Skincare? Oh, honey. I've tried them all. From drugstore brands to high end brands and for over a decade. After a few consecutive years of being a VIB Rouge at Sephora (which means I literally spent over $1000 a year there...hmm...) I've established a few products that have become staples that I cannot live without. And right now you can enjoy 20% off with code HEYROUGE until May 6th. Enjoy, ladies.


Peter Thomas Roth, Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel

Been a long time user of this cleanser for over a decade. The husband also uses it too. I like that it has salicylic acid which helps control breakouts and anti-aging is always a plus. I find that it's super gentle, yet effectively takes off even my waterproof make-up but is not too harsh on my skin. I always stock up on this when the 20% sale comes around because I can never afford to run out of this stuff. It's a staple. 
Cover FX, Mattifying Primer With Anti-Acne Treatment

On the rare special occasions that call for a full face of make up that needs to stay in place the whole day, I always use a primer. I like ones that don't clog my pores or make me shiny. This one has breakout preventing ingredients and keeps the cake face in tact all day long. Even in sweltering heat. 
Smashbox, Photo Finish Primer Water

Does this count as skincare? It keeps the make-up on. I've tried them all; the Urban Decay one, the one that every raves about...etc. This one works for those with oily skin at the end of the day.
Murad, Eye Lift Firming Treatment

This. Stuff. Works. I see instant results. Got this as a sample first, then got the full size.

So I like to use it before a long day/night out and then I load up on SPF moisturizer over it. Lines smoothed out and it feels super tingly, which may not be the most pleasant if you're extremely sensitive. I find the eye patches that they come with made for giants. So I cut them up into smaller strips and it's perfect. Use at least twice a week.
Tatcha, The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder

You have to exfoliate at least twice a week (less if you have sensitive skin). This stuff feels like silk on the skin and it makes my skin feel like silk. It effectively removes that top layer of dead skin. Beyond expired epidermis.




xx




Artwork by the amazing Miho Hirano. I'm doing this thing where I'm following and supporting more talented Asian artists whose objects are Asian women.  Growing up I only saw art of beautiful women who were white...and without realizing it, I idolized and internalized the figures in those pieces. But they do not connect with me on a deeper level because I do not have features like that. I do not think white features are the only standard of beauty. So as a quest to grow the love of self within myself, I want to seek out art that focuses on the beauty of Asian features. This is a full post on its own (coming soon?), but go check Miho Hirano out.