Truth be told, I have never been a big fan of elaborate skin rituals; and as excited I was to give the 10 step Korean skincare routine a whirl (just like any other beauty aficionado), I gradually realised it wasn’t meant for lazy girls like me. What I realised through the process though, is my love for products that I can slather on before bedtime and wake up with the best skin of my life. Not only is it super easy, but it’s extremely potent, since some of the most important work on the skin happens during our slumber time; think cell renewal, regeneration, repairing and soothing that if supplemented with the right products can make a world of difference.
Ahead we have collated a bunch of heavy-lifters that do double-duty like no other and make minimal, effortless skincare a real thing. You are welcome!
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Best For: Accelerating Skin Renewal
Instead of a rigorous physical exfoliation that can lead to micro-tears on your delicate skin, opt for a chemical exfoliant that does the job even better. Our pick: the Dermalogica Daily Exfoliant, a rice-based powder which activates on contact with water to release enzymes, accelerating cell renewal; Licorice, Rice and Grapefruit helps even out skin tone, while Papain enzymes & Salicylic Acid dissolves excess skin cells. Just what you need to start your PM routine!
PIXI Collagen & Retinol Serum
Best For: Improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
All the goodness of Collagen, Retinol and Vitamins in one gorgeous package? Yes please! The heavy-duty trio translates in the form of a light-weight serum that soften fine lines, boosts elasticity, refines the appearance of skin, and restores its radiance. What sets this product apart is the presence of Chamomile that soothes and calms your skin to protect it from inflammations. PS: It’s free of Parabens.
Dot & Key AHA Exfoliating Sleeping Mask 12% Lactic + 2% Hyaluronic
Best For: Boosting Collagen, Reducing Acne And Treating Hyperpigmentation
A potent sleeping mask is exactly what your skin needs to rejuvenate. Even better: an Exfoliating Sleeping Mask that contains a potent mix of Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid which removes dead cells, eliminates signs of aging, improves overall skin texture and firms the skin overnight; oh, and this one is infused with Borage Flower Oil that restores moisture—all this while you are snoozing. Baby soft skin, here we come!
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Grapefruit
Best For: Plumping Up Dry, Rough Lips
If there’s one product that I can personally vouch for, it is the Laneige sleeping mask. A treat for your lips, this one contains all the goodness of Vitamin C and antioxidants that converts dry, rough lips into a soft pillowy pout. What we love most though is the refreshing sweet scent of Grapefruit that is simply irresistible. Yum.
Olay Night Cream: Regenerist Retinol 24 Moisturiser
Best For: Repairing Skin Overnight
If you have been itching to incorporate Retinol in your skincare regimen, then try the Regenerist Retinol 24 Moisturiser from Olay. The potent blend of age-defying Retinol and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) works hard to hydrate and rejuvenate skin—making it super soft and glowy. Brownie points for the light texture that gets absorbed really fast and is suitable for all skin types.
Innisfree Perfect 9 Repair Cream EX
Best For: Tightening And Brightening Skin
Innisfree Perfect 9 Repair Cream EX is made with nine active Jeju anti-aging elixir complex that works on wrinkles, flakiness, darkening, blemishes and enlarged pores, and reduced skin elasticity to offer you a smooth and dewy complexion; plus, it gives your skin a shot of hydration that plumps it up instantly. We recommend using this when your skin screams ‘SOS’.
The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Youth Bouncy Eye Mask
Best For: Reducing Dark Circles & Fatigue
Don’t forget the eyes: Dab the The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Youth Bouncy Eye Mask enriched with cooling Cucumber extract and plant stem cells. This refreshing, non-sticky formula reduces dark circles and helps address the first signs of aging to help skin bounce back to a more youthful appearance. Consider this as a power nap for your peepers.
