Eau Thermale Avene x Urban Decay Naked Skin

In my 6 years of beauty blogging, I've learned that really -- we shouldn't scrimp on skin care. There's really some neat science behind the most popular and rather expensive skin care items/collections. To this day, I'm wildly envious of those women who have a very simple and relatively inexpensive skin care routines. I've been on a complicated and high maint skin care routine since I was 13 because of my sensitive, combination and acne-prone skin. *le sigh*

Since I got back from the US, my facial skin's been SO itchy and I've been breaking out like wild. I've been getting weekly facials because my breakouts are on full swing (this explains the lack of daily mugs even on IG). Just last Saturday, my dermatologist told me to switch to an Avene skin care system. For me to switch to an Avene system is both exciting (weee new products to review!) and relatively expensive (crossing my fingers that it will be worth it!).

Above is my new skin care system. It's a very simple cleanse-tone-moisturize routine. I've only tried it a couple of times and the itching is subsiding. :)

Avene Cleanance Soap-Free Gel CleanserAM/PM, 200ml
Php 1235

Soap-free cleanser eliminates impurities and excess sebum without stripping the skin. For oily, blemish-prone skin.

Avene Gentle Toner
AM/PM, 200ml
Php 1550

Alcohol-free, oil-free toner with softening silicates protects the skin against external aggressions. For normal to sensitive skin, aging skin.

Avene Cleanance K Cream-Gel
PM only, 40ml
Php 1070

Daily treatment helps eliminate clogged pores, blackheads, blemishes to reveal a brighter, clearer complexion. Non-irritating formulations clinically proven to change the pattern of cycle causing acne breakouts, reduce excess sebum, and restore skin’s balance. For oily, blemish-prone skin.

I purchased all three from Mercury Drug, Shangri-la Mall. For every Php 1000 purchase, you get a vanity kit like the one below. I would have qualified for three if I purchased the items separately no? :)

Apart from the Avene routine above, this is the only foundation I can use today:

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup, $38
(exclusive of the 7% FL tax)

I said this in Instagram 24hrs after I carted the bottle above from Sephora and I will say this again here: this is *hands down* the best foundation I've ever tried the last 15 years. It's truly weightless yet buildable in terms of coverage. When I wear it I temporarily forget about my redness and breakouts. Naked Skin is oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, (just not free according to the Sephora sales associate LOL) and jam-packed with the following ingredients:

Matrixyl 3000 - Anti-wrinkle and lifting peptides restore and maintain skin's youthful appearance while increasing elasticity.

Litchiderm (derived from lychee fruit) - Protects the skin from dehydration, oxidative stress and accelerated aging, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion.

Green Tea & Vitamin E - These anti-oxidants neutralize free-radicals and promote collagen production for smooth and supple skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate - Holds and attracts water for optimal hydration, circulation and nutrient absorption, making skin smooth, soft and youthful.

For your reference, I wear 6.0 (medium golden beige w/ olive undertone) on Naked Skin. It's true to my skin tone which is NC40 on MAC and 4.0 on Bobbi Brown.

Are you kicking off 2013 with new beauty routines and products like I am? Share your new finds with me please! :)