My Skincare Steps for Clean, Clear and Healthy Skin

I thought I would pen a post dedicated to the steps I take to keep my skin in a condition that I'm really happy with, and that I have lived by for quite some time now. I tend to switch up the products that I use quite a lot, but the general routine stays the same.

I'd just like to say before I get into it, that these steps work really well for me. They might not work as well for anyone else as everyone has different skin, different concerns and different skin behaviour. Keeping this in mind, I would recommend these steps as they have worked wonders for my skin, just remember that every one is different and personal preference/skin type plays a huge role in any skincare routine!

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1.  Double Cleanse:

Every morning and every night, I always, always double cleanse. Now this might seem unnecessary to some, but after much observation over the sink with a white flannel, it has become apparent to me that my skin can't get completely clean with one wash. I always, always have more make-up and more dirt and residue on my flannel after a second cleanse and especially if you are a make-up wearer, I feel this step is essential.  At night, I normally use a cream cleanser to get of the majority of make-up and grime from the day, and the same goes for in the morning when removing all the dirt and sweat that happens at night when you sleep. I then use a cleansing balm as a second cleanse to make sure all dirt and make-up is gone and my skin is completely clean and fresh. (I always use my cleansers dry for massaging in the product and dissolving the make-up and grime, and add a wet flannel to 'rinse'). 

This step has really, really shown a difference in my skin as I used to have quite congested skin, especially in my t-zone area. Lots of blackheads and build up in the nose and micro-bumps on my forehead. Also if I just so happen to fall asleep without removing my make-up (which is very, very rare) I always wake up in the morning with a spot - I kid you not. Which signals to me just how important it is to make sure that the skin is clean at all times, and by clean I don't mean stripped and squeaky clean by using foaming cleansers or acne face washes, no no no, I stay away from those. By using a creamy cleanser and a balm, it makes sure than my make-up has been dissolved thoroughly and broken down, while providing comfort and moisture for my skin with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that these types of cleansers have. 

My favourite cleansers that I tend to rotate and re-purchase are:

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (review),

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleasner (review),

Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Creamy Cleanser,
Fushi Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil,
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm,

and Balance ME Pure Skin Face Wash.

2. Double Toner: 

Yep that's right, another double! I like to use two different types of toner - one that is exfolating and resurfacing called a 'chemical exfoliant', followed by a softening toner that is hydrating and plumping. I am currently using Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 as my chemical exfoliant and it is fantastic. For my softening toner I am currently using an all time favourite of mine which is the Lancome Tonique Douceur which I will again be repurchasing soon as it is nearing the end. I use the exfoliating one first to resurface my skin and help to break down any dead skin cells and create environment where spots and blemishes can't occur, the P50 in particular feels quite tingly when applied and is very concentrated, over time it has left my skin feeling smooth, supple and refined. The softening toner comes after as this helps to soften and smooth the skin ready for make-up by hydrating and calming the skin after the chemical exfoliant. This softening step is important for me as it creates a great base for moisturiser to go on top and ensures that my skin is soothed and soft ready for my make-up. I usually use both in the morning and at night, but since the weather has gotten a bit warmer in the UK, I have only been using the Lotion P50 at night as the chemical exfoliants can sensitise the skin to sun damage. I always make sure I use an SPF daily anyway, but by taking this extra precaution in the summer I am being sure that I am protecting my skin from harm. 

Other softening toners I enjoy using are:

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic (DI-VINE!!),

and Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris.

3. Treatment/Serum: 

After I have cleansed and toned, I make sure I follow with a treatment/serum to inject a little extra repair into my skin. Serums work from the bottom of the skin up, while moisturisers work from the top of the skin down. By using both I am making sure that my skin is getting maximum replenishment and repair. In the daytime, I use a pore minimising serum which is the Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimising Skin Refinisher serum and it is seriously, seriously good. This makes my skin feel silky smooth and has lots of retexturizing and hydrating benefits which help to keep my make-up looking fresh all day and my skin looking smooth in texture. I sometimes use my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II  (post) in the morning also, but I have mostly been using it as my night time treatment. These treatments work to target concerns that I may have with my skin, which mainly include texture, even tone and hydration. Serums and treatments should be chosen suited on your particular skincare concerns so that you get the results that you want. Of course, I always follow these with a moisturiser. Other serums I really love are:

Hydraluron Serum by Indeed Labs (review here),

and Lancome Genefique Serum.

  4. Eye Cream:

I always use an eye cream, every day, every morning and night. As the eye area is 40% thinner than the rest of the face, it is important to use eye creams as they are specifically designed for that delicate area. I find this step essential for helping me look awake and hydrated under my eyes and help to diminish fine lines and darkness. I especially make sure I have eye cream on if I am wearing make-up, particularly concealer as it tends to look dry and scaly under the eye if the area isn't properly moisturised and hydrated.

My favourites include:

Emu Oil Well Moisturising Eye Cream,
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye,
Estee Lauder Advanced Time Zone Eye Cream,

and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion.

5. Lip Balm:

I always apply lip balm in the morning when I am doing my morning routine, during the day liberally and at night time too. Hydrated lips are really important, and I make sure that if I'm out in the sun, I'm using one that has an SPF in as lips can burn too and are prone to sun damage like the rest of the skin. It's important not to neglect the lips and regular application of a hydrating lip product can keep them from looking chapped and feeling dry resulting in lovely soft and smooth lips... mmmm :-)

Lip balms that I use are:

Blistex MedPlus Balm,

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser,
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream,

and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15.

