Steps to use SK-II Products

Ladies, WARNING!
This gonna be a looonnnggggggg post! So stay with me, okay?

Must you use skincare products from the same line or brands?

Each brand uses a variety of active ingredients - like retinol or glycolic acid, vitamin C, in their formulations and it’s possible that the ‘actives’ ingredients could be incompatible. The researchers have developed a certain product range because they're designed to work together and missing out steps or products may impact the results. 
I have a sensitive skin. So personally I prefer to use products from the same brand, at least I know they are compatible with one another. Just remember that the key to optimal results is to allow time.  

However it’s really depending on the individual preference and skin condition.  To only way to develop a successful skincare routine is to select what works best for your skin type and needs.

How to use them SK-II products?

Step 1: Facial Cleansing Oil - (at night only)

This is a “pre-cleanser” ritual which will help to remove all traces of make-up and even waterproof mascara.

Application: I usually use 1 pump to clean my face. Apply on dry face and message your face. This Cleansing Oil is good enough to remove your waterproof mascara. Rinse your face with lukewarm water.

Tips: I usually use a separate eye makeup remover prior to this.

Step 2: Facial Treatment Cleanser

It is a basic cleanser designed to clean your

Application:

Wet your face, then squeeze about 2-3 cm of the cleanser to your palm and add a little water to it. Lather well to create foam and spread to your face. Remember to clean your nose area as well. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Many people tend to get confused between Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCL) and Facial Treatment Essence (FTE). So what is the difference?

Step 3: Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCL)

Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCE) = basically is a TONER.

It helps to exfoliate your skin by removing excess dead skin cells and of course to prep your skin for better product absorption

Application:

Generously wet a cotton pad; swab your face in gentle upward motion avoiding eyes area.

Step 4: Facial Treatment Essence (FTE)

Facial Treatment Essence (FTE) = the famous “Miracle Water” which contains more than 90% pitera is a must-have for healthy and radiant skin. It helps to maintain the skin’s natural renewal cycle (our skin renews every 28 days) to its optimum condition. It also works to balance the skin’s pH and sebum secretion, so oily and dry areas are properly moisturized.

Application: Two ways of using it:

1)    Soak generously a cotton pad and gently pat (not swab) your entire face with it. This time you can apply on eyes area. OR

2)    Pour about a size of 50 cents coin onto your palm and pat your face with it till it’s all fully absorbed. You can pat on your eyes area too.

Personally, I prefer latter application.

Step 5: Facial Treatment Repair C
This serum is not a Vitamin C. Many has mistaken it for one, me too initially!

Are you skin look dehydrated or dull? Then you’ll need this serum because Facial Treatment Repair C contains concentrated pitera which give extra boost of moisturizing complex to skin.

Application:

It’s a clear gel consistency and light weight. Smooth your entire face and eyes area too. I would suggest to gently patting your skin for faster absorption.

The lightest & clearest consistency among all serums.

Step 6: Whitening Spot Specialist - (in the night)

This is basically a whitening serum that helps to combat and prevent spot formation by targeting both hidden and visible spots.

Application:

Squeeze appropriate amount (about a size of 50 cents coin) and pat to entire face avoiding eyes area.

This is all you need for the Whitening Spot Specialist.
 Slightly thicker consistency than the Repair C.

Step 6: Cellumination Essence EX - (in the morning)

This is basically a hydrating serum that helps to nourish, replenish and repair your skin. Hydrating serum is slightly thicker than the traditional serum (whitening serum).

 Application:

Spread a pearl-sized drop of the Cellumination Essence over your face. Gently massage your face – drumming your fingers on your skin or image playing piano on your skin, this will help to stimulate your skin.

This is all you need for the Cellumination Essence.
The thickest consistency among all serums but still lighter than moisturizer.

Step 7: Wrinkle Specialist - (in the night) 

Since I’m in the pre-aging category, between late 20s to mid 30s, I feel that it’s a time to pay extra attention on the appearance of future lines/wrinkles (although I can’t really see any of them yet but PREVENTION is always the key). This pre-aging serum helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by softening and firming the skin's surface layers.

Application:

Apply a small amount onto finger and gently message in a circular movement around the eyes. I also apply this lotion on my future wrinkles areas; the smile lines, frown lines, worry lines and also crow’s feets.

This is what you need to apply on my future wrinkles areas.
This is not an eye cream, this is still a serum.

Step 8: Stempower

It’s an anti-aging lightweight moisturizer. Moisturizer helps to retain/ seal the nutrients inside and prevent its moisture from evaporating

Application: Warm the cream between your palms and gently press the cream on your entire face.  I will usually ‘slap’ my face – ‘slapping’ motion will help to promote blood flow to your skin. Last but not least, remember to apply on the moisturizer on your neck too. Usually the first sign of aging start from the eyes and neck.

This's what you need for entire face and neck.
For hygenic purpose, I usually transferred some of my moisturizer to smaller container.

Step 9: Skin Signature Eye Cream

Different have brands introduce different order of steps on applying eye creams. In SK-II regime, eye cream should come last, only after moisturizer.

This eye cream is less rich than previous Sign Eye Cream, which I hate it.
It claims to combat 10 eye concerns – hydration, tone evenness, fine lines/wrinkles around eyes, radiance around eyes, dark circle around eyes, lightness, and all day eye power firmness around eyes, barrier function and texture around eyes.  WOW!!

Application:

Smooth a small pearl size of Signature Eye Cream, inclusive eyelids. Use your ring finger (the weakest finger) and gently pat on your under eyes. Blend the cream towards your ears like the upside down window-wiper motion until thoroughly absorbed. Apply twice a day.

Step 10: Whitening Source Derma Definition UV Lotion (SPF50) - (in the morning)

Whether you are at home or going out, it’s IMPORTANT to always apply sunblock (every morning) to protect our skin against the damaging UV light. I’m quite an outdoor person, so I need to use higher SPF to protect my skin for at least a good up to 8 hours. Another selling points of this product is spot prevention (anything that can help to prevent spot, I’m sold!). However, if you’re more an indoor person, you can consider SK-II newest Cellumination Day Surge UV (SPF30)

Application:  Apply as the last skin step of your skin care routine. I use 5 dots method - 1 dot on each on my forehead, cheeks, chin and nose and message to the skin.
Good news, you can actually skip a primer and proceed to your make-up routine.

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Okay, finally we’re DONE with my routine! PHEW!!!

Lastly, it’s always good to stick to the brand that works and doesn’t irritate your skin. Don’t get sway by the advertisements easily. If you want to try/switch brand, replace your current products one at the time to test the suitability.

Love, Shantz