SKINCARE ROUTINE
THE BEST ORDER TO APPLY YOUR PRODUCTS, AND MY FAVES RIGHT NOW
The simple 3 step cleanse, tone, moisturise is a thing of the past. We are now adorned by an overwhelming amount of skincare products. With many having random, confusing names, I'm not surprised that this is my most requested post! So I'm going to try and make this as straight foward as possible. And yep, whilst there's quite a few steps, and you don't have to do them all. But remember, you only have one face people, so it's worth looking after it.
THE BASIC ORDER
MORNING
Double cleanse
Hyaluronic acid
Hydration spray
Eye cream
Oil/Serums
Moisturise
SPF
Lip balm
EVENING
Double cleanse
Exfoliate
Eye cream
Hyaluronic acid
Oil/Serums (I use slightly more in the evening than I do in the day)
Night cream
Night treatment serum
Lip balm
In terms of product, I mix and match a lot. Mainly because I love to try all the wonderful ones I'm lucky enough to get sent. So those that I mention are the one's I'm into right now. This will probably change over time, as I discover more beauties. As an FYI, a lot of these products aren't cheap but I truly believe it's worth investing in your skincare. If you'd like a budget version, feel free to comment below and I'll do one at a later date.
MORNING
Your morning routine should be slightly different to your evening one. Your skin rejuvenates at night. When you're dreaming, your skin tries to repair daytime damage. The morning is all about prepping your skin for the day ahead. Following these steps will also help to prep your skin for makeup. The better its prepped, the more flawless your makeup will look. Ok, let's get stuck in!
CLEANSE
This is your starting point. Cleansing your skin does exactly what it says on the tin. It cleans it! And if you follow the skincare OG that is Caroline Hirons, you'll know that double cleansing is the only way forward. As is the use of flannels. You'll see no wipes here people!
The first cleanse removes your makeup and any dirt from the skin. (This may just be sweat in the morning, but you still want to get rid of it).
The second cleanse deep cleans the skin.
The flannel helps with the process as it gives your skin a gentle exfoliation.
I tend to use 2 types of cleansers. An oil based one to remove any makeup, and a gel or a cream version to deep clean. I just find this works best for me. I'm also such a product addict, that the more I can use the merrier! And I always, always, use ice cold water when cleansing. Not only is this invigorating, it also helps to close the pores and cool the skin.
Elemis pro collagen cleanser £9/£44
This is my absolute favourite oil based cleanser. I've used it forever and the rose version is dreamy. The original is also beautiful if you prefer a spa like scent. It melts off even the toughest of makeup. Even Benefit's Bad gal bang becomes victim to this baby. It's infused with nourishing Elderberry, Starflower and Optimega™ oils and supercharged with hydrating Mediterranean algae, Padina Pavonica. Sounds amazing right? It is!
Ole Henriksen Truth juice daily cleanser £22
Firstly this smells amazing! Imagine the streets of Seville lined with orange trees. It has an amazing gel creme formula made from fruit water and PHA. (These stand for Poly Hydroxy Acids which are a group of acids that work their magic slowly, which is great for sensitive skin that is prone to irritation and redness).Your skin feels invigorated after you use it. It also takes off makeup brilliantly.
Marie Reynolds Goji mallow cleanser £32
This beauty is a hydrating and nourishing facial wash resembling the light texture of marshmallow. Don't try eating it though-trust me on that ;) It's enriched with a natural super antioxidant blend of Goji Berries, Acai Berries and Oat Silk. I get a bit of Rosacea and love using this when my cheeks are slightly red as it's also anti inflammatory.
Jordan Samuel The after show treatment cleanser £20
I was introduced to this brand a few weeks ago and have been obsessed ever since. This gel to oil cleanser is awesome. Makeup stands no chance. It includes a trio of plant based, antioxidant-rich oils which nourish the skin.
I've used this cleanser for years. I love Fresh products, and this gel formula is gorgeous. It's PH balanced and infused with soy protein to help maintain elasticity to the skin. It's also great at removing makeup.
HYALURONIC ACID
This is probably my favourite product in my whole routine. It's your hydration. It's actually a substance that's naturally produced by your body to maintain moisture levels. However, due to the annoying fact that we age, damn the person who ever decided that was a thing, our natural hyaluronic dips, so we need to boost it. If your skin is sufficiently hydrated it will look smoother, plumper and more radiant. It will also help with fine lines and the general ageing process. And it works on all skin types. So hyaluronic really is a no brainer. Ps: lots of serums have hyaluronic in them which is great, but you want a pure one for this step as it's more concentrated.
