My Skincare Storage

Hello everyone! And welcome to part two of my little skincare series, the first part showing my updated skincare routine. Here I'm going to show you how I store my skincare bits and pieces, as well as a few other things that share the drawer.

 

As you can see, this little drawer (which is the top drawer of my TV stand by my bed) has been split into four separate sections, each holding different things. The bottom left box is an old sweet box, similar to the one I use for my make up storage, as is the box on the top left which is actually an old take-out box that has been washed several times before using. The top right is an old tin that I received as part of a lip balm gift set (minus the lid) and the bottom right is just the last little gap of drawer that was sectioned off by the other storage pieces.

 

The bottom left box holds most of my skincare bits and pieces: my Boots Simply Sensitive Toner & Cleansing Lotion (which I have a back-up of), the L'Oreal Miccellar Water, an Avon Peel-Off Mask, the Avon Eye Make-Up Removing Lotion and a Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion. The top left box holds a few fake tanners that I never use, mostly the Primark Wash Off Tan but there's a bottle of a Fake Bake tanner in there, too. The top right tin holds a few Lee Stafford hair minis which I adore, as well as a few Primark hand sanitizers, a random pot of glitter and a spare Jelly Belly lip balm. The bottom right section is my favourite section. It holds my Johnson's Day Cream (as well as a back-up), a pack of Primark Sensitive face wipes, my M&S Coconut and Shea Butter body butters and a few small sachets of the Avon Mediterranean Olive Oil face masks which I adore.

 

So there you have it. That's how I store most of my skincare products! Aside from a few other bits such as my Boots moisturiser (which I keep by my bed side) and my Johnson's Exfoliating Wash (which is stashed in my bath room), I hoard everything in here. I find the organisation so handy for when I'm preparing for bed and just think it looks pretty, too. (I'm an organisation freak)

 

xx

 

 

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

Christmas Gifting: For The Girls (Mum, Sister, Mother-In-Law)

Hello lovelies! I hope you're all well and feeling prepared and excited for Christmas.

 

Today I thought I'd give you guys a little sneak peek into what I'm going to be gifting people for Christmas this year. Don't worry, there's no chance of any of these people finding out about their gifts: most of them don't even know I run this blog! My boyfriend and I were on a strict £10 per person budget this year so I thought I'd show you guys in case you needed a little budget inspiration. I'm very very happy with what we've bought and think all of the individual people are going to adore their gifts!

 

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My little sister is only 6 years old but has definitely fallen in love with what she calls a 'spa bath' which is to say a lovely warm bath with a lush bath bomb and a delicious lit candle (of course she is supervised at all times!) so this year for Christmas I thought I'd stop her hacking into my Lush stash and give her the beginnings of one of her own.

 

 

Of course the obvious choice was FUN: Lush's 5-in-1 product that acts as a shower gel, bubble bath, shampoo, soap and a sort of play-dough. We chose the Limited Edition gold version (although they do offer five other shades that are permanent in the Lush range) which has the same scent as their Honey I Washed The Kids soap. This was £5. Next we decided upon the Space Girl bath bomb which is shaped like a planet and is dusted with glitter. This has a blackberry scent and is packed with popping candy which I'm sure she's going to love! This was £2.25. From Tesco I picked up the bauble filled with miniature bath bombs which was on sale for £1.50 and should keep her going for a while. Finally her last two gifts I got at Sainsbury's: the pink Smarties tube (£1) and the Ice Cream Print Notebook (on sale for 89p). I just have to get some accompanying felt tip pens and she's all sorted!

 

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Honestly this year the hardest person to buy for was my mum. Whilst she likes candles and perfumes she isn't the sort of person who enjoys long soaks in the tub or slowing down with a good novel - trust me, I've tried to sway her - so I decided that instead of giving her something to help her relax, I'd gift her something I know she'll actually use.

 

 

 

 

 

I dreamed up this sort of survival pack to keep in her bag when she goes to work. It contains chewing gum, lip balm, mini hand sanitisers, nail varnish remover wipes and her favourite Hand Food hand cream by Soap & Glory. As a little nod towards the pampering side of things I also threw in her favourite Barry M Nail Varnish - Mushroom. The lip balm, chewing gum, hand sanitiser and nail varnish wipes I picked up in the Poundshop but the Hand Food and Barry M Nail Varnish I got from Boots.

