Getting to Grips with the Basic Skincare Essentials…
Over time I’ve come to better understand my skin type, what it needs and what it doesn’t. No doubt this is all about trial and error but it’s that essential starting point when you want to establish a skincare routine.
My routine has become more advanced with additional steps that I do feel make a difference such as facial oils, serums and the like. But that’s just it. They are additional steps. On those days when I don’t have the time or am feeling a product overload, it’s about reverting back to those basic, but essential skincare steps. And we all have to start somewhere, right?
However, even my basic skincare routine isn’t that basic if I was to compare it to what I used several years ago. But then that’s what happens when you have a wealth of information at your disposal. Not to mention the ability to purchase those worldwide cult beauty products at the click of a button.
That said, hopefully my little guide of the 5 basic skincare steps you need in your routine will help you – especially if you struggle with information overload and just want to know where to start. These are definitely the steps I make sure I don’t miss when I don’t have time for all the added luxuries.
Cleanse
One of the first basic skincare rules – remove all traces of makeup. A good cleanser will do just that. It shouldn’t make your skin feel tight and your skin should feel clean, but not stripped. Whilst in the evenings I prefer balms and creams which can be removed with a flannel, in the mornings I’ll add a splash of water too as it’s an instant wake me up and feels very refreshing.
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The step you really shouldn’t miss
Reluctant at first, I am now converted when it comes to the balms, creams, gels and oils variety. I find they work best at dissolving makeup, even mascara. A current favourite is the Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser. Swayed by the name and a desire to try this British brand, I find this is a great does-it-all cleanser. With camomile, eucalyptus, rosemary and bergamot, this does have a strong but pleasant herbal fragrance, which I personally love and adds to the experience – definitely soothing for night time.
My skin feels so soft and comfortable, looks brighter and the nourishing properties make this cleanser a winner. It also comes with an anti-bacterial bamboo muslin, perfect for exfoliating and removing residue.
Don’t forget to double cleanse
If you have the type of skin that is sensitive to fragrance and essential oils, then something like the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm is fantastic. Clinique are experts when it comes to sensitive skin and this unassuming balm, which turns into a fluid oil upon application, is simple but very effective. There’s also more information as well as other recommendations in my Different Cleansers post so make sure you check this out.
For those times when you want something quick and easy, then nothing does it better than micellar water and I go through bottles of the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. It’s also ideal for that first cleanse and removing mascara before going in with something a bit more heavy duty.
Lastly, I know foaming cleansers are known to dry the skin out but I don’t have any problems with the Estēe Lauder Perfectly Clean Foam Cleanser and I’ve got some other recommendations in my Favourite Foaming Cleansers post. I personally love foaming cleansers for that refreshing feeling, plus they work great with my Clarasonic when I really want that deep clean.
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Exfoliate
Buffing away at dead skin cells and clearing out your pores to reveal glowing skin, not to mention combating hyper pigmentation and helping your skincare work harder, are just some of the benefits of exfoliating regularly. You shouldn’t over-exfoliate either. Depending on your skin type and the types of products you use, 2-3 times a week is more than enough. Whether you choose the manual exfoliators or liquid exfoliants, exfoliating is the game-changer for me and something I think you should definitely have in your basic skincare routine.
[/ads_color_box]Which do you prefer…liquid or manual?
If you prefer the manual exfoliators i.e. scrubs, then I’d highly recommend the Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm and you can find out exactly why in my Review. Gentle, yet incredibly luxurious, it is worth the pennies and leaves the skin incredibly renewed and refreshed.
Ultimately, a good exfoliator shouldn’t feel rough on the skin – you want the skin to feel polished without the use of harsh abrasives. That’s why the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is another great option. This rice powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing enzymes that gently buff away dead skin cells. This is a cult favourite for good reason and it featured in my round-up of Favourite Exfoliators of the manual variety.
However, the liquid exfoliants are the in-thing if you really want something less abrasive. Applied as you would a toner, liquid exfoliants penetrate the skin a lot deeper. They also tend to have a stronger concentration of acids, which are key to removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores, visibly reducing the depth of wrinkles and improving the clarity of skin. The most common acids in skincare are glycolic, lactic and salicylic and if you want a breakdown of how these work and what would be suitable for your skin type, I think this Guide is really helpful.
Two of my favourite liquid exfoliants:
After much procrastination, I finally got my hands on the Alpha-H Liquid Gold, coveted for its instantaneous effects and hailed a miracle in a bottle. This is a concentrated formula, which penetrates deep into the skin for maximum anti-ageing and skin brightening properties. There’s a strong tingling upon application, which is meant to happen but this disappears once I add my moisturiser. You can, however, leave out your moisturiser for a more intense overnight treatment. Enriched with silk proteins, liquorice extract and glycolic acid, this exfoliant accelerates the skins repair and renewal process. Applied every other night on freshly cleansed skin, it makes my skin look fresh and bright in the mornings. I’ve also noticed that those pesky under the skin bumps have reduced too. Overall, I highly recommend this product.
