Clinique Pep Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser
I wasn’t sure about using this at the start of my day as recommended. How rough can my skin possibly be when I wake up that I would need to exfoliate? If you think skin is smooth enough in the morning, you’ll be amazed it can be immediately smoother without any rough beads or stinging sensation when using this gentle cleanser. This uses papaya extract with bamboo and natural silica beads to noticeably smoothen skin. Unlike most exfoliators that should only be used twice a week, this is gentle enough to use twice a day.
MAC Lightful C Marine Bright Formula Softening Lotion
I blame YouTube for this. One of Pia Wurtzbach’s tutorials included this product, and she said she swears by it. What is this softening lotion that is Miss Universe-recommended? I became intrigued. My dad was sweet enough to buy this for me on a trip abroad because the MAC counter in the mall and in the airport here were always sold out every time I asked. It is in fact not a lotion or moisturizer, but a liquid—a toner. In the morning I apply this before moisturizer or sunscreen, and it makes skin look plump and healthy, and makes my usual foundation or BB cream blend into skin more easily. At night, I’ve been using this after cleansing, and it lifts off visible dirt even if I’ve already used micellar water and facial wash. I really hope this won’t be so hard to find in stores once I run out, because Pia was definitely on to something when she said she needs this daily.
Urban Decay Naked palette
A year since Urban Decay announced it was discontinuing its cult eyeshadow palette, over 20 million of which have sold worldwide, I’m still aghast and in denial. The original Naked palette is one of my favorites, not just in the past month, but of all time. This is where I discovered my absolute favorite eyeshadow out of the dozens (possibly hundreds) I’ve tried over the years: Smog, which is described as “a deep coppery bronze shimmer.” This can actually still be purchased at half off the original price; but once stocks run out, Urban Decay won’t be making any more...or so they say. (Still in denial.)