Before adorning a house with pretty decorations, you need a good foundation. The same can be said for make-up and skincare. Despite being a cliché metaphor, it is entirely true; there is absolutely no point in applying the best make-up in the world to your face if your face isn't at its best. You need to display make-up to its full potential. Skincare is essential. When it's TimeToFaceTheDay, your first concern should be ensuring your face is as healthy as it can be.
As skincare is an essential, I thought it pertinent that my first blog post should showcase this. This post will provide you with my essential products in my skincare routine, and how they work for me. It is important to acknowledge that each and every individual has different skin, and what may work for me could provide completely different results for someone else. I can't provide you with a universal miracle product for perfect skin, but I can share with you what I have discovered that demonstrates my skin at its best.
Before I delve into what products I use and why, here's a few pointers when it comes to choosing your products.
Rule number one: less is more.
Again with the cheesy clichés, but honestly, I can't stress this enough. Over the years I have tried numerous different products on my skin, and I don't claim to be any sort of scientist, but I find the more products you combine in your skincare routine, the worse it is for your skin as the different chemical combinations react with one another. I would recommend your daily skincare routine to consist of no more than five products, and to incorporate any other products you wish to use into your routine about once a week or fortnight. Your skin needs to become familiar with what you're putting on it, in order for you to obtain maximum results.
Again with the cheesy clichés, but honestly, I can't stress this enough. Over the years I have tried numerous different products on my skin, and I don't claim to be any sort of scientist, but I find the more products you combine in your skincare routine, the worse it is for your skin as the different chemical combinations react with one another. I would recommend your daily skincare routine to consist of no more than five products, and to incorporate any other products you wish to use into your routine about once a week or fortnight. Your skin needs to become familiar with what you're putting on it, in order for you to obtain maximum results.
Linking to the point about ensuring your skin becomes familiar with your products, is
Rule number two: don't get lazy!
It can be a chore to incorporate something like a daily skincare routine into your normal, everyday routine... but don't think that way! If you convince yourself that your skincare routine is just as essential as brushing your teeth, you're already halfway into getting the best out of your skin. Getting good skin is realising that you need to work at it regularly in order to achieve and maintain beneficial results. Just take 5 minutes out of your daily schedule in order to ensure you're looking after your skin properly - this is where rule number one comes in handy as you have less products to get through! Remember, you deserve to look and feel beautiful every single day, and so does your skin.
Rule number two: don't get lazy!
It can be a chore to incorporate something like a daily skincare routine into your normal, everyday routine... but don't think that way! If you convince yourself that your skincare routine is just as essential as brushing your teeth, you're already halfway into getting the best out of your skin. Getting good skin is realising that you need to work at it regularly in order to achieve and maintain beneficial results. Just take 5 minutes out of your daily schedule in order to ensure you're looking after your skin properly - this is where rule number one comes in handy as you have less products to get through! Remember, you deserve to look and feel beautiful every single day, and so does your skin.
Rule number three: become familiar with your skin type.
Much like you know what shoe size you are, you should also be aware of your skin type. This is pretty simple, and is normally categorised into one of four types: normal, dry, oily or combination. Determine which skin type you belong to, and ensure to purchase products which are suited to your skin. Ignore brand names and recommendations by friends, you need to buy for you individually.
'How do I know if I'm using the wrong product for my skin type?'
It's pretty simple if you just take note of how your skin reacts after an extended period of time of using a specific product. For example, if you are using a thick moisturiser and find you are getting a lot of spots, it's probable that your natural skin type is more on the oily side, and so you need less moisture as someone with particularly dry skin. Just pay attention to what your skin is showing you and you'll find that makes things a lot easier on you when deciding what products to purchase, as you eliminate a lot of what isn't suitable for you. For me personally, I have a combination skin type of normal to dry, so I look for products which are aimed at drier skin but not for very dry skin, as this would be too oily. It took me a while to realise this, but now it makes shopping a lot easier!
