2017 FAVORITES: Skin Care

2017 is about to conclude in a few hours and now is probably the best time to round up everything that made this year worth reminiscing. Over the past years, I've shared with you my favorites in skincare and makeup but this time I thought of adding more categories like body/hair care, tech stuff and travel. This way, you can just choose to browse a category you like instead of going through tons of products or information that don't really interest you.

Let me start with the category I prioritize the most, skincare. Since I've been religiously following the 10 steps to Korean skincare, I'll be mentioning the products in the order of how I use them. I also added a few stuff that I don't use everyday but I always reach out for when needed. As for makeup, body care, tech stuff and travel I'll be featuring them in separate posts so please check those as well.

🏆 MAKEUP REMOVER 🏆

For now, let me start with the very first product I use during my evening skincare ritual, the makeup remover. I have 2 entries in this category because I love both products and use them alternately based on what I need. When I'm home and have the luxury of time to use a makeup remover, I always go for Bioderma Make-up Removing Micelle Solution.

This makeup remover is probably one of the pioneers in micellar products. Despite the hefty tag, Bioderma has always been on my repurchase list because it effectively removes all traces of makeup and dirt without harming your skin. You should definitely try this if you haven't and I guarantee you won't be disappointed. For a more detailed review kindly click this link.


When I'm away from home or tired (too lazy rather) to go through all the ceremonies of my nightly skincare routine, I resort to using makeup remover wipes. Of all the brands I've tried this year, only one stands out and that is the Neutrogena makeup remover cleansing towelettes.

This has been available in S&R for years now but the price kept me away. Discovering how it's more affordable in Costco made me buy it eventually. These aren't your usual wet wipes because despite not being soaked, they can melt away even the fullest coverage makeup. The size of each towelette is just enough to clean your entire face and neck although you may need another piece to remove professionally done makeup. Sadly though, I will not be repurchasing this in Manila and probably buy it from Costco on my next trip back.

🏆 FOAMING CLEANSER 🏆

Next skincare favorite is the CeraVe foaming facial cleanser. I've heard a lot of good things about CeraVe so when I saw this brand in Target, I didn't think twice getting one. What made it a challenge for me was which variety to get. After browsing through each kind, I ended up getting this foaming cleanser.

I love that it's in a generous size and comes with a pump for ease of dispensing. It's a clear gel that's unscented and feels really soft on application. This cleanser lathers up nicely and rinses off quickly without drying your skin. I love that it doesn't irritate your skin but still does a great job of removing dirt, makeup residue and excess oil. You can buy CeraVe in selected stores nationwide as well as in online shops.

🏆 EXFOLIATOR 🏆

As for exfoliating wash, VMV Hypoallergenics re-everything cleansing cream is an instant favorite. I've had this tube in my stash for months before I finally tried it and I must say it comes really close to my all time favorite id Skin Buffing cleansing scrub, but this one wins my 2017 favorites.

This cleansing cream has a subtle scent that goes off instantly. The texture is quite lumpy and has microbeads that feel invigorating when applied all over the face. It doesn't lather much but it feels really good on the skin. A small dollop is enough to cover your face and neck hence this tube will last long. I love how soft my skin feels after every use and how it's not irritating even when used on treated skin. I love that VMV is proudly Philippine made and available in all their branches nationwide as well as internationally.

🏆 RINSE OFF MASK 🏆

I don't regularly use a rinse-off mask but when I get the chance to use one, I always turn to Origins Clear Improvements active charcoal mask.

I like that it comes in a squeezie tube because it's less messy than when you have to dip your hands into a jar. It has a distinct herbal scent that's not over powering and doesn't linger. It has a thick consistency but spreads nicely on your face. I like that it doesn't dry off quickly giving you enough time to evenly distribute the mask. It rinses off easily and effectively unclogs your pores leaving your skin dirt free and smooth to touch. This is available in Origins counters at Rustan's but I got mine at a discounted price from Dury Free Changi Airport.

🏆 TONER 🏆

Next on my list is toner which for me has always been the Nazal MD acne lotion (strong). I've been a loyal client of Dr. Nazal's YSA Skin Care Clinic for more than 2 decades now and for me, nothing truly compares to it.

This toner is specifically suitable for acne-prone skin. It has a distinct chemical scent that fades immediately. It's as clear and runny as water and can sting initially when applied on active skin lesions. I love how it effectively treats and prevents pimple breakouts. These are only available in YSA clinics nationwide. The price is a bit steep but definitely worth every centavo. You may click this link to read a more detailed review I posted a couple of years ago.

🏆 ESSENCE 🏆

For my favorite essence in 2017, nothing will ever top the SK-II facial treatment essence. I had the fortunate opportunity to try this miracle product back in 2014 (click this link to see the review) and due to its hefty tag, I tried looking for a more affordable product that works the same but nothing ever does.