These are my hero products
Hada Labo super hydrator £16.95
If you've guys have followed me for a while, you'll know that I am obsessed with this baby. And I now know, thanks to the numerous messages I get daily, that a lot of you are too! Hada Labo is the number 1 skincare brand in Japan. That says a lot in itself. This 150ml bottle, (that's big), holds 4 hyaluronic acids. FOUR! At the time of writing this post, that's more than any other hyaluronic in the UK. The 4 types of HA's give you multi layers of hydration. It also includes collagen and retinol. This is an affordable, hard working product if ever there was one.
Inkey list hyaluronic acid £5.99
This is a brilliantly simple brand that spends it's dollar on the product inside rather than on the packaging. This is a 2% hyaluronic which is a great starting point. And it's under £6!! WOW!
HYDRATION SPRAY
Spritzing your face with a hydration spray every morning is almost as good as having a shot of coffee. It wakes you up for sure, especially if you keep yours in the fridge like I do. The order of this step is actually really important. Hyaluronic acids, (your previous step), takes moisture from the environment it's on. So this step actually supports your HA and helps it work its magic. Most sprays also have some added elements which is a bonus. These are my faves.
Marie Reynolds Hydra8 Misting veil £27.99
With just three key ingredients of Oat Silk, Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe, this fine misting veil gives a protective layer, calms and soothes the skin. Simple is sometimes best.
This cult product has 13 natural oils in it which makes it super soothing and refreshing. Great if you suffer from redness.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis liquid facial D-stress £42
This spray includes antioxidant glycofilm® and venuceane™ which are formulated to help protect the skin against free radicals, UV and IR rays, and carbon pollutants, while biomimetic peptides work to plump up the skin and keep it hydrated.
Elemis Pro-collagen rose hydro mist £43
This is actually a serum-in-mist. It's formulated with precious organic English Rose Hydrolat, Padina Pavonica and omega-rich Microalgae. Elemis always have wonderful ingredients. The smell is also gorgeous.
This facial spray is full of vitamins. It also includes extracts of grape, rosemary, orange blossom, rose, myrrh and organic balm mint, making it super refreshing and hydrating.
EYE CREAM
I started using an eye cream around the age of 25, i'd say that's around the right age to begin. The skin around the eyes is 40% thinner than anywhere else on the face. That's why we get more fine lines in that area than anywhere else. It's important to put your eye cream on at this point as it can then do it's thing. If you apply it after this point then it will be over the top of too many other products, meaning it won't be able to get where it needs to. When putting it on, use your ring finger as this is the softest touch. Pat it around the whole orbital bone. (That's the bone that goes around your eye), as this whole area needs the cream.
Medik 8 Retinoate eye serum £90
I really love this brand. Created by 2 brothers who are scientists who really know their shizzle. This eye cream may be expensive but it's brilliant. Blended with Retinyl Retinoate, which is eight times as potent as retinol but still incredibly stable, the serum helps to maintain normal collagen and encourages the natural renewal process of the skin. Hesperidin is extracted from citrus fruits and added to the serum to assist with blood circulation, helping to brighten dark circles alongside Caffeine’s invigorating properties.
Drunk Elephant C tango multi vitamin eye cream £54
Aimed at repairing damage and brightening the skin under and around each eye, this cream is enriched with cucumber extract, vitamin C and a blend of eight peptides. These potent ingredients work together to fortify and enhance the skin, supporting a younger-looking complexion. The packaging is also super cute and makes me happy every time I look at it. It's the small things!
Glossier bubble wrap eye cream £23
I pretty much love everything Glossier do. I just think they make really good product and their skincare is no exception. It's made with a combination of natural hydrators such as Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, and Avocado Oil, plus antioxidant-rich Blueberry Extract. It has a lightweight texture (a water-in-oil emulsion) and doesn’t feel sticky.
Vichy Mineral 89 eye serum £20
This powerful formula is powered by a combination of Caffeine, natural origin Hyaluronic Acid, Adenosine and 89% Vichy Thermal Mineralizing Water. This helps to leave skin feeling instantly soothed, as well as helping it to look revitalised and brightened.
This is a powerful formula, which you'd hope for for the price. It's a nourishing blend of 5% Vitamin C, Phloretin and Ferulic Acid. The lightweight gel creates a defensive barrier over skin to neutralise the effects of UV rays, infrared radiation and free radicals and improve the appearance of photo-damage. This gel really helps to prevent damage.
