The weather in the UK seems to go from one extreme to the other. From cold and frost bitten to baking hot and melting, the temperature rarely seems to strike the right balance. This is why having a good skincare routine is so important; take a second to think about what those harsh winds or strong sun rays are doing to your face.
I'm a firm believer in having a good skincare routine and follow the belief that the simpler it is, the better it is for your skin. Recently, I received an email from a reader telling me that she was suffering from bad acne with a list of all of the products that she was using on her face every day. I was shocked to see there were around 20 products on the email - and that didn't even include her makeup. This just shows the effect that too many products can have on your face.
I personally have a very basic skincare routine. A big believer of cleansing, I wash my skin every morning and night with a wash-off cleanser. My favourites are foaming cleansers and I always find myself continuously reaching for Sisley's Creamy Mousse Cleanser, £69.50, or Institut Esthederm's Osmoclean Pure Clean Foam, £26.40. These two products are extremely gentle but very effective, and they don't leave any tightness to the skin.
Next, I reach for my Sisley Sisleÿa Eye and Lip Contour Cream, £119. The texture is quite thick but it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. Once applied, your eyes feel instantly nourished and it's extremely calming around the eye area. What makes this product even better is its multi-tasking purposes, as this cream can also be used on the lip area.
Next I reach for my Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum, £48, after cleansing and apply two pumps. This serum works to battle fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and uneven skin tone, firms the skin and imparts radiance. The clever thing about this product is that it detects what part of your skin needs help and gets to work on your needs. For example, if you have dry skin with dark spots, it'll release the ingredients that are meant to target those particular issues and keep back all of the other ingredients. If your face feels dry after, you can follow with a moisturiser, though you may refrain from doing so in this hot weather to avoid feeling clammy!
If you want to moisturise and apply some coverage, I recommend the Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme CC Cream, £40. A moisturiser with SPF10, it evens out your skin tone and works to colour correct. It comes out of the tube in a pale grey shade, as it has small particles, so that when you rub it in, they're released to create a slight bronze colour.
Occasionally, I also may reach for my Aurelia Refine & Polish Miracle Balm, £57. Containing peptides and bioorganic oils, this balm uses enzymes and tiny polishing beads that help to improve the radiance of your skin. While remaining gentle, it works to get rid of anything that's clogging your pores. When you wash it off, you'll be left with super soft skin that will be able to absorb your skincare products more effectively; though only use it once or twice a week to avoid damaging the skin.
Do you have any products that you swear by for your morning routine? Let me know by leaving a comment below!