I need some help with my routine and it’ll be much appreciated if you can recommend some other types of cleanser, toner, serum, sunscreen, moisturiser, cream, mask that you think would help with my skin type and can fit a student’s budget (each product not more than SGD$20/USD$15)❤️

Context: I don’t use much makeup, just sunscreen and sunstick(Aquabalm) by Kahi to top up over the course of the day and Banila Co Color Splash Water tint. 
My cleansing and skincare routine consists of Merythod Deep cleansing oil, somebymi cleanser and toner (Acne line), Axis-y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum, and this cream by Citra?

Idk but after using the cleansing oil though it’s effective in like removing the clogged pores and some dead skin parts, it feels like certain areas that have active acne underneath (the dark red/brown spots) are very dry/slightly hard. 
When I proceed with the next few steps after the  cleansing oil, my face stings badly… 
Idk exactly where it went wrong? Is it when I’m using the cleansing oil for too long and stripping off my layer of skin? Can I hear you thoughts on how to save my skin?

I’ll appreciate if you can recommend some other types of cleanser, toner, serum, sunscreen, moisturiser, cream, mask that you think would help with my skin type and can fit a student’s budget (each product not more than SGD$25/USD$18) 

Can you also teach on steps/order of which to apply makeup and give recommendations on some  foundations that can match my skin tone as I’m very confused on it, I bought Merythod foundation in the shade of pure beige the darker shade of the 2 and I still look like a ghost because it’s too pale..… 

PS: Can you follow my IG and TikTok Account, I’ll follow you back too 🥺(I might be slightly busy but I’ll follow you back within 3-5days)! It’ll be much appreciated as a newbie in this community if you do follow ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ and can I tag you for some giveaways if you followed? 

Pics for reference:
Hair tied: Day after using cleansing oil
Hair down: Skincare without cleansing oil for 2 days.
left side: got black mole below eye
right side: no mole

Skincare routine for student/budget for Oily-Combi, Sensitive, Acne-prone skin for living in Singapore/ASEAN countries?

So just for context: I live in Singapore 🇸🇬, and although I have installed this app for some time, I have only just started in participating in writing reviews very recently, as it’s the school break and weekend when I don’t need to do part time work.

 I also don’t have a lot of products to review from (SomeByMi - AHA BHA PHA Set(cleanser, toner, cream and tone-up sunscreen), Retinol set for my mom (serum and mask) ), Banila Co stuff from SG giveaway , Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Serum, Random samples from different brands (SUM:37, Loccitane?, Innisfree, etc..) , Skin1004 sunscreen, makeup by Merythod(foundation, 3 eyeshadow, 1 lipstick, 2 primers, 1 concealer),Kahi collagen and sunstick balm (pink and blue) ,does shampoo even work reviewing here?

*all products except Banila Co were self purchased*

I only regularly check in and also have applied for multiple giveaways but I guess it’s my fault for not writing reviews or actively participating in discussions…

Just wanting to know how many reviews it took before being selected for the giveaways/PR boxes from brand, both on Picky and IG (StyleKorean TMRM, Yestyle, brand giveaways, etc…), as well as how many followers you needed to be able to achieve this? Being a student and someone who’s financially not that good, the money I’m earning from PT is paying for all these beauty products costs around SGD 500+ in a span of 9-months…
Idk if I can continue buying a wide range of K-products in long run.. Any tips for students?

How can I improve on my photography skills too? For reviews and product pics, pls give tips and advice, as I’m quite a newbie in this thing? 

Thank you for you time in reading this lengthy Discussion and I’m very sorry for the inconvenience I’ve caused. Much appreciated in advance for any insights that you have to share 🫰🏼🫶🏼🌟😻❤️

PS. If anyone is in Shopee Ambassador Program pls also reply, if not possible DM on Instagram @caramelheys ❤️

How long does it take to win a giveaway?

Recently, cause it’s approaching Christmas that there’s a lot of brands giving away and I’m very fortunate to win some of it from brands like Benton, Purito, SomeByMi, Cosrx and Beplain in exchange for a review. 
I’m very curious on which other websites/platforms/brands are also hosting Giveaways that can be shipped to Singapore as most of the K-beauty brands are targeting the US 🇺🇸 so there aren’t really many giveaways that I can compete in since I really am just starting out and have like only 20+ followers on IG and less than 10 on TikTok…
Can you follow me on TikTok and IG and DM me that you are from Picky so that I’ll follow back🥹
My IG and TikTok usernames are @caramelheys

If not you can use this as a page to follow each other by providing your username to your social accounts to follow each other!  
Thank you in advance for taking your time to read all this and I hope you have a great day ahead! 🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

IG Giveaway Winning Streak?

YesStyle

- The design of the bottle makes it slightly difficult to pour the toner out and sometimes it is wasted (RIP 5ml every time 😭)
- Smells similar to  panadol medicine but it is a very faint smell? 😅
- effects are not very evident, needs consistent use to find the right amount to use.

