If there is one healthy habit I have started over the past few years and actually stuck to, it’s been adopting a new skincare routine. For years my skincare routine was a face wipe and a slick if moisturiser… it makes me shudder thinking about it!
Since seeing the light, I have chucked the wipes in the bin and did a little research on what I am putting on my skin! I have made a list of my favourite skincare products, I use these on rotation, not all at the same time! For reference, I have oily to combination skin, so if you have a different type, these products may not suit you.
DISCLAIMER: Please bear in mind I am in no way an expert, I am simply sharing what works for me, the products I use may not work for everyone.
CLEANSE (STEP 1)
First step I follow is cleansing the skin. I like to double cleanse, so here I would use a cream/gel/exfoliant formula as the first step. I used to be so bad for being too heavy handed with the exfoliation, it’s not necessary. My favourite products I use to cleanse are:
GARNIER PURE ACTIVE CLEANSING GEL
I can’t seem to find a version of this in the UK, only in Spain (I guess there will be a similar version). I really like this one for everyday use, and it works a treat on removing eye make up, without stinging at all. It leaves my skin squeaky clean which I love.
ORIGINS CHECKS AND BALANCES FROTHY FACE WASH
I picked this up in Sephora and really like it. It foams up well and smells really fresh and clean. It’s only a wee tube but it’s lasted me ages as you don’t need much.
This has to be one of my skincare essential items! I don’t know how many times I’ve repurchased this, I love it. It’s really gentle yet super exfoliating if that makes sense? For a more indepth review, read it here.
CLINIQUE TAKE THE DAY OFF CLEANSING BALM
I found this in Sephora and actually got it for travelling, as it’s a mini size but it is very thick, so I keep it only for removing heavy makeup. The thick balm foams up well and a little goes a long way.
CLEANSE – STEP 2
Now for the second stage of the double cleanse, this is where you would use a micellar water – which you should be rinsing off the skin after using, who knew!
This is another one of my skincare products I can’t like without, I’m constantly stocking up on a big bottle of it! I use this mainly to remove eye make up, but also my full face too. Remember to rinse it off!
I love this product, it’s a great makeup remover (for when you’re tired/tipsy/ both) and MUCH better than using a makeup wipe! It’s got a great packaging too, a pump dispenser.
TONERS
I use a toner after cleansing, but before direct acids/serums etc.
THE ORDINARY 7% TONING SOLUTION
The two products are actually very similar, however I love them both! Glycolic Acid is a great gentle exfoliant and brightens the skin, leaving it glowing.
DIRECT ACIDS / RETINOIDS
I would recommend looking at The Ordinary and The Inkey List websites for more in-depth info about each product, but for now here is a quick rundown! You have to be super careful with acids, because they react differently to each person’s skin and also can react with another acid. ALWAYS do your research before using and of course, do a patch test! It’s also really important to use SPF when using acids/retinoids.
THE ORDINARY SALICYLIC ACID 2% SOLUTION
This can be used all over face for exfoliation, or as a spot treatment on breakouts to treat blemishes. I use this now and again, or when needed.
Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliator which removes dead cells. It brightens and hydrates skin, evens skin tone and also reduces fine lines.
THE ORDINARY CAFFEINE SOLUTION 5% + EGCG
I use this on my under eyes, as its purpose is to reduce puffiness and of dark circles. I just massage a little on my under eye, then top with eye cream (see below).
THE ORDINARY RETINOL 0.2% IN SQUALANE
The main benefit of using retinol is for anti-aging and the reduction of fine lines. I’ve only recently started using retinol, and have started with the lowest strength. This is one of the strongest direct acids, so you need to be a bit more careful with this one. I am starting at 0.2% and will gradually work my way up. It also claims to treat breakouts and scarring as well as skin texture and dryness.
PEPTIDES / SERUMS /OILS
“BUFFET” MULTI TECHNOLOGY PEPTIDE SERUM
This is great for anti-aging and is a mix of peptides, which “send a message” to your skin to produce collagen – which keeps skin nice and plump – an essential for anyone over *gulp* the mere age of 25!
