Well hello! It's March 14th and it's my first free Monday in a long while. A contract has come to an end with a client, so I'm having a little bit of time to catch my breath before embarking on my next contract. And what better way to spend it than musing about my favourite beauty bits. The candle is lit, the words are flowing and I hope you enjoy it.
I wanted to write a post today about skincare and in particular, my product choices and routine. For me, there is nothing better than cleaning your face using your favourite products. It is like the end of the working day and the start of my evening. As I have gotten older, my routine has evolved, as my skin has changed and needs more TLC! There are also A LOT of conflicting views on the best skincare routine, to double cleanse or not, to use foaming products or not, to use oil-based products or not, and it goes on. Bearing this in mind, I am just sharing my routine and my opinion which works for me.
So let's dive straight in. I was, up until about a year ago, just washing my face once in the evening, using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser. By all accounts I was happy, but then I read a wonderful new book, Skincare by Caroline Hirons. Caroline discussed the method of cleansing called double cleansing, something (I cannot believe I didn't know about). A few YouTube videos later and I was sold on this new cleansing ritual! Now it's time to find out what I use and what are the results.
I have no problem admitting that the thought of using an oil-based cleansing product filled me with dread! I envisioned breakouts and shiny skin, OMG it was going to be a disaster. Well, thankfully my first experience with a facial cleansing oil was just lovely. It was the Marks & Spencer Ultimate Cleanse Micellar Cleansing oil, very gentle, effective and smelled beautiful. After this, I decided to branch out and try a different brand, come on down Super Facialist Skin Renew Cleansing Oil! Currently, I am finishing my first bottle, whilst the second is already purchased and waiting to be used. It just works. It removes all makeup, sunscreen and tough mascara, whilst leaving the skin soft and supple with no dryness. The smell is so nice, soft citrus, and not overpowering in my opinion, although there are some that think it is.
If you are new to using oils, it can feel a little odd to apply them to dry skin, but once you have massaged the oil into your skin (the best part) it transforms into a milky texture when in contact with water. I also soak a cleansing cloth in warm water to wipe the excess oil and grime off my skin. In my experience, even doing this doesn't leave skin feeling tight or strained. I use the Magnitone ones as they are super soft and wash very well.
This is where the double cleanse comes in. Once you have used the first cleansing product, you follow up with an additional cleanser to complete the routine. I use the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for normal to dry skin, which has not failed me yet! I pump some product into my palm and rub it into my hands. I then rub it into my face and massage it in. Use a warm cloth to wipe off the cleanser to finish. I will be transparent and say that sometimes I get a slight stinging sensation on my face using this, but I have never had a breakout or bad reaction and once I have used the warm cloth to wipe my face again, it is fine. It is designed to work in harmony with the skin and not to disturb the natural protective barrier.
These are the products that I use religiously every day to keep my skin clear and happy. I will not change my first cleansing product but I might swap to a different second cleanse, any suggestions? It's worth noting that I use a face polisher once a week. It was one that I got in my LookFantasic calendar called Omorovicza Budapest Refining Facial Polisher. It is a very expensive product and thankfully, a little does go a long way. The texture of the product is fine granules which is Hungarian Moor Mud, rich in magnesium and calcium. I only use it once a week, however, it can be used two to three times if needed.
As with everything in life, there are ups and downs with my skin. Having a consistent routine and using high quality products does help to keep things in check. I hope you have enjoyed reading my post, and please do get in touch with your comments or questions, it would be great to hear from you.
Don't forget to follow my Instagram page @claritybeautymc for little updates and pictures from my world!
See you soon, Ally x
1 comment
Love the blog. Thanks for the tips 👍
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