Welcome to Beauty Logs, otherwise known as B-Logs, where we share real reviews — no holds barred — by and for those who are constantly on the lookout for the latest additions to their list of holy grail products.
When I started working on this article, I had experienced months of pimple-free bliss and was eager to declare that the condition of my skin has never been better. While hormonal acne did get to me eventually, the statement still remains true. Lately, my face has been generally free of problems and my outbreaks don’t last as long as they used to, which may be a sign that my current routine is serving me well. That said, I’m attempting to practice intuitive skincare by making adjustments to my routine according to how my skin reacts to the products I use.
My Daytime Skincare Routine
#1. Cleanser
To start, I cleanse my face with Caudalie’s Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser after brushing my teeth. I appreciate its mild scent, which is possibly a combination of grape and sage. More importantly, the formula is gentle and my skin feels supple after each wash.
After making it my mission to test a bunch of gel cleansers, I wound up switching to a foaming cleanser. Foaming cleansers are generally recommended for humid climates as they remove water-based debris such as dirt and perspiration.
#2. Toner
Next, I use Hada Labo’s Hydrating Lotion (Light) as a toner and pat the solution all over my face. This product contains four types of hyaluronic acid and works to replenish any moisture from the skin barrier that may have been lost during the cleansing process.
Hada Labo is a Japanese skincare brand that can be found at run-of-the-mill personal wellness stores and large supermarkets in Singapore. I decided to try some of their products because my editor could not stop raving about how affordable and efficient they are. I also gave the Blemish and Oil Control Hydrating Lotion a shot to see if it could keep acne at bay. But I didn’t fancy the overwhelming plant-like scent and its texture, so I’ll be sticking with the lighter solution.
#3. Serum
Then it’s on to Drunk Elephant’s B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum. This water-based serum contains sodium hyaluronate — it essentially serves the same function as hyaluronic acid but has a smaller molecular weight that allows it to penetrate the skin more effectively. The formula also contains pro-vitamin B5, which is supposed to improve the skin’s barrier function. I apply it with my fingers for maximum absorption.
#4. Moisturizer
I make sure to always use a moisturizer that contains Vitamin C since it complements Vitamin B. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C also helps to protect against the breakdown of elastin and collagen, prevent damage caused by free radicals, as well as reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation.
I currently alternate between two options: Fresh Beauty’s Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream and Essano’s Vitamin C SPF15 Moisturizer. The former smells divine and I save it for days when my face looks lackluster. The latter is a cheaper drugstore alternative that I apply more liberally. It is also non-greasy and smells like chocolate orange, which is a win in my book.
#5. Sunblock
I have to confess that applying sunblock is my least favorite part of my daytime skincare routine. Sometimes I skip it even though I know better — typically on days when I don’t leave my house because I have to wear my glasses and I hate how they feel against moist skin. I promise I’m working on pushing through the discomfort!
I’m currently using a moisturizing sunscreen cream by Holika Holika. The formula is pretty lightweight and has calming properties thanks to the aloe vera extract, so I recommend it for day-to-day wear.
My Nighttime Skincare Routine
#3. Serum
At night, I use the same cleanser and toner before applying my serums. On top of my Drunk Elephant hydration serum, I also switch between Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum and L’Occitane’s Immortelle Reset Oil-in-Serum. I am currently using samples of both products to figure out which I should invest in. My mom and I noticed that our pores momentarily become more visible when we use the latter but we are unsure what that indicates.
#4. Moisturizer
Then I slather some night cream on my face to lock in the moisture. I alternate between Hada Labo’s Shirojyun Premium Whitening Water Cream and Fresh Beauty’s Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream. The former is packed with properties that are meant to address dark spots, dullness, and uneven skin tone; the latter is packed with restorative antioxidants. Sometimes I end up applying one after the other because I really want my skin to replenish its moisture overnight.
#5. Lip Mask
For years, I resisted using Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask even though I was given samples from purchasing their water sleeping masks — I found the formula too sticky for my liking. But sometime in 2020, my lips were starved of moisture and cracked so often that wearing lip balm or lip oil during the day was insufficient.
After giving this product another go, I discovered that it was the solution I had been sleeping on (pun intended). On the rare occasion that I skip this step, the effects are visible the very next day. The only downside is that I can’t sleep with my blanket over my face like I used to since the gel will get on my sheets.
I’m currently on a mission to taste as many flavors as possible. I’ve tried apple lime, sweet candy, and berry so far — mint choco is next on my list.
#6. Body Lotion
Here’s the last step of my skincare routine. I’m simply obsessed with Lush’s Sleepy range and I love the body lotion, from its soothing lavender scent to its creamy texture. I even approve of the copy on the tub that I have, “Dip into a dream painted in brushstrokes of gentle oatmeal infusion and lavender flower.”
On a related note, my friend got me a soap bar and I didn’t even know it was from the Sleepy range until I finally connected the dots. Prior to that, I only used shower gel but I have since converted to bar soaps.
Lately, my skin has been breaking out in hives whenever it’s too hot or too cold. On top of my body lotion, I apply Aqurea’s moisturizing cream to any irritated patches on my skin.
Then it’s lights out, which means I finally climb into bed and hope that I don’t end up tossing and turning for hours on end. Care to share your skincare regimen and favorite beauty products? Let us know in the comments, whether your must-haves are cult favorites or underrated finds!
Feature collage by Sherryl Cheong
