I’m a little late with this post because I drafted a post about my May purchases but I didn’t have the time to take photos. So instead, I’m offering you a post that’s a mini version of something that’s actually been requested a lot — my skincare routine.
My home base (Manila) skincare routine is a bit different, but here are the products that I am traveling with. The steps are slightly modified (no toner!) and the products are subbed for more travel friendly options. Since traveling allows me to use some of my smaller samples, I’ve been using this summer to do the shop my stash challenge and have already accumulated some empties! Once I’m back in America I’ll do a big round up of all the products I’ve tried.
Step One: Cleanse
I recently tried CeraVe, and I have to say that Cetaphil truly is the best cleanser for my face. Whenever I travel I pack the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for all skin types, but sometimes I’ll also pick up a bottle of the oily skin type cleanser when I’m in the Philippines. After trying countless cleansers, I don’t think that I’ll ever use another brand unless I somehow run out!
Step Two: Exfoliate (Physical)
Since arriving in Asia I’ve been going back to exfoliating my face with a gel peel every Wednesday. I like gel peels because they’re gentle on the skin and it’s satisfying to see it pill up. I haven’t tried the Exfoliating Peel Gel from Boscia yet, but I’m excited to test it this week!
Step Three: Eye Cream
I don’t think an eye cream is necessary in a skincare routine, but the Skin Food Royal Honey Essential Eye Cream is the most moisturizing cream I’ve got in my entire skincare collection, including everything I left in my storage unit. I love it because it moisturizes the skin around my eyes, while also shielding them from my chemical exfoliant, conditioning my lashes, and acting as an emergency cream for dry patches. It’s a great multipurpose product, even if it isn’t advertised as one!
Step Four: Exfoliate (Chemical)
Paula’s Choice’s 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is one of my holy grail products. When anyone asks me why my skin looks good, I credit this product. I’ve tried several different brands, but Paula’s Choice keeps coming up on top. I’m currently trying out the gel formula when I’m in Manila, but the liquid version comes with me on trips. The packing is also really great in terms of travel. It has a screw on cap as well as a stopper.
Step Five: Moisturize
I packed two moisturizers because I had a feeling that I would run out of the first one. I like, but don’t love, Belief’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb. It’s a little more pleasant to the touch than the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, but at $38 it’s 27% more expensive and contains slightly less product — also the packaging is weirdly large. Whenever I get a sample in a beauty box I like using it for travel, but I just can’t justify buying the full size.
The second moisturizer I packed is the Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer. When I left my firm, two of the loveliest people I know gifted me an Origins travel set and one of the items included was this moisturizer. I really love the GinZing eye cream, and since receiving this gift, I’ve used the moisturizer a couple of times. Depending on how this trial run goes, I just might replace my Kiehl’s with it!
Step Six: Oil Control
My skin is so f*cking oily in the Philippines. Like seriously, it’s so frustrating. I’ve been breaking out like crazy and I’m really mad about it. Since I’ve been shopping my stash, I decided to finish up an old discontinued product I have, the Skinfood Fresh Apple Sparkling Pore Serum (listen, I don’t respect expiration dates). I forgot how much I loved it and how much it helps control my oil. This is the thickest cream I’m traveling with and it has a subtle powder finish which is why this serum goes after my moisturizer.
Optional Step: Sheet Mask
I always pack a sheet mask — specifically the Innisfree Bio Cellulose Brightening Mask — when I travel so that I can use it on the airplane. I think I maybe actually use it 10% of the time. It’s a nice concept, but I feel weird doing a sheet mask when someone I don’t know is right next to me. It’s also kind of messy. But the mask is good and remains as one of my favorites!
Sorry for the late post, but next week will be an exciting one. I promise!
jamiesque 