Today, I’m sharing the skincare and beauty products that have been absolute game changers for me lately. If you’re anything like me and have dry skin, like Sahara desert and bakbak levels, finding the right balance between hydration, protection, and a little glow can be tricky. But after trying and testing a bunch of products, I’ve found some favorites that keep my skin happy, healthy, and glowing—even in our humid Manila weather. Plus, I’m sharing where you can get them here locally, so you don’t have to hunt all over town.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Moussant Purifiant (On sale at AUD 24.39 from AUD 41.95 = Php 919.47)
Even though I have dry skin, I use this cleanser around three times a week—and surprisingly, it works really well for me. It helps clear out excess oil, gunk, and that feeling of congestion without making my skin feel tight or stripped. I usually use it when I feel like my skin needs a deeper cleanse, especially after wearing makeup or being out all day. Alam niyo naman sa mga project sites, grabe the dust, hasa ng pintura and all. Dumidikit lagi yan sa face ko. I know it’s meant for oily skin, but with the right balance, it’s been super helpful for keeping my pores clear and breakouts at bay.
*Anika asked me to buy this for her in Chemist Warehouse when we were in Melbourne. Gosh, I love Chemist Warehouse. It’s cheaper to buy beauty products and perfume there. However, her derma gave her a different facial wash so no choice. Akin na lang ito. Lol. I saw that they are selling this in Lazada pero please be careful to check if legit.
Skinfood Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad (Php 1,200 – Php 1,300)
These toner pads are my recent discovery. It really helps me when my skin is feeling irritated or tired. They’re soaked in this calming carrot essence that cools and soothes on contact. I love using them after cleansing to gently tone and prep my skin for serums. Plus, they help tone down redness and make my skin feel extra fresh.
*You can find this in the official Skinfood PH stores in Shopee/Lazada
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate (Php 2,300 for 30 mL)
This oil feels like a reset button for my skin overnight. Totoo that the morning after using this, you can see the difference. May buhay yung skin mo. It’s lightweight, smells calming (lavender!), and leaves my face super soft by morning. Whenever I’m feeling dry, dull, or just need a little glow-up, this is what I reach for. A few drops go a long way and it makes such a difference in how my skin looks the next day. So sulit na din with the price.
Pure Culture Wild Algae Glow Up Serum Vitamin C (Php 1,080)
A dermatologist recommended this to me after telling her that Vitamin C serums usually gives me rashes. My face is super sensitive kasi. If I use products na matapang, umasa ka, pantal and rashes yan agad. But surprisingly, this doesn’t irritate my skin. This serum legit gives my skin a nice kind of glow. It’s packed with vitamin C and wild algae—great for fading dark spots and brightening dull areas. It’s super lightweight and layers perfectly under sunscreen or makeup. I love how it wakes up my face and makes me look more alive (even when I’m running on 4 hours of sleep — hello doom scrolling at night, grrr!).
*Check the Pure Culture website
Pure Culture Wild Algae Quench Cream (Php 1,425)
This cream is like a fresh drink of water for my skin. It’s rich enough to hydrate but never feels heavy or greasy—just soft, plump, and comfy. It helps calm any redness I get from heat or breakouts, and the moisture lasts all day.
Cerave Advanced Repair Balm (On sale at AUD 10.79 from AUD 17.99 = Php 398.60)
Like I said, I have very dry skin—like flaky, tight, easily irritated kind of dry—and this balm has seriously been a life saver. It’s thick and rich but somehow still feels breathable, and it instantly soothes any dry or rough patches. I started using it on my face, and after a few days, I noticed such a big improvement in how my skin looked and felt. Promise. It’s now one of my holy grail products for locking in moisture and repairing my skin barrier.
*I also got this at the Chemist Warehouse in Melbourne. They said they also have it here in Landers and Watsons. Sana nga meron so I can buy after I finish this tube.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Oil Mist (On sale at AUD 9.74 from AUD 19.50 = Php 360)
My body’s skin is really dry (paulit ulit?! lol). I used to ignore it, but it got to a point where I knew I had to start taking better care of it otherwise, good luck sa akin pagtanda ko talaga. This oil mist has been such a helpful (and easy!) step in my routine. This product is formulated with oat oil and jojoba oil, designed to hydrate dry, rough skin, and is suitable for sensitive skin. It’s 98% naturally derived and free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, drying alcohol, and synthetic dyes. It instantly gives my skin a boost of moisture without feeling greasy, and it smells so comforting and clean. I spray it on right after showering. My derma taught me that. And it leaves my skin soft, smooth, and way more hydrated throughout the day.
*I also bought this at Chemist Warehouse in Melbourne
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (Php 800 – Php 1,050)
Hands down, one of my favorite sunscreens ever. It feels like a light moisturizer but gives full SPF 50+ protection—no white cast, no greasy finish. The rice and probiotics help soothe my skin, so it never feels irritated. Perfect under makeup or bare-faced, I use this every morning.
*Availabe at the official Beauty of Joseon PH store on Lazada/Shopee
BLK Tinted Sunscreen Stick (Php 639 – Php 799)
I like to layer this with the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun—it’s the perfect combo for everyday sun protection and a natural-looking base. The BLK stick adds a bit of tint and smooths everything out, so it totally doubles as my makeup base when I’m going for that no-makeup makeup look. It’s compact, easy to use, and great for quick touch-ups throughout the day. I love how it gives just enough coverage to even out my skin tone without feeling heavy at all. Kahit na makalimutan ko magpowder after, keri lang.
That’s it guys!
Do you have other recommendations as well?