 

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My boyfriend's Mum was also quite difficult to buy for this year as she's the direct opposite of my mum - she loves a good pamper - but has really sensitive skin so can be allergic to some things she's received for Christmas over the years. I thought the safest bet was to go back to Lush and pick up her favourite Porridge soap: a lovely soap packed with porridge oats to help gently exfoliate and sooth skin. The good thing about Lush's soaps is that you can choose a piece to suit any budget (as long as it's over 100g). We also got her two Butterball bath bombs for their soothing cocoa butter and delicious scent as she prefers the simpler bath bombs that doesn't require her 'picking rose petals out of the bath' as she once told me. The Bath Bombs were £2.50 each so we got her a £5 piece of soap to make up her £10!

 

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As for my best friend - she does know about my blog and even though I told her I'd be posting her gifts so not to go on here, she might do just because I asked her not to. So I'm afraid I'll be keeping her gifts as a secret just in case!

 

I hope you enjoyed this post and have hopefully gotten a few more ideas for last minute gifts! I should hopefully be posting a 'Boyfriend Edition' of this post as I haven't wrapped his presents up yet but that wont be for a few days.

 

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

 

xx

Review: Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing Day Cream

 

 

Following a recent summer-winter swap in my skincare routine, I've re-discovered this little beauty: Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing Day Cream for Dry Skin. I'd found that my usual Boots Simply Sensitive Moisturiser just wasn't up to scratch for the colder months and the tight, flaky skin that comes with it and was looking for a thicker, more nourishing cream to replace it with. During my earlier teenage years I'd been a big fan of this moisturiser and had forgotten about it once I'd used it all, but scouring the shelves in my local Sainsbury's I found this again - and also on offer for just £2 (normal price £4)!

 

 

 

This day cream has a thick, luxurious consistency that isn't at all heavy and greasy or long drying - I simply apply a light covering all over my face following my cleansing and toning routine, leave it to sink in for a few moments and apply my foundation right on top. It creates the perfect base for my make-up and helps fight against flakiness through-out the day. You don't even need a lot of it - I just tap my finger gently onto the surface and gain enough to cover at least half of my face.

 

It's also very aesthetically pleasing, too. It comes in a little glass jar with a pink screw-top lid that rests inside of it's own little cardboard box. I think it's really cute and makes it seem a lot more luxurious and expensive than if it was in a squirty bottle like most other moisturisers. The cream itself looks so deliciously buttery and smooth and is literally packed to the brim of the jar. 

 

The SPF 15 that this cream contains is an essential all year round and paired with my Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation, keeps my skin protected from the suns rays (even if they are behind the clouds). It's also packed with nourishing nutrients which leaves your skin super soft without a heavy greasy residue.

 

Overall Thoughts:

 

This is the perfect winter moisturiser - it's nourishing properties keeps flaky skin at bay whilst still containing SPF to keep your skin protected. The price is so perfect - just £4 for a cream that will last you forever due to the fact you only need a tiny dab at a time. The packaging in itself is lovely and makes me think of more high-end products.

 

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



A Guide To Skincare: Dry Skin

Hellooooo!

I started off this series of posts right at the end of April but shamefully have only published the Oily (here) and the Sensitive (here) editions! *slap on the wrist*

However, I'm here today with the Dry Skin edition (at last). 

My own personal skin type is sensitive/dry, which basically means I use cleansers, toners, exfoliators ect designed for sensitive skin but I tend to go for moisturizers developed for dry skin as they're normally a lot more nourishing. 

'Diagnosing' a dry skin is generally a visual thing. The skin is obviously flaky either all over the face or on specific areas (eg the nose or cheeks) due to insufficient oil and moisture production. Most of the time these flakes can become detached from the face at gentle stimulus's very easily. This skin type is prone to premature aging (boo!), meaning wrinkles develop early, especially around the eyes. However blackheads and open pores are less likely after puberty. 

So, what products do you use? The 'superhero' products for dry skins are definitely a luxurious, thick moisturising cream and a gentle exfoliator. In my next point I'll explain what to look out for in cleansers, toners and face masks including the types of products and essential ingredients.

