Lately, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about my current skin care routine, so I thought it would be best to give an answer through an in-depth blog post. Today I’m going to provide the deets regarding how I take care of my skin, what products I use, and some tips/tricks I’ve acquired over the years.

First and foremost, my skin wasn’t always cooperative. I actually used to break out from time to time in middle school. I remember trying numerous products to get rid of the blemishes on my face (Benzyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid were my best friends). I even used Proactiv for three months, but nothing worked!

Since high school, my skin has gotten a lot better (BLESS). I still break out once in a while when I’m stressed or when it’s the time of the month, but other than that, I’ve managed to obtain pretty nice skin. Most of it is due to genetics (thanks Mom and Dad), but it’s also due to a lot of environmental factors.

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STEP 1: MAKEUP REMOVER

There are two makeup removers that I’ve been in love with as of late.

Boscia’s Charcoal Makeup Melter

I redeemed this product using my Sephora Beauty Insider points a few months ago, and I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This product has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates and is formulated using sunflower oil, black charcoal, and white charcoal. This oil-balm melts into your skin to remove all traces of makeup, even waterproof mascara!

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Deep Dive Cleansing Gel

I received this product from my Ipsy bag last month, and I fell in love with it. This cleansing gel includes ingredients such as algae and marine flower extracts that gently removes makeup without drying or irritating your skin. It’s perfect for everyday use and like the Boscia Makeup Melter, it also dissolves waterproof makeup. Oh, and did I mention it’s vegan?

How I use this product: Double cleansing is definitely something that I’ve started implementing in my skin care regime because it ensures that ALL of my makeup is removed. I start my skincare routine by using just a little bit of either one of these products. Using my fingers, I gently work the product onto my face (while it’s still dry) using circular motions. After I’ve completely lathered up my face, I rinse it with warm water.

STEP 2: SCRUB

Although I don’t use facial scrubs everyday, it’s quickly become one of my favorite steps of my skin care regime.

Alba Botanica Acnedote Face & Body Scrub

This product was sent to me for free to try and review. Thank you, Influenster, for sending me the #DormLifeVoxBox! It was so nice to receive the box in the mail as I’m currently going through a lot of stress with midterms and student organizations. Y’ALL THIS PRODUCT IS NO JOKE. I’m not saying this because it was sent to me, I have no obligations to do that. I genuinely love this scrub because of how it smells and feels on my face and body. I don’t have much acne, but this product has really helped with removing dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from my pores. I love how it tingles as I use it. The best part is that it feels really refreshing since it works even after rinsing!

How I use this product: Most of the time, I’ll use this product when I’m showering since it can get a little messy. I’ll use a little tiny amount to scrub on my face using circular motions as well as a larger amount onto my body on areas that are more prone to break out (back, arms, etc.). I like to use this product about 2-3 times a week to achieve smoother skin.

STEP 3: FACE WASH

Regardless of having dry, normal, or oily skin, using a face wash is essential to everyday skin care.

Civic Rice Milk Cleansing Cream

I purchased this product while I was on vacation in Thailand over the summer. This facial cleansing cream has a rice milk component that deeply cleanses and brightens your skin. The micro-beads in this cleanser gently removes dead skin cells and reveals softer, smoother skin. Civic Rice Milk Cleansing Cream is enriched with Vitamin E and collagen, which nourishes your skin to the max. Overall, I highly recommend this product.

How I use this product: Immediately following my makeup remover and scrub, I squeeze a dab of this cleanser onto my fingers and message it into my skin using circular motions. I also make sure to get my neck because I blend my makeup onto that area. I usually message this product onto my skin for about 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

STEP 4: TONER

Toner is one of the most skipped steps of a skin care routine, yet it’s also one of the most crucial steps in order to balance your skin.

Lush Eau Roma Toner Water

Eau Roma has two major ingredients: rose and lavender essential oils. Both of these oils combat dryness, redness and irritation. Rose is both nourishing and cooling, while lavender helps your skin produce the right amount sebum.

How I use this product: I usually just spray this product directly onto my face and gently pat it in so that my skin can soak in all of its nutrients. I know, I know. You’re usually supposed to apply toner using a cotton round and wipe your face with it, but my method has really changed the skin care game!

STEP 5: FACE MASKS

Clay, carbonated, charcoal, peel-off, mud, the list can go on and on when it comes to different types of facial masks. Despite the hype of all the other types of masks, sheet masks are still my ultimate go-to.

Tonymoly I’m Real Sheet Masks

These are definitely my favorite face masks as I continue to purchase them again and again. I love how Tony Moly has such a wide range of masks that combat different skin-related dilemmas! These sheet masks are soaked in really nice serum for a long time and offers your skin tremendous nutrients.

How I use this product: I usually do face masks once a week, usually on the days where I feel really stressed. Face masks are not only part of my skin care routine, they’re part of my self-care routine that helps me stabilize my mentality and morality. It’s pretty straight-forward to use. Carefully remove the mask from the package, unfold, apply onto your face matching up with the holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth. I usually leave mine on for 20 minutes. After I remove the mask, I’ll gently pat the serum into my skin. With the extra serum in the package, you can apply it onto other areas of your body such as your neck, arms, and decolletage. Don’t waste the excess serum, it’s so good for your skin!

STEP 6: MOISTURIZER

I can’t stress this enough, even people with oily of skin must use a daily moisturizer.

Nature’s Care Leimei Lanolin Cream

I came across this product when I was at the Hong Kong airport en route to Vietnam. Apparently, it’s really popular in Asia. I’m glad I decided to purchase it because I have seen lots of improvements with my skin ever since initial usage. Formulated with Australian pure lanolin and Vitamin E, this moisturizer is great for making your skin softer, smoother, and more supple.

How I use this product: I usually take a small amount of this cream and dot it all over my face. Then, using my palms, I repeatedly use gentle patting motions to apply the cream all over my face and neck.

STEP 7: Serum

After so many steps, this final step is what’s going to lock everything in and ensure that you didn’t waste all of your efforts. This step is definitely the icing on the cake.

Modicum Skin Care Essential Serum

This serum uses a plant-based formula that’s composed of some of the most medicinal and nutritious plants for the skin such as helichrysum essential oil, sea buckthorn berry oil, black cumin seed oil, and rose dimiscus. This serum helps you achieve smooth, glowing skin, while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. It also heals acne, eczema and psoriasis.

How I use this product: This serum comes in a bottle with a little liquid dropper. Most of the time, I’ll work about 1-3 drops onto the palm of my hands. Then, I’ll gently pat my face with my palms until the serum completely dissolves.

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Yes, I know. My skin care routine has a lot of steps and it’s consisted of a lot of different products, none of which are from the same brand. These are just the products that I’ve currently been using and loving as of late. I hope you were able to gain some valuable insight on how to take care of your skin. Remember, along with a great skincare regime, you also need to have good habits such as drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, frequently washing your pillow cases, cleaning your makeup brushes, and not touching your face with dirty hands! I can’t even stress that enough.

Which skin care products do you highly recommend? Let me know in the comments below!