My Updated Skincare Routine (Sensitive Skin)

Welcome to a little impromptu two-part series that I've just thrown together to show you guys my updated skincare routine and storage! I last posted my routine at around this time last year and I've gone through a bit of a half-switch up as only a few products have changed. As you can see from the photos below, I use only budget-friendly high street products on my skin. Paired with drinking a lot of water, my skin's sensitivity, dryness and redness is tackled easily with these products.

 

As a side note, I'm really sorry about the quality of these photos, the weather has been so cloudy lately I had to make a mad dash to snap these before the sun disappeared again!

Left To Right: Back Row - Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Moisturiser // Johnson's Daily Essentials Exfoliating Wash // Boots Simply Sensitive Toner // L'Oreal Skin Perfection Miccellar Water // Boots Simply Sensitive Cleaning Lotion. Front Row - Planet Spa Mediterranean Olive Oil Face Mask Sachets // Johnson's Daily Essentials Day Cream // Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover // Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream

 

My Night Routine.

 

This is when I do the bulk of my skincare routine. First off, I use the Simple Eye Make-up Remover to remove all of my eye make-up (including waterproof mascara!). Next, I use the fail-safe combo of the Boots Simply Sensitive Toner & the Cleansing Lotion also from that range to double cleanse my skin. Finally, I'll apply a few dots of eye cream to my under eyes and coat my skin in a generous helping of either the Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Moisturiser or the Johnson's Day Cream depending on how tight and dry my skin is feeling.

 

Twice a week, I wedge in my little mask-and-exfoliation slice of the routine in after the double cleanse and before the application of moisturiser. I tend to leave a gap in between this stage and the cleanse, where I hop into the bath and give my skin a good steam with what comes off of the hot water. Then I scrub my skin with the Johnson's Exfoliating Wash, pull on some pyjamas and apply the Planet Spa Mediterranean Olive Oil face mask before jumping into bed with a good book (currently, a re-read of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).

 

My Morning Routine.

 

A little naughty of me, I know, but in the mornings I have other things to rush around and do rather than a good, in depth skincare routine. So a quick sweep over my skin with the L'Oreal Miccellar Water and another application of either of my two moisturisers and I'm good to go!

 

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I think when it comes to skincare, finding products that work for your skin is half the battle. The other half is that old cliché about a balanced diet and good water intake. Cliché as it may be, it's definitely true! Since ditching the fizzy drinks and drinking a lot more water, I not only feel rejuvenated in my energy levels but my dryness has definitely been helped. Overall, I'm very happy with my skincare routine, which is proven by my loyalty to the Boots Simply Sensitive Range ever since I discovered it last year.

 

What do you think of the products I use?

 

xx



Review: Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make Up Remover

For some reason, the one skincare product I have a love-hate relationship with is eye make-up remover. I've trialled many but they're just never up to scratch - they're always too oily, too drying, too sticky. And sadly, this is no exception. I'd had high hopes for my first Simple skincare product - they're well known for their suitability for sensitive skins and their natural-inspired ingredients list. And that part of this product is perfect - it doesn't irritate or sting my eyes and the fragrance-free, vitamin-enriched liquid doesn't dry out my skin at all. This is also a non-oil formula so it doesn't leave me greasy and is even good for use on waterproof make-up. However, it's the consistency that lets it down. I just find it far too sticky whilst in use and afterwards. My lashes become stuck together and my skin tacky to touch. It has a very smooth and very liquid consistency and yet it just doesn't glide over the skin very well. It does it's job as an eye make-up remover and it's bargain price is good but it just doesn't cut it as my product of choice when going through my skincare routine. This product retails for £3.25 from Boots for a 125ml bottle or if you opt for the tester size like I did it's priced at around £1.50.

xx

Testing, Testing: Skincare

 

I've always been afraid of mixing things up with my skincare routine: I fear tight, dry skin and angry, itchy red patches due to my skin's sensitivity. But I have tried to put a stop to such things over the past few weeks and have made some happy changes. I've introduced a new, thicker winter moisturiser and a super gentle exfoliant and have stepped things up a gear in the form of Christmas gifts: the Loreal Skin Perfection Water, the Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion and the Simple Eye Make-up Remover.

