i think you had your question about a simple routine answered already, and i highlighted the most essential products to have with an asterisk too, so i just wanted to write out the (generally accepted) order to put your products on:
1/ oil cleanser (or balm, wipes etc) to remove makeup if you use that.
*2/ gel/liquid cleanser, or if you use cleansing bars
3/ then if you’re using toners/serums, put them on in order of consistency - thinnest to most viscous. if you’re using something like the laneige cream skin, i’d put that at the end, even though it is thin, bc it’s cream based, most serums are transparent or cloudy so they’ll go before that.
*4/ moisturiser.
4.5/ you could sandwich in retinol cream here ONLY AT NIGHT (either
1: a thin layer of moisturiser, wait however long it says on the retinol you’re using to apply after skin care - has to be a fully dry face, then moisturise again after 20-30 mins,
2: same as before, without a last layer of moisturiser on top,
or 3: same as 2, but switch the order - retinol first on dry skin, moisturise after).
^the above is just about what works for your skin while on retinol. it doesn’t increase or decrease the actual efficacy of the retinol. for eg, i use the first method bc retinol makes my face too dry.
*5/ sunscreen. (or at night time a face oil if you’re using that. oil is always the last step, except if you’re sunscreen in the same routine, where sunscreen goes last).
for products:
oil cleanser: the face shop rice water bright
gel cleanser: bioderma sensibio
moisturiser: kiehl’s ultra facial cream, or pyunkang yul moisture cream (though tbh, i still haven’t found a perfect moisturiser)
sunscreen: krave beauty beet the sun (fav), or beauty of joseon
May 9, 2024
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i think the fundamentals of skincare are to (a) use sunscreen everyday and (b) double cleanse every night! i use the cosrx aloe sunscreen and double cleanse with the banila co oil balm followed by the cosrx gentle cleanser.
beyond that, i’d recommend skin cycling cuz it’s a helpful routine and doesn’t overload on products! i do a four day routine —
night 1: exfoliate with an aha OR bha (i alternate this per cycle and use cosrx for both)
night 2: retinol
nights 3 and 4: hyluaronic acid (i use torriden)
start with toner and end with moisturizer every night!!
May 9, 2024
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For a simple routine you only need a face wash and a moisturiser— if your skin is more oily than dry, try Glossier’s cleanser concentrate, and if drier, try Glossier’s milky jelly cleanser or Cera Ve’s hydrating facial cleanser. If you have acne prone skin, a face wash with salicylic acid will help.
Then use a good moisturiser; Cera Ve’s Daily Moisturising lotion is my workhorse, and I use Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream at night or when dry.
Use a good sunscreen; I use Supergoop Every Single Face watery lotion, but anything that you like the texture of and will use consistently is best.
Do those three things for a month or two, and it will feel much easier to fold other things into your routine where you notice you need them— that may be a serum, a chemical exfoliant, or an active.
If you get breakouts and want an effective spot treatment, La Roche Posay’s effaclar duo is the best thing I’ve used— it’s more effective than patches or stickers, and minimally drying.
Do you have particular skin concerns (dryness, dark spots, breakouts, redness, etc.)?
May 9, 2024
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AM: no face wash, just a water cleanse, Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream, Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotic SPF 50
PM: safflower cleansing oil (i decant some in a bottle and add a few drops of spearmint oil which is great if you have PCOS), Pyunkang Yul Acne Gel Cleanser, Cetaphil Moisturising Cream. Maybe I’ll throw in a toner if im feeling crazy. I like Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Toner.
i also use the Cerave Retinol Resurfacing Serum and COSRX’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid twice a week at night (never both products on the same day) and the I’m From Mugwort Mask once a week.
Jan 12, 2025
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articles, interviews, essays, zines etc etc, geared towards creatives, specifically on emotional and practical guidance. you can even download the articles as pdfs! (not paid afaik)
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May 9, 2024
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seriously. u might not think u need them but ur quality of life will be much better for it. also makes vacuuming easier.
Apr 26, 2024