(Almost Everyday) Skin Care Routines

Not my intention to become too much of a brag, I realize that sometimes I’m praised for my skin and people often asked what skincare products did I use.

To be honest… I’m a very bad skin-care-adviser as I didn’t know exactly what’s making my skin is good (which I always assume it was probably genetics, and age). Besides, since I believe skin care products will react differently for each person, I can’t guarantee whether what I’m using currently will be giving the same result for all of you. 

However I believe as well that sharing information brings no harm! Which brings me to write this very, very long post which I haven't done for while.

So, quick to the point, shall we! 

Item below are the steps and product that I use in sequential order:

1. Mild Oil Cleansing – MUJI

Works just the way it is. This is already my multiple purchase products (maybe 10 times plus already), very effective in removing all makeups especially for waterproof types. Usually use 2 pumps for normal makeups, 1 additional pump for heavy makeups. Not to mention it is quite cheap compared to other brands, 1,190 yen for 400 ml, enough to last me 4-5 months if used every day. Pump to your dry hands, and lather all around the face and the makeups will just melt away. Just be warned that it has quite a bit of a "fishy" scent for you who aren’t used to it, as MUJI didn't add any artificial scent to this product, which is should be good for sensitive skin actually.

2. Face Wash

No Photos!! Because I use whatever face wash my mom use (and usually it changes every time). Several brands that I have used before are Biore's, Dove's, Face Shop's. However my all-time favorite is Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam, because it gives me a psychological effect and motivation that all of my blackheads will go away if I use that products continuously. Sadly last time my dad borrowed my 1/4-used of that cleansing foam and it never came back to me.

3. Angels on Bare Skin - Lush

*no pic as the tub already so dirty

This I use for scrub and I think this is the best scrub that I ever use in my life! Actually they claimed that this is not a scrub but a face wash product instead but I still think that washing face without soap-y products is very strange and not so clean, thus I use this product after washing my face with soap.

This product was introduced by my friends and I thank him for life for this. THIS. IS. AMAZING. It will leave your skin moisturized af you won’t believe you've just scrubbed your face. I never knew these kind of product exist?!? JUST. BUY. IT!! And try it. But be warned the smell were a bit strong to some people.

The smell is not chemical though! It's all natural scent from all the natural ingredients inside.

I always bought this in Japan, 1,280 yen for 100 gr, enough for 5-6 months use or more if used once per week. They say have to finish in less than 3 months, but I always finish WAAAAY later than that.. And It is fine... At least for me.

3. Sensitive Skin Care Light Toning Water Moisture - MUJI

My multiple purchase product as well. Last time in Japan I use 'High Moisture' version in winter, but now in Indonesia I stick with the 'Moisture' level (there's the 'Light' version as well for very oily skin). Its 908 yen for 400 ml, enough for 4-5 months if used daily.

Just fyi, I never use cotton for toner, as I thought It is such a lot of waste of products if I use cotton where most of the products will be thrown away with the cotton. I just pump enough in my palm and apply it on my face bit by bit.

This product are not so extraordinary, just served its purpose well which is to soothe and moisturize.

Not to advertise this product, but this is alcohol-free, paraben-free, and perfume-free toner which should be very good for people with sensitive skin.

Beside this actually I have my long-missed favorite toner which is IOPE BIO Essence Intensive Conditioning Toner which I bought and finished several years ago.

Last time I bought it, it came with promo price with the purchase of IOPE BB Cushion. If no promo, normal price is around $50-$80 USD. No wonder it works wonder to my skin; it moisturize, smoothen and brighten the skin. I will repurchase once I'm older (and richer).

4. Fresh Herb Origin Serum – Nacific

Just tried this one several months ago. It sure refine my skin more as this boost my previously "just enough" hydration from toner and moisturizing into something thicker.

They said that this is a "damn serum", which you will feel a stinging sensation as the serum fix problematic area in your face but will be less stinging with continuous use as your skin condition will get better. However, for me, it didn’t sting at all since the first time I’m using it. It's either my skin condition is already good, or it's just gimmicky advertising.

I've applied this one too much the other night and woke up with super oily skin, I guess this prone to be the cause of breakouts in several cases especially for people with oily skin. But all in all, it smells nice, works nice, pore became smaller quite significantly, but still open to other products if I found anything else better than this one. IDR 135,000 for this 50ml serum.