*gifted with obligation to review
#gifted

Benton has kindly gifted me their latest addition to their wide range of products, their Heartleaf toner and cream, in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is this *’Heartleaf’*? 🧐

Heartleaf:
- a plant that is used to control harmful elements in the body and is renowned for being able to allow excellent skin recovery.
- to soothe the skin, providing relief from the heat sensation by skin exposed to external factors.
- delivers moisture and nutrition, helping the skin restore it’s natural strength

Claims/Benefits:
Heartleaf Toner
(most suitable for sensitive and oily skin)
- Soothing
- Pore Care
- Heat Care

Some of the common ingredients in both toner and cream of them:
- Houttuynia Cordata [💚](Heartleaf extract)
- Centella Asiatica 🌿
- Hyaluronic acid (reduces wrinkles)
- Ceramides (boost moisture levels in skin, good for people with dry & sensitive skin)

Personal Review:
Heartleaf Toner:
+ Toner is very watery, very easy application
+ I have seen some effects in reducing the inflammation on my skin after using for 1-2 weeks, but more time is needed to see the full effects as 2 weeks is too short

🌟Overall Rating:
Heartleaf Toner: 4/5
I would repurchase this after I finish my skincare stock, I have impulse purchased too many products…

Personally, the toner is a must try though the effects seen in images is not really noticeable (sorry for the bad quality of pics), but I really see some small improvements in my skin condition.
Skin Condition:
My skin type is Sensitive, Acne-prone and combination Skin, so the images might not be very clear to see the distinct difference as both my photography skills and camera are not the best…

-Nothing bad at all except for the short expiration date that it has cause I have 2 bottles of the serum which expires in Oct 2025 and I have a lot of products like retinol and the exfoliating ingredients to cycle (SomeByMi, Beplain, Benton, etc.)

It contains hyaluronic acid, which provides much needed moisture for the skin(not like AHA, BHA, PHA which exfoliates your skin). It feels very lightweight and is easily absorbed in the skin, making it feel so dewy and bouncy! I have only recently tried this and I love it! 🥰


Heartleaf Cream: 3/5
I like the consistency of the cream, but using it has caused more pustules to appear on my skin…
- Usually I apply a thin layer on my face, but it makes my skin very oily… The tropical weather of Singapore might make it a hit-or-miss as it really differs for individuals and skin type..

Some of the common ingredients in both the toner and the cream:
- Houttuynia Cordata [💚](Heartleaf extract)
- Centella Asiatica 🌿
- Hyaluronic acid (reduces wrinkles)
- Ceramides (boost moisture levels in skin, good for people with dry & sensitive skin)

Heartleaf cream:
+ easy and smooth application 

Skin Condition:
My skin type is Sensitive, Acne-prone and combination Skin, so the images might not be very clear to see the distinct difference as both my photography skills and camera are not the best…

Small quantity in volume but slightly more expensive than the Torriden Dive In Soothing Cream

It’s texture is nice and a lightweight watery gel-cream consistency, that isn’t very oily on the skin as a little bit really goes a long way. It contains ingredients that helps retain moisture of your skin barrier.

WARNING: TMI(disgusting info?) 


I don’t know about others but for me after using the serum and letting it absorb into my skin there’s like the oily feeling and when I rub it there’s like this clump of dead skin cells+oil? It seems weird for me but at least it helps in reducing the acne and textured skin form post-acne marks! Sorry if I have traumatised anyone with the TMI…😅

Achieving the glass skin is possible when using this serum!

SomeByMi Retinol Serum has been appearing on my feed on IG and TT, as it is a good introduction for beginners to use retinol as it contains 0.1% retinol that is mild but effective!

What is “Retinol”?
It is a form of Vitamin A that is commonly used in many skincare products as it has anti-aging properties (by speeding up cell turnover and increasing collagen production. This makes it an effective ingredient for reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.), and helps to clear acne (exfoliating effect helps it treat hyperpigmentation and acne) 

Why Is SomeByMi Retinol Serum better than other Retinol Serums?
1.  It contains 0.1% retinol, which is the optimal retinol content for beginners to use daily and feel the effects of retinol.
2. Hypoallergenic Daily Retinol
3. Completed human application tests
Hypoallergenic tested for sensitive skin (0.00 irritation index)
Non-comedogenic tested
Dual functions for brightening and anti-wrinkle effects
EVE VEGAN (France certified)

Personal Review:
It is very evident that I’m combating active acne and I honestly love this product as I have seen some of the effects of helping with reducing the post-acne marks but on camera it seems that the marks became deeper…?

It has a subtle fragrance and the texture of the serum makes it easy to apply. After applying the proper amount my skin doesn’t have that sticky feeling as it is easily absorbed into the skin.

I have only been using it for a week so the effects are not very evident as retinol usually takes 1.5 months to fully show the effects on skin so I’ll be using this as part of my skincare routine.

🌟Rating: 4.5/5
Seen the effects but it’ll take some time 🕰️ 
