January 23, 2017

What Good Things Are You Doing for Your Skin Lately?

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What good things are you doing for your skin lately? Why this question you might ask? Well, I was exhausted yesterday. Truly drained. So, I spent the day completely zoned out on my couch watching T-Dramas all damn day and it was luxurious. I can’t remember the last time I just had a me day. No friends, no events, no running to the movies or dashing to meet someone for dinner, no concerts, no last minute let’s have a game night, nothing, zero, my schedule was completely cleared. I shut my phone off, I clicked on my TV, and I just enjoyed a day of binging dramas.

It felt so sinful and delightful.

During my lazy foray I kept having utter skin envy. How do these actors and actress look so damn young!? What are they doing to keep their skin looking so smooth and beautiful? I decided to rewatch Broromance and Baron Chen just looks stupid good for his age. Well, nowadays that mustache he’s been sporting isn’t exactly my cuppa. But in Broromance? He was looking fine and like 25 years old at best. When he’s nearly 40.

Now, I have fairly good skin but lately I feel like I’m starting to see some minor aging issues. Am I imagining them? Are they really there?

What good things am I doing for my skin to prevent them?

Multimasking and lots of moisture! I’m of the firm belief that moisture is the key to aging. Intense moisture particularly moisturizers with hyaluronic acid that hydrate and allow skin to retain moisture. Essences are also an excellent way to add more moisture to skin as well as hydrating facial mists.

The second thing I’ve been doing lately is using an exfoliating mask followed by a hydrating one. I do this once a week. I’m really liking Peter Roth Thomas Pumpkin Enzyme Mask followed up with Peter Roth Thomas Blue Marine Algae Intense Hydrating Mask. The combination of an exfoliating mask and followed up with a hydrating one works really great. As the exfoliating mask might leave drier skin a touch tight but following up with a hydrating mask will restore any loss of moisture.

I’m actually a chronic and slightly obsessed sheet mask user. I use them nightly but lately with the variety of cream masks that are being introduced I’ve started using them a lot more. I sometimes use a cream mask followed by a sheet one. I dunno, but my skin looks pretty good so, I’m going to keep doing it!

This is what I’ve been doing good for my skin lately.

How about you?

What good things are you doing for your skin lately?

I receive a small commission if you shop through my link.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Bonnie

    Trying to be much more consistent with the skincare routine in general! Seems to be working.

    • Isabella Muse

      I think too many people start a routine but fail to follow through with it daily. You def have to be diligent!

      • Bonnie

        Yeah, I’m using some good stuff (Lush, Kate Somerville, etc.), but I think the key has really been doing it twice a day, without fail, and also adding a few masks throughout the week.

        • Isabella Muse

          sheet masks throughout the week def help my skin look smooth and bright!

  • Li

    Megan Lai is also about the same age as Baron Chen and she also looks younger. I have combo skin and found out about the Joseon Beauty Cream from an AB blog. The cream has mixed reviews but it works so well for me as a sleeping pack that I bought two jars to stock up when there was a rumor that it might be discontinued. I’m actually too lazy to do the ab multi-step skin care so when I find one product that does alot I would consider it hg status.

    • Isabella Muse

      Megan Lai looks amazing for her age as well, I believe he’s a year on her but for someone nearing 40 they both look very, very good. I keeping waffling on Joseon Beauty Cream since I wasn’t impressed with Primary Raw!

  • Marcia

    Hi, I’m your Taiwanese reader. Baron Chen is not particularly known for looking younger than his real age, Jimmy Lin and Eli Shih are more. Maybe you’ll find some of their dramas that you’ll like. 🙂

    • Isabella Muse

      Hi Marcia! Happy Monday! Oh I didn’t say he was known for it just that I think he looks great for his age. Jimmy Lin does indeed still look like a boy! Eli Shih, looks good as well love Love Keeps Going 😀

      • Marcia

        Wow, I’m so impressed ! You know them better than I do, haha. I haven’t even watched all these dramas. lol Yeah, and Jimmy Lin is 42 with three sons … =.=

        • Isabella Muse

          hahahaa don’t be, that’s horrible I know so much about tv dramas lol! I’m worst with kdrama, many useless facts bobbing in my head about kdrama actors/actresses. I didn’t know he had three sons! whoa! He really is boyishly good looking 😀 for his age. So jealous! If feel like everyday my complexion is starting to tell my age haha!

