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?

My Current Make-Up Picks

 (From L - R)

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Natural Tan - I love this concealer for covering up any redness or blemishes as it doesn't accentuate any dry areas, the creamy texture is comfortable and sets nicely with powder.

MAC Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel - If you want to know how I've been using this product then see my most recent review here.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW25 - I rediscovered this concealer recently and I bloomin' LOVE it. It lasts all day. I use it under the eyes and I really recommend if you have trouble with concealers fading.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Foundation in BD50 - I am really enjoying this foundation at the moment and have a review coming for it soon so keep an eye out!

Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder - I've been liking this for setting my make-up but mostly my under-eye concealer work as it has quite a bit of coverage in it itself and the yellow colour helps to brighten darkness. 

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Arabesque - A really beautiful shade that I've been really enjoying wearing, it's a peachy pink shade with a creamy colour. Perfect for everyday and looks great with a neutral smokey eye.

MAC Eyeshadow in Espresso (Shades in my custom MAC palette from left-right: Satin Taupe, Naked Lunch, Soba, Espresso) - I've been using Espresso to smoke over my eyeliner to create a smokey but defined outline. I like to use browns on my eyes during the day as they are much less harsh than blacks and don't close up the eye as much.

MAC Pro Stainless Steel Palette - While in MAC Pro recently I picked this up on a whim and I must say it's brilliant and I use it everyday! I always used to pump product onto the back of my hand when applying my make-up which is just unnecessary mess and and some of the product always ends up sinking into your hand which is just a waste. I use this palette to dispense foundation and concealer onto and the finger hole makes it to easy to hold and use. I simply wipe it off with a wet cloth after and I'm all done! (This can only be found in MAC Pro stores and not online, it retails for around £15).

Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Peach Whisper - My favourite blush for everyday, it's a lovely peach colour that makes my cheeks look vibrant and full of life.

MAC Eye Pencil in Coffee - Probably my favourite eye pencil aside from MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy, Coffee is a deep brown colour that is really easy to apply and blends out nicely with a smokey eyeliner brush and some eyeshadow to create a smoked line.

Lancome Hypnose Mascara in 01 Noir - My favourite mascara at the moment! You can see my review on it here.

Illamasqua Brow Cake in Thunder - My brow product of choice for quite some time now, I use it with my MAC 204 and MAC 208 to get perfectly groomed brows. Review here.

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in 6 Warm Natural - I always take this powder out with me if I need to touch up during the day. It doesn't cake or look dry no matter how much I re-apply. A real staple for me at the moment, you can see my review on it here.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush (Core Collection)

Real Techniques Contour Brush (Core Core Collection)

MAC 204

MAC 208

Sigma Concealer - F70

Royal & Langnickel C465 Eye Fluff

What make-up are you currently reaching for? Have you tried any of these products?

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!

Review: Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara

Lancôme Hypnôse mascara in 01 Noir

It's safe to say that I love this mascara. I did have a MASSIVE relationship with Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara, however this one has beat it on a few factors. This is the non-waterproof version as I don't get on well with waterproof mascara formulas. Although they are long wearing, I hate getting them off and they always make my lashes feel stiff and unnatural. Despite this being non-waterproof, it wears extremely well and doesn't flake off or melt when my eyes get watery.

For starters I love the wand, I've always preferred bristle brush mascara wands despite the Max Factor having a large plastic one. This wand teamed with the inky, creamy texture of the mascara just does wonders. It coats the lashes with a plush and almost creamy layer of mascara which dries quite quickly and sets, preventing clumps. I have not had a clumpy mascara day with this one once!

The fact that it dries quickly allows you to be able to do more coats without it caking up and getting clumpy - so important. The brush is long and thin which is great for reaching the smaller lashes in the corners and the fact that it sets so well means that it doesn't flake all day. Some mascaras set quite dry which means they go flaky during the day, this one dries but doesn't make the lashes feel stiff, they are still slightly feathery to the touch and look quite glossy.

It's not the most volumizing mascara, however I prefer length over volume so this is perfect for me. It holds it's own when I wear it with eyeliner or a smokey eye, still making my lashes look lengthy and thick.

My Shu eyelash curlers

I always, always curl my lashes before I apply my mascara as it makes such a difference - my favourites are the Shu Uemura eyelash curlers, they are incredible!

Close-up: No mascara, uncurled lashes

Close-up: Lashes curled with Shu Uemura eyelash curlers and wearing two
coats of Lancôme Hypnôse mascara in 01 Noir

I have quite naturally long lashes that are dark and thick, but I am pleased with the outcome that this mascara gives, and I am VERY fussy with mascara! Very. 

What are your thoughts? Do you have an all time favourite mascara?