A New Skincare Routine for Winter.

If you follow along on Instagram stories, then you know that I’ve spent the past couple weeks testing out a skincare routine from DHC. DHC is a Japanese skincare brand. I was already familiar with the brand as they’ve been around for a very long time – when I was little, my mom got their catalogs in the mail. The catalogs usually came with product samples (I still remember being excited about the miniature version of this soap, haha!) My mom would let me have the samples, which was always very exciting to me. I guess you could say I’ve been a beauty junkie from the early days!

I knew DHC was a fit for me as the brand is such an advocate of double-cleansing (which is a Japanese skincare tradition, by the way)… starting with an oil cleanser and then using a lathering cleanser. They asked me to send over a list of skincare concerns. I explained my combination skin (overall dry, but sometimes oily with blackheads in my t-zone). I bemoaned the rough patches I can get on my cheeks this time of year. A few days later, a delivery arrived, with a six-product product regimen.

Using six products can sound overwhelming (though it’s really only five at a time as their routine included a night cream and a day cream).

My routine is as follows… I did this morning + night for a full two weeks.

• Double Cleanse, using the brand’s (iconic) Deep Cleansing Oil; and then their creamy lathering Face Wash (specifically designed for dry + sensitive types).
• Pat skin dry and apply the brand’s Mild Lotion (a calming toner)  using a cotton pad.
• Apply Concentrated Eye Cream.
• Apply night cream (Extra Nighttime Moisture) or day cream (the brand’s Rich Moisture lotion which is more lightweight).

I was impressed with how hydrated my skin was after using the line. The products are perfect for sensitive. No harsh fragrances… everything is incredibly mild.

It’s hard to pick favorites but if I had two it would be the Deep Cleansing Oil and the Extra Nighttime Moisture.

When I showed the Deep Cleansing Oil on Instagram stories, I was excited to see that so many of you guys went wild for it and were already fans. (One reader even said she picks up a few bottles every time she goes to Japan to stock up). I can see why. It takes off all your makeup and leaves skin so, so soft. It’s an awesome product. After writing this post I learned that one bottle is sold every ten seconds, and I can see why!

The other one was the night cream. I used it when I was sick and it fixed my red, irritated skin from blowing my nose. It’s soooo luxurious and hydrating, and would leave my skin super soft the next day. You might also remember from my instagram story that I used this during the day too (especially on days where I had my makeup professionally done). When your skin is stressed, this one is so helpful!

Besides the products themselves, I like how well-priced the line is. I know some of the skincare products I feature here can be expensive, so it’s nice to have found a brand I really love that is between drugstore + department store price points! The night cream is only $36 which blew my mind – it hydrates just as well, if not better than some of the $200 face creams I’ve tested. It would make the perfect gift for the skincare obsessed friend or family member!

Created in partnership with DHC + Shopstyle.

Photography by Trent Bailey.