So there’s this common misconception that if your Skin is oily, it doesn’t need hydration – in fact, it’s quite the opposite! Because your skin’s surface is dehydrated, the skin is secreting more sebum in order to coat the surface and help prevent additional moisture loss. Alas, if only my younger brain had this bit of information back then. Oh well, it’s never too late to get wet(ter) ahem ahem.

Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Hydrating Essence – SGD$31.90

I say…

The Packaging: A bottle with a dropper dispenser tool. It’s pretty fuss-free and allows you to customise the amount suitable to your skin.

The Scent: Nil.

The Texture: A lightweight milky white gel that’s absorbed quickly into the skin (might be due to the parched nature of my hide). There’s no greasy/sticky residue.

The Verdict: This drugstore brand may look underwhelming, but amayzingly, it does work for me! After testing this out for just 2 weeks (Routine: Sum 37 Secret Programming Essence –> Vichy Mineral 89 –> this –> Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair), I actually found my skin feeling significantly plumper, which would explain the smoother surface. The skin did seem to secrete less sebum during the day (which could possibly be due to the increased moisture levels / more balanced state of the skin). Definitely something that wowed me, and a pretty decent drugstore find.