Some skincare products quietly sit on my shelf, while others become the ones I automatically reach for when my skin looks tired or unpredictable. These three definitely belong to the second group.

They do completely different jobs, but together they cover most of what I usually want from my routine: hydration, smoother texture and help with redness and uneven tone.

Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream

Rating: 10/10

This cream surprised me because the jelly texture looks like it might feel sticky or heavy, but on my skin it is much more comfortable than I expected. I usually use it when my face looks flat and tired and I want that juicy, almost glass-like finish.

What I notice most is the plumping effect. My skin feels smoother and looks fresher, especially around areas where dehydration makes the texture more obvious. It also leaves a beautiful glow without making my face look oily. I personally love using it as the final step of my evening routine because I wake up with skin that looks noticeably more rested.

Medicube Zero Pore Pad

Rating: 1000/10

These pads are basically my “reset button” when my skin starts feeling rough or congested. The formula contains AHA and BHA, and I mainly use them on areas where texture and clogged pores tend to show up first.

After using one, my skin feels incredibly clean and much smoother to the touch. With consistent use, I also feel like the appearance of my pores looks more refined. I especially like them before days when I want my foundation to sit perfectly because makeup applies much more evenly afterward.

I don’t feel the need to use them constantly; they are more of a targeted step whenever my skin starts looking a little messy.

Anua Azelaic Acid 10+

Rating: 1000/10

This has become one of my favourite products whenever redness, small breakouts or uneven tone start appearing. The formula combines azelaic acid with hyaluronic acid, so I get targeted care without my skin feeling completely stripped afterward.

What impressed me most was how balanced my complexion started looking. I reach for it when my skin seems irritated or when old blemish marks are making everything look uneven. It feels calming in my routine and gives me that satisfying feeling that I’m addressing the problem without attacking my entire face.

Out of the three, this is probably the product I rely on most when my skin becomes unpredictable. Together, though, they make a surprisingly effective little routine: exfoliate when needed, calm what is irritated, then finish everything with a generous layer of hydration.