With the weather turning a little chilly now we're in the midst of Autumn, I've switched things up when it comes to my skincare routine. It's been a while (understatement) since I last posted my full daily regime, so I thought I'd change that and share the 411 on the whole lot. In hindsight, I probably should have sectioned this off into two separate posts, but alas, I didn't, so let's get on with it...
Cleansing.
For starters, let's talk cleansing (since that is the first step and all...). Like the other areas of my routine, I use different things for both parts of the day. AM is a lighter cleanse, and PM is to add in some extra nourishment which would ordinarily not sit so great under a face full of makeup.
AM.
The classic Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (£28). A total cult product, I jumped on the bandwagon with this around two months ago and quickly realised its superpowers. I've done a full review here, but to sum it up, it's a gel-to-oil consistency that both smells and does good. I'm a dry skinned gal but this one is suitable for all whatever your type leaving your face soft, clean and glowy.
PM.
Let's say I've made an effort and rocked a bit of a smokey eye. Come pre-slumber, nine times out of ten I'll reach for the Nivea 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water (£3.69). A fuss free way to remove both my eye and face makeup, it's essentially a dupe for Bioderma. Oh, and around a quarter of the price too, but who's counting right? Once the top layer's off, out comes the Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm* (£18). I've reviewed it here if you fancy a quick read, but this rocks as it gets rid of every last scrap of makeup whilst adding some much need moisture into my complexion. Like all Pixi products it smells like an absolute dream and is a total pleasure to use each evening. Can you tell I'm a fan?
Let's say I've made an effort and rocked a bit of a smokey eye. Come pre-slumber, nine times out of ten I'll reach for the Nivea 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water (£3.69). A fuss free way to remove both my eye and face makeup, it's essentially a dupe for Bioderma. Oh, and around a quarter of the price too, but who's counting right? Once the top layer's off, out comes the Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm* (£18). I've reviewed it here if you fancy a quick read, but this rocks as it gets rid of every last scrap of makeup whilst adding some much need moisture into my complexion. Like all Pixi products it smells like an absolute dream and is a total pleasure to use each evening. Can you tell I'm a fan?
Moisturisers.
When it comes to moisturisers, I like to mix it up a little. As I said before, my skin is on the drier side so I need something pretty rich to counteract that, with me more than often adding in a serum/oil of some kind as an extra boost (see 'extras' below).
AM.
On a morning I like to use a brightening cream that will sit well underneath any foundation/concealer that I go on to apply. For this I will reach for my long-time love, the Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser (£25). I can't not mention the scent of this. Think zesty oranges, but with the added benefits of ingredients such as panax ginseng and coffee bean. As I'm sure you can imagine, this really adds the life back into a tired complexion, and its gel like consistency isn't too heavy to act as a base for makeup. For the days I fancy a change, the Pixi Glowtion Day Dew* (£24) is all kinds of awesome. Like GinZing, it adds radiance into dull skin, blurring imperfections and adding a dewy finish. Head here for my full review as it really is worth trying out for yourself. If you're a fan of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders, this is like the skincare equivalent. Now I'm getting old (I joke, I'm 22), eye cream has since found its way into my daily routine. To be entirely honest, I'm not overly fussed on what I use just yet, but Benefit's It's Potent! Eye Cream* (£25.50) is an absolute godsend for dry under eyes.
PM.
Like cleansing, on an eve I like to use something a little richer on my face. This will either be in the form of the Origins Make a Difference Plus + Rejuvenating Moisturizer (£35) or the ESPA Optimal Skin ProMoisturiser* (£45). Both are exceptionally good, smell great and keep dry skin at bay, however ESPA's offering is particularly snazzy as it's suitable for ALL skin types. Yup, you read that right. I've reviewed it here if you want to know more, but it's a rather exciting launch for the world of skincare, don't you think? (I've also reviewed the Origins Make a Difference here). Finally, a quick dab of the above Benefit eye cream and I'm ready for the land of nod...
Extras.
Who doesn't love a good extra, right? Whilst the majority of these are incorporated to add a little extra somethin' somethin' in terms of hydration, there's also some serious treats worth reading up on if that's not your kind of thing...
AM.
Puffy eyes suck. They look crap, they feel crap, overall, I think we can agree that they're just crap. Whilst you could just get over it, two easy peasy ways to get rid of the suckers is to use either of these absolute gems. As a long-time lover of Liz Earle, I can't say I'm surprised that I'm a fan of this. Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion* (£13.25) is a non-oily liquid that works to soothe tired, sore eyes. This was an absolute must during my final year at University and I've continued to use it since graduating (contact lens wearers can also rejoice as it's suitable for their eyes too). Alternatively, a classic eye roll-on such as the Pixi 24K Eye Elixir* (£22) will smooth and soothe the eye area in no time.
To help solve my dry A/W skin, Indeed Labs Hydraluron (currently on offer at £16.66 - normally £24.99) is a gal's best friend. With hyaluronic acid, the lightweight serum holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water and is the perfect base for your moisturiser. Finally, to scrub away any unwanted dead skin cells on the ol' lips (yum), a touch of Lush's Popcorn Lip Scrub (£5.50).
PM.
Albeit, I don't use all of the below each and every day, but they are well worth a mention. To exfoliate, I tend to switch between the Pixi Glow Tonic (£18) (which, as you can see I've cleverly forgotten to photograph, however you can read my review here) and the Bee Good Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator* (£10.50). Despite the latter containing milled lavender flowers to gently buff the skin, it's an incredibly creamy exfoliant so you don't need to be concerned over causing any damage to the face. Frankly, both are fantastic products so it simply depends if you prefer a grain or chemical form to scrub your skin.
For an extra boost of hydration, it's all about the Pixi Rose Oil Blend* (£25). A luxe oil, it's slightly thicker in consistency than others I've tried, which is highlighted in the dewiness of my skin after use (review here if you fancy a peek). When it comes to the mask side of things, I like to switch round every so often, but for the time being I've narrowed it down to two. To purify, the Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask (currently on offer for £7 - normally £10.50) works in a similar way to the Origins Clear Improvements but has the added bonus of being a self-heated mask. A little goes a long way with this one so a tube will last you ages, however you can also snap up a sachet for £3 to give it a try first should you wish (review here). If my skin is feeling dehydrated, the Pixi Nourishing Sleep Mask* (£18) is another firm favourite. An intensive hydrating mask, hyaluronic acid, fruit and flower oils and arginine deeply nourish and leave your skin seriously smooth come the morning. A big thumbs up from me.
Phew, so there we have it! Well done if you've made it this far as that was one hell of a ramble. My initial comment on splitting AM and PM into two parts definitely would have been a wiser move, oops. However I hope you enjoyed the post and I've tempted you to snap up some of the above!
I'd also love to know your skincare staples so please do let me know any recommendations in the comments!
I Need to try more Origins always forget to pick it up and reviews look so good.
ReplyDeleteCarrieanne xx
http://www.beautiesunlocked.com