My Skincare Routine

When it comes to skin, Mummy Suze had one rule; 

“Do whatever you want to your hair, you can cut it off and start again; but take care of your skin – it’s there for life”

She would let me dye my hair whatever colour I wanted; provided I promised her I would always take my makeup off before bed every night. And that might just be, the only ritual I have kept religiously going into adulthood.

On a personal level, I used to have some insecurities with my skin. I never really had an issue with breakouts; more-so I had terribly dry and often cracking skin which would peel and stick to my dream-matte-mouse (circa 2013). I also have a few blemishes, broken blood vessels, scarring, and moles. This used to bother me deeply and I used to pack on quite a heavy foundation on a daily basis. I’ve also have multiple surgeries, skin grafts and reconstruction due to a childhood accident which has left my skin rather delicate and prone to being red and irritated.

I feel like I have only had a skincare routine which has suited me and complimented my skin for about 2 years now. It has revolutionised my life to the point where I haven’t worn foundation for over a year. Big self high five. The most makeup I would ever wear on a daily basis is a tinted moisturiser, an eyebrow pencil and a bit of lippy! I do also regularly get eyelashes extensions for ease and practicality, as I *hate* applying and removing mascara. I feel really grateful and proud to finally be in this position with my skin but I can definitely still have bad days.

So please enjoy this article including all the products I use on my skin. Some of them I classify as essentials that I use every day, and some are guilty-pleasure products which I use when I’m feeling in need of an extra pamper, or to boost my mental health!

PREP YOUR PRODUCTS

Get your products ready, so you don’t have to run around searching for fresh masks hiding in the fridge… you want this experience to be as seamless and relaxing as possible. Even better, play a spa/meditation playlist on Spotify, tie your hair up and get into your jammies!

CLEANSE

So there are 2 cleansers I will tend to reach for depending on my needs that day. If I want something simple and easy, I’ll just use soap. *gasp, horror* I know.

But I truly believe that the skin just wants simplicity and balance; a belief I have spread for years even whilst I was working for a skincare company.

At the moment I have this Katherine Daniels facial soap which was gifted to me, but being totally honest; any soap will do. I’ve even been known for using hand soap whilst on holiday with only a small luggage allowance!! 

And secondly, when I feel like I want that pamper session, or when I have a little bit of makeup on that needs removing; I will reach for an oil based cleanser.

In my opinion, Lush is absolutely leading the way with their oil based cleansers, in particular; their solid facial cleansers. In fact, their entire solid facial collection is one to be totally raved about, and I’m not just saying that because I used to work there! Solid skincare is something I once winced at, but now swear by; allowing you to travel easy, save on packaging, and take on planes in hand luggage (the last factor being the most important obviously). I just would choose not to share these products with others as of course, bacteria can be shared. Luckily, they’re not dear, and they can last a considerable number of uses!

At the moment, my favourite one is “Jade Roller”, (not pictured) with Peppermint, Chamomile and Eucalyptus. I also really like Tea-Totaler for days where I need a bit more antiseptic and clarifying support! It’s so simple to use: just glide it onto the skin and massage it. These have a base of Murumuru butter so they melt a little and glide onto the skin super easily! It totally removes all makeup // including eye makeup.

I always use a flannel or a muslin cloth to remove my cleansers, and I clean them after every use. This might seem excessive; but it is in fact the best feeling to bury your face into a warm, clean flannel; and I’m convinced it helps to loosen up those pores! I have noticed a much brighter, clearer appearance on my skin since using them.

TONE THE SKIN

Being totally honest, I never really knew what it meant to “tone” the skin. What does a toner do? Some say it tightens your pores, but working in skincare I figured out that’s not entirely true and tight pores cause blockages and breakouts anyway.

I try and see my toner as having two purposes, 1) to remove any excess cleanser left on my skin (which could also cause blockages) and 2) to exfoliate. Bizarre, you might ask how that’s possible, but I’ll let you into my little skin secret saviour.