Something extra to consider:
As well as your skin belonging to one of the four skin types as listed above, you should also be aware of the sensitivity of your skin. As a very pale person, my skin is particularly sensitive, in comparison to many of my friends. The sensitivity of your skin should also factor into your purchasing of products, as certain products can be too harsh. This again is a period of trial and error! I try to purchase things which are alcohol free, as past experience has taught me I have an almost allergic reaction to products containing strong chemicals.
Much like you know what shoe size you are, you should also be aware of your skin type. This is pretty simple, and is normally categorised into one of four types: normal, dry, oily or combination. Determine which skin type you belong to, and ensure to purchase products which are suited to your skin. Ignore brand names and recommendations by friends, you need to buy for you individually.
'How do I know if I'm using the wrong product for my skin type?'
It's pretty simple if you just take note of how your skin reacts after an extended period of time of using a specific product. For example, if you are using a thick moisturiser and find you are getting a lot of spots, it's probable that your natural skin type is more on the oily side, and so you need less moisture as someone with particularly dry skin. Just pay attention to what your skin is showing you and you'll find that makes things a lot easier on you when deciding what products to purchase, as you eliminate a lot of what isn't suitable for you. For me personally, I have a combination skin type of normal to dry, so I look for products which are aimed at drier skin but not for very dry skin, as this would be too oily. It took me a while to realise this, but now it makes shopping a lot easier!
Something extra to consider:
As well as your skin belonging to one of the four skin types as listed above, you should also be aware of the sensitivity of your skin. As a very pale person, my skin is particularly sensitive, in comparison to many of my friends. The sensitivity of your skin should also factor into your purchasing of products, as certain products can be too harsh. This again is a period of trial and error! I try to purchase things which are alcohol free, as past experience has taught me I have an almost allergic reaction to products containing strong chemicals.
Rule number four: be aware your skin can change.
Very similar to point number three, ensure you listen to what your skin is telling you at all times. Different factors affect your skin type: changes of your skin can be brought upon by moving into different environments, hormonal fluctuations (particularly around your period) and many more... basically your skin is susceptible to change. The majority of the time, once you have defined your skin type, you remain this skin type indefinitely. But still be aware of little changes... it is unlikely you will completely change skin types, but your skin may be slightly different on one day in comparison to another. For example, I am always going to have combination skin of normal to dry, but some days my skin might be drier than usual, and so I would have to factor this into my routine when applying my moisturiser - opting for two coats, rather than one. In other cases, sometimes my skin is far more on the normal side (particularly around my period) and so applying moisturiser for drier skin can result in my skin being more oily than usual, due to the thicker moisturiser. In cases like this, I may forgo my moisturiser for the day in order to stop my skin becoming spotty, if it's producing the right amount of oils on it's own. It sounds simple, but as easy as it is to fall out of your skincare routine, it is just as easy to become complacent and continue your skincare routine on days your skin is telling you it doesn't need it. Basically, listen to your skin; sometimes it's kind to you and gives you the day off!
Very similar to point number three, ensure you listen to what your skin is telling you at all times. Different factors affect your skin type: changes of your skin can be brought upon by moving into different environments, hormonal fluctuations (particularly around your period) and many more... basically your skin is susceptible to change. The majority of the time, once you have defined your skin type, you remain this skin type indefinitely. But still be aware of little changes... it is unlikely you will completely change skin types, but your skin may be slightly different on one day in comparison to another. For example, I am always going to have combination skin of normal to dry, but some days my skin might be drier than usual, and so I would have to factor this into my routine when applying my moisturiser - opting for two coats, rather than one. In other cases, sometimes my skin is far more on the normal side (particularly around my period) and so applying moisturiser for drier skin can result in my skin being more oily than usual, due to the thicker moisturiser. In cases like this, I may forgo my moisturiser for the day in order to stop my skin becoming spotty, if it's producing the right amount of oils on it's own. It sounds simple, but as easy as it is to fall out of your skincare routine, it is just as easy to become complacent and continue your skincare routine on days your skin is telling you it doesn't need it. Basically, listen to your skin; sometimes it's kind to you and gives you the day off!
They are the main points I consider when purchasing products for my skin, and knowing when to apply them. Now on to the products themselves!
