With peak hot season upon us and set to linger until June, it is hard to ignore the intense wave of heat that hits you as soon as you step out of the house or office — inevitably bringing with it sweat, fatigue, and dehydration, taking a toll not just on the inside but, often most noticeably, on your skin as well.
Despite its generally warm climate, Malaysia’s thermal baseline has had a steep increase in recent years, and it is only gonna get hotter. Still, the glow must go on, and Men’s Folio Malaysia has you covered with a curation of skincare and makeup base products that will help prevent sun-stressed skin and maintain that fresh, healthy complexion.
Step #1: Toners & Essences
Toners, contrary to popular belief, actually work best on slightly damp skin rather than a fully dry canvas. A good rule is to apply it within a minute after cleansing, preventing water loss by quickly reintroducing moisture to the skin, and Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Essence Water does more than replenish. Drawing from vital herbal ingredients used throughout Korean history, the essence contains Ginseng Root Water — a sap known for sealing in deep, long-lasting hydration while supplying nutrients to the skin.
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As the day goes on and the scorching sun starts to leave skin feeling tight, freshen up with the COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner. Infused with Centella Asiatica Leaf Water to restore elasticity and hydration, the toner offers a lightweight, soothing mist that instantly refreshes the skin without irritation.
Step #2: Serums
With the climate heating up, skin protection becomes even more important as stronger pollution and UV exposure increase the risk of dark spots, uneven skin texture, and blemishes. Formulated with Vitamin C derivatives and Jeju Green Tea enzymes, Innisfree’s Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum reinforces the skin’s defence against these external stressors — resulting in a brighter, healthier glow.
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For those with sensitive and acne-prone skin, MEDIHEAL’s Madecassoside Blemish Repair Serum is a soothing solution to recurring blemishes and weakened skin barriers — made of 98% Pure Madecassoside, Niacinamide, and Centella Asiatica extract that floods the skin with hydration while helping fade visible pigmentation, freckles, and post-blemish marks.
Step #3: Moisturisers
If skincare had a poster child, it would be the moisturiser. An everyday staple in a spectrum of skincare routines, remaining as an indispensable third or even fourth step for some, and for those less familiar with skincare, often the sole product they reach for. Though most moisturisers hold a thicker, cream consistency to lock-in moisture levels in the skin, it can often come with a greasy after-feel, especially in hot and humid weather.
Local skincare brand Daughters of Malaya took on this challenge by formulating a lightweight, buildable moisturiser that caters to most Malaysian’s skincare concerns. With Niacinamide to balance oil production and Alpha Arbutin to brighten dullness, the Summertime Ceramide Liquid Moisturiser layers on just enough moisture without it feeling heavy on the skin.
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For an extra dose of hydration, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel is supercharged with Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acids and Electrolytes that help the skin stay plump, dewy, and moisturised throughout the day and into the night.
Step #4: Sunscreen
Sunscreens have gone a long way from being a boring, seemingly unnecessary step in daily regimens, evolving into sophisticated formulas that feel lighter, look better on skin, and offer far more than just protection against harmful rays. Chuck’s Very Important Sunscreen is the embodiment of this — packaging nutrient-dense Kale Extract, refreshing Eucalyptus scents and a redness-cancelling green tinge into one ultra-light SPF.
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If the plan includes being outside for long stretches, Innisfree’s Intensive Long-Lasting Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection with a powerful shielding effect and waterproof, matte finish — making it the perfect SPF for having fun under the sun. Just make sure you remember to reapply.
Step #5: Makeup Bases
Once the skincare is set, and your skin feels as good as it gets, all that’s left is a final touch of refinement. Laneige’s Neo Cushion The Matte smoothens skin texture and tone through a breathable, pore-perfecting coverage that hydrates the skin from within. Formulated to withstand sweat, humidity and ultrafine dust, this matte cushion stays in place even after 24 hours — an airy, seamless finish to a perfected routine.
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