When it comes to building a skincare routine, I believe less is more. In addition, knowing/finding a skincare product suited for your skin type is always better than just buying expensive/trendy ones. Therefore, never feel guilty or embarrassed about asking for skincare samples.
Now, let’s talk about my winter routine!~~
* Sonoma Naturals Rose Hip Seed Oil
In late 2014, I moved from Southern California to the New England Area. And yes, winter in New England can be brutal to your skin. (Even with my oily/combination skin, I still constantly felt the dryness.) As a result, for the first time in my life, I started adding oil product into my daily routine.
In an uncharacteristic move, I bought Sonoma Naturals Rose Hip Seed Oil without doing any research. I had originally planned to use it on my hand and hair if it reacted weird with my face. However, after applied it for a week, my skin condition improved a lot: it became smoother and I no longer felt the dryness on my face.
* Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion
Most winter days in New England area are kind of gloomy. However, it doesn’t mean you don’t need any UV protection!
Because I am always in a rush in the morning, I will go with any daytime moisturizer that contains sunscreen in order to save time.
After spent several days doing research, I decided to give Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion a try. ( mostly because I’ve been using Shiseido products for many years. In addition, the White Lucent is designed to “focus on environmental stressors such as UV rays, air pollution, and dryness to provide comprehensive protection.” )
The product itself is lightweight and can be absorbed by skin very fast. In addition, it also refined my skin texture and created a healthy glow on my face.
*Kiku-Masamune Skincare Lotion
Harsh chemicals can damage the protective layer of our skin and cause rashes or dryness on our faces. Therefore, especially during winter, many people tend avoid using any skincare products that contain alcohol.
Although Kiku-Masamune Skincare Lotion is made with sake, it hydrates my skin quite well. The product is very watery and can be absorbed quickly. In addition, the kojic acid from the sake filtrate is a very good source for antioxidants and also a very powerful skin-lightening agent.
In the morning, I use it with Muji Cut Cotton after cleaning my face to balance its oiliness. At night, I normally soak my Muji facial mask with the lotion and leave the mask on my face for about five minutes to maximize its hydration ability. After using it for about a year (this is my third bottle), my face has gotten softer and smoother. In addition, it has also minimized my pores.
*Bliss Triple oxygen Instant Energizing Forming Mask
Finally! I mean finally! Finally I bought this mask. And let me tell you, I have no regrets buying it at all! First of all, the citric smell is incredible. Second, the product actually does what it promised: give me “a super quick fix for dull, tired, and shallow skin.” My face always looks refreshed and radiant after I use it. After I started using it three times a week, I stopped having breakouts on my face! Since the product will form foams immediately after you smear it on your face, what I like to do is pumping good amount of gels evenly all over my face, then smear with my palm all at once. While the foam makes the sizzling,penetrating noise on the face, you can simply make yourself a cup of bedtime tea or brush your teeth to get ready for bed.
*Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream
I love this moisturizer so much! I’ve been using Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream since last summer. The product can be absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy look or feel and my skin became softer and looked hydrated. In addition, the cucumber-ish scent is super refreshing!!
Winter can be tough to skin. While taking good care of your face, don’t forget your body!!!!!( I mean, you still need your body to be ready when the sundress/shorts season arrives.)
My own skin seems to become more sensitive during winter; therefore, besides apply body butter/cream, I tend to not use my loofah as much as in summer, because it creates unnecessary scratches on my skin.
And, to be honest, I normally don’t like to shave that often during winter because nothing causes skin irritation like a blade. However, when I shave, I always choose a fresh and sharp razor to keep the damage to its minimum. (typically, I like to buy a whole bunch of razors and store them in my bathroom. Yes, I’m talking about a good half–year’s supply. But, if you don’t want all these razors to take over your storage space and always forget/ have no time to pick up fresh razors, you can always try a subscription service like Dollarshaveclub. (Each month, depending on which service you subscribed, the Dollarshaveclub will send the razor of your choice to your door with extra cartridges.) Therefore, you will never need to worry about running out of fresh and sharp razors. (Speak of the Dollarshaveclub, do you know they also have a cute/interesting blog called “The Bathroom Minutes“? )
Last but not least, when using heaters, make sure to drink enough water or buy a nice humidifier to keep your body hydrated!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~Bla-Bla Time~~~~~~~~~~~
*I know I’m not very active, but in 2016, I will try to write as many as I could (Still, don’t keep you hope too high~ >.<)
*It’s never easy to take a picture while this curious black monster is around. Do you know how many times I have to pick her up then take the pictures?
*Most important!!! I CAN”T WAIT FOR THE SPRING COMING!!!! (but according to the Weather app, this week, we will get tons of rain and……..snow again….. *sigh*)