In my recent post, I mentioned the high-end skin care products that wasn't worth their price for me. I realise that finding products that work for my skin is a trial and error experience. A big risk especially for my money and my face.
It's officially Spring here down under, and the transition of seasons is wreaking havoc on my skin. I usually have normal to combo skin in the Summer and dry to very dry skin during Winter. I try to switch up my products depending on the season to my skin needs.
The general rule when it comes to the order of skin care products is from lesser consistency to greater consistency. Right after cleansing, I first apply the watery, lightweight products then apply last the thicker, heavier creams. Creams are generally occlusives. Meaning, they lock in moisture by forming a film on top of our skin preventing moisture loss. Therefore, it makes sense that they are the last step on our skin care routine. Keep in mind that there are exceptions to the rules though so make sure that you read the directions for each product.
Four of the products below I got from my Yesstyle Haul so if you want to know how much they cost check out my previous post. I have used them religiously everyday and love how my skin has improved since then. Even my hubby has noticed that my skin looked more even and that my dark circles are less noticeable.
The following are my skin's current saviours and I highly, HIGHLY recommend them:
1. Lancome Eye Illuminator Youth Activating Concentrate - This one costs about the same price as a kidney. I was in David Jones one day, looking for a solution to hide my dark under-eyes and the SA tried this on me before putting on a corrector and a concealer on me. I was so amazed at its effects that I just said, "Shut up and take my money". Kidding! But that's basically what happened. The applicator looks like the beaded hair tong, which I don't really care for much, but the serum itself is like precious gold for my under-eyes. It does what it says it does, (reduces the appearance of eye bags and dark circles) which is what I expect for its price. The only sad thing about this product is that the label says it's good for 6 mos upon opening. Sooo I guess, I have to sell another organ soon.
2. Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop - This product has been hyped up by Kbeauty skin care junkies. When I was younger, my grandma told us that using lime is good for our skin so I used to squeeze fresh lime on my skin. It was really effective in drying out my PMS zits and getting rid of tiny bumps on my forehead. However, it is a little messy to do.
So I decided to try this one out. It feels like dry oil and is easily absorbed by the skin. I use it right after I wash my face and it makes my skin feel smooth to touch. After 2 weeks of using it religiously, I had noticed significant changes on my skin, even my hubby pointed it out one night. This particular brand has only 5% L-Ascorbic acid. It's very mild and formulated for all skin types and even sensitive skin. It does what it says it does (helps stimulate collagen production and improves skin tone and texture without harsh irritation) which is amazing for its price! This is made in Korea and it lasts 12 mos upon opening.
3. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (Rich) - (AUD 34
.97) This one is included in the set that I purchased from my Yesstyle Haul post. It's much cheaper to purchase it as a set as I got a full-sized (170ml) one for a cheaper price. Plus, who can resist the limited edition cute Mickey Mouse packaging? Based on my research, dry skin gals like me will benefit from incorporating Hyaluronic Acid (HA) on our skin care routine. HA's work by enhancing the water binding ability of the skin, leaving it smooth, soft, supple and firm. This particular brand is different from the others because it claims to contain 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) to penetrate deeply to soften and moisturise the skin. It has weak acidity, fragrance-free, no alcohol and oil thus, it is good for all skin types including those with sensitive skin.
It has a very light, watery consistency so it is easily absorbed by my skin. It leaves moist film on my skin and makes it feel soft and smooth every use.
4. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Milk - This one is also included in the set. The full-sized one is 90ml (AU$28.29). This milk claims to moisturise deeply, offering hydration and skin-softening conditioners. It helps maintain your skin's ph balance. It doesn't contain any alcohol, mineral oil, colorant and it's also fragrance-free. It's good for all skin types including sensitive skin.
I love how it leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. Since it has a thicker consistency than the lotion, I use this one right after the lotion.
5. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Perfect Cream - Also included in the set from my previous haul however, this one is only 14g. I can't really complain about it since I paid for 3 products for one. I was looking for the full-sized one in the website but I wasn't sure which one I got. I found one that just says Super Hyaluronic Acid Cream (AU$34.32) and the other says Super Hyaluronic Acid Light Cream (AU$36.27). Both are 50g and have similar claims.
This cream claims to have 3 kinds of Hyaluronic Acid and helps make skin soft, smooth and hydrated (indeed it does!). I love using this cream! It's good underneath make up because it just makes my skin soo silky smooth. It also gives my skin that dewy, glowy look (especially when used with the others). I am definitely gonna purchase the full-sized one after I use this one up.
6. Clarins for Men Super Moisture Balm - My hubby bought this and didn't like it. Since he wasn't using it, I decided to try it to find out why he didn't like it. It feels really heavy on the skin, but for my dry Winter/Spring skin, it is god-send! A pea-sized amount is all I need on my face since it is so heavy but it is enough to make my skin soo smooth and hydrated. This one is also good underneath make up because it helps foundation glide on smoothly on my face. Beware, that it does have a scent to it but it becomes unnoticeable after a while.
Lesson learned ladies, check your man's skin care for some hidden gems.
7. Clarins Face Treatment Oil - The one that I have is the Santal Oil which is for dry skin. It claims to be made from 100% plant extract. This oil is cheaper than the Clarins Double Serum but I prefer this than the other one. I had major peeling issues (used Tretinoin) last year and all the other moisturisers I had burns my skin. This is the only one that saved me. It has a floral scent to it and it is a heavier oil than my Dear, Klairs oil but its hydrating properties are worth your money.
So those are the 8 skin care products that I am currently loving and will definitely be repurchasing. This is not a sponsored post. I bought all the products mentioned with my own money. I did include my affiliate links on some products if you're interested to try them.
I swear by these products and I highly, highly recommend them. However, I am aware that these products may not work for other people since skin care can be very individualised (like our skin).
Have you tried any of these products? What are your skin care products you're currently loving? Tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is NOT SPONSORED! Some links are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission when you shop. If you are not comfortable shopping through my links you do not have to. My feelings won't be hurt. I promise :) Just google the name of the product and I'm sure you'll find sites where to shop them.
