Since I moved to Dubai, I couldn’t really understand what my skin needed in terms of “regime”. My face never broke out like this in Jeddah, but living there for decades explains how I’ve fully adjusted to the weather, and water (safe to say).

I’ve tried several stuff on my face when it started to weird the crap out of me and so far, during the first year, VMV and Melvita products worked their magic, and then, for some reason, did not. I’m still sold on Melvita though — I’ll probably stock up on them again for Summer.

Before I went to the U.K., I decided to invest in Kiehl’s products — the whole Ultra Cleansing line (except for the Sunscreen, I still use Avène + Day and Night Oils, because I’m using Sunday Riley), and so far, so good.

I’ll do my best to post an update on how my Skin looks in about 2-3 months. For now, allow me to share the products I’ve been using (mostly from late 2017):

The Newbs :

1.) Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. I dinna need a make-up remover since I started using this. It’s so gentle on the skin, I couldna believe my eyes. Also, you don’t need much!

2.) Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner. Probably the GENTLEST toner I’ve ever used, ever. No stinging sensation, but you could definitely feel the difference after you’ve used it.

3.) Kiehl’s Hydro Plumping, Re-Texturizing, Serum Concentrator. Let’s face it, I’m not getting any younger. I’ve always been skeptic about anti-aging products because of my denial (I AM EIGHTEEN FOREVERRRR), but I feel like, out of all the Kiehl’s products I currently use, apart from the eye cream, this is the MVP.

4.) Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment. Not exaggerating, but my Crow’s Feet is barely noticeable a week in since I started applying this. I use it twice a day, and you could understand why it’s packaged in such a tiny container. You’ll need a single dab *insert Timmy doing the dab here* and it would cover both eye areas. It is super creamy.

5.) Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. During the day, I only end up applying this when it’s too hot or too cold. When the weather is just right, I skip it, but do apply it at night, if I feel like using it instead of my Sunday Riley night oil.

6.) Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque. Which I got as a sample, and thank you Kiehl’s, because on nights I need the extra moisture, this does it.

7.) Kiehl’s Lip Balm. Before I flew to England, my Boss STRONGLY advised I get myself lip balm because I was gonna need it. Boy, was he right. I managed to snag myself one at the Dubai Airport and apart from my lip tint, it was the only make-up related item on my bag while I was out and about. I love the shade of this one, too!

8.) Sunday Riley U.F.O. Oil. I’ve been wanting to get me some Sunday Riley oils since I started reading about their magic sometime last year. Thank you Harvey Nics (in London!!!) for having these, huhu. The U.F.O. oil is currently purging my skin, hence my break-outs, that I am for once, thankful for — because I know it’ll only get better from here!

9.) Sunday Riley Luna Oil. Ches has always explained the importance of retinoids and this is just perfect, because whenever I wake up the next day, my skin is dewy and fine. It makes me pretty confident to take actual and genuine “I woke up like this” photos.

10.) Amazonian Clay Mask. My Dearest Malenlen gifted me with a tub and it’s definitely my go-to when I am in dire need of some (facial) whipping.

11.) Lush’s Mask of Magnaminty. Which I keep hearing so much about from Shinji! I love the cooling effect and how clean and fresh my face feels.

The Mainstays :

1.) Avène Sunscreen. I love how it’s not greasy or oily, and even gives me a glow!

2.) Sudocrem. My post-Acne crime scene go-to since 2011.  It really helps in speeding up the drying, and, the best part is — it prevents the acne from scarring!

3.) Epiduo. Cystic Acne is a bitch. Slather Epiduo up on dem nasty thangs.

It’s pretty exciting to try new Skin care products, it really is all about trial and error. You have to find the right ones that work best for your skin, and change them up according to the weather — at least for me. I’ve been Foundation-free for more than a year now since I started taking my skin care seriously, and I plan to keep at it.