When I was a teenager I had really good skin – and for a really long time too. In fact, I’d say I’d never really ever had any need to develop a skincare routine at all – just the occasional pamper. My face was always smooth and flawless and with practically no effort – I was really lucky! But, over the last year I’ve noticed myself struggling a lot more with blemishes, spots, and generally not-great looking skin on some days. don’t know whether it’s been the lack of going out and about – we’ll just blame everything on COVID for now – but it’s called for a new skincare routine. In fact, just a skincare routine – I never really had one before anyway!
After a lot of research and Pinterest-ing, I put together my skincare routine. I’ve split my routine into a morning and an evening section, and don’t get overly strict about it. Before we start as well, it’s worth mentioning that every has different skin, with different needs. I really recommend doing what I did and experimenting with it a bit. This is a really good start, as it fulfils most of the needs throughout the week. But, if you find that it’s not working, just tweak it about. So, while it’s still a bit of a work in progress, here’s my new, go-to skincare routine.
Morning Routine
At the moment I’m enjoying having a morning skincare routine, but I think it’ll be more challenging when I have to leave the house for work everyday. At the moment, I spent the first part of my morning focusing on my face, and it’s a really great start to the day. While I’m working from home I’m also avoiding makeup days, and wherever I can avoiding foundation as well.
0.1 Cleanse
By cleansing I mean cleaning – it’ll sound silly to everyone else probably, but that always confused me. My plan was to research and find a great tool to use for this, and in the meantime I started using some basic silicone brushes. But actually, I just bought this four-pack from Amazon, and they do a great job. For the morning cleanse I like to use a bit of a softer feeling wash, like my Botanical Lab Neem Leaf Gentle Face Wash to start my day.
I just wet my face, usually the first time with cold or cool water – wake myself up a little – then massage on the wash. I cover my face with it using my hands, then use the silicone brush in circles. Mostly, I try to focus on the areas of my face that I find give me the most trouble. Mainly my cheeks at the moment, and my temples.
0.2 Tone & Vitamin C
The point of toner is to exfoliate your skin, and, if you want to get technical, help balance the pH level of skin. It can also sometimes even create a more effective base layer for the other skincare products in your routine to get deeper into your skin. It is worth noting that some toners may not work for you – if you start to experience dry and irritated skin, it may mean it’s not working for you and you should try a different one.
I try and use toner twice a day, but in the morning I mix it with my Vitamin C. I use the Superdrug Vitamin C Tonic, and just smooth it over my skin with some cotton pads. At the moment I’m working my way through the last of my disposable pads, but I’m getting ready to make the switch to reusable ones, like the Greenzla Reusable Pads. They’re more expensive than buying a disposable pack, but in the long run you’ll save a lot of money and it’ll be so much better for the environment!
0.3 Eye Cream
One of my biggest skin-fears was around my eyes. I’m a very expressive person – I’m not someone who’s very good at hiding my facial expressions and I spend a lot of time frowning. So, I had a little explore, and settled on the Nivea Q10 Eye Cream. When I first started using it my fault was that I piled it on a bit thick, and most times ended up getting it in my eye. Less is more when it comes to eye cream.
0.4 Moisturise & SPF
SPF is really important for skincare, but putting on sun lotion everyday is not so much an exciting thing to do. Moisturising helps prevent issues like dryness and oily skin, which in turn helps prevent issues like acne. So, I combine both of these in my daily routine. I use the Superdrug Vitamin E Day Cream which has SPF 15 already in it.
Evening Routine
0.1 Remove Makeup & Wash
One of my worst habits used to be going to bed with my makeup on. But recently I’ve been washing it off before even washing my face, and it feels so much better. Eye makeup in particular is the hassle to get off, so I’ve been using the L’Oreal Paris Gentle Eye Makeup Remover and cotton pads. Then, to follow up, I use St Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub in the evening to wash the rest of my face and give it a little exfoliate at the same time.
0.2 Tone
In the evening I give my face its second tone of the day. My evening go-to toner is the Simple Soothing Toner, again with cotton pads. After I’ve used different vitamins and things throughout the day I prefer to give it a little bit of a break just using the plain and simple option for the toner, and this one does a great job.
0.3 Retinol (Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday)
I read in one of my magazines that women should start using retinol from the late twenties to get the most from anti-aging. And it’s not only anti-aging. Retinol can also help with conditions like acne, and can help reduce signs of sun damage. It’s the wonder-ingredient you’ve never heard of!
I’d never really thought about it, so I bought the Superdrug Optimum Retinol Serum to get me started. I just pop three to four drops onto my face and then massage it in.
