in the cold again, then the warm, then the cold... and I'm sure you get the picture. This is the time I really need to pay attention to what my skin needs and to adapt my skincare routine accordingly.
My all year round skincare essentials remain the same. My goal is to keep my skin calm and to maintain a good moisture balance. I've learned to live with the fact that I'm never going to have a 'Normal' skin type, and my skin is never going to be completely flawless. I'm ok with that! I've also learned that although my skin is oily, I do need to moisturise. Contrary to how it may sound, applying a light moisturiser to oily skin reduces the need for the skin to produce more oil, therefore maintaining more of a balance. If you use harsh products that strip the skin of it's natural oils in a bid to reduce the over production of oil, this actually results in the opposite effect. The skin then produces even more oil to overcompensate for the lack of moisture. I can honestly say I've tried nearly every skincare brand on the market, both drug store and high end, and I'm sure I will continue to investigate new products in the future but for right now my absolute favourite products, which form my essential skincare routine, are from Clarins. There are 3 products I can't live without and I have to repurchase time and time again!
1. Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.
When it comes to cleansers there are so many options out there, from cream cleansers to balms to foaming washes. I am definitely a face-wash kinda girl, but for me a great exfoliator is even better!
I use the Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser every single day. I wet my face, massage this into my skin, then rinse. My skin feels amazing afterwards - thoroughly cleansed and super soft. It's a pleasure to use, the formula just melts into the skin and the size of the exfoliating bits are just right. They don't scratch or leave the skin feeling irritated, and they don't end up in your eyes after rinsing, which is one of the issues I've had with some other exfoliators. This is a product that you can see a difference with after the first use. It is a little pricey, but I think its well worth it.
The Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser claims to:
Cleanse and Exfoliate in one easy step
Remove Makeup, and Impurities
Gently cleanse while respecting the skin's hydrolipidic film
Contains Orange extract and is for ALL skin types
I agree with all of the above and I would highly recommend this product. There are a lot of products out there that make big claims, some insisting that you need to use said product for a number of weeks or even months before you see any change. Some even making your skin worse but the advice being - stick with it, you need to give it time to work. No!... I love products that actually make a difference to the skin from the very first use. I am pretty impatient and I don't like wasting time or money. As the first step in my skincare routine, this does the job exceptionally well.
2. Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris.
After cleansing I use the Clarins Toning Lotion. I pour a little onto a cotton pad and smooth over my face and neck. It feels very cool and refreshing on the skin. Skin doesn't feel irritated or tight and the formula is alcohol free. The ingredients include: sage, witch-hazel and aloe vera. The lotion removes any final traces of makeup or cleanser while respecting the skin's pH and moisture levels. I chose this toner for oily skin. The range has products to suit every skin type. Whether you have dry skin or normal/combination skin, there are cleansers, toners and moisturisers to suit you.
3. Clarins Daily Energiser Cream.
My favourite daily moisturiser of all time. It melts into the skin like butter! Feels lightweight and skin is super soft and ready for whatever the day has in store. It provides a great base for makeup, or you can just moisturise and go. This cream gives me the perfect moisture balance and protection against the elements. The ingredients include: Vitamin C, Alchemilla and Turmeric extracts to aid minor imperfections, and Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract to increase microcirculation. If you have oily skin or combination skin I would definitely recommend giving this a try. This moisturiser usually lasts me a long time as you only need a small amount.
The Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Clarins Toning Lotion and Clarins Daily Energiser Cream, all form my core everyday skincare essentials. However, there are a couple of 'Winter Rescue' products that I incorporate when my skin is in need of a little extra reinforcement.
Let me introduce you to My Winter Wonders!..
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.
Now this is my little secret weapon! When my skin needs a bit of a boost, this balm is the equivalent to - drinking 3 litres of water every day, 8hrs of 'uninterrupted' sleep every night and a 1 and a half hour facial. I apply this during the day instead of the Daily Energiser Cream, or I apply at night before going to bed. When my skin can't decide whether it wants to be dry and flakey or shiny and annoying, the Beauty Flash Balm revives my skin and corrects all that confusion while leaving it looking plump, hydrated and incredibly smooth. It is important to note: do not massage this balm into the skin or apply too much. Only a thin layer smoothed onto the skin is required.
Ingredients include:
Olive and Witch-Hazel, which offer tightening benefits
Bisabolol and Algae extracts, to soften and revitalise
This balm also provides a great base for applying makeup.
Deep Cleansing Black Mask by Shills Natural Science.
Unfortunately I didn't take a photo of this product but this is my go to when it comes to Masks. I use this when I want to deep cleanse my skin, remove dullness and improve the texture. This is a peel off 'Black Mask' but not like those comical ones you've probably seen on YouTube. This feels cooling on the skin, like menthol, and has a pleasant, fresh smell. The formula contains vitamins and plant extracts. I wash my face with warm water to open my pores, then pat dry before applying the mask. I leave it on for 20-30 minutes then peel it off. I then use my regular toner to tighten the pores and remove any residue from the mask, and apply moisturiser. The result - Incredibly smooth, deeply cleansed, super soft, radiant skin. I only use this once or twice a month.
Pure Almond Oil.
Finally, the last product in my Winter Rescue collection, but one of the most important - Almond oil!
Ok so we all know the benefits of coconut oil, but Almond oil is even better in my opinion. I use it not only on my face, but all over my body and its amazing for my hair. I use it on the kids too. It is the best all over moisturiser I've ever come across. I can't rave enough about it!
On days when I don't want anything on my face except an all natural product that will nourish and just love and look after my skin, I apply a few drops of Almond Oil into the palm of my hand and massage it onto my face with my fingertips. If I apply it before I go to bed I wake up with the softest skin. It's like a miracle in a bottle... And its super affordable! I have so many bottles of Almond Oil in the house as I can't afford to be without it. As far as moisturising my body, I don't use anything else.
Ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil (cold pressed).
Benefits -
Protects and Pampers all skin types
Excellent massage oil
Improves Complexion
Moisturises better and deeper
Helps to delay the signs of ageing
Another product I fell in love with from first use and it is so versatile. I couldn't recommend Almond Oil enough.
So that's everything, my complete Autumn/Winter skincare routine. I hope you found some of this information useful. Please let me know if you've tried any of theses products and how you got on? If not, what products do you swear by for getting you through the colder months? Let me know in the comments below.
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