1. Nivea's 'Daily Essentials' range. Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes for Dry & Sensitive Skin. (The pink and white packet).
Attributes?
I personally favour face-wipes for my daily cleansing routine, as I think they are much less high maintenance than worrying about cleansing lotions etc (which I have also tried in the past). They provide the same result - if not better - than some cleansing lotions I have previously tried, and they're much more mobile than lugging a big bottle of lotion around with you. Just pop them in your bag and go. Also I find I prefer when my cleanser is in individual wipes, rather than being in a big bottle, as it limits me to the amount of cleansing I do on my face - I aim to use one wipe in order to make sure I'm not 'over-cleaning' my face and harming it's production of natural oils.
Alcohol Free?
Yes, these wipes are alcohol free, which is so important to my (very) sensitive and very pale skin. (Recalls horror story upon lending my cousin's 'cucumber scented' face wipes at a sleepover and my face developing a huge, red lumpy rash as a result of the alcohol in them). I find Nivea a really good brand for my skin as none of their products are too strong, and they seem to provide me with good results without being too overpowering, or, on the other end of the spectrum, too weak. Other friends with stronger and tougher skin than mine find that the products are too weak on their skin, and once again it's about listening to your skin and finding what works for you.
Price?
These face-wipes are reasonably priced. In the UK a packet of them ranges between £2 t0 £3, which isn't on the cheap end of the scale in comparison to competitor products, but I don't mind the extra cost when I know that I'm not going to waste my money on trying other things (because I know for certain how much these work for me). Also, if you shop around you can normally find better deals on them - certain pharmaceutical shops offer deals on packs of two, which I normally buy.
Skincare routine?
So easy. Literally when I get up in the morning, open a packet and rub all over my face. So low maintenance and makes my skin feel rejuvenated, fresh and clean, without the after sting of chemicals you tend to get from stronger face-wipes.
Versatility?
As well as using them as my daily cleanser, I also find these face-wipes indispensable when I'm applying my make-up. I often use them to correct any untoward smudges, and they remove the make-up quite easily without any need for hard scrubbing or the risk of destroying make-up you want to stay on.
Attributes?
I personally favour face-wipes for my daily cleansing routine, as I think they are much less high maintenance than worrying about cleansing lotions etc (which I have also tried in the past). They provide the same result - if not better - than some cleansing lotions I have previously tried, and they're much more mobile than lugging a big bottle of lotion around with you. Just pop them in your bag and go. Also I find I prefer when my cleanser is in individual wipes, rather than being in a big bottle, as it limits me to the amount of cleansing I do on my face - I aim to use one wipe in order to make sure I'm not 'over-cleaning' my face and harming it's production of natural oils.
Alcohol Free?
Yes, these wipes are alcohol free, which is so important to my (very) sensitive and very pale skin. (Recalls horror story upon lending my cousin's 'cucumber scented' face wipes at a sleepover and my face developing a huge, red lumpy rash as a result of the alcohol in them). I find Nivea a really good brand for my skin as none of their products are too strong, and they seem to provide me with good results without being too overpowering, or, on the other end of the spectrum, too weak. Other friends with stronger and tougher skin than mine find that the products are too weak on their skin, and once again it's about listening to your skin and finding what works for you.
Price?
These face-wipes are reasonably priced. In the UK a packet of them ranges between £2 t0 £3, which isn't on the cheap end of the scale in comparison to competitor products, but I don't mind the extra cost when I know that I'm not going to waste my money on trying other things (because I know for certain how much these work for me). Also, if you shop around you can normally find better deals on them - certain pharmaceutical shops offer deals on packs of two, which I normally buy.
Skincare routine?
So easy. Literally when I get up in the morning, open a packet and rub all over my face. So low maintenance and makes my skin feel rejuvenated, fresh and clean, without the after sting of chemicals you tend to get from stronger face-wipes.
Versatility?
As well as using them as my daily cleanser, I also find these face-wipes indispensable when I'm applying my make-up. I often use them to correct any untoward smudges, and they remove the make-up quite easily without any need for hard scrubbing or the risk of destroying make-up you want to stay on.
