Beauty

Skincare routine: dry-oily skin

A small tutorial that can make your skin glow, I recommend anyone who has dry-oily skin can use this routine too. "Dry-oily skin is usually due to the lack of natural oils, so the skin makes up for it by secreting more. The way to counter this is to hydrate, and moisturize & balance the skin". As she explains more about skincare she recommended us to try some department or supermarket brands.

Here is a step by step guide:

Cleaning > Exfoliating > Toning > Moisturizing/Makes

Step 1 - Cleaning 2x/Exfoliating

- save:

> Neutrogena fresh foaming cleanser : supermarket

- splurge:

> Shiseido pureness cleansing fluid : department stores/chemist

She recommended double cleansing in the shower (5 mins into it) because the steam opens the pores. Using foaming net to help create the foam from the cleanser. This helps to avoid creating stress on your face from lathering that will lead to wrinkles. They are really cheap on ebay or buying them from asian stores, she will link at the bottom. The first cleanse is to remove makeup, dirt and oil & the second is to clear out the pores. So lather the product well and massage your face in a circular motions, rinse it all off and then repeat that once more. For the extra kick, splash your face a few times with cold water, this really helps close up the pores.

Cleaning > Exfoliating > Toning > Moisturizing/Makes

Step 2 - Exfoliating

- save:

> St. Ives green tea scrub : supermarket

- splurge:

> Clinique 7 day exfoliating cream : department stores/chemist

You can choose to do this daily, every 2/3 days or once per week. This helps to get rid of the dead skin that clogs pores. The scrubs are very gentle and are suitable for daily use. On days that you exfoliate, still remember to double cleanse. If you find your skin is a little dry, you can cleanse once and then exfoliate. Apply a small amount and very gently exfoliate in small circular moments, remember to keep a light hand.

Step 3 - Toning

> Dickson's witch hazel toner

This is the easiest step! Put a small amount of toner onto a cotton ball or cotton pad and wipe it all over your face. This works best once you've stepped out of the shower. As soon as you dry your face you have a 5 second gap to apply the toner for the best absorption of this product. Lightly fan your face for 3 seconds and then lightly pat your face and moisturize immediately.

Step 4 - Moisturizing/Masks

- save:

> Neutrongena moisturizer SPF15

- splurge:

> Lancome hydra zen moisturizing day cream

- optional:

> Lancome genifique serum

> Clinique turnaroud concentrate

> NeoStrata eye cream

Adding in steps for serums, emulsions and concentrates but it's only optional, she really recommend them for clearer skin so if you feel you're up for it, you can add in the serums. The serums might be quite costly but if you choose to buy one of them, pat them into your skin right after toning and before moisturizing.

When moisturizing, evenly distribute the product on your face. Don't rub it all in. Pat the product into your face. This is the key to keeping your skin nice and firm. Use your hand or your index and middle finger and pat everything in. So basically, slap yourself. This stimulates blood circulation and it help constricts the pores.   Links to a video that shows you how to do it if you are unsure.

If you choose to buy the Lancome Hyrdra Zen moisturizer, apply it in small quantities because it is very rich and a little of it goes a long way. It is currently one of the favourite products right now as it has perfect with the Genifigue serum. They are expensive but they last a long time because you only need a small amount. With the eye cream, lightly tap it on under and around your eyes.

Buy any shet mask you want. You can buy them through asian stores and try to use them every 2-3 days or whenever your skin needs a little kick. You choose from so many, whitening masks are very good for scars and masks from troublesome skin. I don't usually recommend clay masks as they strip  lot of natural oils away, further drying the skin.

Routine works like this. (No. 5 and 6 are optional but recommended)

1. Create foam and cleanse.
2. Create foam and cleanse again.
3. Exfoliate.
4. Apply a toner right after drying your face.
5. Apply an eye cream. Tap, tap, tap~
6. Apply a serum. Pat, pat, pat~
7. Apply a concentrate. Pat, pat, pat~
8. Moisturize. Pat, pat, pat~

Links:

> Applying moisturizer and patting

> Foaming net buy links 1, 2, 3

> Foaming net demo