Even from being really little, my mum has always told me and my sister the importance of making sure you wash your face day and night with water and apply moisturiser if it's feeling a little bit dry. As we got older, started hitting puberty and began wearing makeup, she then introduced us to the basics of cleansers and making sure to moisturise day and night. I was always interested in watching my mum apply all these creams from the tubs and tubes that they would come in (I definitely used her face cream numerous times when I was little when she wasn't looking). However, after my mum bought me my first cleanser and moisturiser I became more and more intrigued about these little pots and tubes, and in learning more about my skin and how to care for it.
Now, I am no professional when it comes to skincare and it's only the last few years I really have become engrossed in learning about different skin care products and remedies and there are still loads of products that I want to try - maybe an idea for a future post??
A Little Bit About My Skin/Lifestyle:
You can skip this part and go straight to my routines if you wish but I thought I'd tell you first about my skin so you have a bit of a background as to why I've chosen the products I currently use. I also included a little bit about my lifestyle as well because that can affect the way your skin looks too.
I have always had very sensitive skin. Suncreams, face paints, some moisturisers etc have all irritated my skin at some point. I actually found out I was allergic to some face paints when I was in primary school doing the Christmas and Summer musicals/plays. Along with this, whenever I try something new it usually stings a little bit but as I keep using the product my skin does adapt to it. However, even though it does sting a little bit to begin with, it is bearable and does go down after about 5 minutes, but I have used face masks and other products in the past that as soon as they have touched my face it is the most horrendous stinging pain, so that quickly gets taken off and never used again haha!
I would say I have normal to combination skin. My skin was super clear until I was around 12, and it felt like I went to sleep one night and woke up with a full face of spots. These would clear up and then come back but on my forehead they never seemed to shift permanently until I used the products I mention below. Now I mainly just get the odd spot and when my hormones shift I generally have more spots which take a couple of days to go down.
Additionally, when it comes to applying skincare products, I like to leave a few minutes between apply my toner and different creams/moisturisers as I find this helps minimise irritation and also allows each product to fully sink in before applying the next item.
Sometimes my t-zone will become a little bit oiler throughout the day, but nothing too drastic that would class my skin as "oily". Furthermore, last Winter I developed a little dry patch at the side of my mouth which is fine now but does occasionally come back.
Also, when it comes to makeup I will have at least 2 days make up free - during lockdown I've hardly worn any! Most days when I wear makeup I won't wear foundation, just concealer, sometimes if I need more coverage I will use a tinted moisturiser or a powder foundation. I do wear foundation but only once a week if that.
I drink a lot of water. I didn't use to drink enough water at all and then when I started drinking more I noticed a change in my skin. I don't think water works miracles or will transform your skin, but it definitely did make a notable difference.
I have a good balanced diet with lots of protein and vegetables. I don't eat that much bread or many sweets, but I did notice that when I "cleaned up" what I eat my skin reacted well to it. I don't follow a specific diet and eat pretty intuitively which works for me, my skin and my health. Along with this I find that when I am sticking to my workout plan and feel more confident within myself my skin seems to stay pretty good.
Now, on to the products and routines!
Morning Skincare Routine:
Rinse my face.
I don't use a cleanser when I wash my face on a morning because I found when I did it stripped my skin too much and made it more sensitive than it already is. I will just use some warm water with a flannel/muslin cloth, and then pat dry with a towel.
Toner
This is something I do on a morning only if I need it. I generally judge my skin in a morning and I know my skin well so I know if it needs the toner or not. If I do use one however it will be the La Roche Posay-Effaclar Clarifying Toner (£12.50).
This toner is technically for oily/blemish prone skin, and I know I've said I have normal to combination skin but I bought this in a set of a La Roche-Posay set which is what saved my skin along with the other products (these are mentioned later). I know it isn't the cheapest toner, but it isn't the most expensive either, however when it comes to skincare this is such a good investment and lasts a good while too.
Buy from:
(Look Fantastic sell the set of three products which I bought initially. The other two products are mentioned further on. If you want to buy the set you can buy it *here.)
Serum
Like the toner, this is something I use only if I need it. The one I use if I do need it is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ (£16-17).
This was the second of the three items which came in the set and is a miracle worker. Out of all three items in this set (the third one is mentioned in the night routine) this one is the best, and I feel does the most for my skin because you could really use any cleanser/toner. I don't know what it is, but this serum is honestly amazing. I saw results the very next morning. This helps combat any blemishes, scarring from previous spots, and unclogging your pores. I honestly believe that this is the best skincare product I have ever used and if you're going to take anything away from this post/want to try something I've mentioned, definitely try this!
