Skincare That Makes Me Dare To Bare | Ad

-this post is in conjunction with Boots but all thoughts are my own-

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about not only my skin but how there are so many factors to take into consideration when it comes to skincare. Not only is it key to find products that work for you, your skin type and your budget but you have to take your lifestyle into consideration too. It’s so easy to forget about the day to day stresses that come into our routine and what battles we’re putting our complexion through so here is how I’m currently treating my skin with Clinique

my lifestyle

When I became really interested in skincare I didn’t give my lifestyle a second thought. But now I understand how my life can have a serious effect on my complexion so I try and lead the healthiest lifestyle I can. So for me, that is things like making sure I’m hydrated, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and maintaining a simple but well-considered skincare routine. Crafting a skincare routine that works for you takes time and notable differences are never instant. Day to day my biggest concerns are sun damage, pollution and how much time I sit in front of my screen as those are all things that can affect your skin and things we all probably encounter each day. Typically, my days are quite low key and I’ll spend the morning out with the dogs then the rest of the day will be spent working. But there are days that I can be going down to London for a work event so I have to adjust my routine accordingly.

MY EVERYDAY ROUTINE

CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK SHEER SPF*: I hold my hands up and admit that for a long time, I didn’t understand the importance of SPF. Of course, I always slathered it on when I was laying out in the sun but never gave it much thought day to day. I dread to think of the damage the sun has done to my skin throughout the years but now I religiously use an SPF, yes even on the cloudy days because those harmful rays are still there. On the days I’m not applying any makeup and go bare-faced, which is most days when I’m at home I use the Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 as the final step in my routine. It feels just as a good as a moisturiser and can be easily used in place as one, long gone are the days of SPF feeling chalky and leaving your complexion feeling heavy. The sheer formulation of this makes it perfect for those of us that have a little more oil to deal with day to day and it gives me a beautiful canvas for any product I might apply over the top.

CLINIQUE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT HYDRATING JELLY* : As we’re in a transitional weather period right now it can really disturb the moisture levels of my skin. Although I have a combination to oily complexion I still make a conscious effort to use nourishing products and dehydration is a big issue for my skin. A small drop of this before my moisturiser or SPF keeps my skin looking plump and healthy whilst maintaining my moisture barriers and battling pollution which even for a countryside dweller like me is an issue. I've never thought about the importance of anti-pollution skincare before so it's nice to know I've got some sort of protection with this. It contains two of my most loved ingredients; glycerin and hyaluronic acid which are two of the greatest moisture givers in skincare products. It feels incredibly hydrating yet lightweight which is perfect when applying products over the top.

what i need when it’s been a long day

As I said, I am a countryside dweller so even though my environment isn’t too harsh on my complexion I can be in and out of the city which is super tough on the skin. Whenever I’ve either been in a busy environment or had a full face of makeup for a few days in a row I like to reach for something that can give my skin a good thorough clear out. After using something to get rid of all my makeup I use the City Block Purifying Gel*, a gel that feels cooling and refreshing whilst getting all the dirt and grime out from my pores without leaving my complexion feeling tight or dry afterwards. Then for when a little bit of a refresh the City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask & Scrub* comes into my routine. I love that it’s a two in one so I can use it to get rid of any dead skin hanging around or a more intense mask deep cleansing mask.

CLINIQUE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURISING MOTION +*: Finding a moisturiser that works in the AM & the PM isn’t easy but this cult product from Clinique has been working wonders on my skin. It’s simple but it’s highly effective and again, like the jelly, it contains those two wondrous ingredients; glycerin and hyaluronic acid. You only need a small amount of this to feel the benefit and even when my skin is feeling really rough this perks it straight back up. In the past, I’ve wanted far too much from my moisturising products but the power of a good moisturiser can go far in the rest of your routine. With the constant change in temperature and being out in the wind daily, I’ve wanted something that can be like a hug at the end of a long day as my skin wants comfort.

what are your favourite ways to deal with what life throws at our skin?

-this post is in conjunction with Boots but all thoughts are my own-