We hear the quote “prevention is better than cure” all the time — mostly from elders warning us about the harsh but avoidable consequences of not taking care of our bodies while young. However, we don’t hear it enough when it’s about other things that deserve the same attention and care from a young age. The quote can actually refer to almost anything in life, including skincare.
While many of us rely on the magic of makeup to hide our imperfections, some are working towards avoiding that altogether. In this day and age, it’s all the more important to sustain our natural appearance with all the pollution and artificial elements that may harm our skin, and we’re glad that skincare is becoming more popular among the youth. Before we aim for better makeup, let’s start with keeping our skin healthy for it, and aim for better skincare first. We’ve rounded up 24 products out in the market to save you time on research.
Garnier Micellar Water Sensitive Skin 400ml
Price: US$13.37
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As if micellar water doesn’t already get so much hype and attention, we have to continue spreading the word on its good benefits, because it’s that good. It’s composed of these small cleansing oil molecules in water that attract dirt and oil. It’s the most coveted makeup remover among beauty bloggers because, apart from being gentle, they do the job so well.
CLARINS Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed
Price: US$26.00
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If you’ve ever heard of the 10-step Korean skincare, then you’d know that double cleansing is a thing. Koreans probably have the best skin than anyone on the planet so we should know to trust what they do for their regimen. If you want a deep cleanse after removing your makeup, go for something that lathers up more like this cream Clarins Foaming Cleanser to really get into the recesses of your pores.
Lancome GALATÉE CONFORT Comforting Milky Creme Cleanser, 6.8 oz.
Price: US$30.00
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If only we can bathe in milk every single day, our skin would be so happy all the time. Since that’s not really possible, let’s go for the next best thing which are products made with milk and other natural ingredients. This Galatée Confort cleanser from Lancôme promises just that and delivers on it as your skin would tell after a few times of use.
Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm, 50 mL
Price: US$110.00
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Hungarian moor mud is the best ingredient for clarifying your skin. It works to get out all impurities like makeup that was absorbed and stuck on your pores. It’s also one of Omorovicza’s major ingredients, especially for this Thermal Cleansing Balm. They extract it from the biggest spring lake in Europe, Lake Heviz, so you’ll surely get the most authentic kind with this product.
Humphrey’s Witch Hazel Astringent 100% All Natural Witch Hazel 16 Ounce
Price: US$8.60
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How much time can you really devote to researching your products before buying? We’re guessing not much. That’s why it’s good to get the ones that have as few ingredients, so you don’t get one that’s full of fillers and fragrances that further harm your skin. Humphrey’s Witch Hazel works best as a toner because, believe it or not, it’s only contains one ingredient as in its name. It’s good for healing, and fighting bacteria in your pores, so you’re extra protected even after cleansing.
Lancome Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturizing Beauty Essence, 6.7 oz.
Price: US$49.00
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As the name promises, Lancôme’s Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturizing Beauty Essence lifts up your face and makes your skin glow even with only four hours of sleep; it’s a morning miracle. It hides all traces of stress and keeps hydrating your skin within a few hours after application. This has been proven by real-life women who’ve tried but don’t attempt with bare skin. Cleansing and moisturizing always come first before this product.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Price: US$12.00
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Socially-conscious beauty enthusiasts would rejoice upon knowing that First Aid Beauty is a cruelty-free brand. More than that, this Ultra Repair Cream is also one of their many vegan products. No matter if you have sensitive skin, their ingredients are safe not to break you out, and this cream is just a good all-around moisturizer for every part of your body.
Bite Beauty Agave Lip Balm
Price: US$36.43
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If you’re one of those people who claims to have drier lips because of lip balms, you must’ve never tried Bite Beauty’s Agave Lip Balm. It’s a holy grail product major beauty bloggers rave about, and that alone says something about the difference it makes in maker your lips plump and soft. This balm comes in a travel size so you can get 4 for every place you need it in — your car, bag, bedside, and pocket. Just have it with you at all times, it’s a game-changer.
BY TERRY Baume de Rose – 10g/0.35oz
Price: US$60.00
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For some products that you know you’ll get a lot of use out of, we suggest investing in them and getting one that will not only satisfy you with good results, but also give you a luxurious experience when using them. By Terry’s Baume de Rose gives you all of that with its flawless jar and nourishing balm.
GUERLAIN Abeille Royale Black Bee Honey Balm 1.0 oz
Price: US$56.00
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Every dry skin needs a solid moisturizer that will break through the tough and tight skin. Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Black Bee Honey Balm is just strong enough for those with the type of dry skin that no other moisturizer can get through. This one also works for both cold and hot weather, so you can use it all year long.
Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask, 3.3 oz.
Price: US$58.00
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From the necessary steps for skincare, you must also consider giving your skin some additional treatments. Fresh’s Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask is made from natural ingredients that work together to cleanse your face. It’s a completely optional step but your skin will thank you for it.
Fresh Rose Face Mask, 3.3 oz./ 100 mL
Price: US$62.00
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After washing or wiping away the Umbrian Clay mask, Fresh’s Rose Face Mask works well as a follow-up. As the former takes away all remnants of built-up dirt and really strips your face, this mask immediately supplies back the moisture that’s good and healthy for your skin. This includes two rose ingredients of oil and water, and crushed petals that can be absorbed to let your pores absorb natural nutrients, while the cucumber extract cools and make you feel extremely freshened up.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY Goddess Skin Clay Mask, 75ml
Price: US$52.08
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Charlotte Tilbury doesn’t hold back with their makeup, and you shouldn’t expect nothing less with their skincare. Their Goddess Skin Clay Mask is packed with a combination of nutrient-rich ingredients to pull out impurities and leave you with a goddess-like glow. Make sure to use it on slow nights when you want to really treat yourself to an in-depth self-care regimen.
