My Current Skincare Routine

The skincare I've been using recently has changed substantially from the last time I posted (almost a year ago!).  I've always had a love/hate relationship with my skin.  It's sensitive, oily and prone to hormonal breakouts that scars easily.  I've struggled to find products that work without irritating my skin but I'm really happy with my current routine.

Cleansing

REN 'Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk' - If you're looking for a gentle cleanser, REN's 'Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk' is lovely.  The cleanser is quite a thick cream and has a fresh, herbal scent.  In the morning, I massage the cleanser into my skin before removing it with warm water and a face cloth, to remove any oil or dirt that has built up overnight.  In the evening, I use the cleansing milk as a second cleanse after Emma Hardie's 'Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm'.  It removes any remaining make up and residue well, without being harsh on my skin.  My face has never felt tight or stripped after using 'Hydra-Calm' and as with all REN products, the cleanser has no parabens, sulphates, mineral oil or synthetic scents or colours.  You can pick up 'Hydra-Calm' for £18 for 150ml.

Emma Hardie 'Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm' - I recently blogged about this cleansing balm recently and my views haven't changed - if anything I love it more! Nothing has removed my make up so thoroughly and left my skin feeling so clean but moisturised.  I use the EH cleansing balm every night as my first cleanse with warm water and a face cloth.

'Clarisonic Mia' -  I have wanted a 'Clarisonic' for such a long time, but was always a little nervous to risk spending so much money on a cleansing tool that might not work on my skin.  However, now it's part of my skincare routine I can't imagine life without it.  Yes, I had to go through the dreaded purging phase but it was worth it.  I wanted a 'Clarisonic' predominantly to help with acne scarring and my uneven skin tone, and so far I have seen a slight improvement (it will come with time) however there has been a huge improvement in the number of breakouts I have.  Although having quite sensitive skin, I use the deep pore cleansing brush head to help with oiliness.  I use my 'Clarisonic' every second day, (personally I think it would be too much for my skin to use it every day) with the REN 'Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk' which work wonderfully together.

Moisturise  

Origins 'GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser' - Based on the best selling eye cream, GinZing is a light, gel based moisturiser.  It is less illuminating than it's eye cream counterpart making it a great all rounder for most skin types but is still light-weight and oil free which makes it perfect for me. Ginseng and caffeine help to vitalise and refresh skin and, as it's gel based, provides a great deal of hydration without making my skin look shiny.  'GinZeng' is priced at £23.

Eye Care   

Origins 'Starting Over' - 'Starting Over' is quite a thick eye cream that is formulated to help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and smooth 'crepiness' on the eye lids.  I bought 'Starting Over' as a preventative measure and it's a perfect eye cream to use every day.  It sinks in well and leaves a lovely, smooth base on the under eye area for make up application. I use 'Starting Over' every and is priced at £28.

No.7 'Beautiful Skin Overnight Revitalising Eye Balm' - This eye balm is formulated to improve dark circles and puffiness.  Initially, I was a little surprised at the consistency of the product as it's definitely not a traditional balm - instead it's a gel formula.  It's very cooling on the eye area and sinks in quickly as it's extremely light.  If you don't want to buy two separate eye creams, you could easily use this in the morning and the gel consistency would make concealer application a dream.   The 'Revitalising Eye Balm' is £12 and can be bought in Boots.

Face Masks

I've built up a collection of masks that help deal with a number of different skin complaints.  

Origins 'Out of Trouble' is perfect to use on days when I have breakouts.  You can read my review here. 

I use the Super Facialist by Una Brennan 'Rose Hydrate Intense Moisture Mask' on days when my skin feels a little dehydrated - full review here.

I use the REN 'Glycolactic Radiance Renewal' Mask once every week to help with acne scarring and my uneven skin tone.

I would love to hear if you've used any of the products I've mentioned!

Love Nicola

xx