Upping my skincare game.

skincare routine

Skincare is an area I have always been incredibly lazy with. I tend to go through phases where I'm really good at following a routine, but this soon seems to disappear into simply micellar water and moisturiser. However, at the end of March I decided I really needed to up my game, and provide my skin with the love it should have and stick to a routine.

With this in mind I purchased a few bits at the end of March, and I have now been solidly using all products continuously, so today I thought I would share with you my current skincare routine and current thoughts.
For the record, my skin is combination but on the drier side of the spectrum. 
3 cleansers

Cleansers

Cleansing is always the area where I tend to switch between products, and I have never been very good with sticking with products for a long period of time. When I decided to pick up a few new cleansers, I knew that I wanted to try a couple of different types of cleansers so I could discover which worked best for my skin.

The first cleanser I picked up was the Neutrogena Hydro Boost cleanser in the gelee milk formula. I liked the fact that this cleanser is designed to boost hydration, something my skin definitely needs. I have been using this as my morning cleanser and I love the fresh feeling it gives. My face really does feel like it has had a boost of hydration after using. The cleanser doesn't actually need water which is perfect for the lazy girl, however I have been washing this off with water as I find this really wakes me up.

The second cleanser I went for was an oil, the Super Facialist by Una Brennan. I wanted an oil cleanser to use in the evening as I love how easily oil breaks down your makeup. I went for this one as I liked the sound of the Vitamin C and the fact that the bottle had the words 'skin renew' on it. I don't think I have been using it for long enough to comment on any long term skin renewal effects, but I do notice my skin looks brighter after using this and I adore the scent.

Lastly, I wanted a third cleanser which was designed to help clear out my pores and provide a deeper clean for my skin. I went for the L'Oreal Pure Clay Purity Wash. I actually find this a little harsh on my skin so I only use it 2-3 times a week as a second cleanse, but it is honestly amazing. Immediately after using I notice how clean my skin looks. That may sound daft, but it looks and feels squeaky clean. This is probably my favourite of the three because of how well it works, even if I can't use it every single day.

boots botanics serum

Serums

When I was changing my skincare routine, something I wanted to ensure I did more regularly was use serums and oils. I have tried a couple before, but sporadically and I haven't found anything that I have stuck with longer than the original bottle. I used to love the Indeed Labs Hydraluron back when it was all everybody talked about, but for some reason I never repurchased it.

I decided I wanted to pick two up serums, one for the morning, and one for the evening. I wanted one to help with the hydration, and one to help with clearing anything up and to help brighten my skin.

The first serum I went for was the Boots Botanics Hydration Burst Light Serum. This is a white cream serum designed to provide a hydration boost for dehydrated and sensitive skin, and has soothing clary sage in it. I have been using this as part of my morning routine and I am really enjoying how it works with my moisturiser.

The second serum I picked up was also from the Boots Botanics range, and is the Boots Botanics Radiance Concentrate Serum. This serum is more of an oil in comparison and is designed to energise the skin with brightening hibiscus, while the natural AHA's from the flower gently exfoliate the skin. In time this serum is supposed to provide long term effects of brighter and more refreshed skin. Again, I don't think I have been using the product long enough to comment on any long term effects. I like how this one feels, and it sinks in quickly, but I'm not sure it does much else, but that could be due to the amount of time I've used it. I use it as part of my evening routine.

the body shop vitamin e moisturiser

Moisturisers
This is the final part of my skincare routine. If you are a long term reader of my blog you will know I used to work in The Body Shop and that I have used these moisturisers ever since, and rarely stray away from them.

The first moisturiser is The Body Shop Vitamin E Intense Moisturiser Cream. This is a moisturiser designed for long-lasting moisture for dehydrated skin, but it is not a ridiculously thick cream as you may expect. I find it is half way between their original Vitamin E Day Cream and their Vitamin E Night Cream if you have tried them. I find this moisturiser sinks in so easily and helps provide me with the moisture I need. It works as a great base before applying my makeup in the mornings.

The other moisturiser is of course The Body Shop Vitamin E Night Cream, a thicker cream. This contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and wheatgerm oil, and again I find this moisturiser absorbs easily into my skin. I always wake up with a hydrated looking face if you know what I mean.

These are both moisturisers I absolutely adore and I have been using for nearly four years now, and despite the increasing price, I can't see myself changing moisturisers any time soon.

Overall

Well, that's the end of  my current skincare routine. I have actually been really enjoying all of the products I picked up and I am loving the fact that I finally have a proper skincare routine in place which I am sticking too. I do also use a range of face masks which I will discuss in another post. Now I just need to find an eye cream and decide if these serums are the right ones for me.

What products do you use in your skincare routine? Do you have any holy grail products?


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