Wednesday 1 August 2012

Current Skin Care Routine

I've been in a non-testing phase with skin care for the last month or so. I don't expect it to last, and I already have a few new things I intend to test for review, but sometimes it is nice to have a break and use things that I already know suit my skin. I'm also keen to use up some of my opened products.

This is just a general overview of the products I'm using. I have reviewed quite a few of the items mentioned and I will include the links where available.

Morning Routine

Skin+Care+Day

Face Wash - Själ Balans Deep Pore Cleanser* or Lise Watier HydraSmart Foaming Wash. It's important to mention that foaming face wash DOES NOT suit everybody. However, I like to use one as part of my routine and never use one that makes my skin feel tight or stripped. Neither of these are my favourite but I'm determined to use them up.

Toner - A spritz of Mineral Källa Energy Tonic* or Pai Bioaffinity Rice Plant & Rosemary Toner before moistuiser. I was a little disappointed by the Pai Toner, I wanted to love it but I think it doesn't suit my skin type. It has a slightly odd smell too which I don't get on with. I imagine I would have had more success with the hydrating version.

Moisturiser - I had been using the Emma Hardie Hydrating Lighter Lotion* but finished this up recently. I purchased the Avene Antirougers Jours SPF 20 as a replacement.

Eye Cream - Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Firming Eye Cream*. I'm on the fence about this cream, but I do think I have particularly fussy eyes. It feels nice and is fine if I apply during the day. If I apply at night, I wake up with a swollen undereye area. This is a problem I have experienced with most eye creams and the Zelens and BcomBio Serum are the only ones I have found so far that do not do this.

Evening Routine

Skin+care+night

Eye Makeup Remover - Gemey Eye makeup remover or Botanics Soothing Eye Makeup Remover. I used up my first bottle of the Gemey and am on to my second bottle. The Botanics is not to my taste, it's a bi-phase oil based remover, but I feel duty bound to use it up. It does remove heavy eye makeup swiftly which is in its favour.

Makeup Removal - Bioderma on lazy days, Zelens Radiance Cleaner* for most days and Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm* and a hot flannel when I feel like I need a thorough cleanse. Sometimes, I use the Moringa balm the morning after the night before. I'm not confessing to sleeping in my makeup but I will admit to being slap dash on occasion.

Second Cleanse - Face Wash, as above.

Moisturiser - Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturiser. Now that I've finished this completely, I'm having a go with the Suti Rejuvenate Organic Facial Oil*. If you want to know what prompted me to give it a try, please read the excellent guest review on London MakeUp Girl.

Eye Cream - Zelens Advanced Eye Cream*

Extras

Extras

Exfoliation - It's a long time since I routinely used a physical exfoliant but I received a little sample of the Pai Kukui and Jojoba Bead Exfoliator with an order. It's really enjoyable to use and feels a lot like using a cleansing balm but with texture. The first time I used it, it felt like it left a slight film on my skin after rinsing, so on subsequent uses I removed with a warm flannel. I've used up my sample now and I am considering buying the full size.

Glycolic Acid Treatments - Now, before I start worrying you by writing about two different products, I promise that I am not overdoing it with AHAs. I never use a glycolic acid treatment more than three times a week. I've ended up switching between two different products because I'm forgetful and the time of day that I remember dictates which product I use. If I remember in the morning, I use the Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator, and if I remember in the evening, I use Alpha H Liquid Gold*. Texture wise, my preference is for the Perricone Serum but the Liquid Gold is very quick and allows me to skip moisturising in the evening.

As usual, what seems like quite a simple routine, looks quite product heavy when written down like this. I hope it's useful, even if it is a little ramble-y. What products are you using at the moments? Do you have any recommendations or products you've found disappointing? 

* PR Samples

17 comments:

  1. Great post - I love reading about skincare routines :)

    My recommendation would be La Bella Figura Decouverte undereye serum. I bought this after reading London Makeup Girl's review and I've had outstanding results. I don't know that it has reduced lines, but I really don't have any darkness under my eyes at all anymore. I love it so much I've now just ordered their Barbary Fig Renewal Serum!

