These Pinays Share The Exact Products In Their Skincare Routines—And How Much They Cost

A skincare routine is more than about getting a healthy, glowing complexion. It's a self-soothing ritual we do to signal the start or end of our daily grind. And just like outfits, you can tell something about a person by snooping into their routines. Does she like simplicity, or does she like romanticizing her routine?

Plus, as much as new skincare releases are exciting to discover, nothing beats finding out the products people in your circle really use. It's pretty entertaining to swap tidbits about their experiences—testimonials that help you make purchasing decisions when a trip to Watsons becomes overwhelming.

Because we're nosy, we slid into your DMs and asked women with different skin concerns and lifestyles the products they swear by, plus how much their skincare routines cost. Read on to discover their lineup.

Name: Alexis

Occupation: Copywriter

Skin Type: Combination Skin

Product Lineup:

• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil

• Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleanser

• Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Cooling Toner

• Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

• Bioten Skin Moisture

• Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk

• COSRX Acne

• Pimple Master Patch

• Genacol Collagen Supplement

Estimated Total Spend: P3,500 

"I like to keep my skincare routine quick and simple! I just go with the basics: toner, serum, then moisturizer. At night, I don't skip out on using an oil-based cleanser, followed by my favorite facial wash since high school. I also take collagen before going to bed, and just reach for pimple patches when needed."

Name: Joanna

Occupation: Founder of a Public Relations Agency

Skin Type: Oily

Product Lineup:

• Celeteque Acne Solutions Micellar Water

• COSRX Calming Foam Cleanser

• COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

• Mediheal Tea Tree Trouble Pad

• Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

• Bubi Bubi Lip Mask

Estimated Total Spend: P7,369

"My skincare routine is simple but has the stuff that actually works. I start by using the Celeteque Acne Solutions Micellar Water to cleanse my face and prep my skin before I go in with anything else. And then, I double cleanse with the COSRX Calming Foam Cleanser. It's super gentle, but it feels like I've fully washed the day away. I follow that up with the COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner to bring back my skin's balance.

Now let's talk holy grails: If I see a pimple popping up (or anything sketchy on my skin), I reach for the Mediheal Tea Tree Trouble Pad without thinking twice. No joke—by the next morning, the zit is basically gone. It's that good. Next up is my forever fave, the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. It hydrates, plumps, and brightens in one go. This serum does it all, and honestly, I don't see myself switching anytime soon. To seal everything in, I swipe on the Bubi Bubi Lip Mask, a Korean find that leaves my lips baby-soft and smooth by morning."

Name: Camille

Occupation: Entrepreneur, founder of Kuh Meal and Mon Cherie Cafe

Skin Type: Sensitive, acne-prone, combination (oily T-zone, dry patches)

Product Lineup:

• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel (AM)

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (PM)

• Mediheal Madecassoside Toner Pads

• Skinceutique Niacinamide Cream

• Benzac Benzoyl Peroxide 10%

• Mustela Cicastela Moisturizing Cream

• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+

Estimated Total Spend: P5,689

"My routine is focused on keeping my skin calm, clear, and balanced, while treating active breakouts. I alternate between a deep-cleaning foaming cleanser and a gentle one, depending on how reactive my skin feels. I rely on barrier-building moisturizers, calming toner pads, and spot treatments to manage flare-ups, which can easily be triggered when I work in the kitchen. A lightweight sunscreen is always my last step—and I find the Biore brand the best for my sensitive skin."

Name: Margie

Occupation: Account Manager

Skin Type: Oily and acne-prone

Product Lineup:

• Pair Acne Creamy Foam facial wash ("Bought a few stocks when I was in Japan")

• Oxecure BHA PHA Toner

• Oxecure Ultra Gentle Moisturizer

• Luxe Organix Miracle Solutions Acne Derm Serum

• Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk

• Garnier Micellar Water with Salicylic Acid

Estimated Total Spend: P4,700.

"In the morning, I wash my face with the Pair Acne cleanser, then apply the Luxe Organix acne serum all over my face and neck. I finish with the Anessa sunscreen, and that's it.  At night, I remove my makeup with micellar water, then go in with the same facial wash. I use the Oxecure toner and end with their gentle moisturizer. I apply it all over my face, neck, sometimes my chest, and back if I get a few breakouts.

I try to keep things simple because my skin tends to break out when I use too much. I'm also a big fan of Luxe Organix and Oxecure because they're affordable, gentle, and can be found everywhere (Watsons). It makes it easier for me to stay consistent with my routine."

Name: AJ

Occupation: Baker, owner of Twentyfour Bakeshop

Skin type: Combination

Product lineup:
Morning:

• Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser

• Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate

• Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen

Night:

• Banila Co Clean It Zero

• Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser

• Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

• Kiehl's Super Multi Corrective Eye Cream

• Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask

Estimated Total Spend: P13,000

"I like my routine simple, whether it's for morning or night. I start my morning by cleansing my face with Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser—a staple I've used since high school because my skin is truly hiyang to it. After showering, I apply a pump of Kiehl's Powerful Concentrate and a pea-sized amount of Round Lab sunscreen before doing my everyday makeup (or none at all if I'm staying home). At night, I use Banila Co Clean It Zero only if I wore makeup, then wash with Cetaphil again in the shower. I follow up with Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum and Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye Cream. To finish, I apply Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask to keep my lips soft and hydrated overnight."

It's helpful to read real reviews from real women because you know their testimonials are not driven by hype. However, you must always remember that we all have unique skincare needs. What may have worked on these girls may have different results for you. Consult a dermatologist for professional advice instead of spending so much on skincare products that don't address your concerns.

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