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I would like to preface this by saying this is what I would do for me personally knowing what I know now about my own skin. If I were making suggestions for someone else I think this list would be very very different.

Under $50:

Heimish All Clean Balm [$17]

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion [$11]

CeraVe Healing Ointment [$9]

Australian Gold Tinted Sunscreen [$13]

This particular budget was actually a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. I prioritized Sunscreen first, because that is an important product to me and it is a product that was difficult to find something I was happy using every day. I picked the cleanser next because I knew it was going to be pricey at this budget. I really think oil cleansing has done wonders for my skin. I especially like balms. I find them much easier to use. I occasionally like to use a straight oil, but on a daily basis using something with an emulsifier is just more practical. In reality if I had to stick to this budget all the time, I would probably sub out the Heimish for an emulsifying cleansing oil like Kose or the Simple one. I just haven't used either of those yet, I wasn't comfortable substituting that for the sake of this exercise.

I don't think I would be totally happy with this routine long term. It's not as hydrating as I tend towards and it doesn't have any actives. The CeraVe lotion is nice, but I wouldn't LOVE using it. I picked this over the CeraVe cream because I find that the cream does not actually sink into my skin. It's nice over other thinner formulas, but it tugs at my skin uncomfortably if used on its own.

Under $100

Heimish All Clean Balm [$17]

Stridex Maximum Acne Medication Pads [$4]

Dear, Klairs Supple Proparation Facial Toner [$22]

Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Solution [$15]

Holika Holika Skin and Good Cera Super Cream [$17] (this is discontinued, but as long as it's $17 at Amazon or CVS where I bought it I will probably keep using it)

Jojoba Oil [$8 @ Trader Joe's]

CeraVe Healing Ointment [$3] [Travel Size]

Australian Gold Tinted Sunscreen [$13]

TBH this is making me realize how much money I actually spend on my routine. GEEZ I DIDN'T NEED THIS TODAY. Essentially I just took out the CeraVe lotion and added my HG Hydrating/Moisturizing Layers. The Klairs seems like so much of a splurge here, but it really truly is one of my favorite products to use. It is very hydrating and soothing to me. I also added the Stridex because it's cheap, effective, easy to use and this is one active I know I can tolerate if I keep up my hydration/moisturization.

I think the CeraVe Healing Ointment is a true workhorse and I would never be with out it, BUT I don't actually use very much of it. I mean I bought my first 3 oz. tube 9 months ago and I don't think I've even used half of it. With the smaller budget it makes more sense to get a bigger tube because it can be SUCH a multitasker, but since I have a few more items in the way of "moisturizing" here, I would probably purchase a very small tube of the ointment (mostly for my lips and the corners of my nose) and also incorporate Jojoba Oil. I love Jojoba for cleansing and for mixing into other products. My very chapped lips also DRINK UP oils like no one's business.

I am ashamed to say this routine is still short of some things I use pretty frequently, but I would still be happy with it. It has everything I actually need.

Under $200:

Heimish All Clean Balm [$17]

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser [$15]

Stridex Maximum Acne Medication Pads [$4]

Stratia Soft Touch AHA [$14]

Dear, Klairs Supple Proparation Facial Toner [$22]

Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Solution [$15]

Stratia Rewind [$16]

Stratia Liquid Gold [$24]

Holika Holika Skin and Good Cera Super Cream [$17]

Jojoba Oil [$8 @ Trader Joe's]

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm [$15]

CeraVe Healing Ointment [$3] [Travel Size]

Raw Honey [$7ish]

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask [$5]

Australian Gold Tinted Sunscreen [$13]

Again these all the same products as before. The three additions I use frequently are the LRP B5, Stratia Liquid Gold, and Stratia Rewind. The Raw Honey and the Queen Helene are masks that I know work for me and are fun to use. I very rarely use the honey buy itself, but it is lovely as a mask mixed with the Klairs (thanks to u/LGBTQBBQ for that tip). I've also included the Stratia Soft Touch here because it is on my list to try. I'm pretty sensitive to actives and I think a 10% Mandelic is something I could handle.

I actually really enjoyed having to think about my routine like this. I really thought I had paired down my routine quite a bit and I suppose I have, but even the $200 budget would not be enough to repurchase everything I use on a monthly basis. This (mostly) doesn't even include things I want to try or things I have around just in case or just because. Realistically I would have a couple more wash off masks, and eye cream (even though it is not at all necessary imo), at least one other kind of sunscreen, and maybe one or two other moisturizers.

But I guess I'm that kind of extra bitch.

...and like its a hobby right? It's ok to spend money on a hobby.

