The same pal I was chatting to was equally as clueless as I used to be so I said I'd write this post for her to help her get to grips with a whole new world of skincare. I was originally going to do a full skincare routine post but honesty with AM, PM, and once weekly routines it was just going to be way too much for one post, so instead I'll do an AM/PM one and then a weekly "deep clean" one which I'll link here once it's done!
ALL OF THE PRODUCTS MENTIONED WITHIN THIS POST ARE CRUELTY-FREE, AND MOST ARE VEGAN AND CLEAN BEAUTY.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER HERE IS THAT I AM NOT A SKINCARE PROFESSIONAL, THE FOLLOWING POST IS JUST WHAT WORKS FOR ME AFTER A LOT OF TRIAL AND ERROR.
Once you're done here you should definitely check out my skincare guru Caroline Hirons.
There are some products I use that are sadly not yet available in the UK but where that is the case I have also linked alternatives that are readily available here.
This little graphic keeps me right every day-because even when you do things over and over, sometimes your brain just forgets and 7 steps is a lot to remember! So let's get into the nitty-gritty (but without the actual grit because that shit is terrible for your skin- I'm looking at you St.Ives Apricot Scrub!)
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serum
- Eye Cream
- Moisturiser
- Face Oil
- Sunscreen
Cleanse:
I apply my cleanser all over my face in circular motions before working it into my skin properly with my Foreo Mini Luna 2. I then remove the cleanser and all the yucky stuff it has picked up with my Glov On-the-Go Eco cloth and some hand-hot water. You could also use a Muslin cloth for this!
Tone:
This is one Liz Earle product that survived my non-vegan skincare cull. The Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic is so refreshing-might have something to do with the fact it contains both Aloe Vera and Cucumber.
I apply this using my reusable cotton pads-all over my face and neck, avoiding the sensitive skin on my eyes. Once it's on my face I tap it in with my fingers and hands to ensure it really gets sucked into my skin.
BREAK!! It is important to take breaks at different steps in your routine to give some of the products time to absorb into your skin. This is also a good idea if you are using new products because you don't yet know if they will react with each other.
Serum:
Serum is something I never really thought about when I first started taking care of my skin! We've all heard the mantra "Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise" but really if you really want to give your skin some TLC a serum is a must.
I use Flower Mill Vitamin C serum and it is AMAZING. I received mine in a subscription box and time and time again other subscribers of the box name this as the best product they've received.
By adding a vitamin C serum to your skincare routine you are helping to promote collagen production in your skin which can help reduce fine lines and soften up any wrinkles.
Most serums come in a dropper bottle and if TikTok is anything to go by so many people are applying them wrong! Those little droppers should NEVER touch your skin- we've all seen (and done) the drop it straight on to your cheeks and rub in method but all this does is potentially waste product, and allow bacteria to make its way into your dropper. I just drop the product into my hand, warm it up between my palms and then swipe it over my skin and rub it in.
[Alternative serum available in the UK- Revolution Skincare 3% Vitamin C serum]
Eye Cream:
The skin around your eyes is completely different from the skin on the rest of your face which is why you need a separate cream. I adore the CannaCell D.Puff eye cream from the geniuses at Andalou Naturals.
I place a few spots under my eye and then use the tube itself to rub it under my eye AND up and around my brow bone- much like a giant C. I follow this up with the ball end of my Rose Quartz roller to really massage the product into my skin and stimulate the blood flow around the area.
Moisturiser:
The best thing I can say about choosing a moisturiser is, make sure it's specifically for your skin type. I have very dry skin (at least I did before I started this regimen) so I always aim for something full of Vitamin E. I'm currently using the Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Dry/Sensitive skin- but the Superdrug own brand Vitamin E cream is JUST as good.
I simply spot the moisturiser on my face starting in the dryest areas, and then rub it in, in circular, upwards motions. Once I think all the cream is pretty much soaked in-I do a once over with my Foreo to really smush it in there!
BREAK!! This is a lot of product and you need it to absorb into your skin before you add the final steps.
Oil:
I know that those of you with oily skin have probably just recoiled back from your screen like "don't be mad Aj I'm oily enough!" but I promise you that you'll thank me later.
Face Oils can actually help balance your skin's natural oil production- not all oils are suitable for oily skin of course so please do research the right one before you buy it.
Like I said I have naturally dry skin so I use Opagee Beauty Oil Blend in Rosehip- and in the same way I apply my serum- drop some into your hands, rub your palms together to warm it up then simply apply all over your face, in upwards motions.
[UK Alternative- The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil]
AND FINALLY
Sunscreen:
Sunscreen is so, so important! Even if you live somewhere that is more cloudy that sky, even if you are dark-skinned, even if you are young- you should be wearing an SPF cream of at least factor 30 EVERY TIME you leave the house.
I swear by the SunBum Face 50- and simply rub it in 10 minutes before I leave the house. If I know I'm going to be out for the day I will pop it in my bag to top up throughout the day.
Wow, I know, I know this all seems like a lot! But I promise you that after a few times you'll be able to smash this whole routine out in about 15 minutes in the morning. Oh and those breaks I mentioned? Use that time to brush your teeth, or get dressed, or have your morning coffee.
One more thing though, you'll notice on the wee graphic at the top that the last couple of steps are slightly different for nighttime and this is because 1) you don't need an SPF when you're sleeping and b) a Retinol is an important part of any skincare routine BUT it is sensitive to sunlight so we let it do it's thing while we sleep instead!
Retinol:
Retinols work by neutralising free radicals, and promoting collagen production in your skin but they are strong! If you are new to using retinols in your skincare start by applying it just once or twice a week, working up to every other day.
I have tried a few retinol creams but the best I've used so far is definitely the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream which is why I don't have a personal photo of it because mine is finished and I'm waiting for a replacement.
Avoid the eye area when applying retinols and don't be put off by any redness or flakiness when you first start using it- this stuff is potent and it just takes your skin a little while to get used to it.
There we have it- my full daily skincare routine. I even filmed a wee Instagram TV showing you my AM routine which you can watch below.
I hope this has been informative! Now off you go and give your skin the attention it so deserves :-).
Much Love
AJ xo
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