 

 

I'm yet to form rounded opinions on these three things, but I thought I'd give you guys an insight into what I've been testing over the past few weeks. I'm loving the L'oreal Water and have been using it for removing make-up and eye make-up before cleansing, or if I'm running late, I use this as a quick cleanser in itself. The Simple Eye-Make Up Remover has only had one use so far and although I find it a little sticky, it does it's job. As for the Clean & Clear option, I'm yet to delve into it just yet. The words 'deep cleansing' do make me a little nervous and I've been waiting for my social calendar to clear up a little, pending a reaction.

 

But as I say, I shall write up a post when I've made up my mind on these things, as well as an updated Skincare Routine soon!

 

xx

 

Review: Johnson's Daily Essentials Gentle Exfoliating Wash



My skin and I, we don't always see eye to eye.

I have dryness that requires exfoliating and oiliness that requires a good clay face mask, but my sensitivity leaves these requirements as wishes. I've experimented before with a few different products to fit these needs but they've always left my skin red and sore, meaning I've had an exfoliator-sized space in my skin care routine for quite a long time.

So following my renewed love with my Johnson's Daily Essentials Day Cream, I decided to branch out with the Johnson's brand and try their Daily Essentials Gentle Exfoliating Wash. Following my own advice given in one of my very first posts, my Sensitive Skincare Guide, the key words for me with this product were 'daily' and 'gentle'. Something suitable for daily use is always a lot less harsh than something that isn't and of course, 'gentle'  properties is a must have for someone with sensitive skin. Also, the fact that it is a exfoliating wash rather than a straight-up exfoliator was a plus as this lessens the harshness, too.

Moving onto the product itself. This face wash is a sort of creamy lotion that's enriched with tiny little exfoliating beads to help buff away dull, lifeless skin. You simply dampen your face with warm water, apply a little to your fingertips and work over the skin in a circular motion to really buff it into those flaky bits. Remove with more warm water, paying attention to those little beads to make sure all product has been removed. It does have a scent to it - it's quite a pleasant scent but it's certainly powerful. It's very similar to the smell of the Day Cream, just in a more concentrated form.

After using this wash last night, my skin feels lovely. There's a little redness afterwards but that's completely normal when exfoliating as it just means that you've invigorated the skin. I follow up with my Day Cream and my skin feels soft and smooth and looks fresher. I only needed the tiniest amount of moisturiser this morning when applying my foundation and I have hardly any flaky bits.

Overall I'm very happy to welcome this scrub into my skincare routine! I'm only planning on using it once or twice a week just to be on the safe side, but for someone with oily or really dry skin it'd be suitable for daily use.

Prices vary between £3 - £4 from places such as Superdrug or Sainsburys.

xx

Nivea Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover Review

 

 

Following a recent shake-up in my facial routine comes this eye make-up remover from Nivea (£1.60 on sale currently in Superdrug). Up until recently I was bleeding the last few drops of my L'Oreal Plentitude Eye Make-Up Remover dry but sadly it's time's passed and has now been dumped into my Empties box (post coming soon).

 

Personally, I can't live without eye make-up remover. Similar to my sensitive skin, my eyes are always at war with whatever other products I try and use on them, meaning that they become red, itchy and irritated but clinging on to the mascara.

 

To be perfectly honest, when I rushed out to purchase a replacement, I didn't think I'd come home with this one - and now I kind of know why.

 

I can't say I hate it exactly, but we certainly don't have the friendliest relationship. The product itself is basically moisturising oil and soothing water sharing a bottle - something that is actually really cool to look at, but not necessarily to use. I personally prefer using oil-free make-up removers and I wouldn't go for this one under different circumstances, but I got distracted by how unique it looked! 

