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my retinol routine

my step by step process of my retinol nights

H

https1uc4

Dry/Sensitive

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1

Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

i really love how light this is on the skin and it’s such a great first cleanse - and it’s been so gentle on my skin. the fragrance isn’t irritating at all and it smells incredible.

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Dry/Sensitive

it was my first cleansing oil and it's been really good overall. it's really light and helps get all that sebum and gunk out of ur pores. it emulsifies really well and washes off like a dream. edit: i’ve been using it for a few months now and i have to say it’s still my favourite. i love the light heartleaf smell, and it’s so light that it doesn’t dry out on my skin, it really does help keep my pores clean consistently, and it just works really well. even if i don’t wear sunscreen i still use it because it makes my skin really soft and just soothes it after a long day. i agree that it’s a great choice for any skin type really.

Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

ANUA
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

star rating

4.2

(195)

favorite

289

2

Centella Cleansing Foam

my water based cleanser is a holy grail of mine. it has salicylic acid that smooth out my clogged pores and make my skin so soft and supple. it’s so gentle and doesn’t stink my eyes if i leave it on too long.

Centella Cleansing Foam product review
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https1uc4


Dry/Sensitive

this is my latest discovery!! i love trying out new cleansers and finding out what ingredients and types suit my skin the best. a little fyi - i have pretty sensitive skin, i’ve also had a lot of eczema before sometimes on my face as well. bha and aha have always been too strong in the formulations i’ve tried. especially salicylic acid. so i was very reluctant to try this cleanser after i found out it contained salicylic acid. i’m not sure what percentage but i’m assuming somewhere between 0.5% and 1%. it’s main ingredient is centella extract that i personally love as a soothing, hydrating ingredient. it controlled my breakouts when nothing else seemed to soothe them. and it was so great when my skin turned on me and suddenly turned combo to borderline oily for a few weeks. anyway this cleanser has to be one of the most gentle i’ve tried so far ( between foam and gel). it has a nearly milky texture that lathers up very nicely without feeling sticky or drying out too fast, and foams up nice and gentle. i have been struggling with really stubborn texture for so long. i’ve tried so many products and nothing seems to work. i just started retinol and that seems to be settling my skin. but those little bumps and whiteheads on my cheeks are still there! so imagine my surprise when after 2 DAYS of use the salicylic acid smoothed them out to the point i can barely feel them to the touch. i’m so amazed. i really thought people were lying about salicylic acid!! i’ve used gentle exfoliants before but NOTHING has ever been this effective. i know this is a bit of a longer more rant like review, but i hope you enjoy it anyway and let me know if you enjoy these types of reviews more.

Centella Cleansing Foam

MIXSOON
Centella Cleansing Foam

star rating

4.7

(6)

favorite

6

3

Thermal Water

i use this right after cleansing to help toners absorb, before hydrating serums, and certain creams if they have a lot of hydrating ingredients in. it’s gentle and improves penetration of ingredients.

Thermal Water product review
Thermal Water product review
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pristine


Oily/Resilient

Perfect for summer and hot weather! Thermal water can also be used to reduced redness and/or replaced as toner mist. When I got sun exposure, this helps cooling down and soothing my skin. It feels just like spraying water mist on the face, no scent, no color. This product doesn't sting on the eyes. So refreshing! I like the mini size as it is travel friendly, simple and very handy.

Thermal Water

Uriage
Thermal Water

star rating

4.6

(27)

favorite

23

4

Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner Free of Alcohol & Fragrance

favourite hydrating toner ever. the black rice is such a nourishing ingredient and i love the thicker consistency of it. it’s just a 10/10.

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https1uc4


Dry/Sensitive

this toner is very hydrating, it's such a good base before the rest of my skincare. it has helped smoothen my skin slightly, and it definitely locks in a lot of hydration. i have dry and sensitive skin and this product was a god send honestly.

Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner Free of Alcohol & Fragrance

HaruHaru WONDER
Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner Free of Alcohol & Fragrance

star rating

4.7

(322)

favorite

499

5

Madagascar Centella Ampoule

so soothing. so hydrating. controls sebum production and breakouts. it does it all, honestly an all around that covers all your bases but has a thin oily watery texture that absorbs incredibly into the skin.

Madagascar Centella Ampoule product review
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https1uc4


Dry/Sensitive

i thought this product was really overhyped from the reviews and videos i saw on tiktok. it seemed like such a good serum that i was skeptical that it would be able to do so much for my skin. oh boy i was so wrong. from the first use it soothed my skin more than any other product in my routine, the consistency is so lightweight yet oily (not in a bad way) on my skin, it absorbs incredibly, and i woke up to my skin so much softer that it was the night before. i saw basically instant results that just kept getting better. my skin felt soft and smooth every morning. and it was so much easier for it to stay soft, and maintain smooth skin. it also helped with texture and generally with breakouts. i had been struggling with breakouts and being back and forth on flights but i have only had a few breakouts on my forehead in 2 weeks. that's such a win for me right now. this serum is so transformative that i was do 2 layers day and night. half the ampoule is already gone!! i think this is a great option for combo and oily skin, but dry skin shouldn't stay away either because it strengthens the skin barrier, and still nourishes the skin. i have dry/combo, sensitive skin and this worked amazing for me. give it a try!!

Madagascar Centella Ampoule

SKIN1004
Madagascar Centella Ampoule

star rating

4.7

(3510)

favorite

2248

6

The Retinol 0.1 Cream

after i prep my skin and wait for it to completely dry - i apply about a pea sized amount all over my face. and wait for it to absorb for about 10-15 minutes. i love this formula because of the percentage, and its formulation. it contains soothing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, rice extract, allantoin and panthenol; but also brightening and active ingredient like ascorbic acid, glutathione and carrot extract. i just love it.

