Face Forward

No fluff, no fuss, just the essentials for looking well-rested, clear-skinned, and subtly polished.

1. Start with a clean slate
Your face collects sweat, pollution, and oil. For men’s skin, which tends to be thicker and oilier, a gentle cleanser avoids over stripping the skin barrier. Tip: double cleanse to melt off the oils of makeup or sunscreen, for truly clean skin!

Try:
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
A cult favourite among dermatologists, it cleans thoroughly without drying out your skin.

SK-II Men Moisturizing Cleanser
A premium option, gentle yet deep cleansing.

2. Restore your skin’s moisture
Moisturiser helps trap water in your skin and supports the skin’s barrier. Preventing any moisture loss goes a long way to protect you against dry, textured and aging skin.

Try:
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
A gel cream hybrid that delivers hydration with a cooler, more responsive texture.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
A thick but non greasy cream containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, especially useful in drier conditions or for nightly use.

3. Cover Up, Without Looking Covered
When you have a pimple, dark under-eyes, or redness that bothers you, that’s exactly where concealer comes in. Dab it on, blend with a finger, and done.

Try:
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
A cult favourite used to brighten tired under-eyes, with a nifty sponge applicator that keeps things foolproof.

KATE The Base Zero Stick Concealer
The no-fuss Japanese stick concealer is perfect to cover up spots and redness with a natural matte finish that stays put.

4. Even It Out with a Light Base
You don’t need foundation, but you might want one for special occasions. It can blur pores, and help your skin look fresh under lights (or for video calls), without looking like makeup.

Try:
In2it Men Oil Control Liquid Foundation SPF 30
Lightweight, shine-controlling, and made for Malaysia’s heat and humidity. Just a dab across the face and blend.

Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder
For those shine-prone moments, this pressed powder delivers a natural, matte finish without caking or creasing.

5. Smooth It Out Overnight
Serums are like your skin’s night shift crew, they are small but mighty. Retinol boosts skin renewal and tackles fine lines, niacinamide calms redness and improves texture, while AHAs/BHAs gently exfoliate clogged skin and fade dark spots. Pick one to start and let it work its magic over time.

Try:
The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
Designed to enhance skin brightness, improve texture, and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.

Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Contains ceramides and peptides to help smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, while also evening the skin's texture.

6. SPF, SPF, SPF!
This is non-negotiable. Sun damage is one of the biggest causes of aging, pigmentation, and texture issues. Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 (or higher!) every day, even when indoors near windows. Reapply if you’re out and exposed.

Try:
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+
Praised for light texture and minimal residue.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400
Ultra-resistant formula specifically developed for sensitive skin.