Skincare: My 2021 Favs!
- Miza Rahman
- Feb 2, 2022
- 6 min read
Happy New Year Skindeepies! Can't believe my last entry was back in November...2020... A lot of things have happened since then - adapted to a new job, created new milestones, and even set some financial plans haha... Hence, the long break from Skindeep. Hope you guys had a fruitful 2021 too! Anyway, I am back! Super excited to return to blogging and hopefully this time I'd be able to commit all the way through.
The only thing constant in our lives right now is COVID. For me, the only good thing that came out of it was the WFH arrangements hahaha... I LOVE IT cause I get to sleep and wake up a little later. The best part - not putting on make-up the whole day and being able to avoid the oiliness that comes after that. I've been taking advantage of working from home by trying out new skincare products so, in this post, I want to share with you guys my top 3 favourites of 2021!!!
If you guys read my previous post, Skincare Haul Saturday, you'd be familiar with Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator. This product has changed my perspective on chemical exfoliants ever since! I've been using chemical exfoliant for close to 2 years now and it was one of the best addition to my skincare routine.
If you are new to the term Chemical Exfoliant, a little bit background - Chemical Exfoliants are acids that help to better the turnover cycle of your skin cells by getting rid of the dead skin cells. So this helps your skin to re-generate new and brighter cells. And no, we are not talking about those corrosive acids obviously hahaha. So knowing the right ingredients in your Chemical Exfoliant will help combat specific problems on your skin. Why Chemical Exfoliants are better than Physical Exfoliants is because they are way less abrasive and harsh on the skin in the long run.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator specifically has Salicylic Acid which is perfect for oily to combination skin like mine. This product is the holy grail for my large pores and blackhead issues. I have large pores between my cheeks and nose area. Due to this, oil tends to build up which then caused pimples to form around these areas. Using this product, my skin feels tighter and the texture on my skin is smoother. When I first started using it, there was a SLIGHT stinging sensation on my skin. So I stopped using it and took a few days of break before trying it again. I tried it the next few days and my skin was fine and had no bad reaction. So please, if you are very new to Chemical Exfoliants, do give some time for your skin to adapt to it. This product can be applied every night. When I started using it, I applied only once a week. I gradually increased it to twice a week and now I'm using it once every 2 days. So I suggest that you carefully observe and understand your skin before increasing the usage. Also, if you are applying it during the day, please please please do not forget your sunscreen. As the Chemical Exfoliant removes dead skin cells, this causes your skin to be "bare" and sensitive. So applying a layer of sunscreen after will help to protect your skin from harmful UV rays! I LOVE the way my skin feels the morning after applying this product. There's this nice glow to my skin and it looks supple. My hyperpigmentation is still visible but my stubborn pimple spots eventually fade away after a few weeks of applying this product. So, guys, consistency is key!
This exfoliator comes in liquid form so it's best to use a gentle cotton pad to apply. For a size of 118ml, it lasts me about 3 or 4 months. If this is your first time purchasing it, I would suggest getting the travel-sized bottle in 30ml, just to be safe, in case this exfoliant does not work well with your skin. It costs S$18 for the 30ml size while the 118ml is selling at S$48. I'll leave all the links at the end of this blog!
For someone who has combination skin, I am very fussy with moisturisers. It has to be lightweight, non-greasy, easy to apply and absorbs well on my skin. And FARMACY's Daily Green Oil-Free Gel Moisturiser does all that.
I'm currently using 3 different brands of moisturiser but THIS moisturiser has got to be one of the best I've tried thus far. It provides long-lasting hydration without making your skin look glossy and oily. This product is my go-to moisturiser when the weather is super humid. The star ingredients in this product include Moringa Seed Extract & Moringa Water which helps to purify and refresh your skin by removing impurities and Papaya Extract that helps to reduce shine and clear pores. So for me, this moisturiser also acts as a "primer" for my make-up.
It has a gel-like consistency which is great for oily to combination skin as it absorbs easier, leaving your skin feeling smooth, non-greasy, and hydrated, even after spending a long day outside. This moisturiser is paraben-free, cruelty-free, synthetic fragrance-free and many more hahaha. It's everything green in a bottle. Literally green too. It has a minty smell to it which comes from the Moringa, so if you prefer a fragrance-free product, this moisturiser might not be on the top of your list. Personally, I have no issues with the smell as it's not overpowering and does not linger on my skin after applying it but to each their own.
This Daily Green moisturiser can be used both morning and night. It only comes in 1 size - 50ml and is selling at S$58. It lasts me about 4 months. P.S there's 30% off on Sephora for this moisturiser so grab it before it's too late!!!
I am obsessed with cleansing balms! Ever since trying out FARMACY's Green Clean Cleansing Balm for the first time, I've been trying to find another affordable alternative that works just as good. Thanks to my best friend Rai, for recommending Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Revitalizing!
Banila Co. is a South Korean cosmetics brand and its products range from skincare to make-up lines. They are famous for their award-winning classic cult cleansing balm which I am so happy to be sharing with you guys!!!
I am so happy that cleansing balms are in trend now. I think that if you're someone who enjoys make-up and has yet to use a cleansing balm, YOU SHOULD TRY IT ONCE. Trust me. You WILL love the experience hahaha. There are so many reasons why cleansing balms are better than cleansing wipes. Cleansing wipes for one are very abrasive. Yes, they remove MOST of your make-up but usually ended up smearing your face and leaving a trail of irritated skin. Cleansing balm on the other hand is an effective way to remove make-up and dirt by melting them down, making it easier to be washed away without stripping your skin of its natural oils and hydration.
The Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Revitalizing is so easy to use. You know how sometimes your mascara is a little too thick that it kinda clumped together and it's hard to remove it with your normal cleanser? Yeap, you won't have that problem with this cleansing balm hahaha. This sherbet-like cleanser can melt off all kinds of stubborn make-up including waterproof mascara and eyeliner. It comes with a spatula so it's easier to scoop up the balm. Once you slowly work the product on your skin, it will melt together and create this oil-like consistency. All you have to do is to continue massaging all over your face to remove the make-up and any impurities. Once done, just wash it off with lukewarm water and you are done! You may do a double cleanse with your normal facial cleanser, otherwise, you may just proceed with the next step of your skincare routine. If you wish to use this as your daily cleanser, you can too!
The Clean it Zero Cleansing Balms comes in 4 different types of range, each formulated to fit every skin type. Mine is Revitalizing, specifically for oily skin. Its key ingredient is Resveratrol, a natural antioxidant to help fight free radical damage and also helps soothe your skin. The other 3 ranges of the cleansing balms are:
Purifying - For sensitive skin
Nourishing - For dry skin
Pore Clarifying - For acne-prone skin
The balm comes in one size - 100ml and is selling at S$39.90. You can purchase it through their direct website or selected Watsons store. The only reason I like to purchase from their direct website is that Banila Co. loves to give free samples of other products in their skincare line. One time I got a travel-sized sample of their toner and moisturiser so I feel that they're quite generous when they give out samples hahaha.
So that is it for my top 3 skincare products of 2021! All links to the products will be stated below. Here's to wishing you guys a very Happy New Year and may 2022 bring more blessings, wealth and greater health to you!
Until the next one, Skindeepies!
- Miza
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator
Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Revitalizing
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