After months of using what could only fit in a small plastic bag, nothing over 100ml, my skin was looking tired. The week before I landed back in Australia, I ordered some new skincare products online and sent them home. Let’s just say I went a little overboard with the spending. But after trialling these products for over two weeks, I can say that they have transformed my skin. It’s well worth the money and the time it takes to layer it all on. My skin has cleared up, and it’s plump and baby soft. All of the products are Korean (the obsession continues) with beautiful ingredients. So, here is the routine that saved my skin after three months of travelling.
I’m From – Fig Cleansing Balm
I go between using oils and balms for my first step cleanser, but I think I prefer a balm. There’s something comforting about rubbing it between your fingers and feeling it melt from the warmth of your skin. This cleansing balm is the prettiest of pink colours and has a subtle sweet smell. It’s gentle but really does the job to remove makeup and sunscreen. I use this cleanser only in the evenings and my skin is left so smooth after using it.
By Wishtrend – Green Tea & Enzyme Milky Foaming Wash
For my second step, I am using this cleanser from By Wishtrend. This is actually (surprisingly) the first time that I have used a Korean water-based cleanser. In the past, I’ve only used CeraVe and O Cosmetics (an Australian brand I was prescribed from a skin consultation). I am so impressed by this cleanser. You honestly need the smallest amount for an impressive lather, it cleans well, washes off so easily, and is super gentle (no eye irritation at all). Now that I am back in Perth with soft water, I use a water-based cleanser in the morning and evening.
Mixsoon – Bifida Ferment Essence
I’d never tried any Mixsoon products before this one, but I’ve fallen in love with their philosophy. Their focus is on creating products that really highlight core ingredients – including only what is essential. The Bifida Ferment Essence is one of twelve Pure Essences. This fermented ingredient is designed to rejuvenate and repair damaged skin barriers – exactly what I needed. The consistency is slightly more watery than most other essences I have tried, but I’ve found that one layer works well. I use this after I apply my retinal at night.
Pyunkang Yul – Black Tea Deep Infusion Toner
I heard about this toner through one of my favourite YouTube channels – Beauty Within. It did not disappoint. It’s incredibly hydrating with only one pump. It contains some wonderful ingredients like niacinamide, green tea extract, panthenol, and sea buckthorn. Not to mention how beautiful the packaging is (the bottle is iridescent). Even though this is a toner, I apply it after the aforementioned essence because it is much more viscous. Usually, I go thinnest to thickest consistency (unless concentrated actives are involved). I use it both in the morning and the evening.
By Wishtrend – Propolis Energy Calming Ampoule
Keeping on theme with the Bifida Ferment Essence, I added this ampoule to my routine to help revitalise my skin after travel. This product contains houttuynia cordata extract and propolis extract, which work together to provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, nourishing, and healing properties. Like most propolis products, it does have a slightly oily texture, so I like to keep it for my night time routine. I make sure to apply this after the toner and essence.
I’m From – Vitamin Tree Water Gel
Gel moisturisers are close to being my favourite thing in the world. I have had some loves in the past – the Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream and the Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream by Etude House. But oh my goodness, this one is even better. It’s aimed at brightening and soothing, with sea buckthorn being its first ingredient. The texture of this moisturiser is light and silky, and it has a nice dewy finish to it. It honestly feels like velvet. Apply this as your last step (in the AM apply a sunscreen on top).
I’m From – Honey Mask
This honey mask by I’m From is made with 38.7% pure honey, propolis extract, and even bee venom. Just a tip – don’t eat it… (I thought it might just taste like honey, it doesn’t). It’s not too sticky on the skin and you can leave it on for ten minutes to an hour. After I used this, my skin the next morning was the softest thing ever. It’s so deeply nourishing. Use the mask after you’ve cleansed and then apply all other products after it’s washed off. I’ll use it once a week (or when I feel my skin needs it).
The combination of all of these products in my new routine has saved my skin. My redness and post-acne scars have reduced dramatically. It looks healthier, smoother, and brighter. If you’re after products that can help to repair and rejuvenate your skin – here they are. Enjoy!
Yours,
Kait x
Cover photo by Dmitriy Zub