  • Emily

    I have been making more of an effort to only add one new product at a time, like if I use a new face wash, mask, etc. I won’t add anything else new for at least a few days. That way I can better evaluate how each product really affects my skin, and whether or not it’s worth it. I am TRYING HARD to not pull my skin when I apply eyeliner; that’s how I did it when I was younger and I see now how damaging it can be, so I try to just draw it in now without touching my face with the other hand. I can do my right eye, but usually end up caving on my left. I’m also trying hard to train myself to sleep on my back. I am a side sleeper, and it is SO hard to make the switch. I am open to hearing tips from anyone who has mastered any of these issues!

    • Isabella Muse

      excellent advice on the eyeliner emily. It’s always challenging not to pull or tug whether applying makeup or eye cream etc!

    • Patricia

      Emily, I too am tryhing to change from sleeping on my side to my back. One thing that has helped me be more determined to sleep on my back is the money I am spending on night time skin care products. Every time I go to turn on my side- I think about those products seeping right into my pillow case. LOL Money talks…….

      • Emily

        Ha ha! I’ll give that a try tonight. If that doesn’t work, maybe I”ll have a family member duct tape me into position!

  • Dee

    I splurged with gift card and cash from Christmas and got a jar of Divine Cream from L’Occitane. No idea if this stuff is as good as all the reviews say it is but my skin has never been so hydrated in the winter .

    • Isabella Muse

      yay! 😀 Some of L’occitane’s skincare really works well for me too!

  • Katya

    Good question you got there. I think that we all have to look for that beauty regimen that works for us and not just follow every recommendation. Some routines work for some, others just don’t. Regardless, being the largest organ in our body, our skin deserves to be well taken care of. Oh, and by the way! I love your T Dramas reference, Asians do look younger than their age! By the way, it’s my first time here, looking forward to more visits.

    • Isabella Muse

      too true, that’s why I was asking what good things you were doing for your skin 🙂 wasn’t recommending you try anything new or try my methods! Do share your current routine would love to hear it!!!

      • Katya

        Couldn’t agree more. 🙂 And oh, yes.. I might share it one of these days. Thanks for the idea Isabelle. Looking forward to more visits.

  • Chelsea

    I bought a vitamin c serum that my skin seems to LOVE! It’s the C21.5 serum from WishTrend. I tried the accompanying sheet masks first since that had less vitamin c, to ease my way in, but the two products are fantastic. My skin is bright and clear, and the texture is much smoother.

    • Isabella Muse

      Good one! C21.5 is fab and not sticky wish is always a plus 😀

      • Chelsea

        I couldn’t get over the smell of the serums with ferulic acid – smells like dog treats or fish!

  • Dia

    Last year, I bought a curated box from memebox, and it came with a bottle of Mizon essence. It had just been sitting around collecting dust for the longest time, but then I read your blog on essences, so I started using it. My skin, which was really dry due to the cold winter air, does feel softer and more hydrated.

  • Alicia Manocha

    I flew yesterday and whenever I do that, I do a lot of extra pampering on my skin. Last night I did one of those eye patch masks and it really hydrated them and reduced the puffiness. I also tend to do a double peel process when I do a peel. I’ll do a peel like the dr denese orange peel then wash and follow with her firming facial peel pad. My skin feels great and takes hydration in so much better.