2. No.7's 'Beautiful Skin' range. Day Cream, for Normal/Dry skin. (The pink band)
Attributes?
This moisturising cream is perfect for my skin. Aptly named, it literally makes my skin feel beautiful after I use it! It's creamy without being too thick, so it absorbs nicely into your skin without sitting on it and feeling too heavy for your face. The creaminess also enables you to only need a tiny dab for your entire face, so it's an effective and long lasting product.
Alcohol free?
I'm not entirely sure whether this product is alcohol free or not, I think it contains an ingredient called 'Cetearyl alcohol', but it is still delicate and kind to my skin. Particularly geared towards dry skin, it's not harsh at all, and is even advertised as hypo-allergenic, which could explain why my sensitive skin likes it so much! Also, as something which should go under the attributes heading, but is linked to it's hypo-allergenic quality, is the fact that this cream has an SPF 15, and so gives you minimal sun protection if worn under your make-up, as well as being a good moisturiser.
Price?
This moisturiser is more expensive than most, but by far isn't unaffordable. As previously stated, a little goes a long way, so at RRP £12.50 a pot it's a skincare investment. Available at all boots stores, No.7 products also normally come with a promotion (often 3 for the price of 2) so if you shop tactically, you can get even more for your money as well as purchasing some really nice products.
Skincare routine?
Once again, easy peasy! (I'm a low maintenance person when it comes to routines!) After cleansing, dab a little on to your finger and apply to your face, concentrating mainly on your forehead, down the the bride of your nose and out on to your cheeks. Smooth in an outwards motion, starting from the centre of your face. I also apply this moisturiser to my neck, although not daily like I do with my face (depending mainly on how much time I have to incorporate into my routine).
Versatility?
Mainly just a facial moisturiser, although depending on their dryness, I sometimes apply just the tiniest of dabs to my lips to use as a makeshift lip balm. Also works for your hands too.
Attributes?
This moisturising cream is perfect for my skin. Aptly named, it literally makes my skin feel beautiful after I use it! It's creamy without being too thick, so it absorbs nicely into your skin without sitting on it and feeling too heavy for your face. The creaminess also enables you to only need a tiny dab for your entire face, so it's an effective and long lasting product.
Alcohol free?
I'm not entirely sure whether this product is alcohol free or not, I think it contains an ingredient called 'Cetearyl alcohol', but it is still delicate and kind to my skin. Particularly geared towards dry skin, it's not harsh at all, and is even advertised as hypo-allergenic, which could explain why my sensitive skin likes it so much! Also, as something which should go under the attributes heading, but is linked to it's hypo-allergenic quality, is the fact that this cream has an SPF 15, and so gives you minimal sun protection if worn under your make-up, as well as being a good moisturiser.
Price?
This moisturiser is more expensive than most, but by far isn't unaffordable. As previously stated, a little goes a long way, so at RRP £12.50 a pot it's a skincare investment. Available at all boots stores, No.7 products also normally come with a promotion (often 3 for the price of 2) so if you shop tactically, you can get even more for your money as well as purchasing some really nice products.
Skincare routine?
Once again, easy peasy! (I'm a low maintenance person when it comes to routines!) After cleansing, dab a little on to your finger and apply to your face, concentrating mainly on your forehead, down the the bride of your nose and out on to your cheeks. Smooth in an outwards motion, starting from the centre of your face. I also apply this moisturiser to my neck, although not daily like I do with my face (depending mainly on how much time I have to incorporate into my routine).
Versatility?
Mainly just a facial moisturiser, although depending on their dryness, I sometimes apply just the tiniest of dabs to my lips to use as a makeshift lip balm. Also works for your hands too.
3. No.7's 'Protect and Perfect' range. Intense beauty serum.
Attributes?
