Sharon’s 10 Essentials for Glowing Skin

Sharon’s 10 Essentials for Glowing Skin

Whether you're trying to get ready for the summer or want to switch up your skincare routine, you probably want to know how to achieve that Insta-ready, glowing skin. Of course, getting that dewy glow takes a bit of work and knowledge. You'll want to consider things like your skin type and whether you have any sensitivities. 

So we decided to ask an expert for some tips and tricks. Skincare junkie and Instagram blogger Sharon Lim (@sashimiskincare) has some recommended products to help you out. Sharon is based in Singapore, where the heat and humidity can breed a whole world of skin woes. She swears by thorough cleansing, hydration, and of course, lots of sunscreen! Read on to learn more about her essential products for achieving clear, glowing skin.

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Sharon
Skincare Instagram Blogger
  • Medik8
    Press & Glow


    Sharon

    This is the most gentle chemical exfoliant I've used. I find that other chemical exfoliants containing AHA and BHA really sting my skin, as they sensitize and weaken my skin barrier. However, this product makes use of PHA, a type of chemical exfoliant that is more suitable for people with sensitive skin. 

    If you also have sensitive skin, you'll find that with Press & Glow you no longer experience any stinging sensation! This product also hydrates your skin while removing dead skin cells. 

    If you're still worried that this chemical exfoliant is too strong, remember that there are soothing ingredients like aloe vera and prickly pear extract on the label. These will tame inflammation and pamper your skin. The end result is a clear and glowing complexion!
  • Bioré
    UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence


    Sharon

    This is one of the best sunscreens I've ever tried! Bioré's UV Aqua Rich is extremely lightweight and non-pore clogging and has absolutely zero white cast. It's sweat-resistant too, so it won't melt off your skin on hot, humid days.

    I love the finish of this sunscreen! Usually, sunscreens have a matte finish which makes my skin look dull and dry, but this makes my skin look so dewy and glowy. One thing to note though is that denatured alcohol is one of the top few ingredients. 

    Alcohol can be harsh on the skin, and if you're sensitive to the scent of drying alcohol, you may want to stay away from this product; the smell is quite strong. I will mention an alternative sunscreen to this that does the same thing without the presence of alcohol, so continue reading to find out!
  • Hada Labo
    Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Milky Lotion


    Sharon

    I really believe that hydration is the key to having plump, glowy skin. My favorite ingredient for hydration is hyaluronic acid, and this specific product from Hada Labo has five different types of hyaluronic acid! 

    Despite its slightly thicker consistency and viscosity, Hada Labo's Gokujyun doesn't feel heavy on the skin or clog your pores. This product will quench your skin whenever it's dry. 

    Apply it on your face while it's slightly damp after a wash to lock in moisture and plump up your skin for a dewy effect. This will forever be my go-to product to hydrate my skin.
  • Regimen
    Vitamin X


    Sharon

    Vitamin C is one of the best ingredients for brightening and evening out skin complexion for that glowy look. I also enjoy using products that contain vitamin C in the morning, as this helps defend my skin against external polluters that I may face throughout the day and boosts the efficacy of my sunscreen! 

    Regimen's Antioxidant Serum contains vitamin C and is super special in other ways as well. In addition to containing L-Ascorbic acid, which is the purest form of vitamin C, it's also packed with 11 other potent antioxidants. These defend your skin from pollutants and help to reduce age spots and hyperpigmentation.
  • Benton
    Aloe Propolis


    Sharon

    Since I live in Singapore where the weather is always hot and humid, it's important that my moisturizer is not too heavy or pore-clogging on my skin. That's why I often choose to use gel-based moisturizers instead of creams, as they are more lightweight! 

    My favorite gel moisturizer would have to be this Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel from Benton. Aloe vera and propolis are great ingredients for calming down any redness or inflammation, especially when you have been out the whole day in the sun. 

