My skincare quick reviews: from cleansers to masks, stopping by beauty oils and eye creams [long post]

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.

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.

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 ;-)

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.

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 :-)