Everyday Skincare Routine


I have a bit of a confession to make... As much as I have loved buying skincare products for years, I haven't really had a proper routine since I was about 15 (I know, bad beauty blogger!). Last year I made a conscious effort to try and get into one, especially as I was guilty of stumbling back from the students union a few times a week and just grabbing a make up wipe before falling into bed! I tried out quite a few combinations of products and I've found one that really works for me, so I thought I'd share it.
For reference I have pretty normal skin, I hardly get dry or oily patches, but I do have quite a bit of redness around my nose and cheeks.

I use the same four products everyday: a cleanser, toner, moisturiser and a night cream. I've also included my exfoliator in this post because although I don't use it every single day, I use it 2 or 3 times a week regardless of what my skin's feeling like, so it's more in my 'routine' than products that I'll use when I feel like I need it such as masks or spot treatments.

CLEANSER: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (100ml/£13.25)
This is such a classic it feels like a bit of a cliche but for me, this is the best cleanser I've tried and I can see myself always coming back to it. I put one or two pumps on the back of my hand, massage it into my (dry) face and then run a Liz Earle Muslin Cloth under hot water to take it off with. What I love most about this cleanser is the fact you can rub it into the most sensitive of eyes and you won't feel a thing -and it'll remove the most stubborn of waterproof mascaras. The muslin cloths really do 'polish' your skin as well - they're exfoliating without being too harsh and I find this eliminates the need for me to use a daily facial exfoliator. The scent is nothing fancy but I adore it, it's fresh, clean and relaxing. I use Cleanse & Polish every morning and night without fail (okay, okay, maybe except when I've had one too many glasses of wine!). It really is a holy grail skincare product for me.

TONER: Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic (200ml/£13.25)
After cleansing, I wet a cotton pad with this toner and sweep it all over my face. I know toner is a step a lot of people skip but I find it really does help reduce my pore size and calm my skin after cleansing. It's so quick and easy as well! The only thing I don't like about this toner is that it can come out too quickly if you're not careful with it - I'm guilty of not being careful sometimes and ending up with toner all over my hands/desk/phone, but that's probably my fault! Liz Earle products are really good value and great to try if you're just starting out with skincare. They're definitely one of my favourite skincare ranges!

MOISTURISER: Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser (50ml/£23) I use this every morning after cleansing and toning, and most nights before my night cream. As so often noted with Origins products, it smells divine! A fresh grapefruit scent which really helps me wake up in the morning. This moisturiser has a gel like consistency which I prefer to cream formulas as it glides on the skin smoothly so you can be more gentle when applying. Since using this, my skin looks more hydrated and healthy, and I feel as if some of my redness has disappeared.

NIGHT CREAM: Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins (50ml/£24) Another citrus scented product, my boyfriend tells me I smell like a Terry's Chocolate Orange when I put this on and it has the same consistency as the GinZing moisturiser which is a plus. I apply this to my face and neck every night, and if I ever forget (read: am too drunk to remember) I feel as if my skin looks much duller in the morning (although I've just realised it's probably the alcohol!).

EXFOLIATOR: MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator (100ml/£22)
I have loved this product ever since I was about 14! I made my mum drive me to Mac as soon as I read in a magazine that it was a limited edition release. I remember being so amazed the morning after the first time I used it because my skin was so smooth. It doesn't have quite the same awe-inspiring results now I'm older but I still find it really effective and a staple in my skincare routine. Back then it came in a tub, and although I used most of it up I was never able to part with it (hoarder alert!) because I had loved it so much. Luckily for me, Mac added it to their permanent line a couple of years ago - I subsequently threw out my old, disgusting tub of black slime, purchased a shiny new tube of black slime and haven't looked back since! I only use this a few times a week at night as I feel like it's a bit harsh for everyday use. It can make my skin a little red and blotchy immediately after use but my skin always wakes up refreshed and much clearer the next morning. Mac market this product as being 'dual-action', both a cleanser and an exfoliator, but I still like to use my Cleanse & Polish beforehand. I then apply the product in circular motions to damp skin, before massaging it in and removing with a flannel or muslin cloth. Make sure you take extra care when applying this product, this is definitely not one for the eye area! The thick black consistency can be a little daunting but I promise you once you try this your skin will thank you.

At the moment I'm looking for an eye cream to add into my routine. I have the Origins GinZing Eye Cream which I do like, however it's formulated more for reviving tired and puffy morning eyes than it is for really looking after the eye area. If you have any eye cream suggestions for me please let me know in the comments below!

What's your current skincare routine like?
Sally xx

3 comments

  1. I tried a sample of the Origins GinZing moisturizer and I really enjoyed it. I have enough moisturizers on the go right now to purchase it, but as soon as I use some of these ones up, I'll probably be purchasing it.
    xx
    Celina | The Celution | Bloglovin’

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    Replies
    1. You definitely should consider it, it's lovely :) xx

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  2. How bizare- literally everything here is the stuff i'm dying to try out! haha! but the one I definitely want to try is the liz earle cleanse and polish...everyone loves it and i'm sure it's worth the hype!

    Sharlotte // Sharlotte

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