Skincare recommendations for Fall - Winter Seasons (Combination to Dry Skin)

As the cold seasons slowly creeping its way into the east coast, my skin will start to lose its moisture and produce less oil and that means dry skin.  As of now I'm starting to use more hydrating skincare into my everyday routine to stay moisturized.  I change my products around most of the time, I'm not the kind of person that stay loyal to one thing however if I do find something my skin really enjoy I will continue to repurchase until I find something else better.

So far these following items I feel does the job well on my skin.  Please note that everyone's skin is different, what may work well for me doesn't mean it would work well for you, please do your research before trying out a new product.

Cleansers
It is very important to use a gentle non-drying cleansers for dry skin.  Every morning and night I enjoy using the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and to remove my makeup I use the Kose Softymo Speedy Cleaning Oil at night.

Where to purchase: Kose Softymo Speedy Cleaning Oil can be purchased at Sasa.com

Toners
Most people skip toners in their skincare regime thinking it does nothing but if you use a hydrating toner, I think it makes a big difference for hydrating dry skin.  I use the Haruhada Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Skin Lotion as a toner or sometimes I like to spray the Etude House Collagen Moistfull Essence In Primer all over the face.

Where to Purchase: Both at Sasa.com

Serums
Another important step in skincare that is usually ignored is a good hydrating serum.  The two I enjoy using the most is De Herbs Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the 40 Carrots Carrot + C Vitamin Serum.

Where to Purchase: De Herbs at Sasa.com, 40 Carrots at any health food shops or online.

Moisturizers
As a day moisturizer I enjoy using the Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40, it is very important to use SPF all 4 seasons.  For night time I use the Sibu Sea Buckthorn daytime facial cream or the Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion 10% Glycolic AHA.

Where to Purchase: Josie Maran at Sephora, Sibu at any health food shops or online and Alpha Hydrox at Ulta

Extra care and Mask
One or two times a week if my skin needs a extra boost of hydration I like to add a sleeping night cream or a sheet mask.  I use all time favorite the Missha Misa Golden Snowflake Overnight Cream and the My Scheming Deep Ocean Water Mask.

Where to Purchase: Missha at Misshaus.com, My Scheming at Sasa.com

Eyecream
For eye cream I love using the Missha Misa Golden Snowflake eyecream, very emollient and moisturizing under my eye.

Where to Purchase: Misshaus.com

Thank you all for reading!

Disclaimer: I purchase everything.

Review: Naruko Rose & Snow Fungus Auqa Cubic Complex

Where to purchase: Naruko US Website or Sasa.com
Price: $18 -$23
Size: 30 ml
Best For: All skin types, especially for dry skin.
How to Use:  Use on cleansed face, gently apply on face and neck skin.

What Naruko Says: 
NARUKO Rose & Snow Fungus Aqua Cubic Complex is a serum that is formulated with highly moisturizing, firming, and anti-aging ingredients. Snow Fungus Extract and CE booster penetrate deeply into the skin and effectively deliver moisture. These ingredients also repair the skin while locking in moisture and maintaining healthy skin. The serum restores the skin's elasticity and smoothens the skin. The serum also uses the most advanced microcapsule technology for Vitamin A and E to form a highly effective moisturizing and firming formula. The serum creates an invisible, moisturizing barrier on top of the skin to prevent dryness, dullness, aging, and large, rough pores. Skin feels hydrated, smooth and nourished all day long.

My Reveiw:
Like most of Naruko products I reviewed this is another positive one!  I've been using this serum for a good month and I can say I really do enjoy this serum very much.  It leaves my skin pretty hydrated, smooth and its great for the colder seasons but if you have dry skin you can't wear this serum alone without a moisturizer.  Like most Naruko serums the texture is a runny gel-like consistency which I prefer in serums rather then the oily ones.  This also have a pretty strong rose scent which doesn't bother me at all but it might be for some who are sensitive. 

My only negative is I wish Naruko makes the size of their serums bigger, I find myself using up their products quite fast!

Overall this is a must try!

Rating: 5/5
Would I repurchase: yes! In fact I need to restock some more of my Naruko favorites, I'm running out of them!

 Disclaimer: i purchase this

My Daily Skincare for Winter Dry and Acne Prone Skin

Here is my daily winter routine on how I keep my skin well hydrated, acne prevention and moisturized.  After trial and error on a lot of skincare products I narrow down to these products that work well for me.  Please remember that what works for me does not mean it works well for everyone, we all have different skin. 

Note: I have combination skin, dry on the chin area, oily on the t-zone and sometimes dry patches on the nose and occasional breakouts on the chin. 

Morning

Cleanser: 

First thing in the morning is I use a simple cleanser to remove any oil build up on my skin from overnight while sleeping.  I like using “Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser” because it’s mild, non-fragrant and non-irritant on the skin and it doesn’t feel over drying after cleansing.  One way to find out if the cleanser is too drying is to wait a few minutes after cleaning your face.  If you skin feels tight or dry and needs immediate moisture that means your cleanser is too harsh and you may need to switch to a gentle cleanser. 

