You may not know it, but it has been nearly two years since I have started doing a day and night skincare routines every single day.
To be honest, I cannot even imagine skipping it now. My true reason for doing it is that my skin is overly sensitive and it was getting worst since I have moved to the UK.
I have been to dermatologists here and back in Brazil over the years and nothing has improved it. To the point that when I was in the USA in 2018, my skin was not on its best behaviour. It was so frustrating to not knowing what to do. My face was literally full of acnes and it was so uncomfortable.
Then, I have visited The Face Shop for the first time and my life changed for good. Until that time, Korean beauty was not a big thing for me.
I just wanted some face masks, but one of the staff gave me some samples of Benton products with a complete skincare routine. I wonder if she looked at my face and decided to give me some hidden tips. Bless her!
The fact is that I have my skincare routine now done every day and I take some of the products that I need with me wherever I go.
I just would like to remind you that you do not need to use 10 products. Plus, every skin is different. What works with me can be a totally different result when you use it.
Have in mind that what works for me can have a completely different effect on your skin.
But let me share my favourite skincare essentials here now:
Deep Cleansing Oil- DHC & Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm– Banilla Co
I just have good things to say about these two products. And yep, I am a big fan of double cleansing routine, in the morning and before going to bed. But I understand it’s not for everyone.
They are both easy to be found in the UK. This ultimate cleansing oil works perfectly as makeup removal. It is packed with antioxidant-rich olive oil. Yep, it smells olive oil. But it is also so effective that I can’t have enough. Just bought two travel-size new ones.
It is important to say that my favourite makes up remover is still the cleansing balm – Clean it Zero by Banilla Co in which I have finished two pots already, going to the third one now.
It is JUST brilliant. If you want to have a flawless face, this is the best cleansing product to have in hands.
I do not use micellar water or soaps to remove my make up since 2018 and I can see the benefits of cleansing oils and balm on my face. DHC is a Japanese brand that does quite affordable skincare products. Banilla Co is a Korean beauty brand leader in its segment.
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – COSRX
I do love COSRX products and I have quite a big range of them. But I have added this cleanser to my skincare routine just this year. It is another affordable Korean product to add to your skincare routine.
I quite like its creamy texture and the way it gently removes dirt. An ideal cleanser for breakout-prone skin containing key ingredients such as tea tree leaf oil.
Another cleanser option for me is the Dermalogy Real Fresh Foam Green Tea by Neogen. Foam cleanser also brings quite excellent results to your skin, especially for people with sensitive skin like me.
Aloe BHA Skin Toner – Benton
Like I have mentioned at the beginning of this article, Benton was one of the first Korean brands that I have contact with.
I love the concept behind this brand and I just love this toner that contains BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) – a powerful decongestant to pores and to reduce blackhead formations.
It gives your skin a renewed, refreshed, and healthier appearance. My bottle is in the end, and I am preparing myself to buy a new one soon.
Gokujyun Hyaluronic Moisture Lotion – Hadalabo
Here is my favourite product of all time. This lotion is the best light moisturiser that you can add to your skincare routine. Believe me. The results are just fantastic. I have added hyaluronic acid products to my skincare routine for quite a long time now.
It’s just what you need to have a hyper hydrated skin. I am preparing a post with all the benefits of this powerful ingredient. This lotion is used as a serum and it’s perfect for wintertime.
If I am not going out or need to wear makeup to work, I just add this lotion during the day and night and my skincare routine is finished. No needs to apply anything else. You can also use it as a toner if prefer.
All Around Safe Block Essence Sunscreen – Missha
It’s not a secret that we need to apply sunscreen at any time of the year. Every day if it’s possible. This is a water and sweat-resistant sunscreen that is super moisturising and provides long-lasting sun protection.
This one is an SPF45 PA+++, but if I am going out for a quick trip to the supermarket, I would prefer to apply a factor 50 one such as The Ritual of Karma by The Rituals.
But when I travel, I use the Aloe Soothing Sun Cream by CORSX. Another Korean beauty gems. I know, it’s crazy to imagine using three different sunscreens.
But those three products make all difference for me, and to be honest, we do need to take sun protection quite seriously nowadays.
Moisturising Lotion – CeraVe & Firming Sleeping Mask – Dr Jart+
Believe it or not, moisturiser is the only product that I found quite difficult to find a perfect match for my skin. I have plenty of COSRX ones. But my ultimate lotion at this moment is the CeraVe one. I am using this one way before all the hype about it. But I can guarantee you that this moisturiser cream was a game changed for me too!
And yes, it worth it all the hype. It’s my favourite product “discovered” before the lockdown starts and I’m already finishing my first bottle. CeraVe is an American brand that belongs to the L’oreal group now.
It’s a lightweight and not greasy moisturiser that also contains hyaluronic acid. Enough said. I usually use it during the day. Before applying my make-up.
My to go “night” moisturiser is the Dr.Jart sleeping mask that is quite excellent to combat the loss of skin elasticity and fine lines that insists to appear on mature skin. Women in your 40’s will understand. I just love this product.
Cicapair –Tiger Grass Colour Correction Treatment Dr.Jart+
Another gem. My sensitive skin sometimes doesn’t cope with weather, makeup, or any factor that may irritate it. My solution? Cicapair.
I can’t live without this fantastic cream that is designed to correct redness and blur imperfections of the skin. It’s magic and every woman should have it in their bag.
It’s easy to say that I use too far many products in my daily routine. The fact is that I don’t use all of them at the same time. Cicapair, for example, is a repairing skin product that I love to have with me in case my skin breaks or need a rest for the day.
But overall, it’s pretty much the products that I trust when it comes to a complete skincare routine. At least, my skin agrees with all of them. And yes, 98% of them are Korean and Japanese brands.
Lip Sleeping Mask – Laneige
What to say about this classic lip sleeping mask? It’s one of the most successful products.
The moisturiser and perfect repairing product for your lips. It’s a rich and creamy product with a perfectly balanced fragrance of berry.
This is also boosted with antioxidants and vitamin C. Just to make things better. And here it’s my skincare routine favourites. Hope you enjoyed the post.
Let me know in the comments if you already tried any of those products. I will be happy to know more about your favourites too.
