beauty

'I get messages about my skincare routine all the time. So, here’s exactly what I use.'

When I first got into skincare as a teenager, I never imagined I'd one day be helping people of all ages and skin types figure out which products are actually worth their money. Especially not as someone who struggled with pretty bad hormonal acne growing up.

But lo and behold, every week, I receive the loveliest DMs from Mamamia readers asking about my skincare routine. From step-by-step breakdowns to product recommendations and tips for achieving glowy skin, the interest genuinely blows me away.

WATCH: Juna Xu tries the three-finger makeup hack. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia.

Firstly, a HUGE thank you. I feel so honoured every time one of those messages pops up on my phone, and I'm truly grateful that people take the time to read my reviews and trust my opinion.

Secondly, I totally get it. Skincare can be overwhelming! Even for someone who tests beauty products for a living, the sheer volume of serums, toners and moisturisers out there is… a lot. With every product promising smoother, clearer and glowier skin, it's hard to know what actually works and what's just good marketing.

So, since so many of you have asked, I thought I'd pop my full routine here — all in one place.

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Before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: I'm not a dermatologist or skin expert. I'm just a regular person with a deep (possibly excessive?) love for skincare. This is simply what works for me, and I hope it can be a helpful starting point or source of inspo for your own routine.

Also, a gentle reminder that lifestyle factors like diet, stress, sleep and movement all play a big role in how your skin behaves. And of course, genetics matter too.

Because my job involves testing new launches all the time, my routine is constantly evolving. That said, there are a handful of ride-or-die staples I'll always come back to.

Now that's all out of the way, let's get into it!

A few things to note:

  • My skin type is sensitive and combination (oily in the T-zone, dry everywhere else).

  • To calm down pimples, I mix a tiny amount of the Lion Pair Acne Cream (normally $22.90, now $17.95) for spot treatment with an equal amount of the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream (normally $45, now $32.50) for barrier support. This combination reduces inflammation without drying out the surrounding skin. And I also love a pimple patch! My current fave is the Rael brand from Amazon.

  • I always apply my products down to my décolletage.

  • At the moment, I've stopped using cleansing oils (on the advice of a dermatologist) and switched back to micellar water and a cotton pad for makeup removal. That said, I still rate a good cleansing oil, especially the Be Plain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil (normally $48, now $24.95).

  • I probably get a professional facial every four to six months (if that!). If I could afford it more often, I absolutely would. But trust me, you don't need to be constantly breaking the bank to maintain healthy skin.

My PM skincare routine. 

My nighttime routine is all about gentle exfoliation, hydration and sealing everything in so my skin can do its thing while I sleep.

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Micellar water + cotton pad: To remove makeup and the day's skincare.

My pick: the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Soothing Micellar Water Cleaner ($22.99).

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Soothing Micellar Water Cleaner Image: Adore Beauty.

Cleanse: Use a gentle exfoliating cleanser to remove buildup.

My pick: the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam (normally $20, now $15.95), the Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleaning Powder (normally $30, now $25.95) or the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant ($112).

Second cleanse: With a moisturising cleanser to keep the skin barrier happy.

My pick: the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel (normally $21, now $14.95), the Arencia Fresh Green Rice Mochi Cleanser (normally $32, now $19.95) or the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam Cleanser (normally $22, usually $14.95).

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Arencia Fresh Green Rice Mochi CleanserImage: Lila Beauty.

Toner: One layer of a toner containing protease (a super-gentle exfoliating enzyme). One night a week, I'll switch this out for a stronger exfoliating toner, like salicylic acid.

My pick: Eqqualberry Swimming Pool Toner (normally $45, now $30.95).

Milky toner: Two layers of a hydrating milky toner to boost moisture levels.

My pick: the Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner (normally $36, now $24.95) or the TirTir Milk Skin Toner Light (normally $48, now $32.50).

Active: One layer of whatever my skin needs that night — it could be bakuchiol, vitamin C, niacinamide or something soothing.

My pick: the Eqqualberry Bakuchiol Plumping Serum (normally $45, now $32.50), the K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng (normally $35, now $22.50), the Anua Azeliac Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum (normally $42, now $31.80) or the Eqqualberry Vitamin Illuminating Serum (normally $45, now $32.50).

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Eqqualberry Bakuchiol Plumping SerumImage: Lila Beauty.

Hydrating serum: Usually something with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture.

My pick: the Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum (normally $35, now $24.95), Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule (normally $30.50, now $22.50) or the Torriden Dive-In Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum (normally $32.50, now $18.40).

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Optional step: If I feel like I need it, I'll use a collagen or firming serum here.

My pick: the Numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Bio Lifting-sil Essence (normally $55, now $34.95) or the VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence (normally $72, now $44.95).

Eye cream: Massaged around the eyes, smile lines and lips.

My pick: the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum (normally $25.50, now $15.95) or the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Eye Cream ($174).

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Eye CreamImage: Adore Beauty.

Evening moisturiser: A thicker, richer formula to seal everything in overnight.

My pick: the Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream (normally $54, now $38.95), the Illiyoon Ceramide ATO Concentrate Cream (normally $34, now $24.95) or the Bubble Power Wave Moisturiser ($28).

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Lip mask: Because your lips need care, too.

My pick: the Medicube PDRN Lip Sleeping Mask (normally $28, now $15.95) or the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($31).

Laneige Lip Sleeping MaskImage: Sephora.

My AM skincare routine.

My morning skincare is much simpler and focuses on prepping and protecting my skin for the day.

Cleanse: Use a hydrating, gentle cleanser to refresh the skin. Or, just wash with lukewarm water.

My pick: the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam (normally $20, now $15.95), the Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleaning Powder (normally $30, now $25.95) or the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant ($112).

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Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleaning PowderImage: Lila Beauty.

Protease toner: One layer to gently exfoliate and prep.

My pick: Eqqualberry Swimming Pool Toner (normally $45, now $30.95).

Milky toner: Two to three layers of hydration to plump and soften.

My pick: the Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner (normally $36, now $24.95) or the TirTir Milk Skin Toner Light (normally $48, now $32.50).

Hydrating/moisturising serum: Something light but effective to keep skin bouncy.

My pick: the Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum (normally $35, now $24.95), Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule (normally $30.50, now $22.50) or the Torriden Dive-In Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum (normally $32.50, now $18.40).

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Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica AmpouleImage: Lila Beauty.

Eye cream: Massaged around the eyes, smile lines and lips.

My pick: the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum (normally $25.50, now $15.95).

Moisturiser: A lighter moisturiser to lock everything in.

My Pick: the Purito Oat-In Calming Gel Cream (normally $28, now $21.80) or the S.Nature Aqua Squalene Moisturising Cream (normally $45, now $27.95).

SPF: A non-negotiable.

Do you use any of the above product? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Feature image: Supplied.

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