At least that is what I'll tell myself.

Skin Profile: Normal/Combo, little oilier in the summer, dryer in the winter | Fitzpatrick 2 | Very mildly PD/Roseaca/Eczema prone | Mostly just trying to maintain

Climate/Location: Midwest US | Hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters; so much rain...



Sunscreen/Makeup Remover:

Bioderma Sensibio H2O (HG)

Cleansers:

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser (HG)

Ocusoft Foaming Lid Scrub (RP)

Moisturisers:

Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream (RP)

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream almost always mixed with squalane oil (HG)

Oil:

Timeless Squalane mixed with CeraVe cream (HG)

SPFs:

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 - Untinted (HG)

Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 55 for when I need something water resistant (RP)

Active:

Melazepam - 20% Azelaic Acid (HG)



Reflection: I'm really happy with the routine I have now—my skin looks and feels the best it ever has, and I don't think I've added anything new in about a year. I feel like my current products address what they should, and even though I have (RP) next to some things I really have no desire to actively try to replace anything; if it ain't broke don't fix it, right? Having a consistent routine for so long has also given me plenty of time to see where and what my new baseline is, which gives me a more realistic idea of where I want to head next.

I still have some concerns I'd like to address, mainly SFs. I think I want to add in a BHA next, and then maybe a Vitamin C, but I have a hard time pulling the trigger when I feel like my skin is in a pretty damn good place right now.

To satisfy my desire to try new products I've started to get more into hair care and body skin care. It feels "safer" for me personally to experiment with a bunch of different products on my hair and body than my face, and it satisfies the same urge.

Skin Profile: Dry/Dehydrated | Acne (Hormonal), Inflammation | Don't know my MAC colour; I'm East Asian

Climate: NE U.S.A., so currently cold and dry. I have my humidifier running whenever I'm in the house.

First Cleanser / Makeup Remover: Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil HG

Cleanser: Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser HG

Toner: Hada Labo Gokujun premium hyaluronic acid

Exfoliant: Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant RP

Serum: Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Serum with Green Tea Seed RP

Moisturizer: Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Cream with Green Tea Seed RP | Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask

Facial Oils: Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil RP | Shu Uemura Skin Perfector Makeup Artist Oil HG

Wash Off Masks: Origins Out Of Trouble 10 Minute Mask HG | Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask RP

Sleeping Masks: Sulwhasoo Radiance Energy Mask HG

Actives: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

Lip Care: Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 HG | Aritaum Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Masks

*

Reflections:**
It's been a little over a year since I seriously got into skincare. At this point I'm quite satisfied with my routine and will finish all my products through. A few changes that may come:

1. After I finish the Mad Hippie Vitamin C, I may try one with L-AA instead of SAP.
   
2. I just repurchased the Trilogy Rosehip Oil but it has a strong earthy smell that is a little unpleasant; I may search for an alternative.
   
3. The Fresh Black Tea Mask was great when I was first getting into skincare -- it did wonders for my dehydrated skin -- but I've noticed diminishing returns as I've actively improved my skin's moisture so I will likely not repurchase.
   
4. I'm not 100% satisfied with my serum and moisturizer. I wish they were a little more moisturizing; however I have not been able to find anything better without being too heavy.
   
5. PC's 2% BHA is great; I just find it annoying because I need to let it sit for at least 20 minutes for it to be effective. Would love to find an alternative that doesn't require such a long wait time.
   
   Regarding Paula's Choice Hydrating Treatment Mask under "Moisturizer" -- this is my "cheating" routine. I use this on those occasional late nights when I've been out too long and cough am still too drunk to do my full routine. I make sure I double cleanse to get all the makeup and grime off my face, but I know I cannot get through my full routine so I slather this on to ensure my face is properly moisturized. This does wonders as an emergency 1-step-post-cleanse routine, but I do not recommend doing it on a regular basis.
   
   I also want to note: although it's called Shu Uemura Skin Perfector Makeup Artist Oil, I use it at night as my last step (or 2nd to last step, if I'm going to use the Sulwhasoo mask).

Skin Profile: Combination to Oily | Acne (Hormonal), Texture and Pigmentation (PIE and PIH) | MAC Studio Fix Powder in C3.5

First Cleanser/Makeup Remover: Hada Labo Gokujun Cleansing Oil (HG)

Cleanser: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser – second cleanse only in the PM after Hada Labo.

