Multi-step skincare routines - why it takes women longer to get ready 😬

     I have been getting some questions regarding the steps of skincare routine. With all the toners, oils, serums, lotions and creams, it definitely can be quite confusing. Everyone’s routine would be different. What we put on our skin also depends on our skin type and age. Here, I will outline the general steps and include some of the products that I am currently using. 

    First and most important step to all good skin care is thorough cleansing. I do not have a particular cleansing cream or foam. However, I do use a brush and I have tried both the Clarisonic and Foreo. Now that Clarisonic has been discontinued, I will continue with the Foreo which is actually more portable, easier to use and clean. 

    On a fresh clean face, the first thing I use is the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. It soften the skin and prime it for better absorption of the serums and oils. Please read my previous blog if you want to know why this Essence is irreplaceable for me. 

    Next step for me is the toner. My experience with toners in the past was that they sting because they usually contain some astringent, so I was not in the habit of using one. That is until I received a sample of the Mamonde Rose Water Toner. It did not sting! Instead, the Rose Water smells really nice and feels good on the skin. It is a mild toner. The whole Mamonde line is flower based, using the properties of different flowers to achieve the desired effects. I have become a fan of their toner. 

    As I have dry skin, I will use a hydrating water and lotion after the toner. My favorite pair now is the Sulwhasoo TimeTreasure Invigorating Water and Emulsion. 

    Then the skin is ready for the serum. During the day, I am currently using the Mamonde Red Energy Serum. At night, the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I also like SKII RNA Power Youth Serum. I like the feel of richness and smoothness of serum on my dry skin. 

    After the serum, occasionally I will put on some oil. Oil may not be right for everyone. My skin is dry and I need the oil especially during the winter months. My all time favorite is the SKII Pitera Oil which is now discontinued. Neutragena has a retinol oil that I am going to try next. I will let you know how well it works next time!

After the oil is patted into the skin and well absorbed, I apply a generous amount of the cream - Olay Regenerist. You can read all about the reason why this is my favorite cream in my previous blog. 

    Last but definitely not least, especially during the day, I always put on sunscreen. It will be applied again before leaving the house. The sun, after all, is the greatest enemy of the skin!

So, to summarize all the steps:

1. Wash face well

2. SKII Facial Treatment Essence, there is no substitute for this one.

3. Toner

4. Water or Essence of other brands

5. Emulsion or Lotion

6. Serum

7. Oil, which is optional and depends on weather and condition of the face

8. Cream

9. Sunscreen!