Skincare Secrets: Monique Toda 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 Monique Toda, Raffles & Fairmont Makati's director of communications and Philippine Star's lifestyle columnist. Join Monique and discover her skincare secrets, hacks, nightmares and tips:

What is your skin type?

Presently, I have a combination of oily and dry skin. More oily than dry, though.

Who influenced your skincare routine?

My skincare routine is not really influenced by anyone in particular but [I want it to look] a certain way. This even changes. There was a time I [wanted] my face to look matte, no shine whatsoever. Now, I like a little shine, a little glow (in the right places of course) which makes my skin look dewy and supple.

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

My skincare routine is always different because the skin changes at different stages in life. What worked for me years ago will not [work on my skin] now. Skincare should always be a response to your present condition. I would have not used the rich creams I do now three years ago.

What is your evening skincare routine?

I rely on the products prescribed by my dermatologist Dr Raissa Pasion. For the last couple of years, I’ve been prone to breakouts. She recommended I use a clindamycin solution of 2 per cent after cleansing my face then applying Tretinoin topical cream .05 per cent. These two products have been a constant in my routine and I am quite happy with the results. I mix AHC Luminous Glow Real Eye Cream for Face with the Tretinoin to further address spots, add lift and prevent wrinkles. Then I use a jade roller to ensure more absorption. Currently, I wash my face with Deoproce’s Green Caviar facial cleanser. After my face, I focus on my neck and collarbone area. I use the Green Caviar cream moisturizer of Deoproce here and add a little Tretinoin. Then the last step is to apply Laneige lip sleeping mask.

What are your holy grail products?

I am always the first to try new skincare lines and don’t really stick to one product or brand. I get attracted to innovations and discoveries then move on. Right now, my holy grail product is Tretinoin. I think it is a miracle cream that is anti-ageing, anti-acne, firming and overall smoothening. It helps me achieve that glow that I am into now.

What is a skincare hack you think we should know?

I am also into make-up, and a trick I use to fake that glow or add shimmer to the face is Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter. I dust the powder on my cheekbones and the tip of my nose.

Do you use facemasks?

I like facemasks and have tried many especially Korean ones. However, my nighttime skincare routine is so loaded that I don’t put on a mask often.

Do you have a beauty/skincare horror story?

Not really a horror story. Sometimes I get swayed by the marketing and claims of skincare products. In the past, I would buy really thick and heavy face creams because they were touted as revolutionary or something or the other. However, these were for more mature skin so I would end up breaking out. These creams were so rich and made my skin so oily, my make-up would slide off.

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

Never.

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

No. I pretty much follow instructions on how to use the products.

Tatler Asia

Skincare Secrets: Monique Toda Shares Her Evening Skincare Routine