6. SPF:

On the daily, I tended to use my foundation as an SPF and my Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation has an SPF of 10. I am also a fan of Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 as it goes on really nice under make-up and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy. However recently, I picked up No7 Anti-Dark Spot Sun Protection in SPF50 (for face), predominantly for my holiday at the end of this month, but I have been using it daily under make-up and I must say I am very impressed. I always have some kind of SPF on my face, every day. (I shall review the No7 soon).

7. Face Masks:

I always like to have a couple of face masks on the go to use once or twice a week to give my skin a little treat or a boost. My favourite face masks to use are by Lush and are always a pleasure to use. They give great results and contain natural ingredients which help the skin in different ways depending on which one you go for. I tend to always go for Brazened Honey which I have reviewed here, although I had been enjoying Ayesha a month or so ago.. Another face mask I really enjoy using is the Alba Botanica Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask which contains Papaya to eat away at dead skin and leave a smooth surface without impurities.

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So those are the steps that I take to keep my skin looking clear and healthy, and I hope/think that in the long run it will keep my skin looking tip top even when I'm 90 *fingers crossed*.

There is a quote by the famous and beautiful Coco Chanel that has always stayed with me, and that is:

"Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have to fifty"

Did you find this post helpful? 

What do you do to look after your skin?

Bedtime Beauty - Night Time Skincare Picks

So last night while I was getting ready for bed, I thought I'd post a quick snapshot to Instagram of what skincare I used after cleansing and the products I've been enjoying the most for bedtime recently.

I started off by double cleansing, as I always do. I might write about some of my skincare tips that help me keep clear, even skin as there are things I do all the time that are part of my routine which I believe work wonders. To cleanse, I used my Superfacialist by Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser and my Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm afterwards. I really like these both for night time as they are really nourishing. 

Clean skin ready, I then went in with my Lancôme Tonique Doucer which is probably my favourite toner of all time. It's really softening and hydrating on the skin and is great as make-up prep too. I then follow at night time with my Biologique Recherché Lotion P50 which is quite a strong toner/pre-moisturiser prep product. It has lots of acids and chemical exfoliants in that help to really really smooth the skin and get the best from your moisturiser. This product has helped my skin so much with micro bumps between my eyebrows which were quite bad before I started using this. I've been avoiding this for daytime use since the weather has been much hotter in the UK as it can make your skin much more sensitive to the harmful rays of the sun, so I am just using this in the evenings. 

I then followed those two toners (I always tend to double tone too) with my Emu Oil Well Moisturising Eye Cream which I have reviewed here and still love. I then used Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II serum which is beautiful for night time nourishment.

Lastly as I was feeling special I doubled up on moisturiser - I used a sample of Chanel Sublimage La Creme which I am thoroughly enjoying and has a beautiful texture - it feels really nourishing and hydrating but not heavy or too rich. I also used a sachet sample of Estée Lauder Re-Nutrive Intensive Renewal Creme which is also very nourishing like the Chanel but sinks in really nicely and leaves my skin feeling plump. 

As a final finishing touch I used my lip balm of choice Nûxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm in the stick form, not the jar. I love this lip balm as it actually hydrates long term and I've not had dry lips since using this, previous to using it I used to get very dry, flaky lips - result! 

Excessive as it may seem, that was my night time skincare all done and I felt oh so good for it too. My skin has been looking particularly smooth in texture and very clear in tone and redness which has been great. 

I will do a post soon on the skincare tips that work for me and I hope that they will help others too if they decide to try any. 

What are your current favourite products for bedtime? 

15/03/13 - Feeling Ill and Dehydrated

I posted this picture on Instagram (@cocomykel) the other day of the products I'd used in the morning to try and perk my skin up a bit. I've been a bit ill the past week and that particular morning my skin was feeling really dry and tight. After cleansing with Nude Cleansing Oil and Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, I toned using Biologique Recherche P50 which is a product I got recently that I've been really eager to try, but not traditionally a toner. It's quite a strong liquid containing lots of exfoliating ingredients such as Glycolic Acid to purify and exfoliate the surface of your skin to reveal clearer and more smooth skin. I'm yet to write about it on the blog as I want to use it for a bit longer first, but I'm really impressed so far. I then followed it up with Hydraluron Serum which I've been using for ages and you can read about it in my review here. For moisturiser, I actually used a night cream as I was just around the house and running a few errands so I wasn't wearing any make-up. I used the Trilogy Age Proof Replenishing Night Cream which is another recent purchase after my previous night cream had run out. This stuff is so concentrated, unbelievably so, and feels so luxurious on the skin. It contains lots of lovely ingredients such as Omega 3, 6 and 9, Hyaluronic acid, Marula Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Olive Oils. The consistency is thick but melts gorgeously into skin and feels really hydrating without being greasy. Really, really enjoying this so far. I then finished off with my favourite eye cream Emu Oil Well Moisturising Eye Cream and my go-to lip balm at the moment the Nuxe Reve De Miel lip balm in the stick form (as I have long nails and the pot version would be a nightmare!)

After all this (phew!) my skin felt comfortable and hydrated all day which makes such a difference when you're feeling rough.

What are your favourite products when you're feeling under the weather?

Skincare of the evening - Mon 11th Feb

Instagram Username: cocomykel

I posted this pic on my Instagram feed the other night of the products I used on my skin before bed. Aside from the cleansers I used, which I will talk about soon, I used these to hydrate and nourish my skin overnight. These are all products that I love, and most of them I use every night.

Clockwise from left to right:

Lancome Tonique Douceur

Emu Oil Well Moisturising Eye Cream

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm

TRI-Peptox Collagen+ Overnight Recharge

REN Omega 3 Night Repair Serum

Hydraluron Serum

Have you tried any of these products? I have already spoken about the Lancome 
toner, the eye cream, and Hydraluron in previous posts so you can use the 'search' bar

to look those products up!