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Build a Skin Care Routine: My Top Picks
21
items AM/PM skincare routine for normal–combination skin in NZ/AU: cleansers, vitamin C, niacinamide, moisturisers and everyday SPF 50. Tested picks; patch test and adjust.
Map
Sections
5
Cleansers
Toners & Essences
Treatments & Masks
Moisturisers (AM/PM)
SPF 50 (Daily)
Cleansers
Gentle daily options; balm/oil for makeup & sunscreen.
What it is: Balm cleanser that melts sunscreen and makeup.
Why I rate it: Emulsifies cleanly; less tugging than wipes.
How I use it: Dry hands/face, massage, add water to emulsify, rinse; follow with gel/cream cleanser.
Best for: All skin, especially if you wear SPF/makeup.
Why I rate it: Emulsifies cleanly; less tugging than wipes.
How I use it: Dry hands/face, massage, add water to emulsify, rinse; follow with gel/cream cleanser.
Best for: All skin, especially if you wear SPF/makeup.
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm - Dr. Althea
What it is: Low-foaming gel cleanser.
Why I rate it: Cleans without that tight, squeaky feel.
How I use it: Pea-size on damp skin; rinse well.
Best for: Normal/combination, oily; also fine for sensitive when not overused.
Why I rate it: Cleans without that tight, squeaky feel.
How I use it: Pea-size on damp skin; rinse well.
Best for: Normal/combination, oily; also fine for sensitive when not overused.
1025 Dokdo Cleanser
Toners & Essences
Hydrating, alcohol-free toners/essences
What it is: Non-acid hydrating toner to prep and cushion skin.
Why I rate it: Helps serums spread evenly; gentle on reactive days.
How I use it: Palm-press 1–2 layers after cleansing; then serums.
Best for: All skin, especially dehydrated/sensitive.
Why I rate it: Helps serums spread evenly; gentle on reactive days.
How I use it: Palm-press 1–2 layers after cleansing; then serums.
Best for: All skin, especially dehydrated/sensitive.
1025 Dokdo Toner
What it is: A milky, cushioning toner that adds immediate hydration and helps serums spread evenly.
Why I rate it: Calms that tight, post-cleanse feel and pairs well with vitamin C in the morning.
How I use it: Palm-press 1–2 layers after cleansing; seal with moisturiser. On reactive days, use this and skip exfoliants.
Best for: All skin types, especially dehydrated/sensitive.
Why I rate it: Calms that tight, post-cleanse feel and pairs well with vitamin C in the morning.
How I use it: Palm-press 1–2 layers after cleansing; seal with moisturiser. On reactive days, use this and skip exfoliants.
Best for: All skin types, especially dehydrated/sensitive.
Tirtir Milk Skin Toner
What it is: A 96% snail mucin essence that cushions, hydrates, and helps skin look calmer and springier.
Why I rate it: Slippy, layerable hydration that pairs well with vitamin C in the morning.
How I use it: 1–2 pumps after cleansing/toner on damp skin, then moisturiser; stick to hydrating products if your barrier feels touchy.
Best for: Dehydrated, sensitive, or easily red skin; all skin types that want extra slip without oil.
Why I rate it: Slippy, layerable hydration that pairs well with vitamin C in the morning.
How I use it: 1–2 pumps after cleansing/toner on damp skin, then moisturiser; stick to hydrating products if your barrier feels touchy.
Best for: Dehydrated, sensitive, or easily red skin; all skin types that want extra slip without oil.
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Treatments & Masks
Azelaic acid, hydrating masks, lip care.
What it is: Occlusive lip treatment to lock in moisture.
Why I rate it: Cushy finish; helps lips feel comfortable with daily SPF use.
How I use it: Dab a rice-grain amount after skincare at night or sparingly in the morning before SPF.
Best for: Dry or easily-flaky lips.
Why I rate it: Cushy finish; helps lips feel comfortable with daily SPF use.
How I use it: Dab a rice-grain amount after skincare at night or sparingly in the morning before SPF.
Best for: Dry or easily-flaky lips.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
What it is: Peptide-rich serum aimed at supporting the look of firmness and overall skin bounce.
Why I rate it: Plays nicely on nights off from stronger actives.
How I use it: After toner, before cream; avoid layering with exfoliants the same night if your skin is reactive.
Best for: Normal/combination; dryness or dullness.
Why I rate it: Plays nicely on nights off from stronger actives.
How I use it: After toner, before cream; avoid layering with exfoliants the same night if your skin is reactive.
Best for: Normal/combination; dryness or dullness.
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
What it is: Texture-smoothing treatment used sparingly for glow.
Why I rate it: Noticeable “polish” when used conservatively.