I picked up a Ole Henrikson set in Boots, when I was home for Christmas and i’m almost out of everything in it *cue crying emoji*. This collagen-boosted serum smells amazing and leaves skin feeling fresh and looking bright.
OILS
This vitamin packed essential oil gives skin a nourishment boost as you sleep. It brightens skin and also leaves it super soft.
MOISTURISER
OLE HENRIKSON C-RUSH BRIGHTENING GEL CREME
First things first, this smells AMAZING. But not only that, this vitamin c packed creamy yet light (how?!) moisturiser claims to hydrate, brighten and firm skin while targeting fine lines and wrinkles. I really like this, I use it at night but also in my day time routine as well as it creates a perfect base for makeup. Just be careful when using acids/retinoids as some react with vitamin C.
This has been a favourite of mine for a loooong time. I wrote a full in depth review of it here. This fresh, light moisturiser provides a great base for makeup and as it is a water cream it’s super moisturising – also thanks to the hyaluronic acid. I’ve been using this for years – love it!
NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST CITY SHIELD HYDRATING LOTION
Another great “drugstore” moisturiser, packed with hyaluronic acid. It claims to protect against pollution while maintaining a youthful glow. It does contain SPF 25, however I wish it had more as that just ain’t enough!
OLE HENRIKSON BANANA BRIGHT EYE CREAM
I have to confess, I’ve never really been one to bother with eye cream. However this one came in the Ole Henrikson set, so I’ve been using it and I really like it! It claims to brighten under eyes and colour-correct (like a banana powder would). I find it to be a great base for concealer.
TANNING
UTAN X JAMIE GENEVIEVE CBD TANNING WATER
If I’m tanning my face this will be my last step. I’m not a fan of using regular fake tan on face so I am a big fan of this. Simply mist over face and leave to develop. I usually use it as the last step of my night-time skincare routine, as it can be applied over moisturiser and also smells of lavender so it’s perfect for making you snooze off! It’s perfect if you use direct acids as these strip tan – It’s also great for topping up your hands too!
MASKS
I am obsessed with the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution from The Ordinary, I use it once a week, and sheet masks, either Tony Moly or Garnier ones. Top tip: keep them in the fridge to cool and de-puff the skin!
THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2% PEELING SOLUTION
This wonder mask helps exfoliate the skins top layer, leaving it bright and glowing as well as clearing congested pores. I use this around once a week and my skin feels soooo soft and is absolutely glowing. It can sting a little but I don’t find it uncomfortable.
I buy these in Sephora and they are around €2! There is one for every skin type/need in the range, whether it’s pore care, elasticity or skin brightening you’re after – there will be one for you.
GARNIER MOISTURE BOMB SHEET MASKS
These are a classic, I love them! I’m always popping one in my basket when I’m at the supermarket! Like the Tony Moly ones, I find them really good quality for the price. The Moisture Bomb masks are my favourite, and I also love the under eye masks. I found the “Shot” masks too fiddly, I wasn’t a fan.
LIPS
We can’t forget about the lips! These are my favourite products to use to keep lips silky smooth!
This is a cult product that everyone should own! With loads of different flavours.. (would you say flavors?) to choose from there is one for everyone. My personal favourite at the moment is Cherry. This is a great to gently exfoliate the lips, leaving them soft.
After I use the Lush Lip Scrub I like to use this lip conditioner. I have tried god knows how many over the years but I’ve recently discovered this and I love it! Enriched with grape seed oil, It really moisturizes and nourishes lips.
Another cult product, this has been around since the 1960’! Made with squalane, which absorbs into the lips and moisturises, this balm hydrates and softens dry lips. I use this mainly at night, as more of a lip mask, and let it soak in overnight.
I have linked everything, if anyone wishes to buy or read more information about a product. They are NOT affiliate links.
Cocktails & Fairytales 
Great routine! I also love that storage you have for your skincare products. Where’d you get it?
I’ve just seen your comment! I think it was amazon!! If you search “plastic lazy susan” there are lots of different ones!