New skincare routine

Hello everyone,

It's actually been a while since I changed my skincare products, but I wanted to keep you guys updated on what's keeping me happy lately.
I've been struggling with skin problems for the longest time and I decided to go back to products that kept me in a decent condition way back.

I've been jumping around products for a year now, but I decided to go with the good ol' products that I know work well for me.

First is SK-II products.
I stopped using the SK-II facial treatment essence in 2008 because of the high cost.  My skin was doing great when I was using it, but I gave little credit to SK-II thinking that my skin could do well on its own without it.  I didn't have immediate withdrawal symptoms but I was never at the "decent" level after ceasing SK-II.  I don't want to say SK-II was the main reason my skin was good, but I can't say it had no effects either.



I've been recently using the SK-II facial treatment essence and facial treatment clear lotion after washing my face.

After I step out of the shower I use about 3-4 large drops (?) of the essence all over my face.
The essence kind of smells like urine (Piterra, one of the key ingredients of the product, is a liquid from yeast... so.... the smell is inevitable) and is a light weight liquid.  There's nothing really sticky about the product and it's like splashing cosmetic liquid on your face.


Immidiately after, I apply another 3-4 large drops (?, I say drops because the top isn't a pump and I have to shake the bottle to drop out the product on my hand) of the facial treatment clear lotion all over my face.

These two alone could do alright in more humid areas, but I feel like the dry climate here in California will make my skin crack.

Then comes in the Dior..

I've never really tried this specific product before, but other Dior liquid lotions or cream lotions I've used in the past have worked all great for me.  So I bought this at Sephora after failing at trying to coupe with another lotion.

Before the Dior, my skin was very receptive to R7 system products.
R7 is a luxury brand that is only sold in specific spa's in Korea (main ingredient is salmon ovary placenta), and it's not as easily accessible as I would want it to be.

As you can see, I've already depleted the lotion (bottom small jar) and the serum (left).  I have a bit of eye cream (top small jar) and the essence (right) left - which is also disappearing fast.

Anyway, back to Dior!
Dior Hydra Life Skin Perfect lotion is a pink gel-like lotion that applies lightly on the skin.  It has a bit more stickiness than the SK-II lotion, but it's not heavy or greasy.

When I was buying it at Sephora the SA smiled and told me that it "helps rejuvenate the skin and refine pores. On top of that, it helps with anti-aging too."  I felt like "ah.. the day has come where people automatically think that I'm looking for products that will keep me looking youthful." LOL

I like to top my dry areas (cheek and jaw) with the Dior (after the 2 SK-II layers), which keeps my skin well balanced.  I sometimes put on the R7 eye cream, but not every night.

With that, my skincare routine ends and I jump into bed.


I know the products are pricey and I don't necessarily believe in 'more expensive = better' philosophy, but hey.. these work well for me! :)


Oh, and one more thing.
After coming to SoCal, I've acquired a new habit too.

I don't wash my face in the morning.

That sounds like a taboo in my life, but since the birth control pills and the weather is keeping me dry and crisp, I can't afford to wash my face and feel tight and dried out  throughout the day.




Anywayy~~ that was what's going on with me lately.

The combination of birth control pills + new skincare products + regular sleeping schedule has put me back on track.  I don't have the horrific breakouts I had in New York (knock on wood) or even the occasional small breakouts.

I've been meaning to make a video on my skincare routine, but I thought giving you guys first dibs of what's happening would be good too.

I'll make a more thorough step-by-step video of what I exactly do when I cleanse, moisten up (at night), and prep up in the morning.


Thanks for reading!

Catalina