My skin is a combination type; it
gets incredibly dry around my cheeks and relatively oily in my t-zone. I
can usually get away with a little blotting during the day. I have some
large(ish) pores and a tendency for blackheads, so cleansing is a big
must for me. I don't have heavy under-eye bags or dark circles but my
under-eye area is very dry. I try to stay away from any intense
exfoliation, dermabrasion and peel treatments due to some bad
experiences.
I'm
past 35 years old now, but lines and crow's feet are not my primary
concern. Not to say I don't have lines and crow's feet - it's just that
my philosophy is to accept I'm getting older and just get on with life. I
find that if I hydrate my face and eye area well, I look pretty decent
for my age - and that's all I aim to look. I'm a bit fickle with regards
to skincare and keep rotating between brands. These are my absolutely
favourite products, the ones I keep buying over and over again.
The cleansers and makeup removers:
Bioderma sensibio H2O micelle solution:
this is my go-to cleanser when I need to quickly take make up off. Soft
but effective cleansing water, removes all makeup leaving no residue.
Cheap and cheerful, no wonder it's in everyone's best product lists. I
keep a bottle on my fencing kit for removing makeup prior to exercise.
Emma Hardie moringa cleansing balm:
a revelation. This smells divine, removes all makeup, feels
moisturising and leaves the skin ultra soft. I love this cleanser but I
like balmy cleansers that melt away the makeup and are used with a
cloth. I started using it, combined with the cleansing cloths, after a
facial with THE Emma Hardie and even my skin's rough texture is improved
after regular use. I'm already on my 3rd pot.
RMK cleansing oil:
as far as cleansing oils go, this is one of the best I ever tried. The
new formulation smells very nice, a little bit minty. It takes away all
eyes, lip and face makeup without the need to rub. I grab it when I need
to take away very heavy makeup; I find it softer than a balm.
Emulsifies easily, but I usually double cleanse with a gel afterwards.
NARS cleansing oil: I
was heartbroken when I heard this was being discontinued and stocked up
a few bottles. The oil texture is revolutionary, and can be used wet
(in the shower) unlike most oils. It's a bit thicker than the RMK one,
but highly effective and easy to remove. I hope someone comes up with
something similar before my stash runs out. I sometimes use this to
remove strong lipstick.
Elemental Herbology cool & clear: I
use it in the shower, the perfect way to start the day. Very fresh and
light with a lovely lavender scent. It washes away the night oils
without stripping the skin. Also light enough for double cleansing after
oils.
Lancôme bi-facil eye makeup remover:
this bi-phasic formula really removes all my eye makeup without need
for tugging. I will use other eye makeup removers, but eventually return
to this one and every time I fly I stock up on it. It's probably the
most re-purchased skincare/cosmetic item in my life.
The moisturising section:
Ever since I started reading
Beauty Huile
my skincare routine changed completely. I am now officially obsessed
with oils. I find they hydrate, soothe, nurture my skin in a way no
cream has ever did. I use a heavier oil at night and a lighter one in
the morning under a liquid hydrator. During summer my choice is
Elemental Herbology moisture milk, for winter I stick to
RMK skintuner ex moist (been using this for
5 years now).
Since I learned all about oils from the master I will simply link to her reviews. There's nothing I can add to them.
Decléor aromessence ylang ylang purifying serum: applied in the mornings
By Terry huile de rose firming-lift nutri-regenerating oil: applied in the mornings, just on the cheek and dry areas
Aesop damascan rose facial treatment: every other night
Sarah Chapman overnight facial: This one was not recommended by
NK,
but I "found" it as a generous sample in a SpaceNK event (same
initials, not related). It really leaves the skin glowing and I
alternate it with the Aesop Damascan Rose every other night. I should
probably try a facial with Sarah C. to see if the results are anything
like this lovely night oil ;-)
The special care (because I am getting old and I need something specifically for the eyes and lips):
Sarah Chapman eye recovery: I discovered it via
Grace London
when I was searching for a light but moisturising cream to apply to my
under eye area in the morning. It's difficult to find the right balance
between hydrating this area and not messing up the makeup. This one does
it. It's a staple.
Sisley sisleÿa eye and lip contour cream:
the complete splurge in my routine. I have naturally dry under eyes
area, not improved by using and removing eye makeup daily. This little
pot lasts nearly a whole year since I only apply it at night. I credit
this the only reason why my eye area doesn't look 15 years older than
the rest of my face (that's what it looked like 2 years ago before I
started using it). I apply whatever leftover I may have on my finger to
the lips.
By Terry baume de rose:
perfect even if expensive. It really works for my lips, apply it
evening and morning and my dry lips are maintained tip top condition
without flaking. Worth every penny.
Honourable mentions (including masks and exfoliators):
Emma Hardie rosehip exfoliating seeds:
bought it together with the cleanser, these are loose seeds to mix with
the moringa cleansing balm and achieve the desired level of
exfoliation. It takes time to find the right amount, the first time I
used it my skin turned red! But now I'm good at judging the right amount
and I use it once a week to renew the skin. Very nice for those like me
who don't enjoy chemical exfoliation.
Chantecaille jasmine and lily healing mask:
a marvellous, soothing mask that I apply on the follow up from
exfoliation. Hydrates my skin and keeps it from flaring up or reacting.
Can't ask for anything more.
Dermalogica daily microfoliant:
a very light exfoliator, to be mixed with wet hands. I use it when I
can't be bothered to do it properly with the Emma Hardie stuff. Can be
used daily.
Emma Hardie rejuvenating night cream:
it was the third Emma Hardie purchase; this is an enormous pot that
lasts forever. I find it too rich to use at night (since I already use
the oils) but it's perfect for the mornings :-D not as a moisturiser,
but as I go jogging every morning this is the ideal protection from the
cold and wind. I skip it in the very rare days when it's warm enough at 6
am.
Eve Lom cleanser and rescue mask:
somehow I always end up returning to this combination. When I feel like
a deeper at-home facial, I apply the cleanser (trying to follow the
massage instructions), steam my face, extract any blackheads and then
apply a generous layer of the rescue mask. It does the trick and saves
me the money of going for regular extractions.
WOW maybe you're still reading after ALL this. If so, I hope I could provide some help or information or at least rule out some expensive tests. I'm copying all this text to my skincare page for future reference, and will update it when changing my routine:
Again, a huge thank you for reading this :-)
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