IT’S that time of the year again wherein we purge ourselves of negative energy and bad juju for that ultimate cleanse come New Year. It’s a practice that is as popular as that of preparing 12 round fruits and wearing all things polka for Media Noche. But while most of us focus on energies, vibe, and overall pysch, back in the beauty department we purge our arsenals of products that do us no good, that were just mostly hype, and aren’t worth the space in our vanity, and in our lives even more so. It’s a practice that I’ve been following, one that I really take to heart.
That said, here’s a look at my skincare routine and holy grail products for 2018.
7-STEP ROUTINE
The 10-step skincare routine made headlines this year and I was quick to jump on the bandwagon. Who wouldn’t when it promises you better skin in as little as 2 weeks, right? After all, isn’t that what we all want? The perfect recipe for skincare success?
Double Cleanse
I start my routine with micellar cleansing water that is anything but water. Made up of micelles, or tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules, suspended in soft water, it targets dirt particles and breaks down makeup and sebum for easy cleansing without stripping skin of its natural oils. With or without makeup, I double cleanse every night without fail using La Mer’s The Cleansing Micellar Water to wipe the day away and The Cleansing Gel to remove grime and other impurities from the skin. Think deep cleanse without over-drying skin.
Essence
Essences maximizes the benefits of your skincare routine by allowing better absorption of subsequent products like your serum and moisturizer. Because essences are lighter than serums, they penetrate deeper into the skin, targeting problem areas, and restoring hydration on a cellular level. I am currently using SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence which you can buy online at Best Buy World Philippines as they are currently unavailable in the Philippine market.
Serum
Serums are lighter than moisturizers but they can do so much more than just moisturize the skin. Depending on your concerns, serums work for specific reasons like brightening, anti-aging, acne control, addressing fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. As I am pretty much concerned with my jawline right now (no thanks to you, weight loss), I use the La Mer Lifting & Contour serum and I really don’t know why I didn’t use it on a regular basis because goodness me, a more lifted and toned skin around my jawline in as little as two weeks!
Eye cream
Ahhh, yes. One product that is taken for granted yet is twice as important as the essence. The most delicate skin deserves the most attention as the under eye tends to show signs of fatigue and aging first. One thing I love about my The Eye Concentrate is that it comes with its own silver-tipped applicator (as do all La Mer eye creams) thus making sure that I do not tug the skin while applying my cream.
Moisturizer
While there are articles saying that moisturizers aren’t necessary as they interfere with the skin’s natural ability to produce its own moisture, I still stand by my decision to use one. Factors like the weather and A/C affects the skin’s hydration so I make sure to use a lightweight and fast-absorbing moisturizer to address hydration issues. For night time use, I swear by La Mer’s The Moisturizing Soft Lotion. Happy to say as well that it comes in a pump bottle making it perfect for traveling!
Face oil
Oils sink deep into the skin and seals in moisture and adds another layer of nourishment. So on days when my skin feels drier than usual, I reach for my La Mer Renewal Oil. This potent anti-aging liquid gold hydrates my skin like no other leaving it soft and supple without the heavy, greasy feeling. While there are dissenting opinions as to when to apply face oil, I find it more
effective for me when I apply it before my moisturizer.
Four years ago, I transitioned from being just a cleanser-moisturizer-lip-balm kinda girl to that of an Allure beauty editor wannabe checking and vetting products to create my very own skincare routine–and I haven’t looked back since.
