Sharing my thoughts on the Neutrogena Hydro Boost skincare collection and revealing my tips and tricks on mimicking the long-lasting glowy and dewy complexion of my relatives and friends in Asian.
Photos are un-retouched
Every time I'm in Asia, I can't help but marvel with wonder and envy at the dewy, supple, and wrinkle-free complexion of Asian girls and women of seemingly all ages. Unable to simply just admire from afar, I've probed my Asian relatives and friends on how they've been able to somehow unlock the key to the fountain of youth. To my disappointment, their revelations reveal no insights into black magic or wizardry. They're using the same products as us, ingesting a normal diet no different from us, and their lifestyles spark no dramatic deviation from ours. However, there is one thing that's very different. Their weather. And whether I'm in Seoul, Tokyo, or Shanghai, I've noticed that the air is perpetually higher in humidity and overcast days greatly outnumber sunny LA days. And when the sun is out, there's no doubt umbrellas and Darth Vader visors are out as well.
From my observation, I've pretty much deduced that staying out of the sun and keeping your skin as hydrated as possible are the two most effective and potent ways to remain ageless. I've been using and layering sunscreen religiously since I was in college which in my opinion is a late start as I firmly believe everybody should be using sunscreen en uterus. As for hydration, I've definitely noticed that the weather has been unusually dry (I'm chugging water almost every waking hour) so I was excited to try Neutrogena's new Hydro Boost products infused with hydrating properties like purified hylauronic acid and olive extract. For the past week, I've been using all four products day and night to gauge their effectiveness. In the mornings and after cleansing, I pat the Hydro Boost Water Gel into my skin. It's light and absorbs easily into the dermis. After adding a few layers of serums, I apply the Hydro Boost Water Gel with SPF 15. I've never used a gel-based SPF before and appreciate its lightweight texture devoid of the classic sunscreen scent. Lastly, I apply the Hydro Boost Gel Eye Cream which comes in a hygenic and travel friendly squeeze tube. I like to keep it in my purse and reapply the eye cream throughout the day as my undereye area is always quenched for hydration.
At night, I repeat the process and replace the SPF with the Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Extra Dry Skin. On a few nights I used it as a hydrating mask by applying a generous heaping all over my face and neck, waiting 15 minutes, and wiping off and reapplying a thin layer making sure to massage the cream into my face. Since using the products, I've awoken to supple and non-greasy skin that definitely feels softer to the touch. Inspired by the results, I've been wearing more natural cream based makeup to uncover my newfound glowy skin as mattifying beauty products can and will cover up any natural glow. Here are my tips on how I keep my newly hydrated skin looking glowy all day.
{glowy skin tips}
1. If and when I'm using a foundation, I blend it with a few drops of hydrating serum or facial oil. 2. Instead of applying a powder all over my face, I brush on a translucent powder lightly on shiny areas like the nose and forehead to create natural highlights without heavy coverage. 3. I use a cream based blush and bronzer. 4. To enhance the glow, I lightly dab on some illuminating highlighter to areas that light hits like the top of my cheeks. 5. I use a sheer or lightly colored lip gloss to keep the glowy theme going.
{fab glowy products I'm using and loving}