OILS/SERUMS
This is the area where I mix and match the most. I never use just one oil or one serum. I always use the hyaluronic as previously mentioned. And at this point, I tend to add whatever I feel my skin needs. I tend to add more in my skincare routine at night, as I like these products to have time to work over night. But I also add these into my morning routine as they add such a beautiful glow to my skin. As well as helping to prep the skin for make up. I always feel I need less base makeup when I've added my serum and oil.
The ones below I'm loving right now. Sorry there's quite a few, I just couldn't narrow it down!
This is another fave of Mrs. Hirons. I remember asking her what foundation she was wearing as she looked amazing, and she told me it was this. Ever since, I've been obsessed. As well as combining a powerful complex of a Hyaluronic Hybrid and 7 Superfoods, it also includes a gradual tan which gives you a lovely sun-kissed vibe. I just chuck it on, no messing about, and I've never got streaks.
Kiehls Daily reviving concentrate £40
I love Kiehls products. Any brand that's been going since 1851 (and there aren't many), must be good. This oil is enriched with Natural ingredients, Ginger Root, Sunflower Oil & Tamanu Oil which improves dullness, fine lines and your skins texture.
I went to Iceland with Bio effect and was blown away by the science that goes into the product. This is deeply replenishing, the essence prepares your complexion for moisturisers and serums and increases their EGF effectiveness. This means that using this product as part of your routine will enhance your other ones. It's also blended with Icelandic water and absorbs quickly, meaning no residue is left behind and skin will never feel sticky.
Estee Lauder Advanced night repair £58
The icon that is. This is a firm favourite in many peoples routines. It helps with the key signs of ageing with its exclusive ChronoluxCB Technology. This is basically a formula that is said to combine with the natural skin repair mechanism to enhance the skin cell repair and protection process to help skin’s natural nightly renewal. This is why it's a great one to put into your night time routine.
Marie Reynolds skin quencher £37.99
This beauty is a blend of Squalene, Matrixyl 3000 and Hyaluronic Acid. This beautiful cocktail of hydrating and nourishing ingredients acts as a booster to existing products used in your skin care regimen. I adore everything that Marie makes as she is so transparent about what is used.
This baby is full of 100% naturally promoted ingredients. Turmeric Root Extract, Wheat Germ Oil and Prickly Pear Seed Oil help to brighten and promote a natural luminosity. Neom products always feel like a mini spa day.
MOISTURISE
The old classic, the moisturiser, now has thousands of different options. There are day creams and night creams galore. Personally, I tend to use the same moisturiser morning and night, but adjust my oils and serums in the evening. More to come on that. That's just my personal preference.
Skin ceuticals Triple lipid restore £130
I love Skin ceuticals. Their products really are worth spending the dosh on. This anti-ageing plumping cream replenishes, corrects and nourishes the skin. Formulated with a rich concentration of essential lipids (2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids). Lipids are essential components of skin that play a crucial role in maintaining the strength of the skin's protective barrier, which holds moisture, protects the skin from damage and keeps dirt and impurities out. The lightweight and fast-absorbing cream improves the look of skin fullness, texture and radiance whilst deeply hydrating the complexion for up to eight hours.
Murad hydro dynamic ultra moisturiser £60
This is the most hydrating moisturiser Murad has ever created. The non-greasy, easily absorbed formula contains avocado, sunflower and olive fruit which work to enhance skin’s moisture levels, and a collagen support complex to boost skin’s resilience and plump dehydrated skin. An amazing cream if you suffer with any dryness.
Kiehls Pure vitality skin renewing cream £52.50
This is my fave of all the Kiehls creams. It's formulated with New Zealand Manuka Honey and Korean Red Ginseng Root Extracts. Its formulated with 99.6% naturally derived ingredients and is super lightweight. It has this cool lid which squeezes out the perfect amount and keeps the formula fresh.
Philosophy renewed hope water cream £30
This is the newest product from Philosophy. Its formulated with an exclusive hydra-glow complex containing Norwegian glacial water, enhanced hyaluronic acid and pineapple extract. This leaves the skin looking and feeling super hydrated.
SPF
How many times have you heard the words, 'SPF is essential'?! Well guess what, i'm here to tell you again! Ha! You should use an SPF every day, whatever the weather. It protects your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays that can damage the skin causing the likes of pigmentation and early signs of ageing. No one wants that! I don't think all SPF's work under makeup. A lot are amazing for holidays, but you want a light weight version for day to day. I usually wear SPF50 and never less than an SPF30. You don't need much, just enough to cover the surface of the skin, obvs. And no, moisturisers with an SPF aren't enough. Use a separate one always.