    Due to its gel texture, Aloe Propolis will make your skin look very glowy and dewy. However, the dewiness dies down after a while as it gets absorbed, so don't worry about looking too greasy or oily. This is a fantastic option for people with oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin!
  • Differin
    Gel Acne Treatment


    Sharon

    Whether you're facing acne or breakouts or you just want to maintain your clear complexion, Differin's Gel Acne Treatment does wonders. It contains 0.1 percent of adapalene, a type of vitamin A that has been extensively researched and proven to be effective against acne. 

    It's very important to know that this product is strong and that it does take time to produce results. In my experience, it usually takes about three months to see results. You may also see some purging during those first three months, as the Differin gel accelerates skin cell turnover rate and brings all hidden pimples or breakouts to the surface. 

    Differin is best used at night, and you should wear sunscreen the next morning as it increases your skin's photosensitivity. Lastly, only apply to moisturized skin after it's fully dried, using only a pea-sized amount for your entire face. For more information on Differin, check out Dr. Dray on Youtube. 
  • Celimax
    Noni Clay Mask


    Sharon

    I enjoy masking, and my favorite type of masks are clay masks! I have combination skin, meaning my T-zone is especially oily and acne-prone. Using a clay mask helps absorb any excess oil and impurities trapped within my skin by pulling them out to decongest and clarify it. 

    Celimax's Noni Clay Mask is my favorite. It won't dry out your skin as much as other clay masks might, and it spreads very well ensuring an easy application. It's also very easy to wash off without creating a mess. 

    I really adore the tube packaging of this clay mask. Instead of a tub full of clay that requires a scooper, the Noni clay mask is packaged neatly inside of a mess-free tube. My skin always looks and feels clearer and less congested after using Noni Clay Mask. Please give it a try if you love masking as much as I do!
  • I'm From
    Honey Mask


    Sharon

    Whenever my skin is feeling dry, it always looks duller. In addition to clay masking, I also enjoy leaving on masks that help to moisturize my skin. Honey is a great anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredient, as well as a terrific source of moisture. 

    I'm From's Honey Mask is my favourite, as it isn't as sticky as some honey masks. It spreads well, washes off well, and you can leave it on for up to an hour! Every time I use this mask, my skin is always left more moisturized, smooth, and soft.


    This mask has a real honey content of more than 30 percent, so you can trust that it's the real deal. This also ensures that each batch of I'm From's Honey Mask will be unique, as bees' honey tends to vary based on what they eat. Remember to mix well before pampering yourself with this sweet-smelling, buttery mask. It's a perfect treat for dry or sensitive skin. 
  • Hada Labo Rohto
    Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam


    Sharon

    Aside from sunscreen application, cleansing is the most important step in your skincare routine. If you're not using a good cleanser to remove all the built-up sebum and dirt from your skin, there is really no point in having a routine as other products won't be able to penetrate the build-up. 

    Failing to cleanse your skin properly also results in bacteria building up, which contributes to the growth of pimples. It's very important to find a cleanser that works for you! 

    Hada Labo Rohto's cleanser is very simple, but don't be fooled by its simplicity. Despite being a foam cleanser, this product won't strip your skin, so you won't experience that overly clean, tight, squeaky feeling after cleansing. Your skin will be soft, clean, and ready for the next step of your routine.
  • Bioré
    UV Kids' Milk


    Sharon

    Remember when I said that I would suggest an alternative to the Biore UV Watery Essence? This is it! Since Bioré's UV Kids' Milk sunscreen is formulated for kids, you can be sure that it's perfect for sensitive skins and doesn't contain any drying alcohols. 

    There's no white cast to this sunscreen, so it won't sting your eyes. You'll find it leaves your skin dewy without being overly oily. The texture and consistency of this are a little thicker than Bioré's UV Watery Essence, and it's got a creamy texture instead of the lightweight gel texture of the UV Watery Essence. If you're looking for a sunscreen that's easy on sensitive skin, this is a great product!