Winter is coming. This is the time of year when my skin and lips get super dry. When I lived in DC, I didn’t put too much effort into caring for my skin because summers were incredibly humid and the winter never got cold enough for my skin to dry out. Once I moved back to the midwest, I realized that caring for my skin is something that I should be doing all year round. Growing up, my aunt would buy me a moisturizer and toner set every year as a holiday gift, usually from a Korean brand. These two products would last me over a year because I wasn’t using them consistently. Taking care of my skin is part of my daily routine now and I love discovering products that work well for my skin. Sharing some of my holy grail products below. Everyone’s skin reacts differently to products, so make sure to incorporate new products into your routine a couple days at a time to help your face get adjusted if you do have sensitive skin. I will also say that I don’t follow the Korean 10-Step skincare routine, but I do use several products a day depending on the season, whether or not I wore makeup that day, and what time of day it is. I make sure to cleanse, prep, nourish, and protect. If there are any products you love, definitely share with me!
CLEANSER
Cleansing is essential to the routine. Personally, I don’t double cleanse every day. On days that I don’t wear any makeup, I typically wash my face only with a water-based cleanser. When I do wear makeup, I always make sure to double cleanse, first with an oil-based and then with a water-based cleanser. Oil cleansers really help break down and remove the impurities that have accumulated throughout the day. Washing your face with a water-based cleanser second helps thoroughly cleanse your face of dirt that your oil cleanser didn’t pick up.
Neutrogena Ultra Light Face Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover
I love this product. It’s reasonably priced, smells nice, and works really well at breaking down the dirt and grime from the day. I only use oil cleansers at the end of the day.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
In the morning, I always start my routine with this product. It’s a gentle way to cleanse the face. I use the one in the pink container, the one without oil. It’s actually perfect for a mid-day refresher when I’ve accumulated some oil too.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
This is one of the only facial cleansers that I really love. It doesn’t leave my face feeling stripped of hydration. It’s fragrance free and is made with niacinamide (helps keep excess oil under control) and hyaluronic acid (keeps skin extra hydrated)
EXFOLIATOR
I only use exfoliators 1-2x a week and really focus around my nose and other areas where I am prone to produce acne. It cleans dirt from your pores and removes dead skin cells. One of the main ingredients of exfoliators is salicylic acid so it’s not something I apply daily.
Glossier exfoliating skin perfector
Honestly, most Glossier products are not worth the money, but there are two products that work really well for me. This is one of them. It really really helps when I have acne and isn’t harsh on my skin.
TONER
Toner is essential to the routine in my opinion. Toners actually put moisture back into your skin after cleansing and balances your skin’s pH levels in prep for moisturizer. I find that toners fall in two different categories. Some toners act as a final cleanser, while others are more about hydrating the skin. For me, I use a different toner for my AM and PM routine. The toner I have been using for 2 years now is no longer for sale, so I am in search of a new toner.
Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterful Active Toner
I am pretty sad that this toner is no longer for sale. My mom purchased a ton last year, so we’ve been keeping extras in the fridge. This toner is really unique because it’s thicker than a typical toner and just incredibly hydrating. I use this one in my PM routine.
Son & Park Beauty Water
This toner works more like an exfoliant and cleanser. I typically use this before using a more calming toner. This is on the pricier end, so for me it’s a splurge purchase, but it really is a multi-purpose toner. On days that I don’t use Glossier’s exfoliant, I like using this one because it’s milder.
MOISTURIZER
There are a ton of different products out there in addition to moisturizers such as serums, ampoules, and essences. I have serums I use daily, but I think that a solid moisturizer is really enough unless you have skin issues that you are trying to target more specifically. Personally, the type of moisturizer I use is really dependent on the weather. I finally found my year-round moisturizer which is really exciting.
Belif The true cream – Aqua Bomb
I rarely incorporate this into my AM routine, but it is probably what I use the most in my PM routine. It’s a little thicker than Purito and has this cooling affect which feels really nice on the skin. I love how moisturized my skin feels the next morning when I wake up. I think a good drugstore alternative would be the Neutrogena Hydroboost w/ Hyaluronic Acid.
Purito Deep Sea Water Cream
This is my year-round choice for moisturizer. This consistency is gel-like, but thin enough to not feel overpowering during the hot summer months. This sounds weird, but it’s light and thick enough at the same time. The main ingredient is deep-sea water which is really interesting to me. I absolutely love this product. Honestly, if I didn’t have so many products, I would use this moisturizer everyday, all day, morning and night, summer and winter.
Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF45
Sunscreen is a must, not just on days you are outdoors, but everyday. It took me years to find one that didn’t leave a white cast and didn’t smell like the ones I used to wear when I went to the pool. I apply this after my moisturizer in the AM.
LIP BALM
Glossier Balm Dotcom
I couldn’t write this post without shouting out this product. It really is one of the most versatile products. My lips have really been hurting with the temperature getting colder. This is the only lip product that seals in the moisture after exfoliating with brown sugar and honey. It helps heal my cuticles too. The mint and rose ones are my favorites.
hi, i'm debbie sim 