A Look Inside My Updated Self-Care Shelf
Hi everyone, I hope you're all doing great! 😊 Today, I'm sharing my updated face and body care routine! I've made some amazing swaps and discovered new favourites, and I'm honestly so excited to share them with you.
If you've been following along, you know I'm enthusiastic about self-care, especially when it comes to finding what actually works. Over the past few months, I've been paying close attention to my skin–what it needs, how it reacts, and where my routine could use some extra love!
Although I didn't immediately do a complete overhaul, I made strategic changes to address my face and body's evolving needs that have made a noticeable difference. I'm excited to walk you through my current lineup, explain why these new products have earned a permanent spot in my (figurative!) bag, and maybe inspire a little refresh in your own routine!
So, let's dive into what changed and why my skin is so much happier for it! 😉
Face First
I have combination skin (oily in some areas, dry in others) and am prone to breakouts. So, the big question is: What swaps did I make?
Let's start with the foundation of any good routine—cleansing.
Cleanser
My usual go-to cleansers are the Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Cleanser and the Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel, and both are great products. However, I recently switched to the Salicylic Fix Gel Cleanser by Nip+Fab, and honestly, I've been loving it!
All three are gel-based cleansers that feature salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate gently, unclog pores, and remove excess oil and impurities—perfect for blemish-prone skin.
And while Skinceuticals and Dr. Dennis Gross cleansers are high-performance brands (and definitely worth the splurge if you love them), the Nip+Fab cleanser offers similar benefits at a much more budget-friendly price, making it a fantastic swap that still delivers excellent results.
Another noticeable difference, apart from the price point, is the texture of the cleansers. Both the Skinceuticals and Dr. Dennis Gross cleansers have a rich, thicker, more substantial consistency compared to the Nip+Fab cleanser, which is runnier and lighter in texture. The thicker formulas feel more luxurious and hydrating on the skin, while the Nip+Fab cleanser, though easier to spread, makes it great for a quick, refreshing rinse without stripping my skin.
Pads/Peels
Pads are a new addition to my routine, and I've found them to be really helpful. I use them post-cleanse as a treatment step (instead of a toner), and sometimes, when I'm short on time, I follow up with a moisturising SPF.
Right now, I'm alternating between the Nip+Fab Salicylic Fix Day & Night Pads and the Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel. Again, the Nip+Fab is a more affordable option that still gets the job done, and I'm talking gently exfoliating and improving my skin's texture.
Serum
I'm also trying out the Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discolouration Care Serum by COSRX to help with hyperpigmentation and acne scars, especially around my cheek area. It's lightweight and easily absorbs well. So far, my skin has responded well to it.
Moisturising SPF
My go-to sunscreen is the Skinceuticals Oil Shield UV Defense Sunscreen, but I also reach for the Nip+Fab Illuminate SPF 30 Moisturiser. I love these sunscreens because they hydrate and protect my skin without leaving a white cast, and they wear beautifully under makeup.
Bodycare Routine
Body Cleanser
Right now, I'm loving the unscented Onyx Polish by Arami. It is a clarifying black soap that targets acne, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns. There is something about the scent (or subtle lack thereof) of that takes me back to my childhood. Maybe it's the comforting blend of camwood, honey, and shea butter. Anyway, apart from the scent, I love how easily it lathers and how it leaves my skin feeling clean.
Body Butter
After showering, I reach for the Arami Dream Butter. I noticed that it's fast-absorbing, and I love how easily it melts beautifully into my skin, leaving me feeling deeply moisturised. One of the main ingredients is shea butter, and while it has a sweet, cheesecake-like scent, the natural aroma of shea is still quite prominent. I also noticed that it has a subtle shimmer, which gives a glittery glow, adding a radiant finish without feeling over-the-top.
Body Oils
Another body product you'll find on my shelf is body oil; currently, I'm using the Omni Body Oil. Like the Arami Dream Butter, it is super nourishing, and I use it in a few different ways: massaging it directly into my skin, mixing it with my body butter, or even adding a few drops to my bathwater. It's my go-to for that post-shower glow when my skin's still slightly damp.
Why the update?
I've learned that finding the right skin and body care routine is a journey, and it's perfectly okay to adjust things as your needs change. Sometimes, what once worked perfectly might not work the same anymore—and that, in my opinion, is totally okay.
The decision to refresh my routine was intentional, especially after KayoBody, one of my longtime go-to brands, announced they were shutting down in early 2024. Their products had become staples for me, so I knew I had to find something that aligned with my current needs—products I could trust, feel good using, and that wouldn't compromise on results.
That's when I found Arami Essentials, and I've been hooked ever since. I've also fallen in love with a few picks from Nip+Fab and Dr. Dennis Gross—each one offering something unique that fits seamlessly into my new routine.
What about you? Have you updated your skincare or body care routine lately? Thinking about making a switch or starting fresh? I'd love to know what you're loving, trying, or curious about.