My very unsexy (but life-changing) guide to skincare products I swear by.
Beauty | a list of my favourite products and why I love them.
I may not be a skincare guru, but I’m passionate about taking care of my skin and giving it the love it deserves. I’ve always suffered with breakouts and it’s something I’ve continually battled with my whole life. At 26, I experienced a bout of adult acne and decided to take Roaccutane, which completely transformed my skin for the better. The severe acne never returned, but I still deal with occasional spots and scarring.
As winter takes hold, I’ve noticed the colder weather doing a number on my skin, leaving it dry and dull. This season, I’ve decided to make it my mission to refine my skincare routine, focusing on products and practices that plump, hydrate, and uplift my skin.
When temperatures drop, so does the moisture in the air. That’s why I’m making hydration a top priority. Switching to richer, nourishing creams and serums has become my go-to strategy to combat dryness. I’m also layering my skincare more thoughtfully to seal in hydration and give my skin the plump, healthy look I love.
Throughout my journey on Instagram, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to try and test some of the most luxurious skincare brands available, but one thing I’ve learned is that not all high-end products are made for every skin type - especially mine.
As someone with sensitive skin, I’ve found that many products, despite their high price tags and beautiful packaging, tend to irritate my skin and cause breakouts. It’s frustrating because you expect premium products to work wonders, but instead, they can wreak havoc on your skin barrier.
One common issue I’ve noticed is the use of strong fragrances in many skincare lines. While synthetic scents can make the products feel indulgent, they don’t sit well with my skin. Fragrances are a common irritant and can easily disrupt the delicate balance of your skin, oh and your hormones! something I’m looking into at the moment.
Of course, I’m not saying every high-end product is a no-go for sensitive skin. There are gems out there that work beautifully and provide real results. The key is to focus on ingredient lists and prioritise gentle, soothing formulations over the hype.
So here’s a very real list of all the products I use to keep my skin in top condition.
Dr Dennis Gross LED face mask - I have used this LED face mask consistently over the past three years and it’s still my absolute go-to when my skin is in need of some life. Featuring blue light for acne and red light for fine lines and wrinkles - a boujee spend but worth the hype.
Organic Phamarcy Retinol - I have tried many retinols over the years and found nearly all of them break me out. Skincare experts often say it’s just your skin “purging” and that things will settle down eventually but in all honesty, I can’t stand waking up with acne in the hope that my skin might look radiant weeks down the line and there’s no guarantee it will, and after spending so much of my life dealing with acne, I’m not willing to put my skin through unnecessary breakouts. The Organic Pharmacy retinol is incredible and works wonders on my skin, a gentle serum for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and loss of firmness. Works overnight to boost collagen and restore radiance and elasticity.
L’Oreal Revitalift Filler cream - This collection has been such a standout for me recently. From their creams to serums, this range is nothing short of incredible. Perfect for everyday wear, with or without makeup, and I also use it in the evening. The Revitalift Filler has become a staple in my skincare routine. Its lightweight, yet deeply nourishing, texture absorbs beautifully, leaving my skin feeling hydrated without any greasiness.
L’Oreal Revitalift Filler serum - I use morning and night teamed with the Revitalift cream.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplasy baume B5+ - Perfect for those dealing with hormonal breakouts or particularly dry skin. It’s also excellent for soothing razor burns or cuts. Best used as an evening cream, as it can pill with makeup, or as a perfect go-to for no-makeup days.
Caudalie Grape Water spray Last year, I was flying back from Greece with a stopover in Rome before my connecting flight to France. After days in the sun, using a mix of different facial sunscreens, and admittedly not drinking enough water, my skin was not in a good place, It was dry, irritated, and completely out of balance. I was desperate to find something to soothe and hydrate my skin. I stumbled across the Caudalie Grape Water spray, and I’ve never looked back. I use it a few times a day over skincare or makeup to lock in all that moisture.
Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic -I do love a toner to gently exfoliate the skin, but I’m very wary of overdoing it as I know this can mess up your skin barrier. However, the Liz Earle tonic is so gentle and leaves your skin glowy. I use this twice a week.
Superdrug Microfiber Cloths - This might shock some of you, but I stopped cleansing my face about a year ago, and it has helped dramatically with my skin. I now only use them with warm water to remove makeup. I have tried lots of different types of microfiber cloths, and these are the ones I truly love. They remove all makeup residue and are super soft.
Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel - Does exactly what it says on the tin. Great if you wake up with a lovely little friend or feel one creeping in on you in the evening.
L'occitane Overnight Re-set serum - A great evening staple, a beautiful mix of serum and lightweight oil. I switch between this and the L'Oréal Revitalift serum every other evening.
Tan-Luxe The Face drops The best tan drops out there, mix with your everyday cream for the ultimate glow.
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