I used to use a physical exfoliator (a scrub) to remove dead skin cells, but I found that this ultimately gave me more problems. Instead of giving me clear skin, the gritty ness of the product always irritated my skin, and left any bumps that I had even redder, and more obviously raised. I tried to not exfoliate but that left (unseen to the eye) dead skin cells on the skin which is what makes the skin look dull, and they can clog the pores and cause spots. So I needed to find and answer and I’m so glad I found Emma’s skincare blog who taught me all about exfoliating with an acid.  https://herbsandherbsblog.com/

I use the pixi glow tonic which is a really really diluted salicylic acid. This sounds scary, but it burns away the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing the newer, glowing skin underneath. It cleared away my breakouts and dead skin in a matter of days. I don’t use it every day and if I use it in the morning, I follow it up with SPF. For protection, and all that.

FACE MASK TIME!

Now that we have clean fresh skin, it’s time to introduce the pampering element into our routine. Take note that I do not do this every day, heck I barely have time to do this once a week – but I take the opportunity when I can.

I’ve gotten bigger into sheet masks recently. Is it a fad? Probably. And I must admit I didn’t really believe in it until I found this brand of sheet masks which literally changed my life. I remember texting my friend Gemma a photo of my skin which I put something along the lines of “holy shit I have baby born skin”.

The brand is called Leaders Daily Wonders // and my favourite mask by them is called “break up with your ex-skin cells” (which coincidentally Gemma first got for me as a joke when I was going through a breakup) as it literally leaves my skin GLOWING. But today, we are using this hydration mask as over the winter months my skin needs some extra attention.

I also have been using these under eye masks from Patchology as my biggest fear in life is officially my “fine lines”. I must admit, these make me feel so ridiculously refreshed and awakened, even if I look like a bit of a total with pink eye.

After removal of said masks, you will be left with a charming gloop on your face, which you are instructed to massage in. You’ll find yourself doing this wondering to yourself whether the well known saying “sperm is good for the skin” is really true or not.

AT THE HYDRATION STATION

It’s time to put back into the skin. I’ve recently picked up this serum-style hyaluronic acid from the ordinary company. I’m not a massive fan of this company, but they’ve won me over once again by promising me that this product is insanely hydrating and will help anything I put on top of it be absorbed. A myth? I hope not, but it was a fiver so I don’t really care.

Depending on how dry my skin is, I will choose whether I will use just a moisturiser or whether I feel like I need the extra support from oils.

I use a Jade Roller, which is the concept of massaging the skin with crystals. Have I lost you all.. is that a bit too hippy? The concept suggests that facial rollers help to reduce puffiness and inflammation in the face due to stagnation of the lymphatic system. I am not 100% sold, but what I would say is keeping my jade roller in the freezer and then massaging it into my face feels absolutely incredible.

When I need that extra support from the oils, I go back to my trusty lush solid products. They’ve recently brought out a range of “naked” facial oils. I keep mine in a tin for practically, but I find them so so handy. At the moment I’m trying one out called “Light Touch”. It’s packed with super nourishing and calming oils but it doesn’t leave a greasy residue. I also love their “Full of Grace” facial oil which I have used for years.

LIPS LIPS LIPS

Always finish with a lip balm, cause you never know.

MOISTURISE

My moisturiser is “Gorgeous” from Lush. It has a high price point but I love it because it’s packed full of rich ingredients like avocado oil and evening primrose oil, all good for keeping the skin healthy and plump.

And there you have it. A rare photo of my skin, with no makeup and no editing/manipulations. It is daunting for me and I do often find myself trying to hide any problem areas I have, especially in photos. I very rarely go “full frontal” like this.. but it is important! Please feel free to contact me if you guys have any more questions regarding these products or about my routine!

P.S I did not mention SPF in my routine // very naughty. I have been told that the most important thing you should put on your skin is SPF every day, rain or shine. I do agree with this but I am currently experimenting with facial SPF’s so I don’t feel qualified to talk about this yet.