My Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin: Every Product I Use
Finally. I feel like this is the blog post so many of you have been waiting for. My personal skincare routine is probably one of the most common questions I get, whether it is in DMs or from friends. So here it is. Every single product I currently use on my face, morning and evening.
Before I get into it, I want to highlight the word “currently.” I am constantly trying and testing new products as part of my work, so this routine may change over time. What I am sharing today is what I am using right now and what is working really well for my skin at this moment.
One thing I also want to mention is that I always try to stick to a specific skincare routine for at least one and a half months before I say anything about whether a product really works for me or not. Your skin renews itself roughly every 28 days, so you need at least one full cycle to really see what a product does. I do test a lot of products, but to really know whether something fits your skin, you have to give it time. Quick judgments do not work in skincare, unfortunately.
I also want to share something that makes me really happy. I have partnered with koreanbeauty.se, which means I am able to give you a 10 percent discount on everything on their site. You do not need a code. Just use my personal link and the discount will automatically be applied to your basket. I will link it throughout the post wherever the product is available there.
Now, a little bit about my skin. My skin type is normal to dry and on the more sensitive side. I react quite easily to products and my skin barrier can get overwhelmed if I do too much at once. So my routine reflects that. It is not the most complicated routine in the world, but it works for me and that is what matters and the goal is of course, glowing skin.
Let me walk you through it.
My Morning Routine
Cleansing
I always wash my face with water only in the morning. Just water. I used to use a proper cleanser in the morning too, but I stopped because my skin is on the sensitive side. During the night, your skin is recovering and resting. Washing it with a cleanser first thing in the morning can strip away the natural oils it has been producing overnight. For me, water is more than enough to freshen up and prepare my skin for the rest of my routine.
Ice Roller
This is something I just recently started using but I am already so into it. I use the ice roller from Wellness & Wealth first thing after washing my face. It is a silicone globe designed for facial cryotherapy, which basically means it uses cold temperature to constrict blood vessels and reduce fluid retention under the skin. The result is visibly depuffed skin in seconds. It also stimulates lymphatic drainage and over time with consistent use it gives a natural sculpting effect. I roll it across my face for about 30 to 60 seconds in the morning, when my face is a bit puffy from sleep, it makes such a noticeable difference. The feeling is probably similar to ice bathing. You can only imagine how awake and refreshed your face feels afterward. I am hooked.
Toner Pads
After that, I go in with toner pads. Right now I am using the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Toner Pads. I start by wiping one pad across my whole face and then I take three extra pads and place one on each cheek and my forehead. My cheeks are the most sensitive area of my face so I let them sit there for a moment to really let the skin absorb all the hydration. It feels like a mini treatment every morning. The pads are soaked in this gel-like essence that feels so soothing against the skin.
Essence
Then I apply my essence. I am currently using the Shiseido Eudermine Activating Essence, or as I like to call it, my beauty water. The texture is almost like gel-water, incredibly lightweight and it just sinks into the skin within seconds. You can literally feel your skin drinking it up. It contains two types of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, vitamin C for brightening, and a fermented kefir extract that supports skin turnover and barrier function. Fun fact, this was actually Shiseido’s very first skincare product, created all the way back in 1897. It was originally a favorite of geishas in Japan. Pretty cool, right?
Serum
After the essence I apply my serum. In the morning I am currently using the Medicube Collagen Glow Booster Serum. It has a milky texture and is packed with hydrolyzed collagen, elastin, niacinamide, ceramides, and even PDRN. It plumps, hydrates, firms, and gives my skin that lit-from-within glow and it layers beautifully under my moisturizer too.
Eye Cream
Then comes my eye cream. I have been using the VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot Eye Cream since January and I really love it. What makes it special is the metal vibrating applicator. The cool metal tip combined with the gentle vibration feels amazing on tired, puffy morning eyes. The vibration helps with circulation and depuffing. They have different versions and I am currently using the Vita-Light one, but honestly all of them are amazing.
Moisturizer
Then I apply my moisturizer, the Anua 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream. This might sound boring, but the moment you apply it you feel this soft, buttery layer that just melts into the skin and instantly calms everything down. It contains three types of ceramides which help strengthen and protect your skin barrier, and panthenol which calms and hydrates. Everyone I’ve recommended it to, has loved it. If your skin is sensitive, dry, or your barrier is damaged, this one is worth trying. It is one of those creams I always need to have at home.
SPF
And finally, always always always, sunscreen. No matter the season, no matter the weather. Right now I am using the iUNIK Beta Glucan Barrier Sunscreen and I really love it. It sits beautifully under makeup and does not leave a white cast. Another one I have in my handbag is Abib Quick Sunstick SPF50+, I love it as it’s completely transparent and you can even use it on top of your makeup and it gives you a healthy glow while also protecting. So good.
