New Year is a time for reflecting about the good things we want for ourselves, and the growth and progress we want to achieve - so today I'm sharing with you a very personal story about my own skincare journey. I'm sharing this because I know that some of you will be able to relate, and I want you to know that you're not alone. 

I spent many years looking for what works best for me. I've always had acne-prone skin, and growing up with it has not been a great experience. Around 10 years back, I thought I've found the solution. A decade before I found k-beauty,  I used the same brand and products, bombarding my skin with heavy treatments and artificial chemicals. Of course, I didn't know any better then. I applied the treatments and followed the meticulous routine religiously - I was always scared that my skin will somehow get angry if I change anything at all or miss even just one step. I didn't want to go back to having to deal with constant acne or feel insecure (and ugly) ever again.

Taking care of my skin somehow became tasking and unenjoyable. It was so far from the concept of "#MeTime". Pampering myself through skincare was alien to me. Because of my constant fear and anxiety, I didn't notice what was happening to my skin, nor did I have time to pay attention. The products I was using then did not address my skin needs - my skin was still oily because of lack of hydration and acne was just waiting around the corner.

As I grew older, I felt like I needed to use more and more makeup just to get that "perfect, photo-ready complexion". But I realised that this can't go on! I wasn't getting any younger, I wasn't happy about having to rely on makeup, and I was getting tired of hiding my imperfections. I can't be dependent on make up - and I don't want to!

In those many years, I never realised what I really needed: real care and nourishment, and a sense of enjoyment from and while taking care of my skin.

I decided to try Korean beauty products after years of convincing (and pestering) from my sister. And I was so thankful that I did! It gave me a better perspective of what my skin really needs, and how me and my skin should be: healthy, and happy.

K-beauty nourished my skin with natural ingredients. I discovered that I need to give it the hydration it craves for a very long time. I learned the importance of sunscreen, and it's now an essential part of my daily morning routine. (I never miss this step, even if I am staying indoors, no matter the season.) I keep learning more about Korean skincare, and I have fun discovering and getting to know my skin and building my skincare routine.

Today, my skin has a healthy look and feel to it. I have clear skin, without feeling oily. I feel great. And one of the things I love most about this change is that I don't have to use a lot of makeup anymore! Just a touch of powder, with a bit of brow and eye make up, and I am ready to go. 

The products I use and the steps of my routine vary day to day depending on my skin condition. I've learned to be more free and enjoy myself researching and trying new things. It has been amazing to choose my own way of doing skincare, and my skin feels amazing. I've also found my personal holy grail products which I love and use all the time. (You can find them here, and I'm also going to share them at the end of this blog.) 

My skin is a combination of dehydrated, oily, mature skin types. I have occasional breakouts now and then, depending on the weather or the environment. But I feel bettter, and I feel happier. I hope sharing this helps you not only in finding out what works best for your skin, but for you to also find the enjoyment and freedom that I have found in k-beauty. Remember: there is no such thing as perfect skin. But there is such a thing as healthy, glowing skin!

Have fun and enjoy your #MeTime! ❤️