Toner:

 Toner is optional, I know quite a few people who don’t believe in toners but for me I like using a hydrating toner in my routine.  I enjoy using the “Haruhada Hyaluronic Acid Lotion” although it says “lotion” I use it as a toner since the texture is very similar to a toner.  It gives an extra boost of moisture and preps my skin before applying serum and lotion. 

Serum:

 After toner I let it wait and sink into my skin then apply a serum.  In my opinion serum is essential in my skincare routine.  Serums can address needs that aren’t covered by a moisturizer whether if you’re concern about dry or oily skin, anti-aging or blemish/acne skin.  Serums are generally lighter in texture than moisturizers. They may also have a higher level of active ingredients compared to their moisturizer counterparts.  The serum I’m currently using and enjoying is “De Herbs 100% Hyaluronic Acid Serum” It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin instead it feels very smooth and hydrating. 

In the future post, I will explain the wonders of Hyaluronic Acid

Eye Cream:

My under eyes are very dry especially during winter so this step is very important for me.  I use the Lancome Eyecream with SPFs.  You can also use a good non-scented face moisturizer under the eyes instead which I heard works the same. 

Lotion: 

 Final step in my morning skincare is I apply a lotion with SPF.  I am currently using Origin’s Perfect World White Tea Moisturizer with SPF 25. 

Night

Makeup Remover:

 After work I remove all my makeup before I cleanse my face.  It’s very important to remove all traces of makeup so you skin can breathe when you go to sleep.  I don’t know how people are able to sleep with makeup on, ugh!  I use the Missha makeup remove along with Neutrogena makeup removing wipes. 

Cleanser: 

I use the same cleanser as the morning routine, “Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Masks:

 At least 2 times a week I treat myself to a sheet mask for extra hydration.  I use a variety of brands, most of the sheet mask I purchase is from Sasa.com, I think their price is more reasonable then anywhere else.

Exfoliate:

 I exfoliate my skin 2 times a week, if you have sensitive skin you can do them 1 times a week.  Exfoliating you face is very important, it is designed to remove dead cells on the outer layers of the skin and speed cell turnover, restoring a healthy glow and even skin tone.  Exfoliation eliminates the dead surface skin cells and oil that plug sebaceous pores—the leading cause of blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne flare-ups—and leave skin dull and listless.  The product I use is the very popular and affordable “St. Ives Apricot Scrub”

Toner:

Same toner as the morning routine, “Haruhada Hyaluronic Acid Lotion”

Treatments:

 Every night I use two treatments that help me with my acne.  I use the Target brand dupe of the “Clean and Clear Persa Gel” which contains 10% benzoyl peroxide gel all over areas that I break out the most, which is my chin.  I find this more effective then salicylic acid on my skin.  Afterwards I apply the “Alpha Hydrox 10% Glycolic AHA Gel” all over the face.  Glycolic Acid which is form of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is a chemical exfoliate, they help to remove the dead skin cells that give skin a rough, dry texture and allow new, smooth skin to emerge.  Some people can’t handle AHA however my skin can handle a higher percentage of AHA, you can start off with a lower percentage and work your way up to see how your skin reacts. 

Lotion: 

Final step I apply “Alpha Hydrox Enhanced 10% Glycolic AHA Lotion” and by next day my skin is smooth and well hydrated. 

So far this routine really helps with my acne control and dryness during winter.  If you have any product recommendations that you think I should try feel free to let me know.

Thank you for reading!

Disclaimer: I purchase everything

Review: Naruko Rose & Snow Fungus Serum/Night Gelly

Price: Serum $23.50, Night Gelly $20.00
Where to Buy?: Naruko Website or Imomoko.com

I receive the Night Gelly as a sample when I order from Naruko website last month.

My Skin Type: Combo/dry, oily T-Zone, dry spots usually on my chin and occasional breakouts around the chin area as well.

What Naruko Says:
This collection is recommended for dry, dull, or sagging skin.
It contains a special formula which employs multiple ingredients that give skin a deep and efficient boost of moisture.
After daily use, your skin will feel refreshed and smooth all day long.

Pros:
- Both are non-greasy and feels very refreshing on the skin
- The texture of both products feel very smooth and gel like
- Doesn't leave your skin sticky or greasy

Cons:
- If you have very dry skin especially during winter these two products won't leave enough hydration on your skin you will still need a cream afterwards
- I don't mind products with the dropper packaging on serums but this one the dropper don't pick up enough of the serum
- I feel like the Night Gelly doesn't do much so if you just get the serum then it should be fine, you don't have to get both





Overall:
If you have combination skin with some dryness then these will be an ideal line for you but this won't work if you have very dry skin. Like I mention in the cons you can opt-out the Night Gelly because its close to the same texture as the serum. Overall I do enjoy the two products, I like how it glides on my skin since its a gel-like consistency and it has a nice rose scent that's not too heavy.

rating: 4/5
Would I repurchase?: Yes, only the serum

Thank You for reading!

Disclaimer: I purchase the serum and the Night Gelly were a free sample when you order from Naruko's Website.