My Skincare Wardrobe

A skincare wardrobe is the idea that you can have multiple options of products to use everyday, but like a closet of clothing you don't need to wear all of them at once. While I may not have en extensive wardrobe, I do choose a different "outfit" each day depending on my skin's needs. Will I be wearing makeup? Am I going outdoors? Is my skin irritated or particularly dry that day? A look at my Instagram will give you a glimpse at how my routine varies.

Note: This post contains no affiliate links and all products were purchased by me with my own money. I was not paid for any reviews in my post and all opinions are my own!

Contents of this post:

• Cleansers
• Hydrating Toners
• Ampoules and Serums
• Moisturizers
• Masks
• More in the wardrobe

Cleansers

From L-R: Skinfood Black Sugar Cleansing Water, Simple Cleansing Micellar Water, CeraVe Foaming Cleanser,
Banila Co. Clean it Zero Original, and Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser. 

My cleanser wardrobe consists of two cleansing waters, a cleansing balm, a foaming cleanser, and a cream cleanser. I previously had much more cleansers, but I discovered that they might have been the cause for my irritated and acne prone skin. Kerry from Skin and Tonics wrote a great blog post about The Importance of Fatty Acids, pH & the Moisture Barrier. In a nutshell, your high pH cleanser might be the reason that your face is angry and reactive. I checked the pH of all my cleansers and removed any that had a pH of 6 or higher (I'm looking at you Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleanser with a pH of 8 ~shudders~). Almost immediately, my face started to calm down. This by no means solved all of my skin issues, but it was a much needed start. So which cleansers made it into my wardrobe?

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser was one cleanser that I was able to keep with a pH of about 3.5. It claims to exfoliate, deeply cleanse, and speed up cell's regeneration while being gentle enough to use everyday. I doubt that it does anything but exfoliate and cleanse though because it doesn't sit on your skin long enough. While I do like this cleanser, I am thinking of discontinuing use because it contains polyethylene beads (plastic) that don't dissolve. If you're interested, you can read more about microbeads on NPR.

One of the most recommended cleansers was CeraVe Foaming Cleanser. I finally picked it up to see what the fuss was all about and I like it. It's a gentle cleanser with a pH of 5.5. On top of that, it is easy to find at your local drugstore~ Yay for accessibility! I have been using this every night with my Olay Pro-X Cleansing System, which is essentially a Clairsonic but cheaper. Until I find something better, this will continue to be a staple in my wardrobe.

If I'm going to be wearing makeup or sunscreen, a first cleanser is a must! I went with Banila Co. Clean it Zero, a solid cleansing balm that turns into an oil as you rub it on your skin. No running-down-your-arm mess, easy to travel with, and is great for clearing out your pores. It is immensely satisfying to massage your face and get a handful of grits. For those that don't know, grits are plugs in your pore that are usually whitish/yellowish in color but can vary depending on your atmosphere.

Last on the list are cleansing waters. These have been gaining popularity as a no-rinse type of cleanser. They come in handy on those days when you come home after a long night out and can't be bothered to properly clean your face - cleansing waters can be your best friends. They do a good job at removing makeup, but they don't compare to a true makeup remover or even the Banila Co. Clean it Zero. I have Skinfood Black Sugar Cleansing Water and Simple Cleansing Micellar Water. They're okay, but I don't really find myself reaching for them all that often. My face doesn't feel clean enough after using just a cleansing water. While it may not be part of my everyday wardrobe, they have their uses for the right occasion.

Hydrating Toners

From L-R: Hera Aquabolic Balancing Water, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner, Hera Cell Essence
Shea Terra Organics Rose Water Ester-C Collagen Regeneration Facial Mist, HadaLabo Goku-jyun Alpha Lotion,
and Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector

Hydrating toners are meant to prep the skin and help products sink into the skin better. First essences are similar, but often contain fermented ingredients or other anti-aging goodness. I didn't think first essences were for me because Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence broke me out. That changed when I tried a sample of Hera Cell Essence. This really does prep my skin and all products applied after absorb a lot better. Rather than fermented ingredients, this first essence contains a special AmorePacific patented Cell-Bio Fluid that provides all the skin needs to be clear and smooth. I don't know how true that is, but I like it so far and have a full size coming my way ~excited dance~!

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner is your typical Asian toner that calms sensitive skin, balances pH, and aids in absorbing other products. I have only been using this for about a month, so I don't have any strong opinions about it yet. It has done a good job at soothing my skin when it is irritated, but that might be a combination of using Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum and Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream.

I use OST C20 Vitamin C serum every other day, but sometimes on off days I will use Shea Terra Organics Rose Water Ester-C Collagen Regeneration Facial Mist (quite the mouth full). It smells very strongly of roses, so those sensitive to scent should beware. I haven't seen anywhere near the same effects of a vitamin c serum, but this is a nice refreshing mist that adds a touch of hydration throughout the day.

Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector and HadaLabo Goku-jyun Alpha Lotion are two hydrating toners that didn't do much for me. Instead of letting them collect dust in the closet, they have been re-purposed for other occasions. I have reviewed them here.

Hera Aquabolic Balancing Water is a new addition to my wardrobe that I am excited to try on immediately ＼(≧▽≦)／ I am in the middle of testing Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, but this is next on the schedule!

Ampoules and Serums

From L-R: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Borabit Ampoule,
Scinic Honey All in One Ampoule, and Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum 

The last few steps in my routine are where I pick what I wear depending on my skin's condition. Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Borabit Ampoule (or lovingly referred to as Missha Longer Name Ampoule) is one product that I cannot go without, kinda like underwear (>ω^) This lovely ampoule has helped reduce redness, gives a slight glow, and has improved my skin overall.

I use Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum when a new product caused any unwanted reactions or the hormones went a-raging. Advertised as being a "magical soothing lotion" for sensitive skin. The serum is a thick gel that feels like water and has a cool, soothing effect. Magical? Meh, but definitely feels great on irritated skin. Even though I use this sparingly, I am already half way through the bottle after two months. Sort of disappointing, but it is quite affordable!

On the days that I don't use the Klairs serum, I use Scinic Honey All in One Ampoule. This is a great all-purpose product that contains honey and niacinamide. Two of my favorite ingredients! This ampoule is afforable, comes in a huge jar, and my face loves it! The combination of Missha Longer Name Ampoule and Scinic Honey AIO is a divine. Glowy skin for days! In the summer, it is hydrating enough to be a light moisturizer. Unfortunately, it's not enough in the colder months, but that's where moisturizers come in.

Moisturizers

From L-R: Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream, Joseon Dynasty Beauty Cream,
 Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

If I will be wearing makeup, I will reach for Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. It contains silicon which creates a smooth, even canvas for my makeup. I've been testing Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel recently and it feels comparable to Clinique Moisture Surge. The biggest difference between the two are ingredients and scent. Clinique is unscented while Neutrogena has a strong, aqua scent. Clinique contains a few skin soothing ingredients such as birch, green tea, and aloe extracts. Neutrogena in comparison is lacking with nothing noteworthy. They feel comparable on the skin and work well with makeup and sunscreen, but Clinique feels slightly better and hydrates my skin better. Why Clinique, are you double the price of Neutrogena? o(TヘTo) I will continue using both of these moisturizers, but I am in search of something comparable (or better) and more affordable. Any suggestions are welcome!

As mentioned earlier, I use Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream both morning (if I'm not wearing makeup) and night when I am having a bad skin day. The combination of Klairs Serum, Toner, and Cream have been great for soothing irritation and reducing the size of pimples. This is by no means a miracle worker! My skin bounces back from breakouts faster than it used to thanks to my overall routine.

Joseon Dynasty Beauty Cream was reviewed by Cat from Snow White and the Asian Pear and has since become more readily available. Good thing, because this moisturizer has received a lot of love! Filled with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and skin soothing extracts. I couldn't help but order a jar to try myself. Unfortunately I found out that this was way too thick to be used during the summer. I relegated it to the back of my cabinet until it started getting colder. It's perfect to keep my face hydrated through the night and then some!

Masks

Some of my favorite sheet masks

At last we've reached the end - sheet masks! I like to think of them as socks. You pick one that you feel like wearing from a variety-filled drawer. There's a fuzzy sock for a winter afternoon snuggling by the fireplace or a few favorite pairs that you wear everyday. Likewise, I have sheet masks that are daily favorites (Leaders Mediu Amino Moisture) and others for special occasions. Innisfree I'm Real Strawberry brightens and leaves a healthy glow - perfect to use before an event. Breakout or irritation? Out comes Leaders Tea Tree or Benton Snail Bee. Sheet masks are a great way to add variety to your wardrobe (colorful, striped socks anyone?) without breaking the bank.

More in the Wardrobe

Taking a look at my "wardrobe," I noticed that there are some products that I open and try one at a time. I order a back up for vitamin c serums when I reach the half way point, but I stock up on sunscreen when there is a good sale. I try a different sunscreen every time, but I don't think it's necessary to open more than one. As for vitamin c serums, they tend to have a limited lifespan. Stick to finishing one before trying a different one! Actives is probably by far the smallest selection (just one!) in my wardrobe. I am looking to expand by adding an AHA (for texture and PIH) and/or BHA (for when face is congested and acne). I'm in no rush though. 

A reminder - don't open or try too many things at a time! It can be overwhelming and you might not be able to tell when something is breaking you out. Also remember YMMV (your mileage may vary)! What works for my skin, may not for yours and vice-versa.

How about you? What does your skincare wardrobe look like? Do you like to try and use one type product at a time, or do you like having a closet of options to choose from?

Thank you for reading (:

Love, Fiona