While I’m not particularly au fait with make-up, I do have a soft spot skin care products. Maybe it’s the ritual; a way to wash away the cares (and the tired mascara smudges) of a long day. Perhaps it’s the aesthetic packaging or just that (as the cynic in me whispers) I’ve bought into the promise sold by beauty advertisers that I need the newest pretty elixir in a bottle to help me “age gracefully” – whatever that means. Probably all three. Whatever, the reason it’s a ritual I love and a promise I’ve decided I’m willing to buy into.
However, sometimes the beauty industry can make me feel paralysed with choice – both with the number of brands available on the market, but also the variety of product we’re told we “need”. I’ve found myself a million tabs deep in internet searches trying to decode competing expert opinions about the benefits of a “chemical exfoliant” over a “physical exfoliant” or pacing the shelves of Chemist Warehouse comparing two different products for the so-touted “active ingredients” which I can’t even pronounce.
A few years ago I decided to strip my skincare routine “back to basics”; the essentials that beauty professionals tend to mention time and time again (think, a good cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen) as opposed the shelf of lotions and potions I previously used. This was partially due to feeling overwhelmed, but also because my skin was experiencing flare ups when I used too many different products. It took a bit of experimentation but the process was liberating and beneficial for my skin, lifestyle and bank account. I feel like the “less is more” and “quality over quantity” philosophy that I apply to my wardrobe also sounds true for my beauty regime.
There have been many different iterations of my skincare routine and I’m sure it will continue to evolve as I discover new brands and as my skin changes. However, my skincare routine below is one which I’m really happy with (and many of the products I’ve used for about a year) and something I though I’d share with you in case you had also considered simplifying your skincare routine or have been interested in any of these products. I always love reading about the beauty products other people use and I thought you might too. That said, our skin is so unique in its requirements and this is only what has worked for my skin. I’m not a dermatologist – so please seek advice from a professional if you have any questions.
Evening
I don’t wear much make up on a daily basis and the mascara I use washes off with water, so, of an evening, I generally just cleanse (or double cleanse) using Avene Eau Thermale Extremely Gentle Cleanser. However, I’ve found that this cleanser won’t remove heavy make-up, so if I’m wearing more make-up than usual I’ll remove it with Bio Derma’s Sensibio H2) Micellar Water Cleanser (a beauty classic) on a re-usable facial pad before cleansing.
A new addition to my routine has been a serum and I recently tried Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Serum after hearing Eleanor Pendleton, founder of Gritty Pretty, talking about it on this episode of Offline the podcast. It’s definitely a beauty splurge and I’ve only used it for a few months, but it’s a product I’ve enjoyed so far and definitely made my skin feel more hydrated. Although I’d splash out on it again, I haven’t restocked it so far because of the price – I see it more as a beauty treat for me to invest in, once in a while, as opposed to a regular beauty staple in my routine. I then apply La Roche Posay, Toleriane Ultra Nuit’s moisturiser. In winter, if my skin is dry, I’ll sometimes use Triology’s Organic Rosehip oil before bed.
Once a week I use Clear Skincare’s smooth skin 8% chemical exfoliant. I’m also keen to include a retinol in this routine – so let me know if you have any good recommendations.
Morning
I’ll admit that my morning skincare routine can be sporadic at times, particularly if I’m in a rush. However, I generally cleanse and apply a serum and moisturiser using the above products. No matter how little time I have, I never leave the house without sunscreen and I love using La Roche Posay 50+ Anthelios wet skin sunscreen because it’s a lightweight formula which I can wear under make up. It also comes in a 250ml bottle so I don’t have to re-stock it regularly. Another sunscreen I’ve really liked using in the past has been Sun bum’s 30+ sunscreen lotion.
Other
I’ve found Moo Goo’s Full Cream Moisturiser to be a good body moisturiser and I’m currently enjoying Dr Bronner’s organic lip balm.
I’d love to know your thoughts, what’s your skincare routine? Do you have certain products that you love to use?
lilianviolet
I love this post Bridie! I use the same Avene cleanser (when I can get it on special!) and it’s really lovely and gentle. In the mornings I cleanse with either the Avene or Cetaphil gentle cleanser, then The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid on the wet face followed by Nivea’s Soft Creme moisturiser and then it’s ready for makeup. I’m allergic to sunscreen so I don’t tend to use it every day. At night, I use J&J baby oil (I know, I know, come for me mineral oil is bad, but it’s so good at removing makeup!), then I use a microfibre cloth (going to get muslins) to remove that, then I cleanse either with the morning cleanser or the Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser (which doesn’t appear to be available in Aus anymore but it has a mix of salycilic and glycolic acid in it) and follow that up with The Ordinary’s squalane oil (super calming and moisturising on my dry skin) and Nivea’s Creme moisturiser which locks everything in. I like The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 5% once or twice a week but I’m not using it atm because I’m sussing whether The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension works for me and I think that’s too many actives at once. I enjoy a home treatment every now and then too. My favourites are the Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask, the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel and pretty much any calming or hydrating sheet mask but those are a once a month treat for me. There’s a few skin sins in there but that’s what works for me!
bridieross
Thank you so much Lily, I’m so glad that you enjoyed this post. Thank you for sharing your routine – it sounds like you take such great care of your skin! It must be so difficult being allergic to sunscreen. I’ve heard a lot about squalane oil, so I’m glad you’ve had a good experience using it. I’m also looking to add a retinol cream to my routine so I might have to check out The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 5%. x