My Skincare Routine: Clear, Smooth, and Pimple-free!

Some people are born with good skin, while others just have to work harder to get it. I suppose I was born in the middle, not too good, but not too bad either. Over the years, I’ve grown more conscious about what I put on my face, researching about the ingredients that work best for my skin type, the chemicals to avoid, and what products to use to fix certain issues.

For this post, I’ll be sharing my current skincare routine, which has, so far, worked wonders. I have oily skin around my t-zone but am dry around the jaw and chin area. For someone who has struggled so long with oily skin (oil-absorbing powder and oil-blotting films, anyone?), I’m so happy to have successfully kept the oil under control. So far, this has given me my best skin yet: clear, smooth, and pimple-free!

With my routine, I go out with barely any makeup, just brows, lipstick, and sometimes some blush if I feel like it. I’ve always prioritized skincare over makeup because the less products you put on your face, the better for your skin, your pocket, and the environment overall. So if you feel like you’re ready to step up your skincare game, read on!

Morning Routine

1. Wash with just water.
2. Tone with Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner – This saved my skin back when it was dehydrated, and I haven’t switched to another toner ever since. It’s very light and hydrating.
3. Apply AHC Ultimate Real Eye Cream For Face around the eyes.
4. Apply The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – I would recommend to everyone because of all the benefits. Plus, it’s affordable!
5. Moisturize with Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.
6. Protect with VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover 45 – My holy grail sunscreen! I’m so confident my skin is protected with this. It does come on a bit thick and white, but it never broke me out or caused any issues with my skin. I might have to change sunscreens soon though, as this is not readily available in Canada.

Most of the products are available on YesStyle. Use my code KANV888 to get a 5% discount if you’re new and 2% if you’re a returning customer.

Night Routine

I have 2 different night routines, one with a BHA and the other without. Once a week, I also use a sleeping mask.

Normal night routine (without BHA)

1. Wash with DHC Deep Cleansing Oil – I’ve been using this for around 3-4 years now and it really is gentle but can remove all traces of makeup and sunscreen.
2. Tone with Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
3. Apply AHC Ultimate Real Eye Cream For Face
4. Apply The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% – This made my skin way smoother.
5. Moisturize with Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.
6. Once a week: I alternate between Mediheal’s N.M.F. Aquaring Ampoule Mask or iUNIK’s Propolis Vitamin Sleeping Mask for an extra moisture boost and “spa” session at home.

Night Routine with BHA

1. Wash with DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.
2. Exfoliate with COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid – This really controlled my oil production and minimized my blackheads. I leave it on for around 20-30 minutes before I apply toner.
3. Apply AHC Ultimate Real Eye Cream For Face – I apply this right after, no need to wait for 20-30 minutes since I avoid applying BHA around the eye area anyway.
4. Tone with Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner.
5. Moisturize with Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.

I get most Korean and Japanese skincare products from Yesstyle.com. Again, you can use my rewards code, KANV888 to get a discount.

This is what I look like with my skincare routine (I am only wearing the products I listed and some added brows because BROWS). I would definitely recommend these products to those who have the same issues as me (oily skin, dry jaw, etc.), but remember to introduce a product to your routine one at a time and slowly ease into it to observe if you have any breakouts.

Tips and Advice

Based on my skincare routine, I think the 3 best tips I can give for someone looking to build or improve their own are:

1. Research! I scoured articles and forums online to find out which products would target my skin issues. You can also ask your friends about what works for them. In fact, you can start building your own little skincare group to exchange tips about which products you’ve tried and in your experience, worked really well. This is great because you can also exchange products so you can try a bit before committing to buying a full bottle. And who doesn’t form a a lifelong bond because of skincare, really? 😀
2. Explore! Don’t be afraid to try new brands or methods, as long as you’ve read the ingredients, reviews, and think it would be a good fit for your skin. You can only know a product works for you if you actually try it. Who knows, you may just find a new holy grail!
3. Evolve! – The world of skincare is constantly changing, just like our skin and the factors affecting it. This means we also have to keep improving our routine. If a product stops working for you, or if your skin’s needs change, it means it’s time to revisit your skincare routine.