Another recent favourite and one I was lucky to get as a free gift with a beauty purchase at Space NK is the Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic. If you’ve heard of the much talked about Pixi Glow Tonic, this is essentially similar to that. With a gorgeous fresh orange scent, this is a skin brightener in a bottle. Again, it does make your skin tingle but this skin resurfacer acts like a toner and exfoliator in one. Plus it’s suitable to use on a daily basis both morning and night.
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Moisturise
A moisturiser replenishes the skin after cleansing and exfoliating. It boosts hydration, prevents flakiness and dullness as well as providing a protective layer of moisture that lasts all day. A good moisturiser should glide on easily, making your skin feel silky, not oily. It should readily soak into the skin and should never sit on the surface.
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Finding a good moisturiser is no easy task
Seasonal factors as well as your other skincare can have an effect as to how your moisturiser performs. However, get this right and you are halfway there to perfecting your basic skincare routine. A good moisturiser also acts as a base for your makeup. If you find your makeup isn’t performing well, I always encourage you to look at what moisturiser you are wearing.
The Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Creme is a new addition to my moisturiser stash. It promises a lightweight, dewy finish that leaves your skin perfectly moisturised. A dewy finish moisturiser would normally have me running a mile but this stuff is truly wonderful. Dewy but not greasy is the final result and the light-weight formula really lets your skin breathe. The key is not to use too much and allow 1-2 minutes for it to sink in. Either way, the tiniest amount just spreads across the whole face making it feel incredibly silky and smooth. I have to say I haven’t tried anything like it. The gorgeous rose water scent and synthetic-free formula makes this moisturiser, like the name suggests, dreamy.
Other moisturisers I’ve tried and loved are the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, the Embroylisse Lait-Crème Concentré and the Pure Super Grape Day Cream. However, if oil control is your concern, then you should try the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Fluid. This is my preference for the summer months when my skin is on the oilier side.
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A Little Tip
Nothing beats finding the right moisturiser but sometimes what works for our skin doesn’t always work well under makeup. If your moisturiser is just making things a tad too dewy for your liking, using a setting spray before applying your makeup works wonders.
A setting spray does a better job at locking everything in place. If you want to follow with your normal primer afterwards, you can.
In fact, when you really want to make sure your makeup stays in place, use a setting spray as the last step after your makeup as well – nothing will budge.
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SPF
Since 75% of skin’s ageing is due to environmental factors, including UV rays, using an SPF is doubly important. SPF is also incredibly necessary when exfoliating, particularly after the use of acids. This is because the process removes the outer most layers of your skin, making it more susceptible to sun damage. Look for an SPF that offers broad spectrum protection. This means that it will protect you from UVB rays (protection against sunburn) and UVA rays (protection against the longer-term effects of the sun including ageing, wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation)
[/ads_color_box]SPF is one of those basic skincare items that is often neglected
I’ll put my hands up to the fact that I only tend to focus on SPF from spring onwards. The reality is we under-estimate the damaging effects of the sun. Even catching the sunlight whilst driving can be detrimental, although not visible until later in life. However, adding additional layers and heavy formulas is enough to put you off but facial SPF’s have evolved a lot of late. What’s more, you can even get moisturisers and foundation with SPF built in so there’s no excuse for including it in your basic skincare routine.
I prefer to use a separate SPF. That way I feel like I am getting the adequate protection I need. The Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50 is everything I look for in an SPF – fast absorbing, oil free and with broad spectrum protection. Although a creamy white formula, it doesn’t leave that ghastly white undercast. Rather, it instantly smooths over my skin, making it look brighter, which makes sense since it also contains vitamin C and lactic acid. Also, my skin appears more flawless making it a fantastic base under my makeup too.
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Eye Cream
Whilst some may argue that an eye cream is an unnecessary addition since your moisturiser should do the job, I am definitely in the camp that prefers a separate product to protect the delicate under-eye area. The skin is more fragile around the eyes and it’s also where the first signs of ageing are most visible. The earlier you start the better – your older self will thank you for it. However, be realistic in what you expect from an eye cream. There are other factors that lead to puffiness and dark circles and an eye cream alone will not alleviate these problems.
[/ads_color_box]Gently does it when it comes to eye cream
Nevertheless, it all starts with keeping your under-eye area properly hydrated. I always prefer eye creams that are soothing, fast-absorbing and sit well under makeup. Of course all the obvious anti-ageing benefits also sit at the top of my list and I’ve got some tried and trusted recommendations in my post on Eye Creams in Use. But with a desire to try something different, I picked up the Eve Lom Eye Cream. Together with the SPF, this is my first time trying their skincare and I am very impressed.
The buttery formula is so smooth for the skin leaving a matte finish and the perfect base for my concealer. Shea butter and rosehip oil help to restore the skin, whilst extracts from ginseng help to boost circulation. With increased use of this I find my eyes look more settled, firm and hydrated.
However, like any eye cream, you don’t need to use too much. Gently pat it in around the orbital bone using your ring finger starting from the inner corner right up to the temples – this helps drain any excess fluid and the skin around the area will automatically absorb what it needs.
So there it is. The 5 basic skincare steps I think you should have in your routine. Of course there may be other necessary steps too and this ultimately depends on your skincare needs. However, it’s sensible to start with the basics and then add to this according to your lifestyle and requirements.
I hope you found this useful and would love to know about your basic skincare steps. x
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