Like the facial moisturiser, this serum works wonders with my skin. It's primary advertisement is as an anti-ageing product aimed at reducing lines and wrinkles, but rather than using it for that purpose, I just use it in the areas of my skin which need a little extra TLC. You can purchase this product as just the 'Beauty Serum', or as the 'Intense Beauty Serum', and I have used both and find they both have the same results, they are just marketed at different age groups. Hardly any of this serum needs to be used at one given time, a little goes such a long way. It's clear in consistency, and rather than being creamy like the moisturiser, this product feels a bit more watery, but don't be fooled by it's delicate appearance! This product is very strong, and you can feel the results it has upon your skin almost immediately after usage. Your skin feels rejuvenated and baby smooth. Honestly such a good find, but use it sparingly because it is expensive for it's size.
Alcohol free?
Unsure if this is alcohol free (much like the moisturiser), but it is also advertised as hypo-allergenic and is very kind to my sensitive skin. A different consistency to the moisturiser, but the same gentle yet effective results.
Price?
This one is expensive! From a boots store it's RRP at £23-£24, depending on whether you purchase the intense or the normal (the intense is about a £1 extra). It is a lot for only a 30ml amount, but use it sparingly and it will last you ages! As for whether or not you need the intense or the normal one, personally I find they both have the same results, it just so happens when I came to purchase mine the intense one was the only one available at the time, so I spent £1 extra than I normally would have.
Skincare routine?
Use a little bit in the areas I feel need a little bit more care, in particular the thinner skin under and around my eyes. As it's aimed at targeting wrinkles by reducing their likelihood to appear and the prominence of them if you already have some, I tend to use it in areas which are more 'wrinkle prone'. At 20 I obviously do not suffer with wrinkles yet, but by dabbing a tiny bit of this serum onto places like my forehead and around my mouth, I hope to postpone the development of future wrinkles! It doesn't hurt to start looking after your skin from early on!
Versatility?
Due to it's expense, I'm rather reluctant to try using it for any purpose other than the main one it's suited for, but it does serve as an extremely good hand saviour when they're feeling that little bit drier than usual.
Attributes?
Like the facial moisturiser, this serum works wonders with my skin. It's primary advertisement is as an anti-ageing product aimed at reducing lines and wrinkles, but rather than using it for that purpose, I just use it in the areas of my skin which need a little extra TLC. You can purchase this product as just the 'Beauty Serum', or as the 'Intense Beauty Serum', and I have used both and find they both have the same results, they are just marketed at different age groups. Hardly any of this serum needs to be used at one given time, a little goes such a long way. It's clear in consistency, and rather than being creamy like the moisturiser, this product feels a bit more watery, but don't be fooled by it's delicate appearance! This product is very strong, and you can feel the results it has upon your skin almost immediately after usage. Your skin feels rejuvenated and baby smooth. Honestly such a good find, but use it sparingly because it is expensive for it's size.
Alcohol free?
Unsure if this is alcohol free (much like the moisturiser), but it is also advertised as hypo-allergenic and is very kind to my sensitive skin. A different consistency to the moisturiser, but the same gentle yet effective results.
Price?
This one is expensive! From a boots store it's RRP at £23-£24, depending on whether you purchase the intense or the normal (the intense is about a £1 extra). It is a lot for only a 30ml amount, but use it sparingly and it will last you ages! As for whether or not you need the intense or the normal one, personally I find they both have the same results, it just so happens when I came to purchase mine the intense one was the only one available at the time, so I spent £1 extra than I normally would have.
Skincare routine?
Use a little bit in the areas I feel need a little bit more care, in particular the thinner skin under and around my eyes. As it's aimed at targeting wrinkles by reducing their likelihood to appear and the prominence of them if you already have some, I tend to use it in areas which are more 'wrinkle prone'. At 20 I obviously do not suffer with wrinkles yet, but by dabbing a tiny bit of this serum onto places like my forehead and around my mouth, I hope to postpone the development of future wrinkles! It doesn't hurt to start looking after your skin from early on!
Versatility?
Due to it's expense, I'm rather reluctant to try using it for any purpose other than the main one it's suited for, but it does serve as an extremely good hand saviour when they're feeling that little bit drier than usual.
Thank you for taking time to read my assessment of my daily skincare products, and my top 4 rules in order to achieve great, healthy-looking skin!
As a visual example of how beneficial my regular skincare routine is to my skin, here's a picture of me make-up free! Let your skin do the talking for you.
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