebum and shine, although I think it did it too well since it made my skin look a bit dry, and sometimes cakey, especially in the summer. But afterwards my skin still got oilier :/ 

However, this powder was not the greatest for me. The skin tone was too fair for me (especially since I’m getting tanner in the summer), it somewhat controlled sebum, though not as great as I’d thought it would be, and made my skin look a bit cakey. I guess it was really useful when my skin was a lot oiler than before, so that the powder will make it look matte and not so flaky. The powder also iodized as time went by. It has a slight floral fragrance too which didn’t bother me at all.

I think if I had bought the darkest skin tone available for this product (and it’s still pretty light) it would make me look less of a Geisha.

If you have oily, fair skin and want instant sunblock and a mattifyer, then this is a great time saver.

Quality of the product: The procedure of the making of this product is, “purified at 1000 degrees Celsius and have gone through recrystallization cycle through porcelain glow method, it is thin, has no darkening phenomenon, and glows like transparent, clear snow.” Sounds cool right? Laneige is known for their extensive research and use of natural ingredients, and how the products are made with exceptional care, which is why I love Laneige. The powder mattifies my face well, and protects my face from m

Quality of the package: The packaging though.. I love it. It looks like a cell phone, the mirror slides up to reveal the powder, with the sponge tucked underneath. How cute is that? The mirror also angles itself to your face so you can use it effortlessly. It is really easy to break though, so try not to drop it! (like I did)

Pros: 

• absorbs sebum pretty well
• has hygienic and unique packaging 
• very fine powder
• great for mattifying small areas
• great for oily/combination skin
• can last for a very long time

Cons:

• can be a bit too drying for some people
• packaging breaks easily
• a small selection of skin tones (mainly aimed at Asian skin tones)
• pretty expensive

Rating:  

Laneige - Professional Makeup Remover - Multi Cleanser

Description: “Makeup removing, foam cleansing, and micro-scrubbing 3-in-1 effect providing soft and clean feeling after wash.” For all skin types.

Review: A product from Korea. I purchased this at a local Asian mall (Pacific Mall, more specifically, Market Village). It was about $29 CAN.

This product claims to remove makeup, cleanse the skin, and to have an exfoliating effect with its Micro cellulose bead particles, which also breaks apart makeup. This cleanser really did leave my skin “squeaky clean” literally (which would be bad, except this product contained many natural ingredients to deliver nutrients to the skin) and left my skin exfoliated and makeup free.

This product also contains AHA mixtures (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) which penetrates the skin to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, increases skin cell renewal/turnover and increase collagen production. Great for any skin type. The AHA mixture comes from 5 plants, orange, lemon, bilberry, sugar cane, and sugar maple. It also contains Vitamin E Acetate and Ivy extracts.

What I loved is that it foamed up really easily, and you don’t need more than a dime size amount to use it, which makes it last much longer. The micro beads are my favourite property of this product. Its a daily exfoliator that removes makeup. When I’m too lazy to use makeup remover, I can just lather this cleanser onto my face, and there will be no traces of makeup left on my face afterwards, which save time and prevents pulling on the face when removing makeup. 

Quality of product: As with all Laneige products, this cleanser contains a light, but pleasant fragrance. The consistency of the cleanser is not drippy at all, which I like. It foams up very easily and completely removes makeup and residue on the skin. I’m quite fond of this cleanser because of its natural ingredients, and its ability to exfoliate and cleanse the skin. It also gives a brightening effect because of the citric acid from the orange and lemon it contains.

Since it does sort of dry out the skin after you rise, it is imperative that you apply moisturizer, though you should do that anyways, even if you have very oily skin. 

Quality of packaging:  This cleanser comes in a squeeze bottle form, which is hygienic and portable and the little snowflake design is really cute :P (part of the Laneige - The Secret of Snow Crystal line).

Pros:

• cleanses and exfoliates skin very well
• completely removes makeup (though be really careful around the eye area, it will sting you!) 
• brightens the skin
• leaves skin feeling fresh and supple
• high quality product
• very little needs to be used

Cons:

• may dry out the skin
• pretty expensive, though you don’t need to use much every time you cleanse

Rating:  4/5

Body Shop - Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

Description: “Community Trade seaweed and oil-balancing technology condition and mattify where and when skin needs it, to control shine throughout the day. Skin feels soft, supple, matte. Oil-free.”

Review: This day cream is supposed to be for combination or oily skin, and is supposed to control shine and sebum production in the skin.

For the most part, my skin does look mattified when I first put it on, but within a few hours, it looks shiny and oily again unfortunately. I have the type of skin that seems to get oily in every kind of circumstance, especially in the T-zone. 

The consistency of the product is like in a lotion/gel form. It is very light and absorbs quickly. It also has a slight fragrance & smells very fresh. However, I usually try avoiding products with fragrance.

I was very excited when I first bought it ($16 CAN) because my friend told me how great it was at mattifying. The product didnt “wow” me, though I really liked the consistency and freshness of it. 

Quality of product: I really liked the consistency and the fresh fragrance of the product. It does mattify my skin, but I still need to use blotting sheets/powder to keep sebum away after several hours. The day cream moisturizes pretty consistently and my skin does not feel dry or flaky at all.

Quality of packaging: I didn’t like the packaging very much. You’d have to unscrew the lid and then dip your fingers in to use the product, which I found to be unhygienic as opposed to a pump bottle. 

{ Overall } 

Pros:

• moisturized skin very well
• kept skin mattified for several hours
• absorbs quickly
• very light and smooth texture
• would be great for skin that is not too oily
• fresh in the summer

Cons:  

• only mattifies for a few hours, then skin gets oily again
• contains parabens (way to contradict the Body Shop image)
• unhygienic packaging 
• much too overpriced

Rating:   3.5/5