I've been complimented by a couple of friends on my skin. Surprisingly enough whenever they do, i had no make up on. I would have concealer on and that was it. They get shocked really whenever they find out. They start asking questions about what i do and what i use. Mind you i don't claim to have flawless skin and i am no expert on skin care. I'm not even obsessed with caring for my skin. I do however have an addiction on The Body Shop products. What drew me to try their products is their campaign against animal testing. To know more about this advocacy and their other values log on to The Body Shop - Our Values. And that was enough for me to be catapulted to a natural progression of an evident addiction. My whirlwind affair with this brand dates way way back and people who know me well have an inclination of how "bad" it is. It all started with a tube of cheek & lip stain and the rest as they say, is history. My addiction spiraled from make up to bath & body products, to facial skin care. I used to buy everything by set! If i buy the White Musk E.D.T. (which is my all-time fave!) i'll also purchase the shower gel and body lotion. Same goes with skin care. Either i get the Vitamin C or Vitamin E line. At one point i wanted to try their other products. And so i did. Turns out it was way better to mix and match to see which combo works best. And this combination turned out to be the right one. 

On my bathroom counter:

I use the Vitamin C polish every morning while the Tea Tree facial wash together with the Face Buffer at night. The Tea Tree facial wash is perfect for getting those grime off of you after a long day of work or night of partying. Its also a great tool for pimple prevention as its active ingredient, tea tree oil, has germicidal properties that neutralizes pimple and acne causing bacteria. When used with the face buffer, it becomes even more lethal to the dirt clinging on your face. Be gentle though in using the buffer. Its texture is rough as it is, so there's no need to go crazy on scrubbing your face. In the morning, Vitamin C Facial Cleansing Polish does a great job sloughing off dead skin cells and giving your skin that natural glow. This "natural" glow is achieved through the main ingredient, Vitamin C which is an antioxidant. It fights free radicals that damage the skin and at the same time promotes collagen production.

A lil somethin' EXTRA.

Replace the Vitamin C polish with the Vitamin C Microdermabrasion once a week to get those stubborn whiteheads (and blackheads) out. It has microbeads that unclog pores and remove older outer layer of the skin. Its basically an exfoliant but better since the beads or crystals are finer. This is optional but i strongly recommend it. Its effortless and doesn't really take up time. You're basically just replacing one item from the routine. Its a spa "treatment" from the comfort of your home. If you wanna save up on those facial treatments and lessen the trip to your dermatologist, this is a good purchase.

Note: Facial treatments that you can avail from facial centers/clinics are different and has no relation to the above mentioned product. To know more about microdermabrasion, read this: Microdermabrasion Benefits.

On my vanity:

Just in case you missed a spot on your face, surely your trusty toner will get it out. I use Seaweed Hydrating Toner after every wash. Its not harsh so it doesn't dry out the skin and more importantly, it tightens the pores. Afterwards, i'd apply my all-time fave moisturizer, Vitamin E Moisture Cream. Just a small amount but focusing on areas that are most likely to dry up like the areas around the nose. For some odd reason that area of my face easily gets dry and peels. That would be my basic regimen in the evening and when i'm staying in.

If i'm leaving the house for a simple hang out with some friends, i normally don't put foundation or any make up anymore. After applying the moisturizer i'd wait for at least five minutes before putting some Vitamin C Skin Boost. This will serve as a primer and will give my skin a matte finish. And that's it.

On some occasions that i do put on make up, i'll be using the Vitamin E Cream Cleanser to remove it at the end of the day. And then wash my face and continue on to the rest of my evening regimen.

And then on those dreaded days when my skin is breaking out, i would use the Tea Tree Oil Face Mask and leave on for 15 minutes. I swear it works miracles on those disgusting pimples. Its practically gone the next day.

There you have it. My "winning" combo for skincare. If you'll notice, i'm very particular on the ingredients used. As everyone should be. Different ingredients used (specially the active ingredient) in making the end product serves a purpose and has a corresponding effect. Being more conscious of what you put on your face can make a difference. Take note though that this is what works for me. It will still depend on your skin type and the condition that its in. If you have allergies or acne, its always best to consult a dermatologist.

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