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  2. That's great to hear you really rate La Bella Figura too. I know Grace was very impressed with the eye serum. I will have to go and have a browse on Mise!

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  3. Really enjoyed reading this Jane... not rambley at all. Was considering doing a similar post myself & you have inspired me to do so!

    Love the presentation of the Suti products. Be interested to hear how you get on with Avene.

    Nic x

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    Replies
    1. You definitely should do a similar post. I find they can be just as illuminating as a review. I'm looking forward to seeing how I get on with the Avene, it's a brand that has been on my 'to try' list for ages x

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    2. I will do - more interesting read that a standard review too I think!

      I've only tried a couple of things by Avene but am SO impressed, esp by the gentle cleanser - it's my go to when skin is a bit stressed & I want to pare things back. x

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    3. I will do, a more interesting read than a standard review too I think!

      I've only tried a couple of things by Avene, but been SO impressed, esp by the gentle cleanser - it's my go to when skin is stressed and I want to pare things back. Bargainous too!

      x

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  4. love reading skin care routines you're skin care routine looks so good!
    Beauty Fiends Blog

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  5. Really interesting to see all the products you are using, particularly the eye cream. I am dithering about what eye cream to splurge on, I don't use any at the moment (hangs head in shame!) because I have been a bit sceptical about whether they are necessary.

    I have now decided that they are necessary and have whittled my choices down to 3!

    Can I query why you don't use a toner in the evening?

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    Replies
    1. I've never been a big toner user and I don't consider them an essential to be honest. I certainly don't get on with a toner that I need to wipe over my skin, so it's spray toner or nowt! It's rare that my skin feels like it needs extra hydration at night and I apply moisturiser when my skin is still damp.

      Do you find toner to be a must for your skin?

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    2. No I don't use a toner although I am intrigued by the Caudalie one, may acquire at some point. I used a Dermalogica spray years ago that I quite liked but I tend to keep things pretty minimalist!

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    3. The Caudalie is the type of thing that I gravitate towards too. I wondered about asking my Mum to pick some up for me in France. I've got too many things I ought to use up though before I start stockpiling more ;)

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    4. Is Caudalie less expensive in France? I have almost finished the SOS serum and will definitely be getting some more.

      In all my trips to France I have never gone beauty shopping, kids + beauty shopping = nightmare! Maybe this time.

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    5. It's really variable. I think the current exchange rate means items are slightly cheaper. It may not be worth the inconvenience of dragging children into the pharmacie with you!!

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  6. Hello,
    I wonder if you need a lighter eye cream for night use, have you tried the Pai one? I tell you what I am loving at the moment is the Ambre pumpkin seed face cream, I'll have to get round to reviewing it. Have you tried the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist, I really liking that as a toner, that might suit your skin better?
    I really enjoyed this post, its a good reference to come back to both for yourself and us xx

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    Replies
    1. I've not tried either the Pai eye cram of the Hungary Mist, I suspect I would like both. I will look forward to your review of the Ambre pumpkin seed face cream. I am pleased it is an enjoyable post, sometimes it's nice not to be scrutinising a particular item and just enjoying what I already have xx

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  7. I love peeking into other bloggers' skin routines...too bad about the Pai toner not working out. It's a brand I'm very curious about since I have sensitive skin and I love natural skincare as well...I'm on the fence about trying Dr Perricone (and similar "scientific" type brands, e.g. Skinceuticals) because of the price. Is it worth the high price tag?

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  8. Hi Beauty Box. I would definitely recommend trying Pai, especially if you have sensitive skin. It's a very good brand, the toner is a one off really and is just the wrong formula for my skin type.

    I think the value of scientific brands like Skinceuticals and Dr Perricone depends on both your age and the specific products. I don't think they're worth investing in until you're 30+. Of the Perricone items that I have tried, I would definitely re-purchase the Activator and the No Concealer Concealer, as I see real improvements and they have sound ingredients. The other items (like the face cream, cleanser and eye cream) could be replaced with cheaper alternatives imo.

    I hope that makes sense and isn't too much of a waffle? :)

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