The Simplest Skin Care Regimen for Moms Who Can't Do Makeup

We would love to indulge the kikay in all of us, but how do you do it when you don't always have the time or patience? The good news is makeup is not the answer to having that fresh-looking face -- it's having great skin. It's not just picking the right skin care product for you, but also knowing how to apply it. If you intend to wake up with a natural glow and not need makeup to prettify yourself everyday, follow a strict skin care regimen. Here are the essentials you'll need:


Facial wash/cleanser
Find one that suits your skin-type. Read the labels. If you have oily skin, look for keywords such as non-comodogenic (it doesn’t clog skin pores) or oil-free. For dry skin, look for words like hydrating or moisturizing. If you have sensitive skin, look for words such gentle or hypo-allergenic.

Try: Ponds Flawless White Deep Whitening Facial Foam, P200; Human Nature Gentle Cleansing Oil, P199.75 for 95ml; Dove Beauty Moisture Facial Cleanser, P199 for 110g; Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, P599 for 250ml

Use no more than the size of a 25-centavo coin to apply on your face. Use the tips of your ring finger (the most gentle finger) and gently rub in onto your face in a circular motion. Washing your face is required in the morning and night. Yes, even if you didn't put makeup on, going to bed with a clean face is non-negotiable.

Toner
Facial wash and toners go hand in hand. Refreshing toners work well for oily skin, while hydrating ones work wonders for dry skin. Opt for gentle toners if you have sensitive skin. Try to stay away from toners with alcohol. Or, you can skip it altogether; check here why you may not need one. Koreans who have great skin, however, swear by toners.

Try: Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner, P279; Tony Moly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Skin, P678, SM Megamall; Human Nature Hydrating Face Toner, P184.75 for 200ml

Apply toner on skin using cotton pads after washing your face in the morning and at night. Again, you don't need a lot. 


Moisturizer/day cream
This is a must, regardless of your skin type. A humid weather like ours can easily dry our skin. Again, choose one that suits your skin type and go for one that has added sunscreen.

Try: Celeteque DermoScience Hyratino Facial Moisturizer, P127 for 50ml, and Olay Total Effects Day Cream With Touch of Foundation, P798 for 50g, both available at department stores and supermarkets; Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer, P499, Watsons; Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer, P899, Rustan's 

Apply moisturizing product, just about the size of two five-centavo coins to cover your face. Add some more to apply on to your neck as well. Dab onto the four areas of your face and use the tips of your ring fingers (again) to gently spread it on to your face.


Sunscreen
In case your moisturizer doesn't have an added SPF, you need this to protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage and age your skin. UVs do their damage every day, not just when you're at the beach. Make it a habit to put on sunscreen before you go out. 

Try: Happy Skin Catch the Sun On the Go Hydrating UV Mist SPF 35 PA++, P699, is easy to apply -- just spray!

If you're using a cream-based senscreen, you'll need about a small grape-size amount of product for your face and then another small grape-size amount for your neck. You can re-apply during the midday if you spend extra-long hours outdoors.

Skin care add-ons 
You can use the same moisturizing cream at night or trade it for a night cream.It works twice as hard compared to day cream, so you'll only need less than the amount of moisturizer you use in the morning. You can use anti-aging products, too, if they're not incorporated in your creams yet. And don't forget to apply the all-important eye cream!  

Try: Human Nature Radiant Grace Night Cream, P997 for 45ml; L'Oreal Revitalift Night Cream Mask, P1,499; Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream, P1,595

Depending on your skin care needs, you might add an anti-acne solution, too. Go for products that multi-task to save more time . Remember, a beautiful face starts with beautiful healthy skin. 

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