0.4 Glycolic (Wednesday)
Technical time – Glycolic acid is great to throw into your skincare routine because of it’s ability to bring fresh skin cells to the surface. It also promotes exfoliation without the use of roughness. I only use it on Wednesdays, which is something I saw being done with the skincare routines I was inspired by on Pinterest. I use the Revolution Skincare Glycolic and Aloe Essence Spray. This one you just spray a couple of times onto your face.
0.5 Eye Cream & Moisturise
I repeat my eye cream and moisturising in the evening as well, especially after a full day of wind or sunshine. I find personally that my skin around my nose tends to suffer the most from wind damage, and it gets very dry. It feels like it’s in need of a moisturise, so I treat it to another session in the evening.
I tend to switch out my day time moisturiser, as I don’t need it to have the SPF in it at night, and it’s also actually a day cream. Also, it’s a good excuse to mix it up. I like the Burt’s Bees Daily Moisturising Cream or the Neutrogena Refreshingly Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser.
0.6 Lip Mask
And finally, something that I’m still getting used to on my skincare list at the moment – a lip mask. My lips are always the first thing to tell me it’s winter – they chap and crack so bad. And I find that just putting on lipbalm doesn’t really help me at all. To try and combat it, I use the Barry M Lip Rehab. Because why should your lips miss out on the daily skincare routine?
Love the sound of your skincare routine! I tend to use Liz Earle and Simple Kind to Skin products, and Garnier Micellar Water if I’m in a rush!
Serena / http://www.ramblingsofanotherunigraduate.com
Author
Thank you! I use the Simple range, which I love, but I’ll check out Liz Earle!
You have a great skincare game here and a lot for me to learn! I got into skincare this last year and there’s a lot of products to add for specific things but it’s such a great treat to start the day or to end it! Really need to find a good SPF, vitamin C and eye cream, thanks for the suggestions and absolutely adore your pictures x
Author
Thank you! I’m a skincare newbie, but absolutely can see myself getting obsessed with it!
You’ve got quite the routine here! I’ve had problematic skin for my entire life and will continue to deal with that because of a gastrointestinal chronic illness, so finding a good skincare routine was crucial for me as a teen and even more so as I’m approaching my 30’s. I try to stick with 1-2 lines and I actually don’t use a ton of products, but I like how they work and that’s what’s important, right? Sounds like you found the perfect method for you too!
Author
Totally – skincare works differently for everyone, and I’m relatively new to it, so still exploring! I do love how quickly it seems to have started making a difference for me though, my skin is already less problematic.
I loved reading your skincare routine! Your morning routine is exactly the same as mine!
I do need to add some retinol into my routine though, my skin is crying out for it! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Author
Thank you!
This is a wondaful guide – thank you for sharing! Skin care routines are so important – especially ensuring you’re taking good care and using good products!
Author
Thank you! So true!
Some great products I’ll have to check out!
Brianna | https://briannamarielifestyle.com/
You look to have a really great routine! I love Nip and Fab toners too! They always leave my skin feeling so fresh! I do really need to start being more intentional with my skincare though because lately I’ve fallen into a habit of just using cleanser and moisturiser!
Author
Thank you! It feels like it’s making a huge difference just throwing some of the extras into my routine, so thoroughly recommend!
I always change up my skin-care routine a few times per year, so this post is really helpful. During the year I find new products that I can use! I am interested in the Lip masks, I never used one of them before!
Author
That’s what I planned to do – maybe getting a Summer routine and a Winter routine. This is definitely my starting point, I can see myself getting way more into skincare!
Interesting routine. It’s good that you use vitamin for your skin. I’m sure your skin in super healthy and shiny. Pls keep it up.
Author
Thank you, I already feel like it’s starting to make a difference, so fingers crossed!
I love how detailed this post was! Thanks for sharing every little thing which makes it even easier to follow.
Author
No problem, thank you!
This was so helpful!!
Author
Glad to hear it 🙂
I spy some Nip + Fab products! I love those products so much!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Author
Same! I tried them through a magazine sample first, and have loved them ever since!
I love this routine, thank you for making it so detailed! I can proudly say I do most of it haha, except I haven’t introduced retinol into my routine yet – it is on my list though.
Author
Thank you, and well done! Once you get in the routine of it it’s not much trouble, but making the first move is big!
This is my favourite post of the day, it’s official. I love every detail that you’ve added and your favourite brands!
I recently started using Mavala’s toner and it is a gaaame changer!
Rosie
Author
Aww, thank you!
Your photos are incredible!! Such a brill skincare routine post and I love all the products you’ve included x
Author
Thank you!