Pai Copaiba Deep Cleanse AHA Mask, 2.5 oz./ 75 mL
Price: US$60.00
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It’s hard to find an exfoliator that’s not too harsh on you. If you have sensitive skin, you might choose not to try out products in fear of breaking out, but you’re really risking neglecting much-needed exfoliation, even if you don’t wear much makeup. Pai’s Copaiba AHA Mask is one of the rare skincare gems that can be gentle but also effective. It improves the texture of your skin and makes it supple and super soft to the touch.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Skin Care System
Price: US$76.00
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Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Mask is a holy grail product for getting rid of wrinkles that start to show up. This is an instant solution that you must follow with serious action like eye creams to further delay that sign of aging. But even without it, this is just fun to pop on because you can’t be sure enough, and you can also bring this on the plane for long flights.
BARBARA STURM Super Anti-Aging Serum, 30ml
Price: US$350.00
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It’s never too early to use anti-aging products. As soon as you reach the threshold of adulthood, which can be any time after your teenage years, preventive measures are never prohibited but are strongly encouraged, especially for those in their late 20s. Don’t worry so much yet about getting all the right nutrients. Take it one step at a time with Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Super Anti-Aging Serum.
VOTARY REVITALIZING INTENSE NIGHT OIL – ROSEHIP AND RETINOID, 50ML
Price: US$150.00
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Rosehip oil became popular among the beauty community online because of its promising benefits of making your acne scars disappear, and many have sworn by its effectivity. That’s because rosehip oil tries to heal and recover your skin from any disturbances like pimples and the small bumps that seem to appear out of nowhere. With Votary‘s rosehip oil, you’ll have a moisturizing, anti-aging, and cleansing oil in one.
AESOP Redemption Body Scrub, 180ml
Price: US$35.00
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Just because you don’t apply makeup to the rest of your body, it doesn’t mean your skin everywhere else doesn’t accumulate and stock up dirt, sweat, and oils. Aesop’s Redemption body scrub does what it says in its name. It exfoliates to remove dead skin, and make it feel like it has a new lease on life.
LA MER The Treatment Lotion 5 oz
Price: US$145.00
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La Mer’s The Treatment Lotion is very reassuring to use in the morning. It’s a moisturizer that acts as a liquid barrier to any harmful outdoor elements that may latch onto your skin and get absorbed by your pores. On days when you have to be actively engaged from morning to night, this is one product that will help your skin get through all of it.
LA MER The Reparative Face Sun Lotion SPF 30 1.7 oz5.00
Price: US$135.00
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Putting on sunscreen should be part of your routine every day, no matter the weather. Whether you see sunlight outside or not, ultraviolet radiation can get through cloudy skies. La Mer’s Reparative Face Sun Lotion ensures protection from these invisible harmful rays. Even if you don’t see what it does now, you’ll realize it later in life, and you can either regret it or thank your younger self for the unwavering effort.
GROWN ALCHEMIST Shaving Gel
Price: US$49.00
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In shaving your face or legs, using a shaving cream should be a requirement. Doing it in a rush and without much thought would only result in having hair follicles grow unnaturally than it used to, or getting gnarly scratches. Grown Alchemist’s shaving gel foams up so it’s easier to spread and use than its cream alternatives.
AURELIA PROBIOTIC SKINCARE REFRESHING BOTANICAL CREAM DEODORANT, 50G
Price: US$25.00
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When we talk skincare, it shouldn’t be limited to your face. Skin is the largest organ in your body. It’s the one you can see all the time and the one that takes the brunt of the outside world, so you’ll be protected. It’s your job to protect it as well — all parts of it. This Aurelia cream deodorant doesn’t have the usual harsh ingredients that darken or irritate your underarms to keep them in check against unwanted odors.
CLARINS Hand and Nail Treatment Cream
Price: US$30.00
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In the same way, you shouldn’t forget about moisturizing your hands and nails. These are the parts that get so much work as we use them for almost every chore and activity. They’re the ones that normally dry out and roughen up fast. Clarins’ hand and nail treatment cream definitely gives life back to them. Apply it generously before you sleep to give them more than necessary time to absorb.
JACKSON’S Coconut Melt 04, 15ml
Price: US$16.00
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How would a list of skincare products be valid without coconut oil? It’s the crème de la crème of skincare. You can literally use coconut oil for anything, without limitation. Your eyes would probably be the only place in your body you shouldn’t put coconut oil in, but you can eat it as well. Celebrities swear by it and would choose it over all these other products without hesitation. Maybe you should too.
Skincare is personal. No one can truly know what products will work for your skin type except you, so make sure to take note of how your skin reacts to them. It’s about finding the best products for you, and they might change regularly as your skin adjusts and grows older with you. As with everything in life, we can’t perfect it, but we must always work towards making it better, changing it up with different items to know what will keep it healthier and younger for longer. It’s also a journey, so learn to enjoy it.
