If you're interested in a full review of these products, please leave me a comment and let me know! The main reason I go through a lot of different products is because my skin needs/concerns change often and usually with the seasons. I won't be fully reviewing every product mentioned in this post BUT I do plan to do full reviews of favorites/holy grail items eventually. For now I'll keep my thoughts on each of these as brief as I can since this will be a lengthy post as is.
Disclaimer #2: While I'll include links with the items from where I purchase them (mostly Olive Young or Yesstyle) this is not a sponsored post. Everything has been purchased with my own money and I will only receive discounts, commission, or credits if you use my coupon and/or referral codes. Images from google unless otherwise specified. Prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Yesstyle discount code: NASSST or referral link
Olive Young Global referral sign up link here
For your reference, my skin type is oily/combo and my main concerns are mild acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture. In the winter my skin tends to be more dry and dull.
The Routine
The general routine, no matter how many steps you insert is always going to be:
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Treat
- Moisturize
Below are the products that I use for all of these steps. The amount of steps will vary by person and by skin needs so some people may only need those 4 steps, while others may need more. Speak with a skincare professional or experiment on your own to find what works best for you!
Cleansers
I try to wash my face at least twice a day; once in the morning when I shower and once at night before bed. Though with covid lockdown life, I find that I've reversed my shower time now that I don't need to have fresh hair to go outside lol I've used a lot of different cleanser textures/types but I find that gel and foam ones do a lot more for me than oil or cream. I would only use oil or cream cleansers as part of a double cleanse process as I feel like they're really heavy duty and I often don't need that much cleaning power even if I've worn makeup since I use micellar water.
Morning Cleansers
Morning Cleansers
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| $16.74 on Yesstyle |
I like to use the CosRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. It feels very light and gentle on my skin. I get a good clean without my skin feeling tight or stripped afterwards. It's a pretty accessible product that you can find on Amazon/Yesstyle/etc. I like to get mine from YS for the points lol. I think this would work for most skin types as it's super gentle!
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| $14 from Sephora |
A comparable cleanser that I've grown to really love is the Sephora Collection Clean Skin Gel - Cleanse + Tone. I feel like this is a more luxurious version of the CosRX one. It does the exact same thing but my skin feels more moisturized after in a way that's like I already put on my toner. Both really solid cleansers that I have repurchased multiple times over. Would recommend this for anyone as well.
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| $18.97 on Amazon/$18.73 on Yesstyle |
I also like to rotate and use the Hada Labo Gojujyun Hyaluronic Acid Foam Cleanser if I'm feeling like my skin is a bit sensitive for a gel cleanser (usually when I'm like, super breaking out). It leaves my skin feeling soft, supple, and fresh for makeup application. I actually like to use this in the shower sometimes as a body wash since it's so gentle! I would especially recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin but it's a good cleanser for anyone imo.
Makeup Removers
I take my makeup off in 2 steps. I like to use an eye/lip remover then a micellar water all over so I don't need to work too hard with my cleansers: - Etude House Curl Fix Mascara Remover
- Really great for waterproof makeup and honestly a great sub for Lancome's Bi-Facil which is what I used previously. Only con is that it's a tiny bottle.
- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water (for oily skin - green cap)
- I like this but it doesn't take everything off. It takes a lot off so that my cleanser afterwards can get the rest but not good if you're a full face, full coverage all the time type person imo. Does nothing to waterproof mascara btw.
- Ariul Stress Relieving Micellar Lip & Eye Remover
- In love with this rn, has the removal power of the EH curl fix but feels gentle and not greasy like the Garnier micellar water.
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| $11.17 on Yesstyle |
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| $6.99 on Amazon |
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| $12 USD on Olive Young Global |
Night Cleansers
Right now I have 2 cleansers on rotation. I like to use these with a little facial cleansing pad for some gentle exfoliation and to make sure I get off any stubborn makeup I might've missed. These are a life changer if you want to find a way to get some physical exfoliation into your skincare routine.
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| You can get these at Amazon/Daiso/etc for like $2-5? |
The cleansers I have on rotation right now are:
- Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip Cleanser
- Rich and luxurious; a little goes a long way. Takes EVERYTHING off.
- ROUNDA'ROUND Green Tea Pure Cleansing Foam
- Lighter, gel-like texture in comparison to the Shiseido one. Slightly acidic and mild/hypoallergenic formula. Great for acne or irritated skin as it contains 7% green tea water.