They also do this with SPF and in tinted moisturisers so you can choose to incorporate your makeup with your skincare if you wanted to!
Buy from:
(Look Fantastic sell the set of three products which I bought initially. The other two products are mentioned further on. If you want to buy the set you can buy it *here.)
Moisturiser & Eye Cream
I've grouped these two together because an eye cream is a little bit like a glorified moisturiser, but I prefer using an eye cream near my eyes than my normal moisturiser. The eye cream I use is the No7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Eye Cream (£18). I got this in an advent calendar the last couple of years and love it! When I link this eye cream, I am going to link to the page of No7 eye creams (£12-£20) as I believe they are all really good! The moisturiser I use is another No7 product and it is the No7 Early Defence Day Cream with SPF 15 (£20). Again a really good moisturiser which leaves my skin with a lovely dewy finish that isn't too shiny! I find it works well as a moisturiser and leaves my skin hydrated all day.
Buy the moisturiser from:
Buy the eye cream from:
Lip Balm
To finish off my morning routine I will always apply a lip balm or cream! I hate the feeling of chapped lips so I am always applying lip balm. I have a few favourites that I've used time and time again including the Burt's Bees Original Lip Balm (£3.99) these can also be bought in packs of 4 which I will also link, Carmex Classic Tub Lip Balm (£3), and the No7 Protect and Perfect Lip Care Cream (£10). Now the cream isn't the same as a lip balm but it does nourish your lips so I tend to put that on first, let it sink in and then apply a lip balm on top for double the moisture.
Buy No7 from:
Buy Burt's Bees from:
Buy Carmex from:
(You can usually find Carmex in Home Bargains as well!)
Evening Skincare Routine:
Makeup Remover
I currently use the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (£2.50-£6.99 depending on version and size) to remove my makeup using a cotton pad. I recently made the switch from using makeup wipes because they irritated my skin a little and are also bad for the environment. Honestly I can see a difference when using this, because when I used makeup wipes I would break out the next day. I thought it was because I was wearing makeup, but when I use this I don't break out, and I haven't changed any of my makeup products or other skincare products. There are many different versions of this (I use the original one for sensitive skin) so when I link it I will link it to the page with all of them on!
Buy from:
Cleanser
The cleanser I am going to use is the final part from the La Roche-Posay trio that I bought, and it is the Effaclar Cleanser (£12.50 for 200ml or £18.50 for 400ml). This cleanser is really good at both taking any left over makeup off and cleaning my skin. I love the way it makes my skin feel and it lasts for ages, so definitely worth the money.
Buy from:
(Look Fantastic sell the set of three products which I bought initially. The other two products are mentioned further on. If you want to buy the set you can buy it *here.)
Toner
The toner I use (La Roche-Posay Effaclar Toner £12.50) is the same as the one in my morning routine, except I use it every night. The reason I don't have a different one for the morning is because I don't always need to use it in the morning, and so for how often I use a toner in the morning I just use the same one. If you have skipped straight to the evening skincare section, I have copied what I had written in the morning section and put it below, along with the links.
This toner is technically for oily/blemish prone skin, and I know I've said I have normal to combination skin but I bought this in a set of a La Roche-Posay set which is what saved my skin along with the other products (these are mentioned later). I know it isn't the cheapest toner, but it isn't the most expensive either, however when it comes to skincare this is such a good investment and lasts a good while too.
Buy from:
(Look Fantastic sell the set of three products which I bought initially. The other two products are mentioned further on. If you want to buy the set you can buy it *here.)
Serum
Just like the toner, this is the same product (La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ (£16-17) that I used in the morning and something I use every night after I have cleansed and toned. Like the toner I will copy what I wrote in the morning section and put it below.
This is a miracle worker. Out of all three items in this set (the third one is mentioned in the night routine) this one is the best, and I feel does the most for my skin because you could really use any cleanser/toner. I don't know what it is, but this serum is honestly amazing. I saw results the very next morning. This helps combat any blemishes, scarring from previous spots, and unclogging your pores. I honestly believe that this is the best skincare product I have ever used and if you're going to take anything away from this post/want to try something I've mentioned, definitely try this!
They also do this with SPF and in tinted moisturisers so you can choose to incorporate your makeup with your skincare if you wanted to!
