Skincare Secrets: Monica Dizon Shares Her Evening Skincare Routine

We reveal the evening beauty secrets and top-rated products from your favourite belles and beaus in our series Before Bed!

The perfect skincare regimen for your complexion exists, it just takes a good deal of research and practice. However, if you find yourself in a constant loop of hits and misses, make things a tad bit easier for yourself by learning from skincare enthusiasts and specialists. Gone are the days of only dreaming of a flawless face as now we feature various personalities who seem to know the key to achieving their best skin.

This time, the belle of Tatler's Before Bed series is spin instructor and marketing manager Monica Dizon of Saddle Row. Join Monica and discover her skincare secrets, hacks, nightmares and tips:

What is your skin type?

I used to think I was combination-oily, as I used to get really bad breakouts. I learned through a dermatologist later on that I was actually really dry. My skin was overproducing oil and sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture in my skin.

Who or what influenced your skincare routine?

I love reading [articles on] websites like Into The Gloss or SokoGlam to learn about new products and routines. YouTube videos such as the Vogue Beauty Secrets series and Skincare by Hyram are also fun and informative. My friend, Bianca Chang, has an awesome service called Seek Space that specialises in clean beauty that's very educational and helps address your personal skin needs. Like my personal 911 call for anything skin related!

What is your evening skincare routine?

Double cleanse! I use the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Cleansing Oil as my first cleanse and follow it up with the La Roche Posay - Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
Toner: IsnTree BHA Clear Skin Toner
Essence: CosRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence
Serum: The Ordinary Buffet and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid
Night Cream: I alternate between the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask and the CosRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One cream.
Occasionally, face oil: if I need extra moisture I’ll pat on top of my cream the Caudalie VineActiv Overnight Detox Night Oil

What are your holy grail products?

Absolutely cannot live without a double cleanse, a chemical exfoliant (my BHA toner!) and a moisturising cream. During the day, SPF is a MUST.

How did you find a skincare routine that works for you? What was your trial and error process?

It was, and still is, a long trial and error process! I’m an absolute skincare junkie and love reading and trying new products. I’m constantly mixing up my routine as climate, my diet and lifestyle change.

What is a skincare hack you think we should know?

Double cleanse! Even on days you don’t wear makeup.

Do you use facemasks?

Not as often as I’d like! I love stocking up on them but I treat them as skin boosters or vitamins; only as needed. K-beauty brands make great sheet masks that are great before applying makeup. Origins has a great rose clay mask that helps physically exfoliate and treat acne.

Do you have a skincare horror story?

Yes! A few years back, I was at the beach with my boyfriend and realised I forgot to pack SPF for my body. I tried using a face sunblock that was way too thick. I ended up getting the worst body acne of my life!

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

Never! I practice skin fasting more with makeup. I can go months without it and my skin definitely improves.

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

I love using chemical exfoliants! I know you’re only meant to use them two to three times per week but you definitely see instant results with overall skin tone and texture. I think I’ve built my skin tolerance enough to be able to use them almost daily. I just make sure never to skip daytime SPF when I do!

Tatler Asia

Skincare Secrets: Monica Dizon Shares Her Evening Skincare Routine