One of my most highly requested video and blog posts, other than recipe requests, is my skincare routine.
I am not an expert when it comes to skincare, but I will say I have tested alot of products and now have a stable routine that keeps my skin moisturize and clear.
I was a little bit hesitant to share my skincare routine because it takes alot of courage to put my bare face for the world to see and judge.
However, I firmly believe that confidence and self-love is the most beautiful thing, so I am here to practice what I preach, and I hope by me taking this mini step, it will also encourage others to be confident in themself as well.
I have combination skin. My skin gets SUPER dry in the winter, and in the summer, my t-zone gets oily super quick.
Most of my skincare routine is focused on moisturizing my face, as I find that whenever my skin is moisturized, I have fewer breakouts. I get a facial once a month that focused on lymphatic drainage, and I also do a “deep cleanse” once a week with chemical peels.
DAY TIME SKINCARE ROUTINE
I wear makeup 3-4 times a week, so my daytime skincare routine focused on creating a smooth canvas for my makeup. I don’t wash my face with any prdoucts in the morning, just water.
Step #1: YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE 15% VITAMIN C + CLEAN CAFFEINE ENERGY SERUM
I love Youth to the People products; they are clean, gentle, and super effective. I have been loving this Vitamin C serum that helps brighten my skin in the morning, and the caffeine also helps me depuff and firm up.
Not going to lie; it is pretty pricey; however, if you are looking for a good quality vitamin C that isn’t too sticky, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Step #2: GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW NIACINAMIDE DEWDROPS
There are not enough words to describe how much I LOVE Glow Recipe! If you didn’t know, they are a female-founded API business run by two boss babes Christine and Sarah. Glow recipe products are my HOLY GRAIL.
The Watermelon Niacinamide Dewdrops will instantly brighten your skin and give you that bouncy, youthful look. I cannot live without this serum, and I swear by it!
Step #3: DRUNK ELEPHANT LALA RETRO WHIPPED CREAM
Depending on my skin condition that day, I don’t always use such a heavy lotion in the morning. However, when my skin feels dry, this is the ONLY lotion that can save my skin.
Also, this heavy whipped cream doesn’t clog up my pores compare to other rich moisturizers I’ve tried in the past.
Step #4: PAULA’S CHOICE YOUTH EXTENDING DAILY HYDRATING FLUID SPF 50
DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! Regardless of what sunscreen you use, this is the most critical step. Make sure to wear sunscreen EVERY SINGLE DAY, regardless if you are going outside or not. No amount of skincare can protect you from sun damage, so this is a crucial step.
Paula’s Choice Youth Extending SPF 50 is lightweight and helps minimize the appearance of pores. I switched to a different SPF a few months ago, and while it is fantastic as a primer, it broke me out like CRAZY.
EXTRA STEP: GUA SHA + ROLLER
If I am feeling extra puffy, or if I have a special event that day, I will make sure to massage my face with an ice-cold gua sha for 10-15 minutes and will finish off with a face mask for 20 minutes while using an ice roller.
I will then proceed to my standard daytime skincare routine. Is this step significantly extra? Yes, but it also makes sure my skin is super bouncy, tight, and firm before a special event!
NIGHTTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE
My nighttime skincare routine has alot more steps compare to my daytime routine. However, this is my favorite “personal ME time,” so I like to take my time, put on a show, and take my sweet time applying all the products.
STEP #1: DRUNK ELEPHANT MAKEUP MELTING BUTTER CLEANSER
OK, this is hands down the BEST makeup cleanser out there. I tried so many brands, but nothing ever takes off my waterproof asain mascara except for this! I love that melting butter cleansers are environmentally friendly compared to wipes and more gentle on your skin.
Depending on the day, I will sometimes give myself a mini facial massage with my gua sha with my butter cleanser after I remove my makeup.
STEP #2: YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE KALE + GREEN TEA SPINACH VITAMINS SUPERFOOD CLEANSER
To be honest, I am not TOO picky when it comes to my cleanser. I just want to make sure it isn’t too harsh and doesn’t strip my skin. I always DOUBLE CLEANSE, and since using this face wash for the past two months, I haven’t had any issue with clogged pores or dry skin.
It is the perfect balance between cleaning your skin while brightening. Like mentioned earlier, I LOVE Youth to the People, but their products can be costly. So between the serum and the facewash, I would recommend the serum first as there are many affordable cleansers are out there.
STEP #3: PAULA’S CHOICE BHA 2% TONER
OMG – This toner is honestly the reason why I don’t get any breakouts! It helps clear my pores without making my skin dry, and it also helps prevent blackheads and whiteheads.
I use it every single night, and I seriously cannot live without it. Chemical exfoliants are much more gentle and effective. This toner is also lightweight and absorbs quickly. Game changer product that I recommend to everyone!