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| $15 on Amazon |
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| $20 USD on Olive Young Global |
Toners
I used to use a lot of drugstore toners that felt pretty much like tap water on my face. I didn't understand the role of this step in the skincare routine so I basically neglected to find a quality toner for years. After discovering the Korean x-step* skincare regime I've come to really appreciate this step in my routine a lot more.
*(the amount of steps in your routine may vary so I put an x instead of a defined number, but you can find info on this if you put 7 or 10-step as that is a common number of steps people usually use)
Morning Toners
After cleansing, I reach for the CosRX One Step Original Clear Pad. This product is a container of pre-soaked toner cotton pads that you can just grab and use which is super handy for if you are traveling or in a hurry. It does a good job of hydrating my skin while also getting rid of any leftover cleanser/dead skin/etc that may be left on my face.
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| $17.21 USD on Olive Young Global / $29.04 on Yesstyle |
Night Toners
I've been really liking the CosRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner. This toner is a tiny bit more viscous than others that I've used, which usually feel more like water. This one feels very rich and sumptuous on my skin and it leaves me feeling fresh and glowy! Fair warning will leave a bit of a tacky feel on your skin after it sinks in so I don't recommend it if you're not a fan of that.
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| $23.20 USD on Olive Young Global |
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| $15.75 USD on Olive Young Global / $25.19 on Yesstyle |
Serums, Ampoules & Essences
I rotate between a few different products here depending on my skin's needs so I will list them by the purpose I use them for. I don't use them all at once but sometimes I will use a combination of these and they all play nice with each other in my experience.
Fading Acne Scars
I don't get a lot of acne (or scarring as a result) these days because I no longer have massive breakouts and therefore I'm not constantly picking at my face. For the occasional angry zit here and there I like to use the isoi Bulgarian Rose Bleish Care Serum II to help fade the spot after the spot dissipates (with the help of pimple patches). This has a rose fragrance so I don't recommend it if you are sensitive to things like that.
*As of writing this post the price went up a little bit on this product. It comes in a 2 pack that I usually get for like ~$50 USD but now it's $71 USD and I'm Crying.
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| $71 USD on Olive Young Global for 2 pack |
Brightening & Uneven Skin Texture
A powerhouse favorite product of mine that does a great job of brightening and exfoliating my skin is the dear, klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop. I use this once a day in my nighttime routine. Same rules as the AHA toner above - use sunscreen the next day please. Also please store away from direct sunlight and use quickly (within 6 months of opening) as oxidization will cause the product to lose effectiveness over time.
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| $24.29 on Yesstyle / $23 USD on Wishtrend |
Uneven Skin Texture
An alternative to the dear, klairs serum that I usually reach for (especially in the winter) is The Ordinary's 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. It's really moisturizing and good for anti-aging, reducing and reversing sun damage, reducing wrinkles, and treating mild to moderate acne. This might be a bit too much for people with sensitive skin.
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| $9.90 at Sephora & The Ordinary/Deciem |
Hydration Boost
For a refreshing hydration boost I like to use both the Torriden Dive-In Serum and the Torriden Dive-In Skin Booster. These have low molecular hyaluronic acide and D-panthenol, ceramide and malachite extract which are all good ingredients for soothing, refreshing, and hydrating your skin. I recommend this for all skin types!
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| $24 USD on Olive Young Global (available in value packs) |
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| $17.10 USD on Olive Young Global |
Moisturizers
Unfortunately my HG day moisturizer has been discontinued so I'm on the hunt for a new one rn 😭 I have a few backups that I'm working through and a couple of new creams I stocked up on that I'll try when I finish up the ones I currently have open so I apologize I don't have any good recs for this category.
For night time, especially wintertime, I really like using the Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream. It's super rich and hydrating but doesn't make you feel greasy. The consistency is definitely a bit thicker so I would recommend this for fall/winter. It's suitable for all skin types!
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| $29.41 on Yesstyle |
- hyaluronic acid
- centella asiatica extract
- chamomile flower extract
- squalane
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| $23 USD on Olive Young Global |
Sunscreen
I'm still experimenting in this category to find the best product for me so I don't feel too comfortable about listing any products here just yet. They're good but I'm not in love with them!
If I had to pick a favorite so far it would be the Shiseido Senka Mineral Water UV Protector SPF 50 PA+++ but it seems to be out of stock everywhere I look or really overpriced so I'm just slowly working through my backups 😭
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| Was $9.95 on Yesstyle |