Glossier Invisible shield SPF 30 £25
I love this because you hardly know you're wearing it. It's light weight and isn't sticky at all. Exactly what you want under your makeup
Skin ceuticals ultra facial defence SPF50 £37
I love an SPF50. I mean I am married to a Scotsman who burns if all the lights are on in the front room! This one is formulated with state-of-the-art UV filters, it's lightweight and is an easily absorbed hydrating sunscreen. The days of SPF50's looking chalky on the skin are gone!
La Roche posay Anthelios SPF50 £14
This is great as it's like an invisible mist when sprayed on. it's especially good for blemish prone and oily skin. As it's a mist, it's great to carry around to top up your SPF throughout the day.
LIP BALM
Oh I love a lip balm. I suffer from coldsores, so it's really important to keep the lips hydrated. I have a ton of fave balms, but these are the 3 I go back to time and time again.
I buy this in bulk when I go to Australia. It's a multi purpose balm, made from fermented fruit. Great on the lips, but equally great on any skin irritations.
Ultra sun is a great brand. I love their SPF for the body, particularly the glimmer version. This balm is great. I love the fact it has an SPF. I'm never without this in the warmer months as annoyingly, the sun can cause my coldsores. This stops them.
Vichy natural blend lip balm £8.50
This is a 96% natural lip balm that enhances the natural colour of lips whilst hydrating and softening them.
EVENING
So my evening skincare routine isn't hugely different to my day routine. However, there are a few added extras. It's important to add these items as your skin rejuvinates and renews over night, and these additions support that.
I've put the steps that are different to the day routine in bold.
Double cleanse
Exfoliate
Eye cream
Hyaluronic acid
Oil/Serums
Night cream As mentioned above, I don't change my moisturiser at night. You may want to.
Night treatment serum
Lip balm
EXFOLIATE
Gone are the days of the rough exfoliator that literally scrubs at your skin. Many of these had plastic beads in, which are now illegal thankfully. I much prefer a liquid exfoliator. These contain the holy grail, glycolic acid and an alpha-hydroxy which help in the removal of dead skin cells. I use these at night firstly because they can tingle a bit and, if like me, you have a bit of rosacea, this can bring it out slightly. This isn't doing the skin any harm. I'd just prefer that to happen at night. Secondly, they remove the dead cells meaning that all your other products can really get to work at night.
This is a lovely gentle exfoliant. It includes 5% glycolic acid, as well as Aloe vera and tea tree. Great for soothing the skin. It's mild, effective and affordable.
Murad resurgence Replenishing multi acid peel £48
This is an amazing and powerful product. I love Murad - the stuff truly works. My skin has more of a glow since I added this into my routine. I've taken this scientific bit from the website to explain why it's so great. The fortifying blend of complex acids, combining to resurface lacklustre skin. AHA fuses Glycolic and Lactic acid, two gentle exfoliants that lift dead skin cells to reveal a smoother skin texture and a brighter, natural-looking radiance. BHA calms and cleanses to unclog congested pores. TXA fights discolouration, promoting a brighter and more even skin tone. Invigorating and effective, the three components unite to encourage a supple, younger-looking visage.
Phase 2 sees Holy Basil, a natural plant-based product high in antioxidants, merge with Omega-rich Oils to purge and purify while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. Harnessing acne-fighting properties, the two ingredients help to soothe blemishes and revive stressed complexions.
NIGHT TREATMENT SERUM
I've added this in because I've been using this product over the past few weeks and I've seen such a difference. Usually my night time routine would stop after moisturiser, but not any more.
Murad Night enzyme fix treatment £60
Yes, it's another Murad product, but that just proves they work. This diamond fights signs of fatigue and dullness overnight when skin is most receptive to repair, so you wake up to a radiant complexion, like actually! It's a serum type formulation and is supercharged with chronopeptides, (these are designed to recharge and repair the skin by rebuilding the dermal matrix), and tri-enzymes (these accelerate the skin's biological exfoliation process). I've already ordered another one as I can't bear to be without it.
Ok, phew! That's it!! I hope this comprehensive guide has made a few things a bit clearer. If you've enjoyed this post, heart it below. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to ask these too. I'd love to hear what your favourite products are.
Until next time,
Love & lipstick,
Lisa xx