What is your evening skincare routine?

My skincare routine definitely starts with my evening bath. Skincare to me is a form of self-care, and I look so forward to a warm shower at the end of the day. To me, this washes away all the stress, physical tiredness, and prepares me for a restful sleep. For my body, I use a moisturizing body wash (Palmolive Naturals Body Wash Milk & Honey). For my face though, I only wash with water, and sometimes I will put on a light cleanser, most especially if I was wearing makeup. In that case, I use a cleansing oil (Shu Uemura Rose Oil) first to fully remove make-up, and then the light cleanser (Cetaphil or Simple).

Post shower, I start with a body lotion on my legs and arms (Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer). I’ve been using this product forever, and I love the tinge of colour it gives your skin–enhancing that sun-kissed look.

See also: 5 Items To Achieve Sun-kissed Looks

For my face, I keep it really simple. I start by doing two spritzes of the Mario Badescu Facial Spray (Aloe, Sage & Orange Blossom). This begins the hydration process and is said to boost skin clarity, which is always a plus. I follow this step with an eye cream. Right now I am using the La Mer Eye Balm Intense.

Lastly, my moisturizer [which] I always apply in upward strokes. My night cream does change; I try to mix it up just so my skin doesn’t get numb to a specific product. I can go from something as luxurious as La Prairie (I love the Skin caviar) to the Simple Hydrating Moisturizer, which you can find in most groceries and drugstores.

What are your holy grail products?

There is only one product that I have never changed since I started using it and it is ARMADA sunscreen by VMV hypoallergenics. It has SPF 70 and goes on so smooth on the skin. This product has singlehandedly protected me from the sun. I can honestly say I cannot ever be without a tube of this nearby. I am a true-blue beach girl but even when I am in the city, I use this as my daily moisturizer for both face and body.

What is a skincare hack you think we should know?

When you moisturise your skin, do it right after you shower while your skin is still damp. To me, it always feels like you I'm locking in extra moisture.

Do you use facemasks? 

Yes, but mostly when I travel. My skin changes as soon as I step foot in a new country. For long flights, I already put on a vitamin mask while on the plane. Then during my trip, I use them up to three times a week. Whereas at home, I will [wear] a facemask every two months. I am not particular with facemasks – as long as it’s hydrating, I’ll try it.

Do you have a beauty/skincare horror story?

As a teenager I wanted to look refreshed for a party I was attending, so I went to bed the night before with cucumbers on my eyes. Big mistake – I woke up in the wee hours of the morning feeling very itchy and had goo everywhere. My eyes puffed up and looked like I had an allergic reaction. I definitely learned the hard way that you cannot keep those on for too long!

How often do you practice skin fasting (a break from skincare)?

I base it on how my skin feels – sometimes you just know your skin needs to breathe. There are times I will break for a day or two, and other times I will break for a week.

Are there any skincare rules you’ve broken that have done wonders to your skin?

A skincare rule I break all the time is that I am constantly under the sun. Though I use a very strong SPF, and always have a hat on, I know I could do better. That being said, though there is no uncommon product that I use, I can share a product that I will never use and that is any form of skin whitening. Filipinas should really learn to appreciate their skin tone – it’s so lovely and should always be celebrated.

More from Tatler: Jess Wilson Shares Her Evening Skincare Routine