I won't pretend I haven't been blessed with fairly good skin, but I do take religious care of it, even when falling through the door eight cocktails later. It can be temperamental as f though when I overdo it on gin and when hormones decide to grace me with the occasional volcano. I may as well wear a t-shirt that reads "I'M ON BY THE WAY, INCASE YOU COULDN'T TELL FROM MY EIGHT NEW FRIENDS ON MY CHIN", but those are the least of my worries as if you know my mood swings at that time of the month, you wouldn't be standing close enough to me to see them. B e l i e v e m e.
Having said that, I know from experience when I let my skincare slide, my skin pays for it, immediately. My under eyes look like raisins, which as we all know, are the worst fruit known to man, and my skin overall the flat and dull.
Having worked in cosmetics almost eight years I hear it almost daily "I don't have time for a skincare routine". It takes a maximum of 2 minutes to cleanse, 30 seconds to tone and perhaps a minute at most to moisturise, thats not even 5, yes 5, minutes combined. Twice daily, 10 minutes out 1440 minute day. I won't bore you with a university worthy lecture but giiiiirl, come on.
I've spent years, and probably a sickening amount of pounds trying to find skincare products that work consistently. I attempted to pick one of each for you but failed, miserably.
Cleanser - (to remove makeup or clean bare skin)
My Go To - Glam Glow PowerMUD Dualcleanse Mud to Oil
I cannot word my love for this product, the tiniest, and I mean, the tiniest amount, removes makeup instantly. I use this mainly in the shower or bath, straight on top of makeup and as the name suggests transforms from a mud into an oil. I find it not only makes my skin look instantly radiant but also leaves it so smooth and fresh. I rinse with hot water and a muslin cloth to leave my skin super clean and lightly exfoliated.
My Second Go To- Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil
I use this straight on top of a full face of makeup and it quite literally melts away, even with full coverage makeup around four pumps will remove everything. It's suitable for all skin types. A bottle generally lasts me around five months, even wearing full makeup five days a week minimum.
Even if you have oily skin, don't be afraid to use oil, as it will counteract your own. It's quick and easy and leaves my skin feeling so radiant.
Another Favourite - The Body Shop Camomile Balm
The Body Shop skincare is so incredibly underrated. Again this works so quickly and easily straight on top of makeup, it glides and just dissolves makeup instantly. It doesn't dry the skin nor leaves a greasy residue that a lot of people would assume it does. The camomile is calming so particularly good if your skin is sensitive or prone to redness.
Toner - (to close pores, preventing breakouts ready for moisturiser or makeup application)
My Go To - NARS Multi Action Hydrating Toner
If you've ever used this product, you'll know how amazing it is. It instantly brightens your skin and removes any dead skin without the harsh feeling that exfoliators have. Two pumps will be more than enough for your whole face, it's alcohol free so perfect for more sensitive skins too and won't dry skin.
My Second Go To - MAC Marine-Bright Softening Lotion
I use this if my skin is feeling particularly tight and flat as if gives me instant glow and hydration. Remember even if your skin is oily it can be dehydrated, lacking in water but not oil.
Eye Cream -
My Go To - Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Eye Cream
I'll be honest, for me, absolutely nothing compares to this and I'll never use anything else. It's super rich and a balm like texture and offers my eyes instant radiance. I suffer from dark circles and dehydration (fine lines) and the second I apply this, they are instantly gone. I apply it day and night, and more generously than I should as I quite literally adore it. I've gotten my best friend and my Mum hooked.
Moisturiser's -
My Go To for under makeup - Bobbi Brown Vitamin E Face Base
As the name even suggests its a base for your face, it works as both a daily moisturiser and as a primer. If you've used it before you won't ever forget the smell, it's citrus and perfect for the morning when you roll out of bed feeling sorry for yourself and need a pick me up. It's oil free so won't leave skin greasy but will give instant radiance.
My Go To for hydration - The Body Shop Oils of Life Cream
I love this for instant glow, it smells spa like and feels amazing on the skin. Also, it's anti ageing, the key being a n t i, no amount of skincare will reverse effects of ageing, so why not get in there first with a preventative.
Once Weekly Skin Treats -
For Deep Exfoliation - Glam Glow YouthMUD Tingle Exfoliate Treatment
Word of warning, the name and the use of the word tingle is no joke, the first time I used it I questioned whether I was allergic as it was a sensation I'd never experienced BUT the results are out of the world. It is very harsh and rough but your skin will feel the smoothest it has ever felt before.
For Softer Exfoliation - Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
In comparison this is fairy dust compared to Glam Glow but works well to exfoliate dead skin and feel smooth, exfoliating is so important to maintaining clean smooth skin and your makeup sitting the best it can. If I'm using this Elemis Peel I tend to use it twice weekly rather than once to keep up results.