Don't you just love the elegant frosted bottle it comes in? This essence has a faint scent and also has the appearance and consistency of water. A few drops is all you need to cover the entire face and neck. I love how it doesn't sting at all even when used on active skin lesions. It effectively softens your skin and can even out your complexion with prolonged use. You may get SK-II products including this essence from Lazada Philippines or at any Duty Free shops in international airports where I got mine. 

🏆 SERUM 🏆

I now put my Kiehl's recovery concentrate to rest and hail Dear Klairs freshly juiced vitamin drop as my official favorite serum for 2017. I got this product during an online sale in beauty mnl early this year and it's been heaven ever since.

The serum is housed in a small bottle with a dropper which I really like. It has a faint herbal scent, appears clear and has an oily consistency. A few drops is enough to cover your face and neck. I love how this serum doesn't feel greasy and keeps your skin looking well hydrated. It works well with the rest of my skincare products and has not caused skin irritation or breakouts. It's also a bit pricey but you can actually save more if you buy from Beauty MNL during a sales promotion. 

🏆 SHEET MASK 🏆

After trying on different brands of face mask this year, my favorite has got to be the Leaders Insolution collagen therapy skin clinic mask. I hoarded one box of ten mask sheets from Watson's in SM North at half price off.

This face mask, like all others by the brand Leaders Insolution, is richly soaked with active ingredients. I love how it immediately clings to your face and how refreshing it feels once applied. It doesn't dry off on your face even after 15 to 20 mins of application. That's how soaked this mask is which is why I still wipe the mask on my neck, elbows and knees after each use. I love that it doesn't sting and that I always see a huge improvement on my skin's overall texture the following day. It may be priced a bit steep but if you use this every other week, you'll be surprised that the overall cost is not at all bad. 

🏆 EYE CREAM 🏆

If you've been following my blog, you might be wondering why the Guerlain super aqua-eye serum didn't make it to this year's list. This is because halfway through 2017, I've been using another eye cream that has become an instant favorite, the Olay Regenerist revitalising eye serum.

This comes in a classic squeezie tube with a pointed nozzle. It's virtually unscented and has a light cream texture that spreads easily. You'll notice the cream to be saturated with golden specks of shimmer giving your under eyes an instant glow. I haven't seen any effects on my fine lines but it did improve areas on my under eyes that used to be flaky especially when applied with concealer and finishing powder. 

🏆 MOISTURISER 🏆

It took me forever to decide which moisturiser to pick as my 2017 favorite since there are 2 close contenders in this category namely the Olay Regenerist micro-sculpting cream and Clinique dramatically different moisturizing gel. After several days of contemplating, I finally zeroed in on Clinique moisture surge intense skin fortifying hydrator.

This moisturiser has an obvious scent that thankfully doesn't linger. It has the consistency of a light cream that instantly melts on your skin. You may notice it to be a bit shiny on initial application but it eventually leaves your skin looking nicely hydrated. I love how it effectively moisturizes my skin without feeling too heavy or greasy. You may get one from all Clinique branches nationwide or Duty Free shops for a lower cost.

🏆 SUN PROTECTION 🏆

I've always used VMV Hypoallergenics Armada line for sun protection which is why it surprised me to have missed one product suitable for my melasma prone skin. I'm referring to the Armada Face Cover 45 which was thankfully introduced to me by a good friend a couple of months ago.

This gem in a tube is truly an amazing product to keep in your skincare routine. Despite being a sunscreen, it doesn't smell or feel like one. It has the consistency of a thick cream which makes it a bit challenging to apply. I love that it dries off quickly to a matte finish and doesn't leave a white cast. This is best applied under makeup because it doesn't affect the overall texture of your foundation or BB cream. It's a bit pricey but considering how a tube lasts for months of daily use, this product isn't so expensive compared to others.

🏆 FACIAL MIST 🏆

Lastly, despite having used this for only a month now, my favorite facial mist for 2017 is none other than the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle hydrating mist.

I've heard tons of good things about Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle products so when I saw this hydrating mist on sale at Incheon Airport, I knew I had to get it. I love how the atomizer evenly  releases a fine mist of product with each pump. This has a distinct scent that fades off instantly once settled on your skin. I love the refreshing feel and the instant softness it gives. I haven't seen any noticeable improvements on my skin after a month of use but this product made it to my favorites because of its overall appeal.

That's it for my 2017 Favorites, skincare edition! I hope you find this post helpful and if you have questions on any of the products I shared just leave them on the comments section below. Please watch out for the next post featuring my favorite makeup products for 2017. Thank you for reaching this far with me and I'll see you all in 2018! 

💁 FYI:

   👉 This is an UNSPONSORED POST

   👉 Photos taken using iPhone 6 Plus

   👉 Photo studio by FOLDIO 2