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

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

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

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