Makeup was on my mind way before it was on my skin. I was introduced to it slowly. At first, it was just a roller lip gloss. Around twelve, it became kajal and lip balm. Then came lipstick and eyeliner. It was only in college that I understood makeup as a routine.
A friend and I would watch YouTube videos. We were obsessed with Jeffree Star and James Charles back then. That’s when I realized how much effort goes even into a “no makeup” look. But it was mostly lipsticks and eyeliners for me. I wanted every shade and I wanted to wear them all the time. I just wasn’t fully comfortable yet, so I’d apply and smudge it, or dab a little with my fingers, just enough for a tint.
I thought I wouldn’t be able to wear makeup because the look I liked, meant a lot of products and I didn’t want that. My acne prone skin couldn’t handle it anyway, and I was still in college. I couldn’t just buy anything and experiment till I figured what worked for me. That stuff was expensive.
After years of struggling with hormonal acne, I’ve begun to understand my skin a little better. We’ve come to an agreement—I can wear makeup as long as my skin feels good. It works in my favor since I never liked a heavy base.
So now, I have a non-negotiable deal with my skin.
Staying in touch with my gut health because it reflects on the skin.
I have PCOD, and it’s something I’ve learned to work with. Understanding my symptoms changed everything, especially when it came to my skin. It has a lot to do with lifestyle and diet. Some days the symptoms barely show up, other days they need more attention.
AM and PM skincare routine.
Skincare routines can sound overwhelming but they don’t have to be. It could be three products and still work. Understanding the ingredients your skin actually needs is the primary step. It’s always best to consult a Dermatologist, in my opinion.
My AM routine includes a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen.
My PM routine is simpler: a cleanser, toner, moisturiser, and a night cream.
Once a week, I replace the night cream with a homemade face mask.
Shop Cleanser:
Cetaphil PRO Oil Control Foam Face Wash
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
Sebamed Oil Free Clear pH 5.5 Face Cleansing Foam
Simple Facial Wash
Shop Toner and Serum:
TONYMOLY Wonder Ceramide Mocchi Toner
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
Minimalist 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
Shop Moisturiser:
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
Reequil Oil Free Moisturiser
Shop Sunscreen:
Reequil Ultra Matte Dry Touch Sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun – Rice & Probiotics Sunscreen
Earth Rhythm Sunscreen SPF 50
Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock
Shop Night Cream:
Minimalist 2% Retinoid Anti Aging Night Cream
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum
Never sleeping with makeup on, and keeping the brushes clean.
It’s true! No matter how lazy or cold you feel, never sleep with your makeup on. Not every breakout comes from hormones or oily food. Sometimes, it’s the dirty brushes.
Shop:
Garnier Micellar Water for Removing Makeup
Clinique Balm Makeup Remover
2 litres water intake.
Two litres, three, whatever works for you.
The bottom line is to stay hydrated.
As we grow older, our bodies need more attention, and it’s important that we listen. I’m finally understanding the obsession with sunscreen.