One of my biggest vices is my love for skincare. I'm more than happy to forgo make-up, let that new dress go before I pay at the till, and even pass up the unnecessary tub of Haagen-Dazs, in aid of a new skincare must-have to add to my collection. I'm often asked about my skin and how I maintain it and I realised that it's been a while since I wrote a skincare routine post. I've recently fallen into a really nice regime, ready for the summer, that leaves my skin feeling soft and well-nourished.
First things first, I have Normal to Dry skin. I am extremely lucky not to suffer with breakouts, blemishes, etc. and I never have done, so if you're looking for remedies to these I probably can't help! I know the likes of
Meg,
Anna and
Fleur are well versed in all things beauty though! Since about November or so, my skin has definitely felt a little drier than I'm used to, but I've attributed this to a change in diet and the fact that I travel a lot. Below is a photo of my skin in its' 'natural state', without any form of make-up on - eek!
Throughout this post, you can find links to the products to read more about them from the brands themselves.
Shu Uemura Beauty Cleansing Oil - Brightening. £28.
I received a sample of this in my Harrods edition Glossybox and even after one use, I knew I had to have it in my collection. I use one or two pumps, applied with my hands all over dry skin, add a little water to emulsify the product and work it into the skin to melt away my make-up. It is very clarifying, and I probably don't 'need' to follow up with another product, but I do anyway! It doesn't irritate my eyes, although it tends to give me that 'cloudy eye' for a couple of minutes, which does goes away.
Kiehl's Washable Cleansing Milk, £18.
I can't remember what my skincare regime was like before I began using this, and don't know why I'd never tried it before. I use this twice daily: once in the morning with cotton pads to soak away any dirt, oil and impurities from overnight and washing off with cold water, and then again at night, with a small amount on my fingertips, applied with tapping motions all over the face. At night I leave this product on for about ten minutes or so while I potter around, shower, etc. and then splash away with warm water. I'd recommend this if your skin tends to get quite dry or irritated, because it is very soothing and injects lots of moisture to the skin!
St Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub, £3.99.
This is a little bit of a family favourite: my Mum, sister and cousins all use this scrub and I had to hop on the bandwagon. I tend to exfoliate twice a week as my skin can be quite sensitive and I feel like I use enough products on my skin without adding a daily exfoliator in the mix! This scrub has a lovely medium thick consistency with little exfoliating beads and a non-offensive, apricot scent. It always leaves my skin feeling revitalised and freshened!
Caudalie Beauty Elixir, £9.90.
Yes, the current blogger hype product of the moment; I always wonder how many 'real' people use products that every blogger seems to own! I tend to use this between my cleanser and moisturiser at the moment, as well as to freshen up throughout the day, but I wouldn't class it as a toner at all. The scent is minty fresh but not too sharp, and I do feel that my skin reaps its' benefits throughout the day. My complexion is much more radiant and clear since using this, and I'll definitely repurchase ready for the summer!
Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser, £28.
It took me a while to enjoy using this moisturiser, I'll admit. It is very heavy, therefore you only need the smallest amount to use all over the face, but it does provide enough moisture to keep my skin supple and soft all day. Not sure about the scent, it smells a little playdoh-esque but I can deal with it for now.
Lancome Absolue Yeux Eye Cream.
This eye cream was not formulated for skin of my age (I'm 21, for reference!), as it came in a gift set that my Granny received. However, I use it religiously, and it really helps with my dark circles, puffy eyes and tender skin around the eyes. As someone who has just finished eight months of late nights, early mornings, etc. of third year at University, I can fully vouch for its' working power! The only downside to this product is that it smells of rose wine, and I'd much rather it didn't! Again, a little goes a long way!
Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum, £28.
Another Caudalie product that seems to be doing the rounds in the online community at the moment, I received this sample in my
April Glossybox. I see serums as more of a thicker substance that is applied before moisturiser, which sinks slowly into the skin for optimum moisture, and this seems to sink into my skin almost immediately. Having said that, I do really enjoy using this serum, it smells very fresh and light and I currently apply it before my moisturiser, and it leaves my skin super soft and supple to the touch. I'll definitely be buying the full-size (three times larger than this sample) once my sample runs out!
Disclaimer: All of the products in this post were purchased by me with my own money, except for the Glossybox sample which I receive for press consideration. I'm sadly not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned, I just love me some skincare!