5. Lululun Moist Gel

Honestly bought this just because of the cute packaging! Luckily it suits my skin; no issues at all. Moisturizing effect is a bit low, but just fine with the combination of the serum that I've just mentioned above.

Will work well in oily skin I suppose. People with dry skin type will need much more moisturizing formula. Will not repurchase as I want to explore a bit more from the other brands. 1,620 yen for 80 gr.

I'm still no doubt impressed by its beautiful package with sturdy glass jar. Who else bought some products cause of the packaging?! I know some of you do.

6. Belif Moisturizsing  and Firming Eye Cream

Bought this 'cause I read it's good review somewhere. Is it truly good I don't know yet. Maybe when I'm 30 and I didn’t see any wrinkles around my eyes then at that time I can just say that its all thanks to this product. 

Have to commit daily to use this product though, as I often skip this part. Have been struggling to finish this since 3 years ago (and yes I know MAYBE it's expired already but still I'm getting all my money's worth!!). Bought around USD 48 in Korea, for 25 ml of products. Just realize that this is the most expensive products that I use currently.

7. Jeju Pore Volcanic Super Clay Mask

Just managed to use this twice, not very sure for the effect but surely it gives a soothing, minty feeling when applied. Bought this for its amazing reviews here and there, and finally decided to try this myself. Currently I’m using it interchangeably with my normal face mask that I usually buy in Innisfree or Face Shops, as this one is not moisturizing, but more to deep cleansing, I suppose. Will have to use more often to see its effect on my skin.

8. Kiehl’s Lip Balm

Not part of the skincare, but this product is definitely worth the mention. Some say that this is the best lip balm in the world, and if it’s not in the world, at least it’s still the best in my world. The applicator is a bit meh but the moisturizing power is awesome. Proved it in a very dry winter in Japan and it protects my lip VERY WELL all day without much reapplication. Repurchased several time and will always be. 1,000 yen for 1 tube in Japan, around IDR 130.000 in Indonesia If I’m not mistaken.

Please note that everything are daily use except the scrub and the mask.

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Aaaand that’s all! For my not-so-complicated skin care steps that I do currently. Or at least that’s what I think. I didn’t say that it was ALL cheap products too as some of the products are quite pricey as well, but not all of them are high end. For example MUJI products can be considered drugstore products in Japan, as its price competes with some real drugstore products in the market. However yes I admit that I prone to use foreign brands up until this point, Maybe next time I should try to explore more on local’s (Indonesia) one.

Other reasons I’m not keen on sharing my skin care routine is that I knew I can’t trust the quality of my routines due several weak points below:

1. Sometimes I skip skincare routine at all at night because I'm too sleepy.
2. In a week, maybe skip 2 times.
3. Even when I don't skip I often skip moisturizing and eye part, stops only at serums.
4. I go blind on trying moisturizing products, sometimes bought them only because the packaging is cute, not because it suits my skin.
5. I tend to change brands often for the sake of trying something new, which legit making me can’t say specific product to be introduced to people who ask me which product that I use regularly.

However I hope that what I’m doing right now is already on the right path rather than not taking the skin care steps at all.

Other tips related to skin care which I follow quite seriously because logically it sounds true to me:

1. Never wipe the face with towel downwards as it will make the skin droopy snoopy. Only patting is allowed.
2. Never do point 1 to neck as well.
3. Never wash face in downward motion as well. Same reason as point 1.
4. Go bare face in a while, to help skin breath. I go bare face as well when I feel like my skin is not in a good condition compared to how it should be usually.
5. Scrub once in every 1-2 weeks.
6. Will change the entire moisturizing above with face mask if my skin was too dry at times.
7. Always moisturize neck ‘cause neck will tell your age, no matter how young your face looks.
8. Use cold water to wash face if can to avoid pore enlargement (but I always fail). 

And that’s it.

I suppose all of the tips above were quite common?? That’s why I feel that it’s quite embarrassing sharing and giving you all the tips like above as I knew that I’m a person which still are not perfect at taking care of my skin, at all. I hope the next time I’m asked about my skin care routine, I will be much more prepared for the answer and maybe I can just share the link to this blog here. Problem solved!

Anyway, just let me know some tips/product recommendations that I need to know beside all of the above and not to forget that your feedback for my writing is much much appreciated!

See you all in my next post!