So it's been a little over a year since I did a full run through of my skincare routine. In that time so much has changed about my routine and my skin that I thought it might be useful to give you guys an update. Who knows it might actually end up helping someone.

To start it would probably be best to tell you what type of skin I have. It saddens me to say that I'm now suffering from an annoying bout of adult acne (insert crying emoji here). I've never had any issues with my skin previously, so my now bumpy, inflamed jawline has pretty much kicked my confidence to the curb. As my blemishes occupy my jawline it isn't quite in your face but me knowing it's there is enough to get me down. I now take a much simpler approach to my skincare and I'm pleased to say I am noticing a difference. I'm hoping that if I stick at it I will be able to banish the blemishes. Lets get stuck in eh?

Morning

Oskia's Renaissance Cleansing Gel has become my go to morning cleanser. It soothes and cleanses without aggravating and I would definitely agree with it's illuminating claims. I take roughly a pump, massage it in for a good minute and then rinse off with a warm flannel. 

After patting my face almost dry I follow up with a quick spritz of Serozinc. This is another hyped up product but I'm pleased to say it really is wonderful. Product applied I let it sink in a little but not completely. Face semi-wet I go in with the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum. A pump of this patted in gives my skin a boost of hydrated without the tacky feeling I used to get with Hydraluron. 

Next it's time to give the eyes a bit of a boost and I've reverted back to a product I have a love/hate relationship with - Origins GinZing. I had a bad experience with my first pot but this tube I got in one of their Christmas gift sets is wonderful. It cools my eyes and the pearl in the formula brightens them nicely.

Last but not least it's time for moisturiser. I've been obsessing over the Vichy Aqualia UV moisturiser ever since I got it. It has SPF 25, isn't too thick and doesn't leave that nasty white caste associated with suncreams. Winner. I am however a bit concerned at the moment as it has disappeared off Escentual and the shelves of Boots so I'm praying it hasn't been discontinued. Anyone know the answer to this?

And that's it for morning.

Evening





For evening I start by taking off any make-up I'm wearing using the Boscia Make-up Break-up Cool Cleansing Oil. This is a fantastic cleansing oil and removes every scrap without irritating my skin. It's so good that it can even remove Benefit's They're Real without a struggle. 

If I've not worn make-up then I've do this next step twice and that is to use a cleansing balm. I've been using the Emma Hardie one for a good while now but the scents starting to annoy me so I've stashed away the Clinique one for when it's done. I simple take a small bit, warm it up in my palms and gently massage into my face. As I generally have more time in the evening I can spend anywhere between 5-20 minutes on this step. I find it so relaxing massaging my face so this step is a real indulgence for me. Once I'm done I make sure to get rid of all traces of the balm using a warm flannel. 

Now we're onto the step that I believe has made such a difference to my skin - Acid Toning. As my skin is a little troubled I wanted something effective but not harsh so I opted for the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads. They have a good reputation for a reason. I've been using them for over two weeks now I believe and my skin is definitely brighter, the red marks are subsiding and any blemishes are drying out and disappearing quicker. They're so fantastic that I think everyone should have a tub in their stash. To use I take one pad and sweep it over my face and neck paying particular attention to problem areas (nose and jaw). 

Face toned, it's time to give the peepers a pamper. A quick slick of Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Eye Roll-on and my eyes are instantly soothed and hydrated. What more could you ask for eh? 

At this point I would've gone on to use a serum and a moisturiser but I had a wonderful consultation with Clarins and she advised me to phase this out and use a facial oil instead. I took her advice and my skin is honestly so much happier for it. So now, I put four drops of their Lotus Oil into my palms, warm it and then press into my face and neck. I'm not mad keen on the scent but I will work with it for the results. I thought skipping moisturiser would result in a flakey face but on the contrary my skin is happy and my dehydration lines have improved remarkably. 



Face done it's time to hop in bed and crack out the trashy tv. Who's with me?


Treatments





I do the above every single day without fail but there will always be days where I need to give my skin a little more loving and who doesn't love a good mask.

I have three that I reach for as and when I need them. Origins Drink Up Intensive mask serves me well when I'm getting particularly dry; Origins Clear Improvement for when I'm having a bothersome breakout and the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme mask for when I need a serious dose of radiance. 

I slot whichever one I'm using in after my second cleanse at night and typically leave them on for 10 ish minutes. For the Origins Drink Up however I'd combine this with a little of my facial oil and leave it on overnight as per the instructions. 


And that's my full skincare routine. I hope you've found it both interesting and useful and I'd love to see your routines too so feel free to leave your links and comments down below. 

Kirstie