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The ultimate skincare guide
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items I'm not a qualified aesthetician, dermatologist, or skin specialist by any means. I'm just obsessed with skincare and wanted to share my experiences, recommendations, and research (the good and the bad). As a teen, I had persistent acne and nothing s...
Sections
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Top skincare products
Top skincare brands
Additional recommendations
Top skincare products
For all skin types and concerns, according to popular opinion and my personal experience.
Affordable. Makes skin glow. Reduces the appearance of pores. Can be applied morning and night. Since purchasing my first bottle years ago, I've been a loyal advocate and won't use any other. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum
There's a reason it's gone viral. Shaving bumps? Gone? Back acne? No more. Be careful not to pair with certain actives, and it'll sting if you apply it directly after shaving (I learned from experience). (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Delivers fast hydration and visible plumping at a very low price. This serum definitely brightened my skin and dries with a distinct glow. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
A lightweight gel serum designed to reduce post-acne dark spots, refine pores, and smooth uneven skin texture. (Affiliate link)
CeraVe Blemish Control Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Suited to oily and acne-prone skin. When using it in the morning, this always clears away the thick layer of oil that has built up on my face overnight. After some recent back and chest acne flare ups, I experimented with this and found it also helpe...
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
An affordable, dermatologist-tested wash formulated for dry-to-normal, sensitive skin. I use this every night on my face and body for a gentle overall cleanse. (Affiliate link)
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
This thick cream is deeply nourishing, is suitable for all skin types, and can be used on the face and body. When my skin gets flaky in winter, this does the trick immediately. (Affiliate link)
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
Best for dry and damaged skin. As it's multi-purpose, it can be used on the face, body, hands, and any areas with a compromised skin barrier. (Affiliate link)
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5+
Recommended for anti-ageing. Hydrates and plumps the skin, visibly reducing lines and wrinkles. (Affiliate link)
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
A holy grail skincare product for enlarged pores, oily skin, and acne-prone skin. I've just started using this product, and it hasn't yet triggered a purge like I was told so fingers crossed. (Affiliate link)
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Fades hyperpigmentation and reduces the appearance of pores. (Affiliate link)
Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum
Soothes inflamed skin. Bought this to help fade dark spots and it hasn't done much noticeable difference to my skin, but it has helped with my redness. I recommend to those with easily irritated skin. (Affiliate link)
Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ Hyaluron Serum
Went viral for its supposed ability to remove sebaceous filaments and pore gunk. It's a soothing formulation that is effective for removing makeup and dirt. First use broke me out, but my skin got used to it. It didn't remove sebaceous filaments and ...
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
A daytime serum that brightens your complexion and boosts collagen for healthy-looking skin. (Affiliate link)
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
I usually cannot resist squeezing a white head, but using a pimple patch stops me from causing more damage. A pimple patch removes the urge to pop and effectively covers the area. Leave on all day or all night and the gunk should be extracted onto th...
HERO Mighty Patch Pimple Patches
My go-to everyday face sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must if you plan on going out, especially if your routine includes actives that make your skin more sensitive. This one is lightweight and non-greasy - perfect for oily skin. (Affiliate link)
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
I've been using this since I first started getting pimples. It's a staple for combatting white heads, but it dries the skin out so you'll need to use moisturiser the next day. Apply at night as it makes skin sun sensitive too, and it will bleach anyt...
Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel
Top skincare brands
Including both expensive, affordable, and generally popular, these are the top skincare brands based on my experience and research (in no particular order).
The number one dermatologist-recommended skincare brand worldwide, with many popular products praised for their effectiveness. (Affiliate link)
La Roche-Posay
I'm a staunch advocate of The Ordinary as all of their products are clinically tested, vegan, cruelty-free, and affordable, with noticeable effects.
The Ordinary
While this brand is a bit pricier, their best sellers are highly rated for a reason. Their exfoliating toner is an acclaimed product with proven results, particularly for oily and acne-prone skin types. I'm currently trialling their smaller bottle an...
Paula's Choice
A K-beauty industry leader specialising in gentle products made from natural ingredients. Though incredibly popular, the two products I've tried haven't had a huge impact on my skin.
Anua
Every product is infused with traditional Korean medicine that promotes healthy, glowing skin. I love their face sunscreen, and their sheet masks are a great way to nourish and soothe my skin in summer when I keep them in the fridge.
Beauty of Joseon
All products are developed with dermatologists and are best for general, everyday skincare. This brand's cleansers for oily skin are my top recommendation.
CeraVe
A quiet household favourite designed to be gentle on the most sensitive of skin types. I've used this brand's moisturisers and cleansers my entire life and never had any issues.
Cetaphil
Takes skincare one step further with a line of home-use beauty devices. Most popular for their zero pore toner pads.
Medicube
Has several award-winning, medical-grade formulas that produce dramatic results - if you're willing to pay top dollar.(Affiliate link)
SkinCeuticals
Dedicated to developing effective yet minimalist skincare. I've gifted their face masks and received glowing feedback about their effectiveness.
COSRX
Additional recommendations
I don't gatekeep products with incredible results. While these don't technically fall under the skincare category, they are adjacent and equally as beneficial.
My lashes have never looked so long and full. This actually works. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
It takes a few months of consistent use, but it does work. I have noticeable new hair growth and received comments that my hairline has a fresh patch of baby hairs where there were none before. (Affiliate link)
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
This product leaves my hair smelling DIVINE. I started using it recently and there's no noticeable impact to the appearance of my hair yet. (Affiliate link)
Shiseido Fino Premium Hair Mask
I apply this oil every time I wash my hair after blowdrying, only to the very ends to prevent split/dead ends. Hairdressers tell me my hair is very healthy and I like to attribute that to this oil! (Affiliate link)
HASK Argan Oil Repairing Hair Oil
Never skip sun protection on your lips. I've tried a lot of lip balms, and the only products that haven't given me chapped lips are Blistex and Vaseline. (Affiliate link)
Blistex Five-Way Lip Protection SPF20