Routine is key

I'm a stickler for a solid routine, whether it is my skincare, make up, haircare or even the order I eat my breakfast in a morning. I've made a real effort this year to mix things up a lot more within other areas of my life but my skincare however is not something I change around all too often anymore. I've mentioned the issues I have with my skin before and whilst it is no longer cystic acne central on my chin since coming off the contraceptive implant I still can get a little spotty. The best way I have found to keep my skin under control is to really keep to a routine and not try 10 new products in the same evening and working things in gradually. I feel like I have a working wardrobe within my routine and my skin is a lot happier with the consistency without chopping and changing constantly and then using a few added extras in-between.

Cleanse: 

I always remove my make up with a micellar water and my current favourite is the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. I'm a value for money kind of girl and this wins every time, it removes all my make up as well as a bold lip without drying out my skin or causing any irritation. Then I will go onto a proper cleanse I either reach for a cream, gel or balm very much depending on the condition of my skin at the time, for example I like to go for a gel if I have a few blemishes or if I feel de-hydrated then I will go for a balm. 

Tone:

Some people don't find using a toner effective at all but for me they have completely changed my skin. I like to use some like the Pixi Glow Tonic and the Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Toner after I have cleansed my skin. I find that they help control any blemishes that I might have but also I think my breakouts are a lot less frequent with the use of one. I always follow up with a hydrating toner to balance the skin and the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist* and the Origins Make a Difference lotion are two of my favourites. 

Treat:

The La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo +* is the one treatment/serum that I don't go without on a daily basis as it is a key step in my routine. I tend not to pile on the serums and then add an oil in too as my applying too much can congest my skin and the products don't seem to work as well as they have so many layers to battle through. I've only recently added in a serum that is moisturising and balances my complexion and that is the Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Daily Moisture Balancing Serum with Antioxidant Complex* and it does exactly what it says on the tin, it is keeping my skin ultra hydrated without making it overly oily.

Moisturise:

Up until a few months a go I used to use something different for the AM & PM but nowadays I just stick to one. I aim to use something that will hydrate the skin without making it too greasy and helps with blemish scars and any redness, so you know totally don't expect a lot from a moisturiser at all. Origins have been my go to in the past and I particularly like the Brighter by Nature (which has been dis-continued by the looks of it) and Make a Difference range. Lately I've been using the Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Cream* and it has been incredible for hiding any redness for blemishes and scarring whilst providing enough hydration too.

Masks:

An area I really do struggle with in my skincare is routine in masks, it is hard sometimes to see if they are actually working but I like to use something to clarify, exfoliate and hydrate on a weekly basis depending on how my skin is doing. Cleansing masks especially are a tough one to crack as they either leave with a face full of spots or completely de-hydrate it. The Aesop Parsley Seed Masque recently came into my life thanks to Luce and let me tell you what they say about this product is all true, it makes me feel like I've had a face lift afterwards it is incredible. For something that is a concentrated dose of chemical exfoliation I've been using the Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator* which is a really odd consistency and not a typical mask. Once applied it makes my skin slightly tingle and once rinsed away it leaves my skin so smooth and soft it is amazing, I prefer it over the REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask. For a more traditional mask to hydrate I really like the Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Intense Moisture Mask or the Helenere Hedelweiss Cream Mask*.

Are a stickler for a routine too?

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