Skincare routine diary: 9/08/2020

Yep, it’s new series where I’ll regularly share my skincare routine and short reviews on each of the products I’m using. As I’m regularly switching out products, whether it’s due to testing or seasonal changes, I will be updating my new routine on here and provide some insight on the what + why.

Let’s start off with my current routine that I’ve been using this summer.

Morning skincare routine

Cleanser

H2O+ Hydration Sensitive Gel Cleanser* – $28/120ml
My favorite gentle cleanser, it actually leaves my skin feeling hydrated afterwards! Reviewed on Instagram.

First Essence

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence – $99/75ml
My OG essence that just makes my skin better with continuous use. I use a generous amount and tap into my skin until absorbed. This is my 2nd jumbo bottle. Brand review here.

Mist

Caudalie Grape Water – $15/200ml
Very fine mist and feels like water. I’ll keep using this between every layer before my moisturizer.

Hydrating Essence

The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics – $6.80/30ml
A hydrating serum with the texture of an essence, for me this adds that hydration factor the SK-II lacks.

Serum #1

Atolla Customized Serum* – $45/month
My formula 1.5% ascorbic acid + 1.5% arbutin + rumex occidentalis extract + panthenol for brightening + antioxidant benefits. Feels light and absorbs well, no irritations so far.

Serum #2

Neogen Real Ferment Micro Serum* – $32/30ml (get 5% off with code GEEKYPOSH)
One of my favorite serums, this is also full of antioxidants and skin soothing ingredients. A slightly thicker gel texture but still absorbs well. Reviewed here.

Eye Cream

Swanicoco Fermentation Peptine Eye Care Cream – $38/20ml
Super light and layers well, but I prefer thicker formulas for my dry skin. Plus its easy to squeeze too much product out of the tube. I also use on my smile lines.

Moisturizer

Nu+derma Reactivation Gold Ultimate Moisture Surge
Only available in Taiwan. Love how light yet hydrating this feels, and it’s full of great anti-aging ingredients too.

Sunscreen

Rovectin Skin Essentials Aqua Soothing UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++* – $29/50ml
For a mineral sunscreen the formula is actually really light and not drying, but my god the whitecast 💀 I can only wear this when I’m at home.

As you can tell, my routine is all about hydration + antioxidants + a bit of brightening. I keep each layer really light as my skin doesn’t need the heavy occlusives during the day. Also no acids because they can increase sensitivity to the sun!

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Evening skincare routine

1st Cleanser

Sulwahsoo Gentle Cleansing Oil* – $40/200ml
My favorite cleansing oil for its silky texture and soothing hanbang scent. One pump is all I need for waterproof sunscreen/light makeup. Emulsifies well and rinses cleanly.

2nd Cleanser

Korres Greek Yogurt Foaming Cleanser – $15/75ml
A gel texture that foams lightly, non-drying, and smells like vanilla yogurt. My second favorite cleanser after the H2o+.

First Essence

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence – $99/75ml

Hydrating Essence

The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics – $6.80/30ml

Mist

Caudalie Grape Water – $15/200ml
Layered between each step.

Serum #1

Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Retinoid Peptide Serum* – $110/30ml
Pricey but you only need a few drops. Very gentle and light texture, it’s helped keep my fine lines at bay. Reviewed here.

Serum #2

Neogen Real Ferment Micro Serum* – $32/30ml (get 5% off with code GEEKYPOSH)

Spot Treatment

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment* – $88/50ml
A cream that I use only on my stubborn dark spots. I think it’s working?

Eye Cream

Swanicoco Fermentation Peptine Eye Care Cream – $38/20ml

Moisturizer

Lancome Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Soft Cream – $120/30ml
I can’t believe I bought this but ugh it smells + feels so bougie. But I swear my skin has been looking better the next day since using this.

Evenings are where I use my actives, in this case retinoids, as well as my slightly richer cream. I also double cleanse, but only if I wore a waterproof/tinted sunscreen or makeup that day.

Let me know if you have any questions/comments or if you want to see detailed reviews on any of these products!

Jenny Wu

Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.

Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