Some may think I'm blessed with above average skin but in actual fact, I suffer from bouts of eczema though granted, I don't get terrible acne, I still get the stubborn black and white heads. I refused to slack off and have tried so many products, I have to constantly clear my graveyard of skincare products. I must qualify that there is no one single solution for everyone.
In this post, I just like to share what works for me. Note: This post is not sponsored, neither is my site.
1. Shu Uemura Skin Purifier - Holy Grail of Make Up Remover
To me, all the variants work the same way. I picked green just because they told me it's anti-aging and I'm a sucker for such marketing. I am into my 12th bottle over many many years and this is one constant of my skincare regime.
Having had enough of complicated steps of removing makeup with several products, what this cleansing oil offers is a one step solution. All my makeup, including stubborn eye makeup, will melt away. I usually take about 30 seconds to massage the massage onto my skin and after emulsifying the oil, I clean my face off with a sponge. It is not drying and felt rather mild. One big plus, it smells good too. However, in our hot climate, the oil also tend to turn rancid after a couple of months. Hence, the dilemma of whether to buy the small or big bottle. But I always always end with the big ass one anyway.
I must say I'm not really a fan of some Shu Uemura products including the much raved about mousse foundation. But I am very much loyal to that kryptonite looking bottle of pleasant smelling oil.
2. Clarisonic Mia 2 - Sonic Skin Cleansing System
When I first came across this product, I refused to give two hoots because once upon a time, I owned a similar product and it was utter rubbish. But having read much reviews raving about this products while my skin is plagued with excessive and persistent blackheads, I decided to give it a try. Yes, I'm a sucker.
On the first day of using it, I could already feel the difference but decided to extend the monitoring period. It's been a while since I started using this product religiously everyday, I can see my skin starting to glow. It WILL NOT remove all your blackheads but there is significant improvement as far as my skin condition is concerned. Breakouts are fewer and further between, skin feels far more balanced.
It even comes with a travelling case which is really convenient to travel with. Recently, I brought it to Bangkok and didn't even have to bring my charger as a fully charged Mia 2 can last for at least a week without having the need to recharge it.
3. Philosophy Purity Made Simple
Some might ask why recommend a cleanser with make up removing capabilities and then rave about another cleansing oil. That is because I don't like the feeling of having the remnants of the cleansing oil on my face so I will always have the extra step of cleansing my face after. They are usually mild and not necessarily a make up remover.
Prior to Purity Made Simple, I was using a product from Luxe which I adored. While the cost of every bottle is not high, it runs out a little too fast for my preference. That worked out to be an extremely expensive cleanser. Just after reading reviews after reviews on this miraculous cleanser, I decided to give this a try. And bring the crazy person that I am, I shipped a 32oz bottle from the US. Thank God the effort was worth the while.
Firstly, I'm a bit undecided when it comes to the smell of the product. Sometimes I love it and find it refreshing, sometimes I feel like I'm smearing chemicals on my face. But in all, this cleanser doesn't strip my skin off its natural oils and leaves it feeling rather moist. Like I mentioned, it's my secondary cleanser so I don't use it to remove my makeup and even when I'm cleaning my face with this after a round of make up remover, it still gives me a refreshing feeling without being damaging.
4. Dr Organic Manuka Honey Rescue Cream
My eczema doesn't only affect me on my cheeks but my eyelids. Which means you have a good chance of catching me with one extremely swollen eye with quadruple eyelid. I scoured the internet for solutions and found this...
It works and I have even started to use this as a moisturiser on drier days. However, living on the equator will mean, very rarely. I have also used this rescue cream as my regular eyecream. Be warned that this is very rich so if you have oily skin, I wouldn't recommend this. But for dry skin, this might just be your savior. And whenever I spot a scabby part of my body, I will slap some on and give it 2 days, you will see a world of difference. Best part? It is highly affordable and if you're residing in Singapore, you can find it at Holland & Barrett.
5. Nuxe Crème Prodigieuse
Stumbled upon this moisturiser when I gave up on the expensive creams. Firstly, this smells sooooo good and I feel so pampered every time I'm moisturising my face. You will be able to tell the difference overnight from your first use. I'm actually very reluctant to share this little secret but I'm feeling rather generous today. Only problem: It comes in this small tube and runs out too quickly. I have recently picked up the night version as I have another product I'm using for the day. This brings me to my next recommendation.
6. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
This is no hidden secret and is a favourite for many women around the world. I picked it up because it's a fuss free solution for my morning regime. The moisturiser slides on so smoothly, you don't really have to tug on your skin. As for its moisturising effect, I have to admit I can't tell.
But upon application, my skin looks healthy and flawless which removes the need for foundation altogether. And because it's really only a moisturiser, it doesn't stress out the skin like make up would. With SPF 20, that would remove my need to have to slap on yet another layer of product. My skin can finally breathe and feel light throughout the day.