My first issue with this product is that in order to blend the two parts together to create the full make-up remover, you have to shake the bottle. A LOT. I mean literally, this requires at least two minutes of vigorous shaking before it's suitable to use - resulting in me quite often skipping using this in favour of warm water on cotton pads (shame on me!)
 

 

 

 My second annoyance is the cap of the bottle, where the product gets dispensed. It's a tiny hole in the long white cap that requires even more shaking to get any out, and when it does come out it released in irregular squirts which I always manage to get everywhere.

 

On the upside, the oil is very moisturising which usually means I don't have to use an eye cream and it's not too harsh on my sensitive skin. But, despite it's superficial beauty, if I were to need an eye make-up remover again, I wouldn't reach for this one.

 

I'm sorry that this review was a bit of a negative one, but I feel that I show so often the products that I'm loving and don't really give an insight to ones that I'm not getting on with!



Hope you're all feeling well xo



My Skincare Routine (Sensitive Skin)

Hi everyone!

Ever since I started my Skincare Guide (sensitive edition here & oily edition here) I've been saying I'm going to give my final verdicts on my personal products and I've never gotten around to it. But I've finally had time to sit down and write this post, (plus I think that using the products for as long as I have can give me a more rounded opinion on them) and so without further a do here's what I thought!

L'Oreal Plentitude Gentle Eye Make Up Remover // Boots Simply Sensitive Cleansing Lotion // Boots Simply Sensitive Gently Refreshing Toner // Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Moisturiser // Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream

I might as well start with a brief outline of my skin type. I've given a more thorough description in my sensitive skincare guide, where you can also find advice and 'diagnositic' tips if you have sensitive skin, but I'll just give you the basics. 

My skin is partly dry (mostly on my forehead and nose), sometimes a little red (on my cheeks), sometimes oily (during a certain time of the month) but over all extremely sensitive. I can't use any brand of facial wipes (not even Simple), and most exfoliators leave me very red and sore so it's always a bit of a struggle to find products that suit my needs.

I think it's safe to say I've found them! All of the Boots Simply Sensitive range contain no fragrance and no colour, plus it's infused with soothing aloe vera which is a sensitive/red skin super ingredient! 

Simply Sensitive Cleansing Lotion 

I adore this cleanser! This lotion is the sort that you wipe over skin with a cotton pad (I use two at a time, plus I double cleanse) and wipe off with the toner. At first I was a little skeptical, feeling this would leave my skin feeling heavy with product and, quite frankly, more dirty than before. But I actually prefer not having to use water! It's the perfect lazy girl cleanser - I cleanse whilst I'm in bed! I always double cleanse, the first cleanse acting as a make-up removal and the second a deeper skin cleanse and I always find my cotton pads coming away clear on the second round! My skin feels more nourished and smooth, plus looks so clear. I hardly have any blemishes - it also works well during my oily spells!

Simply Sensitive Gently Refreshing Toner

I use this toner to remove the final traces of cleansing lotion from my skin and to close pores. A little amount on one cotton pad is enough for a quick wipe-over, and it leaves my skin feeling refreshed. My skin has accepted this very willingly, and it doesn't leave me feeling tight and sore like some others I've tried! Love it.

L'Oreal Plentitude Gentle Eye Make Up Remover

I've had this make-up remover for a long time, but it had been stored away with my other beauty rejects for future reference until I was pawing through the drawer the other day and found it again! I've always struggled with removing my eye make-up as most make-up wipes leave my skin burning but this product does the trick nicely! I use two cotton pads (one for each eye), and simply hold the pad on my eyelid for 3 - 5 seconds before wiping downwards and it removes all traces of make-up so quickly! This is also a must-have if you have Eyelash Extensions as it's oil free and wont effect the glue.