How I use it: Thin layer on clean, dry skin at night; skip retinoid the same evening; moisturiser on top.
Best for: Dullness/texture; not for very sensitive or compromised barriers.
Why I rate it: Noticeable “polish” when used conservatively.
How I use it: Thin layer on clean, dry skin at night; skip retinoid the same evening; moisturiser on top.
Best for: Dullness/texture; not for very sensitive or compromised barriers.
Reedle Shot 100
What it is: Cooling gel mask to replenish hydration.
Why I rate it: Post-active comfort on nights you dial things back.
How I use it: 10–20 minutes after cleanse or serum; Follow with cream.
Best for: Dehydrated or over-treated skin days.
Why I rate it: Post-active comfort on nights you dial things back.
How I use it: 10–20 minutes after cleanse or serum; Follow with cream.
Best for: Dehydrated or over-treated skin days.
Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask
What it is: Gel sheet mask with a bouncy, cooling feel.
Why I rate it: Quick plump look before events; calming after travel.
How I use it: 15–20 minutes after toner/serum; seal with moisturiser.
Best for: All skin types needing a hydration top-up.
Why I rate it: Quick plump look before events; calming after travel.
How I use it: 15–20 minutes after toner/serum; seal with moisturiser.
Best for: All skin types needing a hydration top-up.
Torriden | Cellmazing Low Molecular Collagen Firming Gel Sheet Mask
What it is: An overnight mask that forms a light “wrap” to lock in moisture for a plumper-looking complexion by morning.
Why I rate it: Great on nights off from stronger actives or after travel/air-con; wakes up skin looking smoother and better hydrated.
How I use it: Pea- to blueberry-size as the final step over moisturiser; 2–3×/week or whenever skin feels parched.
Best for: Normal/dry/dehydrated; combo can use sparingly on cheeks.
Why I rate it: Great on nights off from stronger actives or after travel/air-con; wakes up skin looking smoother and better hydrated.
How I use it: Pea- to blueberry-size as the final step over moisturiser; 2–3×/week or whenever skin feels parched.
Best for: Normal/dry/dehydrated; combo can use sparingly on cheeks.
Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
Moisturisers (AM/PM)
Lightweight gels and barrier creams.
What it is: Lightweight daily moisturiser with a small amount of in-built SPF.
Why I rate it: Simple hydration that layers cleanly under sunscreen.
How I use it: Apply as moisturiser, then a separate SPF 50 on top for proper day protection.
Best for: Normal/combination; office days when you’ll still add SPF 50 over it.
Why I rate it: Simple hydration that layers cleanly under sunscreen.
How I use it: Apply as moisturiser, then a separate SPF 50 on top for proper day protection.
Best for: Normal/combination; office days when you’ll still add SPF 50 over it.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Moisturiser SPF15
What it is: Lightweight cream that gives a soft-touch finish.
Why I rate it: Balances hydration without greasiness.
How I use it: Pea-size over serums; more on dry areas, less on T-zone.
Best for: Combo/oily or anyone who dislikes heavy creams.
Why I rate it: Balances hydration without greasiness.
How I use it: Pea-size over serums; more on dry areas, less on T-zone.
Best for: Combo/oily or anyone who dislikes heavy creams.
Medicube Zero Pore Cream NZ
What it is: An oil-free gel moisturiser with a fresh, fast-absorbing finish.
Why I rate it: Layers cleanly under SPF and makeup without pilling; great in warmer NZ/AU weather or for combo/oily skin that dislikes heaviness.
How I use it: 1–2 pumps after serums; more on dry areas, less on the T-zone.
Best for: Normal/combination/oily; dehydration without greasiness.
Tip: If you’re using actives at night, buffer with this first on sensitive days.
Why I rate it: Layers cleanly under SPF and makeup without pilling; great in warmer NZ/AU weather or for combo/oily skin that dislikes heaviness.
How I use it: 1–2 pumps after serums; more on dry areas, less on the T-zone.
Best for: Normal/combination/oily; dehydration without greasiness.
Tip: If you’re using actives at night, buffer with this first on sensitive days.
Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Oil-Free Refillable Moisturizer
What it is: A rich, smoothing day cream designed to create a bouncy, well-primed base for makeup.
Why I rate it: Gives immediate plump, dewy slip so foundation glides on—handy for events or drier winter days.
How I use it: Small amount after serums in the morning; press into high-movement areas (cheeks, smile lines). Follow with SPF 50.
Best for: Normal/dry or combo in cooler months; those who like a luminous finish.
Tip: If you run oily, reserve for makeup days or just the perimeter of the face.
Why I rate it: Gives immediate plump, dewy slip so foundation glides on—handy for events or drier winter days.
