You may have noticed that I’ve stopped doing my “Current Skincare Routine” posts, and it’s mostly because my routine fluctuates so much that by the time I’ve snapped the products in play and sat down to write the routine up, it’s likely to have changed. Consequently, I thought it might be fun to share with you some of the products I’m reaching for most of all at the moment, as well as a look at some of the newest and most exciting bits I’ve been sent that I can’t wait to feature!
I’m keeping my cleaning routine relatively simple, starting with make-up removal using the Garnier Pure Active Micellar Water (£4.99 here – link) which is a surprisingly effective cleanser that gets rid of all the eye make-up and mascara whilst still leaving skin feeling fresh and clean without any tightness. I then follow with a wash off cleanser which is likely to involve either the Elemis Cleansing Balm or the Dead Sea Natural Black Mud Mask Soap (£3.75 here – link) depending on what else I’m planning to use that evening. The Mud Mask Soap (not pictured because it’s a bar soap that’s looking a bit…used) is a great product for a deep cleanse that doesn’t strip the skin as I would’ve expected. I’ll then follow with an exfoliating toner, of which I have absolutely loads, some of which are total loves, but there are two I’m reaching for most, with the Aveda Kinetics Exfoliant (£18 here – link) being a particular favourite since it contains Salicylic Acid and feels really gentle on the skin. I’m using both Serozinc (£8.50 here – link) and The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner (£7.50 here – link) to sooth and balance skin, especially when I’m using acids or Retinol. The Pixi Vitamin Wake Up Mist (£16 here – link) is a brilliant revitaliser for morning skin and really does wake skin up.
There are three treatment products I’m reaching for most of all at the moment, starting with the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum (£44 here – link) which is a beautifully light, essence-like product that layers like a dream, then I’ll use either Differin (£24.95 here – link) or the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum (£65 here – link), the latter of which I forgot to include in the photograph, oops! Both Differin and the Murad serum are really good quality Retinols that provide gentle exfoliation and help with breakouts, so I tend to alternate them each and then have one night Retinol-free. My two favourite moisturisers at the moment are my much raved about Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly (£24.99 here – link) which I tend to use at night as it layers soooo well with Retinols and acids, the in the morning I use the Skinceuticals Face Cream (£88 here – link) a basic yet powerfully repairing face cream that really nourishes without flooding my tricky skin.
I’ve realised that my skin responds best to a routine that contains lots of Retinol, Acids (most will do, but especially Salicylic, Glycolic and Mandelic) and Hyaluronic Acid, so I’ve tended to mostly call-in and purchase these types of products recently. Consequently, I’m trying out lots of lovely new products and I thought I’d give you a quick look at what’s new in my stash:
As you can see, there are lots of acids and a couple of bits that are more treatment-like, such as the CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (£22 here – link), which is another essence-like product, but aimed more at treating and addressing issues associated with spots whilst also adding a spot of hydration. Another treatment-like product is the The Ordinary AHA 30% and BHA 2% Peeling Solution (£6.30 here – link), which comes out of the bottle looking like dark blood (seriously!) and turns your face bright red whilst you’re using it! It’s designed to be used like an exfoliating mask and I’ll definitely be writing it up soon. My love for acid toners is still going strong, hence the desire to try the The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (£6.80 here – link) which contains so many goody ingredients that I’m hoping for great things! The CosRx AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner (£17 here – link) is speedily becoming a new love already, as it’s very gentle but very obviously effective.
Finally, I picked up a few bits from SR Skincare as I’m working really hard to try and get as much balance back to my skin as possible, so whilst I do love me a good bit of acid, I’m making sure I include products that will sooth and calm too. I actually picked up a multi-acid peel kit from them, as well as a couple of hydrating/soothing bits; Hydraloe (£6.70 here – link) which is a fabulously basic blend of Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera, especially handy for post-peel or at-home facials and Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum (£6.40 here – link) which I picked up because I can never have access to enough HA! Speaking of which, the final product is the Hyasoft Instant Moisture Boost (£19 here – link) which I kind of feel is going to either blow my mind and become an everyday essential, or break me out like there’s no tomorrow…I’ll keep you updated!
*Another mix of purchases and PR Samples