STEP #4: GLOW RECIPE PLUM PLUMP HYALURONIC SERUM
Glow Recipe DID IT AGAIN! Another Holygrail item that I cannot live without! I am a HUGE fan of hyaluronic acid, and I’ve tried so many different brands. The number one issue I have is that I find most serums just sit on my face and get sticky, and nothing goes in and hydrates my skin long-term.
However, I can say this is my all-time favorite product and keeps my skin super plump and moisturized since using Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum. I use it at night only since I use the dewdrops in the daytime, but you can also use this in the morning.
STEP #5: GLOW RECIPE AVOCADO MELT RETINOL EYE SLEEPING MASK
I never had issues with dry under eyes; however, as I get older, my under eyes are also getting dryer. I only used two other eye creams before this, so I am not an expert on eye creams, but I will say this is super moisturizing!
STEP #6: FACE MASKS + FACIAL ROLLER
This step is optional, but I do wear a face mask 3-4x a week for 20 minutes. I like to wear a face mask while I edit or do admin work at night. I use an ice-cold facial roller while the mask is on for the first 5-10 minutes to help relax my facial muscles.
I am not too picky with my sheet masks, and I often try new ones from the Asian grocery stores. The main concern I am targeting for sheet mask is hydration, brightening, and also firming. I love Dr. Jart, and you can often find them on sale at T&T Supermarket!
P.S. Don’t throw the face mask away; rub it on your feet or elbows to moisture them.
STEP #6: DRUNK ELEPHANT LALA RETRO WHIPPED CREAM
I will use a thick and rich cream to lock in all the good stuff I put on my face to finish off. If I am using a sleeping mask, I will skip this step; however, I will say I have tried many rich creams before, and this is the only cream that doesn’t break me out, clog my pores but keeps my skin moisturized.
It is an expensive product, so I always make sure to stock up during the Sephra VIP sale, as this whipped cream has been my go-to moisturizer for the past two years!
TREAT YOURSELF SKINCARE ROUTINE
Besides my daily skincare routine, I will put on a treatment mask that deep cleanses and moisturizes my skin once a week. I love masks as they are an affordable way to do a mini facial treatment at home. Here are some of my favorite treatment mask that I use weekly!
CLEAR SKIN + ACNE: GLAM GLOW SUPERMUD CLEANSING TREATMENT
This treatment mask is VERY strong. I use it once every two weeks to give me a skin an excellent detox. Wherever I have an upcoming pimple, I will also use it as a spot treatment as well.
VERY EXPENSIVE, but highly effective! You can see results right away!
HYDRATE AND BRIGHTENING: GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW SLEEPING MASK
Another Glow Recipe product that I love! If you like the k-drama bouncy skin, this sleeping mask helps locks in all the moisture, and you will wake up with bright and firm skin.
I use this treatment mask every week, and a little goes a long way!
GLOW AND HYDRATE: YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE SUPERBERRY HYDRATE + GLOW DREAM MASK
This treatment mask is a great sleeping mask, especially in the winter. It is alot more rich and heavy versus the Glow Recipe Sleeping mask. After a long day, I like to use it under my eye twice a week to help moisture and lock in all the products.
EXFOLIANT + CLEAR DEAD SKIN: JUICE BEAUTY GREEN APPLE PEEL
WOW – this mask is an intense but effective treatment mask to help clear acne and scars. My best friend introduced it to me, and it transformed her skin!
I only use it once a week, but I wake up the next day with smooth baby skin every time I use it. Warning, your face will get red, so make sure only to use it at night.
QUICK TIPS THAT I SWEAR BY
Other than using great products, the essential step of any skincare routine is to take care of your body internally.
DRINK TONS OF WATER
I am sure everyone shares this “tip,” but honestly, drinking water is essential in any health routine. I drink 2L of water a day, which helps ensure my body and skin are hydrated!
EAT FOOD THAT CONTAINS COLLAGEN
I am big on eating foods that are good for your skin! I drink bone broth, eat jellyfish, chicken feet, and also pork knuckles all the time. I have tons of recipes, but rather than buying expensive collagen products; I just eat yummy food that contains them!
GET TONS OF SLEEP
Sleep is so important. Wherever I don’t get enough sleep, my skin is the first to suffer. I start getting dark circles, breakouts, and dry patches. Let your body get enough rest, and your skin will thank you!
MASSAGE YOUR FACE
I get a facial once a month where she focuses on massaging all my facial muscles and relaxing my face. I also gua sha at least 4x a week.
Facial massage increases blood flow, which helps flush out waste and toxins to keep the face firm, bright, and clean!
Let me know what some of the products that you LOVE are! I love trying new skincare products and routines.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post 🙂
Love,
Tiffy