My Evening Routine
Double Cleansing
In the evening, I always double cleanse. Even on days I have not used makeup. This is probably the most important step in my entire routine.
First, I go in with a cleansing balm to melt away makeup, sunscreen, and everything that has accumulated on my skin throughout the day. There is something so satisfying about massaging it in and feeling it go from a solid balm to a silky oil on your skin, dissolving everything from the day. Right now I am using the Diego Dalla Palma Professional Cleansing Balm, but it is running out and next I am trying the 1205 Dokdo Cleansing Balm which I am super excited about. You can check out the 1025 Dokdo Cleansing balm here.
Then I follow up with a water-based cleanser. I am currently using the LANEIGE Water Fresh Gel Cleanser. It is gentle, which I like for my skin and it does the job. But I am a milk cleanser girl at heart, so I am still on the hunt for the one that I will be completely obsessed with. Some cleansing milks I have loved in the past are from Sothys, Diego Dalla Palma Professional, Dior, and Chanel. There are so many good ones out there.
Toner Pads and Exfoliation
After cleansing, I use my Anua PDRN pads again just like in the morning.
About three times a week, I also use the Medicube PHA Toner Pads to gently exfoliate my skin. I use the PHA ones specifically because I have more sensitive skin and PHAs are the gentlest form of chemical exfoliation. If you want to learn more about the difference between AHA, BHA, and PHA, I have written a full blog post on that. You can read it by pressing the link below.
Serum
In the evening, my serum is the Anua Azelaic Acid Serum. Azelaic acid is great for evening out skin tone, calming redness, and gently helping with texture. It is one of those ingredients that is gentle enough for sensitive skin while still being really effective.
Eye Cream and Moisturizer
Same as in the morning. VT Cosmetics Eye Cream and the Anua 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream.
Retinal
Some evenings, after my moisturizer, I also use the Celimax Retinal. I apply it on top of my moisturizer using what is called the buffer method. This basically means you create a layer of moisturizer between your skin and the retinal, which helps reduce irritation. Since (again) I have more sensitive skin, this method works really well for me. I’m sure my skin would be okay with me applying it before moisturizer, but a routine is a routine, right.
Locking Everything In
This is the step that I think makes the biggest difference in my evening routine. I always try to lock in everything with one final layer.
Some nights I use the Medicube Collagen Wrapping Mask. It has a clear gel consistency that you apply over everything, let it set, go to sleep, and peel off in the morning. Peeling it off is honestly the most satisfying part. The skin underneath is always so plump, hydrated and feels like silk. If you want to see how I use it and what the consistency looks like, I made a reel showing the whole process.
How to use the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask Instagram Reel
Other nights I go with the Abib Lifting Collagen Wrapping Mask, which has a more milky consistency compared to the Medicube. It is another great option for locking everything in while you sleep. I have made a video of this one too if you want to see it.
How to use the Abib Lifting Collagen Wrapping Mask Instagram Reel
And on the nights I want something simpler and faster, I use the Aima Sense Face Oil. Just a few drops pressed into the skin as the final step. Oil creates a barrier that prevents all the products underneath from evaporating overnight, so you wake up with everything still working on your skin. Check it out here.
The Extras
And then, of course there is the extras. These are things I do not necessarily do every single day, but they are part of my routine on a regular basis.
I love using sheet masks and hydrogel masks whenever my skin needs some extra love. I try to do this at least twice a week.
Gua sha is another tool I use regularly to help with lymphatic drainage and depuffing. It makes my face feel more lifted and awake, and it is one of those habits where you really notice the difference when you stop doing it.
I also use my CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Mask regularly. If you want to know more about LED light therapy, I have written about it in my facial treatments post, including how it works and what wavelengths to look for.
And I use the Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro device to help my serums and creams absorb even deeper into the skin. It uses microcurrent technology and I love using it in the evening when I have a bit more time.
Conclusion
That is my complete skincare routine as of right now. It will probably look a little different in a few months because I am always curious and always trying new things. But these are the products that are working for my skin at this moment and that I genuinely enjoy using.
Remember, what works for my skin might not work for yours. We all have different skin types, concerns, and needs. But I hope this gives you some inspiration and maybe introduces you to a product or two that you end up loving.
And do not forget, you can use my personal koreanbeauty.se link to get 10 percent off everything on their site. The discount is applied automatically in your basket as long as you enter their site via my link.
I am also working on something that goes deeper into skincare, so stay tuned.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. And if you shop through my koreanbeauty.se link, it is actually cheaper for you with the 10 percent discount. All products mentioned are ones I have personally tried and genuinely love.
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