How I use it: Small amount after serums in the morning; press into high-movement areas (cheeks, smile lines). Follow with SPF 50.
Best for: Normal/dry or combo in cooler months; those who like a luminous finish.
Tip: If you run oily, reserve for makeup days or just the perimeter of the face.
New Charlotte's Magic Cream™ - Charlotte Tilbury
What it is: A lightweight, water-burst moisturiser that hydrates without heaviness and settles to a soft, non-greasy finish.
Why I rate it: Layers cleanly under makeup and SPF 50; helps keep T-zones comfortable in warmer NZ/AU weather while still easing dehydration on cheeks.
How I use it: Pearl-size after serums; a touch more on drier areas, less through the centre of the face. Follow with sunscreen in the morning.
Best for: Normal/combination/oily; those who want hydration without shine.
Why I rate it: Layers cleanly under makeup and SPF 50; helps keep T-zones comfortable in warmer NZ/AU weather while still easing dehydration on cheeks.
How I use it: Pearl-size after serums; a touch more on drier areas, less through the centre of the face. Follow with sunscreen in the morning.
Best for: Normal/combination/oily; those who want hydration without shine.
Tatcha The Water Cream
What it is: A fast-absorbing hyaluronic acid cream (low-molecular blend) that pulls in and holds water for bouncy, comfortable skin.
Why I rate it: Gives lasting hydration without greasiness—great in warmer NZ/AU weather.
How I use it: Pea-size after serums on slightly damp skin; more on cheeks, less through the T-zone. On very dry nights, seal with a thicker cream or sleeping mask.
Best for: All skin types, especially dehydrated/combination and sensitive-leaning.
Why I rate it: Gives lasting hydration without greasiness—great in warmer NZ/AU weather.
How I use it: Pea-size after serums on slightly damp skin; more on cheeks, less through the T-zone. On very dry nights, seal with a thicker cream or sleeping mask.
Best for: All skin types, especially dehydrated/combination and sensitive-leaning.
Torriden DIVE IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cream
What it is: A plush, water-burst cream with “blue” hyaluronic complex to replenish hydration and soften rough patches.
Why I rate it: Cushiony finish that sits well under SPF 50 and makeup; ideal for cooler months or air-con days.
How I use it: Pearl-size over serums; for combo skin, focus on the perimeter/cheeks and keep the centre lighter.
Best for: Normal to dry, or combo in winter; anyone wanting hydration without a heavy, greasy feel.
Why I rate it: Cushiony finish that sits well under SPF 50 and makeup; ideal for cooler months or air-con days.
How I use it: Pearl-size over serums; for combo skin, focus on the perimeter/cheeks and keep the centre lighter.
Best for: Normal to dry, or combo in winter; anyone wanting hydration without a heavy, greasy feel.
LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturizer
A lightweight, calming moisturiser that’s perfect if your skin gets red, irritated, or “overwhelmed” from actives. The centella helps soothe fast, while still giving enough hydration to keep your barrier happy without feeling greasy. I love this for ...
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream
SPF 50 (Daily)
No-white-cast, makeup-friendly sunscreens.
What it is: Everyday facial sunscreen SPF50+ that sits well under makeup.
Why I rate it: Comfortable finish; easy daily wear in NZ/AU climates.
How I use it: Two-finger rule to face/neck, reapply if outdoors.
Best for: All skin types wanting a no-fuss SPF 50.
Why I rate it: Comfortable finish; easy daily wear in NZ/AU climates.
How I use it: Two-finger rule to face/neck, reapply if outdoors.
Best for: All skin types wanting a no-fuss SPF 50.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen
What it is: A lightweight, water-gel sunscreen with rice extract and vitamin B5 (panthenol) to hydrate and soothe while providing broad-spectrum SPF50+ protection.
Why I rate it: Comfortable, non-greasy finish that layers well over moisturiser and under makeup; generally minimal to no white cast and feels good in NZ/AU humidity or office air-con.
How I use it: Two-finger rule to face + a third finger for neck/ears. Apply after moisturiser, let set 60–90 seconds before makeup. Reapply every ~2 hours if outdoors.
Best for: All skin types, especially combo/dehydrated or easily irritated.
Why I rate it: Comfortable, non-greasy finish that layers well over moisturiser and under makeup; generally minimal to no white cast and feels good in NZ/AU humidity or office air-con.
How I use it: Two-finger rule to face + a third finger for neck/ears. Apply after moisturiser, let set 60–90 seconds before makeup. Reapply every ~2 hours if outdoors.
Best for: All skin types, especially combo/dehydrated or easily irritated.
Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ Broad Spectrum