If you’ve read my post on self love, you’ll know that my skin is and always has been one of my biggest insecurities.
I suffered with horrifically severe acne for the majority of high school and it put a huge dent in my confidence for a very long time. I tried scrubs, foaming cleansers (I know), benzoyl peroxide treatments and masks galore and absolutely nothing would kill the little suckers.
When I was 15 I came down with quite the illness and headed in to see my doctor. Before I could even explain my symptoms for this totally unrelated sickness, my doctor look me dead in the eyes and said “Wow! Let’s do something about that skin shall we!”.
While this was obviously rather abrupt, the advice she gave me that day was exactly what I needed to hear. I was prescribed antibiotics that cleared everything up within a month, but she also explained that everything I was doing to get rid of my pizza face was only aggravating it (DUH!!!!). Rather than attacking my own skin head on, I needed to show it some love.
Now, at 19, I am in the process of smoothing over the battle scars that all those years of fighting my own skin left me. If you’re young and have acne, trust me when I tell you to leave your face alone. Acne scarring is an even bigger battle than the acne itself.
Roughly three months ago, I discovered Caroline Hirons’ life changing blog. I spent an entire day endlessly reading and learned a great deal about skincare that I wish I had known eight years ago. But alas, I can honestly say that this woman’s advice has completely changed my skin- something that not only I, but many other people in my life have noticed.
Through her recommendations, I now have three philosophies when it comes to my skin:
- No matter how tired you are, micellar water alone is NEVER enough.
- If you want results, you need to be willing to pay for them.
- SPF. SPF. SPF.
I will not take credit for her wonderful anecdotes, or even begin to explain the science behind the products that I will be recommending today, but if you are having any trouble with your skin or forming a routine, I strongly suggest you peruse the cheat sheet section of her blog.
Cleansers
The double cleanse is something I do pretty much every night- ESPECIALLY if I’ve been wearing makeup.
First Cleanse
Bioderma Sensibio H20 ($42.99 for 500mL)
Bioderma and Micellar waters in general are great, quick ways of removing makeup and product residue. This is generally what I use when I’m only wearing a light layer of makeup- think BareMinerals. It’s also great at dissolving eye makeup without having to tug at my eyes and cause premature wrinkles.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm ($55 for 112mL)*
This is the first cleansing balm that I’ve ever used so I don’t really have a frame of reference, but so far this has worked a treat. I generally use this when I’m wearing heavier foundation- think Estee’s double wear.
Second Cleanse
I’ve been using my little pink Mia for about 4-5 years and I can’t ever see myself removing it from my routine. My skin feels clean, refreshed and ultra smooth and my makeup always sits better when I use it.
I do believe the Mia isn’t available in store anymore, but the Mia 2 (an upgraded version) is available pretty much everywhere- granted it’s a little more expensive.
I alternate between the normal and radiance brush heads for reference.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($23.99 for 1L)
As for the cleanser I use with my Clarisonic, I really don’t have much of a preference. I kind of just pick something with a milky or oily base and switch it up once I run out.
Toners
Toning is once again an essential step in my routine, as it helps to neutralise pH, gently exfoliate and add moisture. If you’re missing this step… I’m judging you.
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2- Dry Combination ($29 for 200mL)
For an exfoliating toner, I have found nothing better than the Clinique clarifying lotion. As someone with dry combination skin, I find that combination skin toners are WAAAAAAAAAY too stripping and harsh, but dry skin toners don’t do enough for me. I don’t know how this works, I just know that it does and I can’t get enough of it.
Lush Eau Roma Water ($10.50 for 100g)
As a secondary step to add moisture and calm my skin, Lush’s Eau Roma is absolutely lovely. The scent is a bonus 😉
Eyes
As a young whippersnapper I do not yet have crows feet. I would like to keep it that way.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronised Complex II ($100 for 15mL)*
This stuff is INTENSE. If my eye area is feeling especially dry or I’ve been wearing extremely heavy eye makeup, this completely revives it and I feel like I’m eight years old again.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Roll On ($19.99 for 15g)
With my good mate hyaluronic acid, this bad boy is the perfect everyday eye cream for me at this stage. It adds just the right amount of moisture without leaving any residue that feels heavy or messes with eye makeup.
Serums and Treatments
This is where things get a little more interesting (and pricey).
This step is something that I added to my routine a couple of months ago as I knew that creams alone would never be enough to heal my scarring.
However, if you are younger I would either completely steer away from these or proceed with caution as they can be quite harsh if your skin is too sensitive to handle them.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All in One Lactic Acid Treatment ($154 for 30mL)
Of all of the products mentioned in this post, Good Genes has had the biggest impact on the condition of my skin overall. It has significantly reduced the texture on my forehead and jawline, as well as added plumpness and radiance that has brought the life back into my previously dull skin. If you can only afford to splurge on one item, this should be it.
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil ($154 for 30mL)
Luna is probably the most unique product of the bunch- retinol suspended in a facial oil. For the first couple of weeks of using this, I was convinced that it wasn’t doing anything. But about a month in I had a week of very rapid results- namely the reduction of the deep scarring along my jawline. While Good Genes brings about an immediate change, Luna is a little more slow working but I can’t see myself removing it from my routine any time soon.
Sunday Riley Power Couple Kit ($114)
To save a little cash, I opted to purchase these products in the Power Couple duo. In this, you get a 15mL size of each product for less than the price of a single one so if you’re looking to try both, this is a great option. I’ve also been using both for three months and I’m nowhere near close to finishing.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II ($150 for 50mL)*
This cult classic is a staple on any skincare fiends shelf and it’s definitely not hard to see why. This quick absorbing formula combines an intense amount of hydration with youth inducing properties. I find that this works best when my skin is feeling ultra dry or after a long day of wearing heavier makeup as it really helps to inject some life back into a tired looking complexion. Highly recommend!
Moisturisers
Moisturiser is something that I rotate depending on the condition of my skin, and the products I’ve used beforehand.
Estée Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme ($75 for 50mL)*
As the name suggests, this cream is absolutely perfect for day time. It is lightweight, has SPF 15, doesn’t leave a greasy finish, and adds a nice amount of glow. It also sits wonderfully underneath liquid foundation.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + ($15 for 30mL)
This is my ride or die moisturiser for day and night as it works wonderfully over all three serums and under makeup. It’s simple and not too heavy, but does the job no matter what the circumstance is. If you’re younger or have acne prone skin, this is 100% the one to go for.
Avène Hydrance Optimale Aqua Cream-In-Gel ($56.99 for 50mL)*
If my skin is ultra dry and dull, this is the one I choose to restore it. This works absolute wonders on me and leaves my skin feeling ultra smooth and plump. I typically use this over Good Genes or Advanced Night Repair at night, as it’s a little too much for me in the day.
Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Moisture Jelly ($39.99 for 30mL)
On more sensitive skin nights where I can’t handle a treatment and just need something quick and easy, this is the one. It is the only thing that works for me when my skin is dehydrated but it’s definitely not so great under makeup so proceed with caution.
SPF
Use SPF on your skin every day. I shouldn’t have to explain why.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen ($18 for 30mL)
Of all the facial sunscreens out there, this is the only one that doesn’t make my makeup greasy within 2 hours. It has a soft matte finish, protects skin from the elements and adds moisture to boot. Two thumbs up from me!
And that my friend, is the end.