The Retinol 0.1 Cream product review
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ColleenDoc1996


Dry/Sensitive

▪️𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕠𝕝 𝟘.𝟙 is a cream with .1% pure Retinol, Vitamin E, Adenosine and Panthenol. ▪️𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕠𝕝 𝟘.𝟝 is an oil base, it contains .5% of pure retinol, concentrated Vitamin E, and Squalene. ▪️ It is important with 1st time users of retinol, to allow your skin time to acclimate. Start off every other day, and work your way up. I have used prescription tretinoin on and off in the past, so my skin is pretty tolerable. I started off with the 0.1 every other day the first week. By week 2, I could alternate the .1 and the .5 without any irritation. 🖤 I've used this combination for about 4 weeks now. I use the oil the PM after cleansing, on dry skin. The oil is very lightweight, and does not leave behind a heavy residue. It absorbs quickly, and layers perfectly under my nighttime cream. The cream I apply in the PM, focusing on my problem areas---crow's feet, frown lines, 11 lines, and under eye area. I top off with a heavier occlusive to lock it all in. 🖤 After 4 weeks of continuous use, my skin appears smoother, more radiant and plump. My overall texture has improved. I cannot wait to check back in with my long term results at the 3 month mark----stay tuned!!!

The Retinol 0.1 Cream

COSRX
The Retinol 0.1 Cream

star rating

4.7

(58)

favorite

69

7

Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

i’ve only been using it recently but i like how hydrating it is - it has such a sticky but fast absorbing texture. it’s watery when rubbed in, and an incredible product with so many natural hydrating and soothing ingredients.

Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence product review
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CiaXia04


Oily/Resilient

I love this product ? it makes my skin feel smoother, plumper and softer! It helps with skin texture and brightens up my skin.

Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

COSRX
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

star rating

4.6

(2930)

favorite

5966

8

Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

love the ceramide capsules, the thick texture that blends in like a dream. and it’s honestly such a holy grail night cream. people compare it to the aestura a lot but this one is so much cheaper for essentially the same thing.

Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream product review
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https1uc4


Dry/Sensitive

this is such a holy grail product for me. my skin is on the dry/slightly combo side and i prefer thicker moisturisers especially in the winter. i also have a skin condition (eczema) so keeping my skin nourished and protected is top priority. everyone i’ve seen talk about this moisturiser says that the consistency is really thick and difficult to rub in… but i never had that issue. i had a thick consistency but is so easy to rub in, and is a great thick protective barrier. yet it still sinks into the skin faster than any western moisturiser i ever used before. on the other side of things - popularity wise, illiyoon has been all over the place for ages. but lately the aestura dupe is the only option people talk about. both have ceramide capsules - very unique but illiyoon isn’t talked about nearly as much anymore. by comparison, illiyoon wins by a landslide: bigger size (200ml vs. 80ml), way cheaper, very similar if not identical qualities?!!! as a dry skin boy this will always be my pick.

Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

ILLIYOON
Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

star rating

4.5

(345)

favorite

648

9

Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

i tend to add this on when my skin needs extra protection, and nourishment. it’s great in the winter when my skin is rough and sometimes flaky. and it minimises any irritation from the retinol.

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https1uc4


Dry/Sensitive

avene is a great company - there are a lot of skincare companies based on thermal spring water. i've known this brand since i was a kid and this cream is the top for me. i had a very damaged skin barrier, and really bad texture. and this cream calmed it down and it was the most soothing, restoring product there is. it was so good for my skin. it saved it and especially now in the cold weather i used it at least twice a day. it has 2 types of zinc in that boost and protect the skin barrier, thermal spring water that has a lot of different benefits. it's a thick non drying cream that sits on the skin but absorbs to give u the full benefits. i also have really sensitive eyes and it helps with irritation and flakes around the skin of my eyes. it's such a holy grail product for me. u can see in the video that i'm running out but it's such a great cream i recommend everyone try it at least once.

Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

Avene
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

star rating

4.8

(13)

favorite

36

10

100% Plant-Derived Squalane

in love with face oils to top it all off and lock in all the skincare. especially when i feel my skin is just lacking some needed hydration i reach for this. i prefer this kind of oil specifically because of how versatile squalane is and all its benefits. and i wake up with still nourished skin.

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https1uc4


Dry/Sensitive

i know this can be seen as a pretty basic product. but it has been such an incredible addition to my skincare routine. my skin in the winter gets so dry - and i was using thick moisturisers and avene cicalfate to lock it all in but still my skin was feeling really dull, not nourished, and honestly not it. i was working so hard to maintain my skin and still it wasn’t working. so i tried this (i actually tried rosehip oil first but a vitamin c had squalane in it’s formulation) and specifically this brand just gets it right. it’s oily but not overly greasy, and it dries into the skin so much faster than i expected. i started waking up with my skin still feeling good and not dry and flaky. and it just locks all the moisture into my skin.

100% Plant-Derived Squalane

The Ordinary
100% Plant-Derived Squalane

star rating

4.3

(135)

favorite

262

upvote

9

comment

5

5 Comments

alvianita user profile picture
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alvianita

Oily/Sensitive

Illiyoon ceramide my wishlist 🥰🤭
upvote

1

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0

tataofficial  user profile picture

tataofficial

Dry/Resilient

El retinol es ideal para nuestra piel es importante comenzar 2 veces a la semana
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2

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0

ugcbyfatima user profile picture

ugcbyfatima

Oily/Resilient

These are really great recommendations!
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1

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Mucci user profile picture
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Mucci

Dry/Sensitive

This is so refreshing, especially in the summer months. I must try it out during winter. I honestly never thought of using it during the winter, or on a regular basis.
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