    • Isabella Muse

      likewise because planes muder my skin! 😀 It’s a good ideal to get your skin in order and very well hydrated before traveling 😀

  • Ashley

    I’ve also been trying to take better care of my skin by sticking to a routine and I’ve been on a skin care binge lately 🙂
    But I have a question for ya muse (and muse readers!) I’m 21 years old and I’m looking for a good basic eye cream. My eye lids and under eye area get very dry…I’ve tried a few samples from birch box in the past but I’ve never tried anything that wowed me, so lately I’ve just been using my face moisturizer on my eye area as well but it’s not quite enough. I would prefer something on the affordable side but I am willing to splurge if any of you know of something that works! Thanks so much!

  • Jennifer

    I’m in Houston and we’ve been having a lot of spring/summer weather. This has been rather annoying. The humidity makes my skin oily but if temps are below 50 then my skin becomes normal – which so far has happened only a handful of times. I sometimes get dry patches yearround but I have a solid skin care routine going so I don’t have to worry about them anymore. I’m trying to be more consistent about masks this year with a good balance of clay and sheet masks.

  • genevieve

    I am pleased to read you had a ‘me’ day and enjoyed yourself. You deserve to have one occasionally after all the hectic work that you do with this blog AND your full time work.

    As a 60+ year old person, I definitely look after my skin. Lately I have been trying the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Ultra Light for the daytime (scorching hot here in Melbourne Australia at the moment), the serum and night time moisturiser. For Australian readers, it is all on sale (40% off) at Priceline at the moment and I availed myself of this deal. So far, so good.
    Keeping up a routine is really important and my skin looks good.

    • Isabella Muse

      ugh full time work is crazy lately thanks 😀 I needed it! Haven’t tried that one, but glad to hear it is working out well for ya!

  • Jes

    I am asian, but I think those stars get a helping hand with some procedures 😉 😉

    I’ve started testing the pH of my facial cleansers and tossing them if they run too high.

    I also just started using a nuface on areas of my face that seem less firm than they used to be.

    • Isabella Muse

      I need that doctor’s number Jes lol! 😀 I mean at near 40 year old he looks stupid good 😀 I was going to try nuface! Any good?

      • Jes

        Seriously. I want to do some medical tourism in Asia. Hehe.

        I do like it. I’ve only been using it for a bit over a week. The firming attachments make an immediate visible difference, so I use it in the AM. The wrinkle one, takes longer apparently. You do have to be diligent with how you use it – application/prep/primer gel. I will report back after the 60 day run.

        The ZIIP Nano Current Device also looks interesting, but I can’t justify another $$$ device this year.

        • Isabella Muse

          I just want to eat myself through Asia lol! Between makeup and food in Japan I came home with 500lbs extra luggage (on my body and physically carrying stuff back lol)! Let me know, I’d be curious how you do with it! Out of my budget, can’t see myself dropping $500 bucks on that one! TEMPTING though!

          • Jes

            LOL! I had to throw things out of my luggage to make room for makeup and toys, on my last trip to Japan. I’m heading back to Korea and Japan in the late spring. I’m compiling a list already. I’ll have to ping you for more stuff to add before I go!

          • Isabella Muse

            omg! I had to BUY another suitcase when I went to Taiwan because I carried back so many facial masks not to mention other crap. Haha we got issues. I’ve never been to Korea but would really love to go! I’m also dying to go to Thailand. Oh PLEASE do haha 😀 I’ll make you a list if I have time of stuff to check out! There are so MANY beautiful Spring color collections launching in Japan for 2017! (and might need to make you one to take back with you for me hahaha).

          • Isabella Muse

            considering we have extra luggage we can squeeze you inside with the face masks haha!

          • Jes

            Start making that list!

            My hubby has already decided that Thailand is the next place we go. That flight though, ugh. I figure I’ll go get a spa treatment, tasty food, and he can go suffer at a muay thai camp for a day or two.

            Oh, I do love Japan for color cosmetics. I already ordered a couple of the Addiction eye shadows. They are like impressionist artwork.

