Weekly Skinspiration April 10, 2017

Dermatology Pearl

Knowing how to layer products is tricky, and since I started adding more makeup to my daily routine I’ve had to look up exactly how you order all your products. This week I wanted to include an ordering guide so you know what to do. Keep in mind that you don’t need to do all of these steps; you can pick and choose what works for you. Personally I use a primer (Etude House Face Blur primer) and a foundation (Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer or Amore Pacific CC cushion compact) with sunscreen in it; other products are moisturizer and primer combined (Glossier priming moisturizer). I’m a big fan of killing two birds with one stone so if you can find a dual action product, use it! I’m not including all my products that I personally use in this post, since I will be posting on Thursday about everything I use for each step at night.

AM:

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Any “medicated” serums (Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, etc.)
4. Moisturizer
5. Sunscreen
6. Primer
7. Foundation
8. Makeup (eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, lipstick, etc.)
9. Setting powder

PM

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Medication (Retinoids, any acne medications you have)
4. Serum (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Phloretin, Hyaluronic acid, etc.)
5. Night cream
6. Eye cream
7. Optional: sheet mask

Beauty Review

Price: $*

Coverage: 3/5

SPF: 5/5

Scent: N/A

Texture: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

*Each $ is approximately $20

I bought the Etude House face blur primer in Seoul and I have been using it almost everyday under my Amore Pacific CC cushion compact! The point of a primer is to fill in pores and provide light coverage, transforming your skin into a smooth canvas for foundation application. The Etude House primer uses what it calls “baby pixel powder,” a fine powder meant to cover pores and bumps. I never used to wear primers but after using this product I’m more of a fan. I find that it provides more pore coverage than other primers like the Glossier priming moisturizer (which in my mind is more a moisturizer than a primer) but it doesn’t cover up redness as well. When I wear the primer first my foundation goes on more evenly. I also like that the Etude House primer contains SPF 33 so it’s an added layer of protection under my sunscreen. It is pretty affordable at $17.50 and is a good everyday addition to your makeup routine.

Fashion Find

When I was in Seoul I was ill prepared for the weather which was still in the 40’s everyday. I wanted to share the perfect lightweight traveling jacket I purchased at Uniqlo when I was there. This jacket weighs 2 lbs, folds up into a small tote (included), and can be stuffed into any bag just in case it gets a little chilly. It provides a cozy extra layer for temps in the 40’s to 50’s and can be layered outside of a jacket for anything colder. It can also be worn alone in the mornings if you live in a place like San Francisco where it’s chilly in the mornings but warms up in the afternoon. I can’t emphasize enough how handy it is to pack this tiny jacket which weighs nothing (it’s like a bag of feathers!) into your bag so you’re prepared for any weather. For that reason it’s also the perfect outer layer for traveling, and the additional turtleneck area keeps your neck warm and snug too. I bought it in light gray and am considering getting it in more colors. For whatever odd reason (is this a fluke?!) the white color is on sale for 88% off for $9.90. All the other colors are available here for $69.90.

Life Update

We signed! We signed! Matt and I will officially be moving to West Village in May and we cannot be more excited. We have explored East Village a lot for the past 2 years and though West Village will mean a longer commute for me to get to work, I am so excited to hang out in my favorite neighborhood in Manhattan. Maybe I’ll even see Sarah Jessica Parker ambling in the street with her family 😀

In other news, I got a haircut last Saturday and I’m liking this lightened up balayage on a shorter hair cut. New season means new hair. I for one cannot wait for spring to come; it has been dreary!

In terms of work:

• Got our in training exam scores back this week and I did so much better this year than last year. It’s crazy how much of a difference a year of experience and studying makes, so don’t feel disheartened if you’re a first year resident and you feel like there’s so much to learn! You’ll get there.
• Last week I did my first few cosmetics clinic and they were really fun. I learned how to use the NdYag laser to do laser hair removal on dark skinned patients (my laser FAQ here), did some Botox injections, and also did some small excisions to remove unwanted skin growths.
• April and May will be busy with presentations, finishing up research, and more presentations. When it rains, it pours.

Have a good week!