In the past few years I’ve been trying to make more of an effort with my skin care, moving away from the soap-water-moisturiser routine or face wipes *hangs head in shame* I used to use. As I approach *whispers* 35, I’ve noticed a few lines appearing and my skin misbehaving more than usual (with a spell of soul crushing perioral dermatitis) so I’m on a mission to correct and prevent any further damage. Here’s my current skincare cleansing routine and favourite products to use.
CLEANSE
I love a good cleansing balm, more than a lotion or cream. There’s something about the slip of an oily cleanser that melts away make up and is easy to massage in, plus they never leave my skin feeling dry or stripped. I always massage in directly on to my face then wash off with a hot flannel.
Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm – simple, affordable and lasts for ages. Demolishes make up without stinging my eyes or irritating skin.
Tata Harper Nourishing Cleansing Oil – used when I feel like I really need to treat my skin, if only for the price tag! Smells delicious, full of good things.
SPRITZ
I’m calling this stage the Spritz stage as a) toning doesn’t sound quite right, b) spritz is a marvellous word and c) I no longer acid tone as I believe I have a sensitivity to glycolic and other AHA/BHA’s so I’m being super careful to not aggravate my skin any further. I lightly spritz and spray (read as drench) my face to add a layer of hydration. I have an arsenal of these as they are so refreshing to use and much cheaper than any other step in my routine.
Caudalie Grape Water – inexpensive which allows me to be super liberal with it. Instead of allowing precious hydration to evaporate off the skin like most mists do, this is 100% pure grape water which naturally adds moisture and soothes even the most sensitive of skins.
Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator – smells delicious (like minty marshmallow) and full of loveliness, another nourishing treat for the skin.
La Roche Posay Serozinc – this is my healing mist. Soothes irritated or sensitive skin so well. I’ve used it on my face – for breakouts or rashes – and on my body for prickly heat, cat scratches etc. Hubby uses it to soothe redness after shaving.
January Labs Restorative Tonic Mist – cheapish, light and refreshing with witch hazel to battle blemishes.
May Lindstrom Jasmine Garden – this is crazy expensive so I only use it sparingly but it transports me to a tropical paradise. It surrounds you in jasmine gorgeousness and I feel different after using it – centred, calm and sensual.
EYES
I can’t correct my genetic disposition for dark circles or the crow’s feet I will ultimately get, but I can try to minimise the fine lines around my orbital area with hydration – can you see a theme here?! I much prefer a cream or heavier lotion for my eyes, anything too runny just gets wasted or stings. I’ll admit that I’m less loyal to a particular product when it comes to eyes and have tried various others that I prefer to my current one, but the price is too prohibitive for me currently, so I’ll stick to a beauty hall favourite for now.
Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream – don’t let the gimmicky plastic ball (meant to cool the eye area and de-puff apparently) put you off, it’s a lovely cream that leaves my eyes feeling brighter and nourished without puffiness.
SERUMS
Spend your money on this part of the routine. Serums are packed with good things that will help to nourish, repair and rejuvenate the skin but these are usually expensive ingredients in expensive formulas. I’d like to be using a few different serums on rotation but with my skin behaving badly, I’m playing it safe and sticking to what I know won’t cause a reaction.
Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum – light yet indulgent, I always feel glowy after using this. My skin looks visibly smoother, plumper and fresh. I am nearly running out and will end up taking scissors to the vacuum packaging!
OILS
I love an oily cleanser but I’m not keen on feeling too oily on my face, although I want the effect of a glowing complexion – I’m not asking for too much, am I?! When taking antibiotic lotion for my perioral dermatitis my skin would be so sore and dry that an oil was the only thing that truly worked. I first started with coconut oil on my hair and body but it would be far too comodegenic for my face.
The Ordinary Squalane Oil – an oxymoron of an oil – it’s light, non greasy and hydrating. It doesn’t make me breakout, you can use it all over and it’s one of the cheapest items in my routine.
MOISTURISER/SPF
If I’m staying indoors or feel like my skin is OK as it is, then I tend to skip moisturising, mainly because my moisture is already in all my previous steps, but if I’m outdoors then SPF is a must, even in cloudy London.
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30 – this is almost like a serum/moisturiser/SPF in one, which makes life so much easier. It leaves a gorgeous finish, not at all chalky and almost like my skin is blurred.
Olay Complete Day Fluid SPF 15 – a classic that works for me, my mum and my grandmother. I’ve used it for years (as does hubby) and it’s a great, cheap basic.
EXTRAS
Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot – regular spots and pimples happen, this is the best thing I’ve used to attack them with a mix of salicylic acid to attack the spot and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate the area so as to not leave a blemish.
Nuxe Reve de Miel – this lipbalm is the best I’ve ever tried, ever. Deliciously scented, like a honey lemon cheesecake (or is it just my cravings popping up?) it’s rich and creamy and makes my lips buttery smooth.
This is quite a basic routine, what with my skin having a will of its own plus I’ve run out of other favourites like May Lindstrom’s The Blue Cocoon and worse of all I’m on a buy ban until I get back to City Pharma in September! I’d love to hear about your skincare routines and if you’ve tried any of the products mentioned or can recommend me some new ones, leave a comment on here or on social!
Thanks, Catherine x
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