(Finally, this miniseries gets posted, after many revisions and new additions to the routine! Enjoy – I hope you find this series very informative.)
A while ago, I mentioned that I’ve been dipping into the world of skincare routines. This is in no small part thanks to both of my parents: Mom who loves high-end brands like Lancome and Estee Lauder, and Dad who seems to own so many topical creams and oils, he could open up a stall! I guess I should also give credit to the Korean culture I’m really interested in, which cherishes skincare so their celebrities always have flawless skin (Example: Sandara Park, 30-something going on 13?!?).
Anyhoo, in the last month, with a definite skincare routine my face has improved a lot in terms of acne – there’s a lot less and this makes me so happy – so I think now is a good time to list some of the products I use regularly or have tried and liked during this trial-and-error period.
Cleanser – Murad Clarifying Cleanser for Acne
This cleanser came as part of a treatment set specially for tackling acne. Depending on where you look, it costs from £18-25 online by itself whilst the set is £54. It’s a pretty pricey set, but I was very, very fortunate to receive mine from a beauty stockist who had been given two sets. I think she was given them for sampling (but I’m not sure). She had been using one for herself, and when I dropped by with my Mom to pick up supplies for the Nail Salon, she took one look at my face and gave me the other set! That is how bad my acne was at the time.
The set promotes clear skin after four weeks of following the routine. It has been a few months now, and I’ve seen the biggest improvements in my cheeks and nose area. My forehead has only a little ways to go. To be fair, I don’t use the whole set… More in the next part!
Other cleansers – Mom swears by Forever’s Aloe Vera Hand & Face Soap. I use it when I feel my skin needs a rest day, as it’s incredibly gentle but gets the job done.
Also, don’t tell Derp, but I use his L’Oreal Men Expert Black Charcoal face wash sometimes when I’m in the shower. I might just buy my own tube soon, though – I love the thick gel feel and the refreshing menthol. The cologne-y smell isn’t strong and wears off quickly so nobody notices…
Lancome Galatee Confort Cleansing Milk – If foam cleansers clean the water-soluble stuff off your face, and cleansing oils do the same for the oily stuff, then milk cleansers (apparently emulsions and therefore both oil and water) clean both off. I’ve noted that my face feels all soft and plump after using this as if it was already moisturized.
Quick Fix Facials: Anti-Blemish Mud Mask and Exfoliating Scrub Mask – I exfoliate gently twice a week. One of those times, I just crank out the exfoliating glove and scrub my face lightly with it, adding a bit of face soap or cleanser. The other time, I use the scrub mask.
These mask tubes were so affordable at £4.99 each, so whilst they’re not wonder products they are really great for the price.
They’re wash-off clay/ mud masks. When I have a free evening, or maybe I’ll take a few minutes out of study, I’ll slather on the mask and let it do its work. It’s really not much effort.
In terms of repurchasing, I am still trying out new products and would like to try their charcoal mask from the same range and masks from other ranges before I decide which ones to repurchase.
Willing to try these out sometime? Have any to recommend? Feel free to comment!
Until next time,
X
P.S. I just set up a new twitter account for the blog and I’m pretty lonely over there, so follow me here and give me a shout! I don’t bite (often).
Twenty Swans 