It's Time to Go Back to Basics

Here, all the multitasking products you need to adopt a "skinimalist" routine.

LEFT TO RIGHT — AESOP REPLENISHING NIGHT MASQUE 60ML, $160. The overnight mask is rich in vitamins B, C, E, and F to give you nourished skin in the morning. OLEHENRIKSEN BANANA BRIGHTTM EYE CRÈME 15ML, $59. The Vitamin C product doubles as a brightening eye cream and the perfect base for makeup. HERA CELL ESSENCE BIOME PLUSTM 150ML, $80. The effective all-rounded essence hydrates and boosts the effects of skincare products layered on top of it. EAU THERMALE AVENE HYDRANCE AQUA-GEL HYDRATING AQUA CREAM-IN-GEL 50ML, $49.90. The trusty formulation serves as a daily moisturiser, sleeping mask, and supplement for eye contour care. DR. DENNIS GROSS HYALURONIC MARINETM MELTAWAY CLEANSER 150ML, $46. The oil-free product removes traces of makeup and thoroughly cleanses your skin in preparation for the rest of your skincare routine.

The saying “less is more” applies in many areas and in skincare, we’d like to call that “skiniminalism”. Ask dermatologists and they’ll likely recommend using hero products and keeping your routine simple. Oftentimes, taking on a lengthy 15- step regimen does more harm than good, especially if you suffer from acne-prone or sensitive skin. And chances are, the overuse of products and incorrect methods of layering or combinations of active ingredients will stress your skin out.

It’s time to break through the clamour of skincare corporations telling you what you need and to listen to your skin instead. Try investing in proper products with powerful formulas to cut out unnecessary ones nestling on your skin – think a serum that not only targets your skin concerns, but also moisturises. Or, a moisturiser that doubles as a day and night cream, to prevent your skin from having to adapt to two different products at once.

1. CLARINS DOUBLE SERUM 50ML, $170. The multitasking serum contains 21 active plant extracts to hydrate, regenerate and protect your skin, as well as tackle signs of skin ageing. 2. GUERLAIN ABEILLE ROYALE ADVANCED YOUTH WATERY OIL 50ML, $216. The facial oil acts as a pre-serum booster and a handy addition to primer and liquid foundation for a lovely glow. 3. PORCELAIN NATURAL SKIN REFINER 50ML, $65. The gentle chemical exfoliator is not limited to use on your face – it can be applied on your lips, elbows, knees, and underarms as well. It also functions as a rinse-off mask for those who suffer from acne-prone skin. 4. SULWHASOO FIRST CARE ACTIVATING SERUM 60ML, $118. The fifth generation anti-ageing serum moisturises and balances your skin.

Images Gregory Woo