Buy from:
(Look Fantastic sell the set of three products which I bought initially. The other two products are mentioned further on. If you want to buy the set you can buy it *here.)
Moisturiser & Eye Cream
The moisturiser I use on a night is the Botanics Simply Calm Hydrating Face Cream with Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil (£9.99). I find this moisturiser extremely hydrating and that it sinks into my skin pretty fast. You can also use this in the morning, however as I already have a day cream I use the one at night. There is another one in the range that is an overnight mask. I haven't tried that one, but if the original face cream is anything to go by it will be extremely hydrating and nourishing for the person. I really enjoy this moisturiser and got it a few months ago. It lasts really well, and I will definitely be repurchasing this!
The Eye Cream is the No7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Eye Cream (£18). The eye cream is the exact same as the one I use in the morning so I will copy what I said above and put it here: I got this in an advent calendar the last couple of years and love it! When I link this eye cream, I am going to link to the page of No7 eye creams (£12-£20) as I believe they are all really good!
Buy the moisturiser from:
Buy the eye cream from:
Lip Balm:
Again the exact same as the ones I alternate between in my morning routine, so as for all the other repeat products I am just going to copy what I put up there here:
I hate the feeling of chapped lips so I am always applying lip balm. I have a few favourites that I've used time and time again including the Burt's Bees Original Lip Balm (£3.99) these can also be bought in packs of 4 which I will also link, Carmex Classic Tub Lip Balm (£3), and the No7 Protect and Perfect Lip Care Cream (£10). Now the cream isn't the same as a lip balm but it does nourish your lips so I tend to put that on first, let it sink in and then apply a lip balm on top for double the moisture.
Buy No7 from:
Buy Burt's Bees from:
Buy Carmex from:
(You can usually find Carmex in Home Bargains as well!)
And that concludes my skincare routines! However, I am now going to talk about other products I use from time to time that I love.
Other skincare faves:
Face Masks -
The first mask I am going to talk about is The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask (£6 for 15ml, £18 for 75ml).
I find it really refreshing for my skin and I think it leaves my skin soft with a lovely glow. This one is supposed to tingle a little bit so don't be alarmed if you try it and it does! Another key part of this face mask is that it is 100% vegan, so if that is something that is important to you, then you will be able to use it!
Buy from:
The second mask I am going to talk about is the L'Oréal Paris Pure Clay Glow Mask with Red Algae (£7.99).
This mask does have exfoliating beads in that help to remove any dead skin. It also helps to restore moisture into the skin to stop it from drying out. All in all I loved using this mask and unfortunately I have recently run out so I need to repurchase one ASAP.
Buy from:
Exfoliators -
There is only one under this heading because I haven't tried that many, and out of the few I have tried, this is the only one that I've liked. SO if you have any others you think I should try let me know! But the one that made the cut is the No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Face Exfoliator (£11).
Now I must say, I only use this once every couple of weeks, or if I need it because it is quite a harsh exfoliator. That being said, it is brilliant. It is a physical exfoliant so I wouldn't recommend using it too often as overusing physical exfoliators can cause micro-tears in the skin. That being said, if I haven't used a mask in a while and my skin needs it, then I will use it.
Buy from:
Moisturisers -
The first up is the Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream for Face, Body & Hands (£2.49 to £6.59).
This is a classic that either me, my mum, or my sister has in case someone needs it. This is what I used to help with my dry skin patch that I mentioned in the introduction about my skin. The reason I don't use this every day is because it is a think moisturiser. It is amazing at its job, but for me I find it to be too thick to use on my face every day.
Buy from:
*Boots (200ml)
Finally we have an old classic which is the Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser (£3 to £4.29 depending on shop)
This was the first moisturiser I ever had and it is really good. I've repurchased this and the light version with SPF so many times! If I ever don't know what moisturiser to buy when I run out or my skin has been irritated lately, I use this one.
Buy from:
And that ends my skincare routine and my other skincare favourites. I hope you enjoyed this post, and please if you have any other recommendations do let me know!
As a little side note I also wanted to say that if you subscribe to my blog you will get notified every time I upload a new post, and if you become a member you will get notified of my uploads and also receive my newsletter.
Have a great day,
Ella.
(DISCLAIMER: Any links with an asterisk (*) next to it means I have used an affiliate link. All this means is that if you use my link to the website and purchase that item I will earn a small commission from your purchase. This does not affect the price of the item for you or your experience on the website)