Thanks to my skincare diary, I was able to try out a handful of skincare products last year and found new cruelty-free brands to explore in which I was able to collect a few products that I found that my skin likes.
What I found works best for my skin are products that are gentle while still being effective (yes, they exist!!) plus points if they're lightweight, fast-absorbing and if they lower my skin temperature - found this to be a huge game changer! These everyday essentials compliment the products I use to treat my skin concerns:
Favorite Cleanser:
iUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam* • I found cleansing foams gently cleanses my skin thoroughly without needing to use any excessive pressure and it's non-drying; A nice in-between creams that don't feel like they give enough cleansing power and cleansing gels that can feel too stripping. [full review].
Favorite Toner:
Benton Deep Green Tea Toner* • lightweight & lowers my skin temperature • This helps the next steps in my routine to take better effect. Helps with redness, prevents acne and any irritations. [full review]
Favorite Physical Exfoliator:
Dermatory Azulene Gauze Pad • lightweight & lowers my skin temperature • I like to use this after a hot day. I place two pads on my flushed cheeks for about five minutes--like a sheet mask and it reduces redness immediately. The gauze side comes in as a effective scrub while still being gentle. [full review]
Favorite Masks • I can use both whenever as frequently as I want since they're gentle and I sometimes mix them both:
(1/2) Cocokind Chlorphyll Mask • when my skin feels congested or in need of a detox. [full review]
(2/2) I'm From Honey Mask☆ • when my skin is irritated or itchy. [full review]
Favorite Sunscreen
Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence* • spreads easily though it does leave my skin dewy which isn't really something that flatters my skin, this is my favorite so far when it comes to sunscreen. Besides the UV protection, this also moisturizes my skin. [full review]
Favorite Spot Treatment: • I use a variety of spot treatments for different uses:
(1/3) Pyunkang Yul Acne Spot Cream • lightweight • unlike other spot treatments I have tried, this comes in a cream form so I'm able to use it day and night. This really helps minimize blemishes faster than other spot treatments I have tried before. [full review]
(2/3) By Wishtrend Teca 1% Barrier Cream • for restoring my skin, this is meant to be applied on recently extracted pimples, it helps heal the spot to prevent pigmentation and strengthen the weakened barrier. [full review]
(3/3) Cocokind MyMatcha Stick • I personally don't reach out for eye creams and I haven't been using my other lip balms either; Since this is easy to use, I gently pat it on both my under-eyes and lips, it leaves them moisturized without feeling heavy or balmy.
I want to mention that I have combination-dehydrated, sensitized skin (weakened skin barrier). Mainly concerning with acne (frequent breakouts), redness and pigmentation. What I found to really help my skin is to prioritize my concerns in the order that I listed them. Here are my skin saviors from last year that focuses on treating my skin concerns.
Strengthens Barrier & Balances Combination Skin Neogen White Truffle Serum In Oil Drop☆ • lightweight • This contains ceramide and cholesterol that can help strengthen the skin barrier, which I've seen actually work. It's currently my favorite step as it adds hydration without weighing down my skin. [full review]
Strengthens Barrier & Quenches Dehydrated Skin iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Sleeping Mask* • not lightweight or fast absorbing but definitely absorbs overnight waking up with much more balanced skin. [full review]
Strengthens Barrier, Helps with Redness and Irritations Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream*• Even with the heavy consistency I would apply this thickly if my skin needed it. This easily calms down my redness skin and soothes my irritations. Already repurchased this one. [full review]
Clears Acne & Non-Drying Puppy Skin Fruitarianism Balancing Overnight Oil • this contains both Vitamin A and C it's a fast acting, so it clears my skin faster than my other products, it's a rich oil that so it doesn't absorb fast but it does sink in overnight + it doesn't dehydrate my skin further since it adds a moisturizing layer. [full review]
Clears Acne By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water* • this works fast, I ended up not needing to use it everyday since it gives results even with just using it every other night which I have now decreased to once a week however with the minimal use this can still contribute to dehydration. [full review]
Disclaimer this contains ☆giveaway prizes and *products provided for review