Simply Sensitive Hydrating Moisturiser

I've suffered from severely dry skin on my forehead and nose for as long as I can remember, meaning that for a good part of my make-up wearing life I've had to avoid any power-based products (including face powder, sigh!) but this moisturiser sorts out my dry skin easily. I apply twice a day - once in the morning before I put on my make-up and once at night at the end of my skincare routine and it leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated without looking oily or shiny.

Simply Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream

I'll admit this isn't a regular in my skincare routine. However, I am prone to flakiness all around my eye area and this cream sorts out dryness really well. It isn't too thick and doesn't take forever to sink in, meaning I can apply make-up within minutes!

You can buy the Boots Simply Sensitive range here. Prices vary between £2.49 - £3.79. (However these products are regularly on sale so keep an eye out!)

What products do you use on your sensitive skin?

xo 

A Guide To Skincare: Sensitive Skin

At first glance, most people wouldn't assume my skin is sensitive. Although, really, it all depends on what phase my skin is going through at the time. Usually (75% of the time) my skin is fairly even-toned, a little dry but not really prone to any tightness and redness. But once a month, for a few days (I'm sure you can work out why!) my skin becomes incredibly oily, shiny and really spotty. And if you take these things into consideration my skin-type could be any number of things: dry, normal, oily and combination. When really, it is sensitive. 

Sensitive skin is quite easy to diagnose - if it becomes tight/very red/sore at mild stimulus's EG. wind or gentle exfoliation it is probably sensitive. Also, sensitive skin is usually associated with dryness or pale skin. It can become irritated from anything ranging to over-exposure to the sun, to pollution in the air, or even the over-use of current skincare products. 

So, what products do you use? It depends on how sensitive your skin is. Mine isn't a particularly severe case, although a friend of mine's is particularly difficult. The trick is to work out a routine, test products singularly to gauge your skin's reaction and to pin-point which areas of your skin are the most sensitive. Some people have to avoid the cheek area when exfoliating (me!), whereas some have to avoid the forehead. 

Essential Words: When purchasing skincare, always read the back of the bottle. Even if a product is suitable for 'every skin type', it's probably going to be too harsh for your skin. Always make sure it specifically states it's suitability for sensitive skin. Lean towards cleansing lotions and milks for a sensitive skin as these are more nourishing than gels or foams. Avoid any clay or mud masks as these extract moisture from the skin are are usually used to treat oily skin types. Also, check if the product is a 'skin friendly' PH - this means it will cleanse without altering the skin's natural state. Look out for products containing Aloe Vera, as it's weirdly close to the skin's natural PH which means it helps soothe and moisturise skin without irritation. 

Here are my favorite skincare products for caring for my very sensitive skin!

At home:

I quite like these products. At first I started out using the Moisturiser and the Eye Cream when I found them in the sale in Boots (half price) but at that point I was having weekly Dermalogica Facials at college and didn't want to over-work my skin by introducing another round of products as it was so sensitive. But now, as we draw closer to the end of the course, my facials are becoming less and less frequent so I thought it was about time I invested in some products for use at home. The Cleanser and Toner are only recent additions to my routine (after months of testing out other products with no success) and I'm liking them so far but am going to reserve judgement until the end of the week when I will give my final verdict.

Prices range from £2.49 - £4.99. Available from most Boots stores.

The only other Skincare Brands I would really recommend for sensitive skin would be Simple and Dermalogica. I've never used Simple's products (a friend of mine has similar skin problems to mine and she found it too harsh), but I have used Dermalogica first hand and would really recommend them to anyone looking for high-end products. You could alternatively book into a salon/spa/college salon for monthly Dermalogica facials if you don't want to invest in the products yourself. Prices are avaliable on request from salons, colleges and spas in your area.

So I hope that helped some of you! I know what a nightmare finding the right skincare can be but I'm planning on adding additional parts to this skincare guide for Normal, Dry, Oily and Combination skin types soon!

xo