            Emily, and Muse, maybe we can all just go together! My husband surely does not want to tag along on my makeup shopping excursions.

          • Isabella Muse

            Haha! Yeah but I’d have to pay you for another piece of luggage it’s so long 😀 The flight is about the only thing preventing me from going, brutal! My x-boyfriend lived in Bangkok for nearly two years, I was utterly impressed that he was able to do so for so long because it’s considerably different from where he’s from (Amsterdam). Would love to visit but don’t think I could live 😀 I’ll be with you eating all the Tom Yum Gung, you hub’s can hit the gym lol! Did you see the Addiction Spring Palette?! It’s quite lovely! I was loving the Chicca Spring releases too but they are a little too pastel for me, I swear I spend most of my life trying to convince myself I look good in pastels. Ha yes, lets! I’m all for that! 😉 Japan first though, the Thai flight might mean you guys would have to carry me around a few days after we arrive. JETLAGGED!

          • Jes

            My bro’s wife is Thai, and she promises to go with us so we can have an easier time – and eat her mom’s soup! Now I want Thai food!

            Oh, you mean the Addiction eye shadow and blush cases? Gorgeous!

            The Chicca eye shadows are so cute, but I can’t wear those powdery pastels either, unless I’m super super pale.

            I’m hoping for a jet-lag cure, because I always suffer for days. Not that I’m complaining.

          • Isabella Muse

            your own guide! lucky! 😀 I had Thai on Friday night after we talked lol! 😀 Yes! four shadows, one blush 😀 I always try to convince myself that I love pastels, but yeah, not a good look for me 😀 I’m finally out of denial! Likewise, I’m still feeling exhausted about traveling earlier this month. It just takes a lot out of you! Happy Monday by the way! 😀

  • Sharon Starr

    Having had a tremendous back surgery a year ago with some odd complications my skin is insane. I’ve done nothing but struggle with dryness and sagging, all over!!!!! Not just my face. Funny how I found this post as I was about to email you for advice. I have been using Philosophy religiously but really need some major hydration here. Living in frozen northern Michigan doesn’t help much either. The struggle is real !Not only do I have to still get my back working but my skin as well. Any suggestions about the most hydration I can get will be welcome at this point. I keep hearing in my head “my face has fallen and it can’t get up!”

  • Shannon. N

    Hey Muse!! I’m late to the skin care party here (You know about how I save up your blog posts and read every friday night 😉 )

    But i’v been REALLY digging chemical/liquid exfoliators lately!! I used to be a acne PICKER. And because of my background, I dont burn (I tan just THINKING of the sun!) I never wore sunblock. So I had so much acne scarring!!

    But I’v been religiously wearing SPF50/60 every day, and I’v been using chemical exfoliators from Paula’s Choice twice a day. And my skin has never been more clear, even, and dare I say, radiant? 😀

    I also have been using a hydrating mask every night as my finishing layer of moisturizer, and my oily, dehyrdated skin has been so plump and happy!!

    • Isabella Muse

      Hi Shannon, flattered 🙂 I love that you do that! I tried PC’s chemical exfoliator and it didn’t quite work for me but I started using Sunday Riley’s good genes and it’s been pretty darn good! It’s a lot less harsher than exfoliating scrubs that’s for sure 😀

  • Snesbear

    I have been mixing CeraVe Healing Ointment in with my sleeping pack. It really helps my skin be more moisturized. As prior I had peeling skin on my nose.

  • devon

    I have been using the Dr. Dennis Gross extra strength alpha beta peel pads to get aaaallll of the gunks out and off of my skin. I use them every other day (because a box of 30 is $88 ) and I haven’t seen my alin look this good since before puberty. Once I hit 30, I started to really invest in my skin so prevent aging before it starts. I also use PTR 3% retinol as well, to rud my face of the wrinkles I get from teaching middle school students!!