Chloe's Routine
There was a time when I thought that “skincare” meant simply dragging a cheap makeup wipe over my face. Today, it's safe to say my routine has become considerably more advanced. I have always struggled with bad skin, but since discovering a routine that works for me, my skin has never been better!
In the mornings, I start off by using my Simple cleanser, then toner on a cotton pad, followed by the Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion (I highly recommend the Tea Tree collection if you suffer from bad breakouts!). The final step would be to put on moisturiser – unless I’m wearing makeup. I use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum before applying makeup as it works as a perfect tacky primer for my foundation. I find that cheaper brands can react badly with my skin, so I try and use higher-end beauty products to avoid breakouts.
At the end of the day, I remove my makeup with warm water and a microfiber cloth as I find that makeup wipes can be quite harsh on your skin – and they cause wrinkles! I then cleanse my face and pop on a little moisturiser if my skin feels particularly dry. I sleep on a silk pillow as this has proven to reduce breakouts too (you can get them on Amazon for super cheap). It may not be the most complex routine, but the hardest part is sticking to it!
It can take over a month to see results from a new routine
Chloe
Keira's Routine
The right skincare routine can do wonders for any issue. After 4 years of research (and lots of trial and error), I finally found my current routine inspired by Korean beauty.
Double Cleansing: Arguably the most important step, cleansing washes out any impurities you might have picked up during the day. I use one oil-based and one water-based product.
Toner: To boost the benefits of cleansing, I next use a toner. Toning reduces the appearance of pores while helping your skin absorb the next products you use. It can also help if you struggle with oiliness!
Essence and Serum: Considered vital in Korean skincare, and it’s easy to see why. They hydrate the skin intensely, absorb quickly and deeply into the pores, and even out your skin tone. You can use one or the other, but for a natural glow, I definitely recommend both.
Eye cream: For a long time, I overlooked eye cream. Now that I’ve started using it daily, I’m never going back - it wasn’t until I started actively hydrating that area that I realised how much I’d been neglecting it. It also only takes 10 seconds, so I have no excuse for skipping this step.
Moisturiser: With a T-zone as oily as mine, you’d think using 3 products designed for moisturising would be a bad idea, but the opposite is true. Just clearing your skin of the “bad” oils will only make your skin produce more. Using “good” oils eventually balances it out and gives you a not-too-shiny glow that overusing toner never will.
With any skincare product, remember to apply from thinnest to thickest
Josh
Josh's Routine
Lockdown has been tough for all of us - and especially tough on our skin. I hope that you have taken the time to experiment with skin products throughout confinement, but if not, fear not, as I have provided a good starting point to get the skincare ball rolling.
Cleanse. Cleanse. Cleanse. Our skin goes through a lot of external pressure throughout the day, so ensure that washing the face is always the first step to any skincare routine. For best results, steam the face with hot water for three to four minutes before applying the wash, afterwards rinse with cool water to close the pores. The skin is now prep’d to be reset. Recommendation: Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Foaming Face Wash
The purpose of any toner is to prime the skin for better absorption of products used later in the routine. I am very happy to have become acquainted with this toner in particular (below), as the clean, floral scent makes the skin feel pure and refreshed upon application. Always remember to apply with a cotton wool pad. Recommendation: L’Oréal Fine Flowers Cleansing Toner
Many people seem to shy away from serums, fearing that they are using them incorrectly, but they actually even complexion and improve elasticity! Apply a few drops to your palms and rub gently on face and neck for a hydrated feel, day and night. Recommendation: Danielle Laroche Turmeric Natural Face Oil (Great for novices!)
Moisturiser replenishes the skin's moisture level and is absolutely vital to your routine. After two years of using my current moisturiser, it still provides the wow factor! Recommendation: The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream. Check out The Body Shop for a great range of Vitamin E moisturising products!