Toner: Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion (RP), Hada Labo Premium Lotion (RP)

Exfoliant: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, The Ordinary Peeling Solution

Serum: Iunik Tea Tree Relief Serum, Skinlex Extended 10% Niacinimide, DMK Beta Gel

Moisturiser: Hada Labo Perfect Gel (RP), COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask (RP)

Facial Oil: Grapeseed Oil

SPF: Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk SPF50+ PA++++, Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+ PA++++ (HG), Neutrogena Beach Defence Water + Sun Barrier [Body] Lotion SPF50, Aus Version? (HG)

Masks: Innisfree Super Volcanic Mask (RP), Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, Lululun Precious Green (RP)

Actives: Finacea Azelaic Acid 15% (HG), The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalene

Lip Care: Lanolips 101 Ointment (HG), Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (HG)

*

Reflections**:
I’m happy with my routine but will be making some changes in the future. I plan to use up my HL Premium and replace it with Cezanne. I may keep Kiku depending or go back to HL Premium with Cezanne replacing Kiku. I’m hoping to speed up to the 1% Retinol by The Ordinary and see what effects that has with end goals being 0.25% Tret mixed with moisturiser by whenever it takes me to get there.
I’m mostly wanting to tackle minimal pigmentation issues on my right (driving side) temple but I think that may have to be pushed more with a proper laser treatment. I’d also like to shout out DMK Enzyme Therapy which I think has genuinely helped the health and bounceback of my skin from breakouts!

coverage is honestly the best thing you could do for your skin. this style suit with a wide brim hat are the best ways to protect yourself from sun damage.

fyi: i absolutely love the sun. i used to sit out at the beach all day with only coconut oil for spf and would never burn. since incorporating actives and heavy-hitting sun protection, i’ve noticed a transformation in my skin. no new freckles, lines or sun spots. dewey complexion. while i occasionally miss my formerly bronzed skin, i do not miss the rough texture, wrinkles, or itchy-tight feeling i used to get after baking.

I absolutely love with (this one) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DG740RI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nBZCCbG6GSKT0]. The same thing with less attachments would be fine, depending. The pedicure attachment is nice but not necessary. The trimmer is also not necessary if you have one already.

The second "frame" for the main head is really helpful, I switch back and forth. The bikini one is also nice, taking the full-sized head to your pubes the first is a bit much. However, you can edge around as you trim with the full size, it's just not as easy.

It's pricey but 10,000% worth it, IMO.

Lol we're hair twins! That sounds just like me. I use and LOVE Free & Clear shampoo.

I really like the NuFountain C + Ferulic serum.

I like that they date it and its always been fresh. One time I got a bottle of Timeless and it was already yellow when I got it. Plus I feel like my skin is clearer when with the NuFountain than with the Timeless because of the Vitamin E.

To keep it fresh longer I usually keep the main bottle in the fridge and fill up a .5 oz dropper bottle halfway that I keep in the bathroom and refill as needed.

This Attitude one is aloe free, although cetearyl alcohol is occasionally made with coconut oil instead of palm oil. It doesn’t appear that this is probably the case for this, but just a heads up. This was the one that was recommended “for kids.”

This Nurture one is coconut and aloe free.

Also, apparently, so is this Neutrogena one! It uses sacred lotus flower instead of aloe.

This makes me wish the La Roche Posay Iso Urea I tried a few years ago didn't have such a strong fragrance. It is literally the only LRP product I've tried with any fragrance. Anyone out there who has used La Roche Posay Iso Urea in the past few months -- does it still have a strong fragrance? I liked how it was a non-irritating exfoliant and came in an economy sized bottle.

Speaking of barrier repair ingredients and fragrance, this American version of the Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream doesn't have fragrance, according to the Q&A on Amazon.

Maybe try a plastic lash curler.

Plastic Curler from Japonesque

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen plastic tweezers too.

Nah it doesn't have alcohol in it thank goodness. I get mine on amazon:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRBST6H/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Takes about 1 month to ship (lol) but I repurchase when my current bottle has 1/4 product remaining, I always have a backup.

Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser has been my HG for 4+ years. However, for the past few months, the price has been wildly swinging from $11 to $25.

I plan to purchase this Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Body & Face Cleanser to replace it.

Is it possible to reuse the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra dispenser? Curious as to what kind of pump/air sealed mechanism is inside.

Try Aquaphor Healing Ointment

I had the same problem and tried many lip balms, and none worked well. The “natural” lip balms like Burts Bees were especially bad. I live in a super dry desert climate and Aquaphor Healing Ointment is the only lip balm that’s actually made a difference. It works noticeably better than plain Vaseline(petroleum jelly).

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion with Sunscreen

• De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment
  
• Raya Bio-Sulfur Masque

I really like sulfur for treating my cystic acne:

ol reliable

great for redness and healing

powder for when my face is angry and oily