Essential Words: When purchasing a cleanser, learn towards lotions, milks or balms. These are a lot more nourishing than other cleansers. Avoid the use of foam cleansers as these are designed to suck the moisture out of the skin and are used when treating oily skin. Essential oils (I like to use coconut) are always good to lock in extra moisture, and can be mixed with a moisturiser. Moisturising creams that come in a pot are a lot thicker than lotions that come in a bottle and are more 'heavy duty' when it comes to treating dryness. Aloe Vera is also good to look out for - it's nourishing and soothing without irritating the skin. 

Personally, my all time favourite brand to use on my dryness is Johnsons, but I've also included a few others that have come highly recommended! 

1. Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing Cleansing Lotion - £3.29, Boots.

2. Nivea Double Effect Eye Make Up Remover - £3.59, Boots

3. LUSH Skin Drink Moisurising Cream - £11.95, LUSH

4. Montagne Jeunesse Dry Skin Mask - 90p, Primark

5. Nivea Facial Cleansing Wipes - £2.99, Boots

6. Johnsons Daily Essentials Nourishing 24 Hour Day Cream (with SPF 15) - £4.09, Boots

Now, I know I've said this a million times, but investing in monthly facials will significantly help with the look and feel of your skin. Check out college salons for great treatments at bargain prices, or perhaps have a birthday treat and go to a spa or salon? 

So I hope that helped! If you have any recommendations of products to put into this list leave a comment and I'll add it in.

What products do you use on your dry skin?

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: Oily Skin

Hey guys!

So I'm back with the next part of my Skincare Guide with the Oily Skin edition. (You can read the sensitive skin edition here).

Usually, in the college salon, I find a lot of clients come to us with more oily skin types than any other. And I think this is because oily skin is generally the type that looks and feels like it needs more caring for. It can develop at any age, although it tends to hit once puberty begins and can gradually get better or worse as the time goes on. Some people find that their oiliness plays up during certain times of the month (me!) or changes of the season where-as others struggle with it constantly. 

Diagnosing an oily skin type is dependent on both visual and 'textured' symptoms. The skin is shiny and greasy to touch, plus prone to breakouts and blackheads. Acne generally accompanies this skin type, which also means redness and infection may be present. Other visual symptoms include enlarged pores and an overall sallow/yellow-ish tone.

So, what products do you use? Cleansers, exfoliators and face masks are the most popular products people use to treat oily skin, as some feel that adding a moisturiser into their routine would make their condition worse - which is entirely not the case. After the use of the appropriate cleanser, toner and exfoliator it is essential to re-introduce the moisture that the previous products have sucked out. Which leads me on to my next point...

Essential Words: Clay and Mud based products are the most effective to use on oily skin, as they draw out any excess moisture and oil the skin produces. These can be used in facial cleansers, but are usually found within face masks. Foaming cleansers are also good for extracting oil and moisture from the skin. Witch Hazel and Tea Tree are key ingredients to look out for, as they naturally help to calm redness and fight infection. Lean towards moisturing lotions that come in a bottle rather than thicker creams that come in a pot - not only will this stop bacteria spreading, the lotion will be light enough on the skin without aggravating the oil glands.

Now, I don't have oily skin so I can't give honest verdicts on these products but here are a few that previous clients have been happy with using and a few oily-skinned friends have recommended!

1. Lush Tea Tree Toner Water - £3.95 - £7.25. Lush.

2. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Scrub - £3.99. Boots.

3. Clean & Clear Dual Action Oil-Free Moisturiser - £3.59. Boots.

4. Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Foaming Cleanser - £3.59. Boots.

5. Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask - £12.00. The Body Shop.

6. Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser - £27.00. Dermalogica.co.uk

The best way to deal with oily skin is to double cleanse, tone and moisturise daily along with weekly face masks and exfoliation every 2 - 3 days. Of course, like I said in the sensitive skin edition, it would be extremely beneficial to invest in monthly facials whether it's at a college salon, spa or regular salon. Your skin will thank you!

So that's all I have for today! Feel free to ask any questions or give any recommendations for what you use for your oily skin and I'll add them into this post. 

I'm going to be focusing on Dry Skin next time, so look out for that post! 

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