@SERENAAIDE
Serena A.
LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I am a makeup content creator that's not afraid to go beyond the conventional makeup looks. I enjoy reading books in my spare time. Coffee in the morning is the best part of my day.
SKIN TYPE: Combination
CONCERNS: Acne, acne scars, clogged pores, fine lines, hormonal breakouts, hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, uneven skin tone
FAVORITE GOOD MOLECULES PRODUCTS:
Clarify & Cleanse Bar
Niacinimide Brightening Toner
Silicone-free Priming Moisturizer
SKIN CONCERNS
ACNE
HYPERPIGMENTATION
FINE LINES
Q&A WITH SERENA
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT NEW PRODUCTS OR INGREDIENTS?
I usually learn about new skincare products by watching Youtube videos. One of my favorite Youtuber is Sacheu—she talks a lot about the skincare ingredients in detail which are really helpful and I love that she's for affordable skincare. In addition, I learn about new products from the beauty community on my Instagram, either from stories or posts by skincare bloggers. I love @heartshapedvanity reviews on products and @wannabe.animated for unique product shots as well as her reviews.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner helps brighten my skin and I feel like it also evens my skin tone. Innisfree Bija Cica Balm works like magic on acne scars and I also feel like it helps prevent new acne from forming. And lastly, the Cosrx Pimple Patch is one of my favorite patches because of its price and how well it works. So far it's the best one I've tried on the market.
WHAT IS ONE PRODUCT YOU WOULD TAKE ON A DESERT ISLAND?
Omg this question is so hard. But honestly, I would take a moisturizer with SPF on the island. I can't really recommend a particular product for this as I prefer my SPF and moisturizer to be separate products but since I can only bring one to the island, I guess I will have to start searching for one in this hypothetical situation haha
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SKINCARE INGREDIENTS?
I'm gonna put my money on AHA/BHA as one of my favorite ingredients in my skincare routine. Since I get spots (hormonal or seasonal) every now and then, I have quite a lot of scars that take an eternity to heal so the acids really help me on this one. Another notable mention is pure aloe—I love how my skin doesn't feel oily after applying this and it really helps make my skin feel supple after application, not to mention how it helps with skin irritations too!
SELF CARE
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO PRACTICE SELF CARE, APART FROM SKINCARE?
Self-care is an important part of my life that I recently started practicing and its something I want to manifest in the long run. As I am still learning, I don't quite know what is perfect for me yet but I can name a few activities that help me feel better - yoga, coloring/sketching, going out for coffee alone, allowing my emotions to run while I sip some tea, re-assessing my life by naming the important things and being grateful that I have them such as health, shelter, a loving partner, etc..
SERENA’S ROUTINE
Clarify & Cleanse Bar
"I love washing my face with the Clarify & Cleanse Bar in the morning. Its a very gentle wash that makes your skin feel clean without stripping it dry. I'd recommend using this if you have sensitive skin like me."
Niacinamide Brightening Toner
"I love how this toner really helps with the dullness of my skin. I use it every morning and night. I can see a visible difference after a month."
SERENA'S ROUTINE
Good Molecules Clarify & Cleanse Bar
Good Molecules Niacinimide Brightening Toner
Brightening Serum
Soothing Balm