A/W Skincare Edit | PM Routine

Following on from yesterdays post I figured I'd share my evening skincare routine for autumn/winter...

A/W Skincare Edit | AM Routine

I haven't indulged in a skincare routine post for a little while and thought I would show what I'm loving for my morning routine at present now the weather is coming a little colder...

Feet Prep

I could have labelled this 'summer feet prep' or something of the like, seeing as most of our (I'm talking anyone who has unapologetic autumn/winter/spring that require boots at all times...) feet don't truly see the light of day until summer arrives. Or we go on holiday. 

That being said feet care is pretty darn important - you're on them all the time. So look after them. 

Sunday Activities

There are just some routines that can't be broken and mine is a Sunday. The whole day feels like a very luxurious yet proactive routine. One that usually involves brunch...

The Edit | Skincare

I'm having a little love affair with my skincare routine at the moment. I managed to pick up some pretty good bargains when Escentual were having a third off French pharmacy skincare and so I figured I'd show you my current morning and evening choices.

For morning cleansing I hit up the Avene Cold Cream Gel Cleanser - which is probably going to last me forever as you don't need much because it is so thick. This can also be used for the body so a pretty good two in one if you're going away. Second cleansing is always reserved for my Nuxe Reve De Miel Gel Cleanser - I've spoken about this before but it smells amazing (honey) and it's perfect for dry skin gals like myself.

Evening is pretty simple, I'm using the Botanics Hot Balm Cleanser at the moment and really love it. It melts away all make up pretty easily and leaves skin feeling soft and most importantly, clean. Once again, the Nuxe cleanser follows this one.

For toning in the morning I'm using the Avene Gentle Toner - perfect for the first part of hydration of the day and it doesn't leave skin feeling tight - plus it's perfectly suitable for sensitive skin.

Evening toning goes like this; the Botanics All Bright Toner - which acts as an exfoliating toner. I really love the All Bright Night Cream from the same range so I've got high hopes for this toner - I'll report back but so far so good. This gets followed by the Gentle Toner as a hydrating boost before serums.

These two serums are under £20 so are a find for me in the mind boggling world of £40+ serums. First up comes the Super Facialist by Una Brennan Neroli Firming Serum. I use this exclusively for under eye area and neck - no time like the present for preventative measures. I really dig this at the moment and especially for the smell. Amazing! I follow this with the Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum - this is superb for the price range and is worth having a look at if you're new to the serum world.

Moisturising for the morning is a blessing with the Avene Hydrance Optimale - it has SPF in (20) but the amount of moisture is insane and really packs a punch. 

For night time I crack out the La Roche-Posay Hydreane Riche. This can be used night or day, but I'm using this for night time only at the moment, come winter however this could be my day time moisturiser, easily. It really hydrates and leaves skin nice and bright come morning.

Now, if my skin is acting up and being crazy (read; being combination when my skin is usually dry/sensitive,) then the Vichy Normaderm Nuit comes it to play. This is extremely mattifying but it doesn't feel too tight when I've had breakouts. 

The bolt ons, which don't include masks but there are just three. 

The Melvita Rose Floral Water is amazing for when I have spots, I use this like a treatment and it does the job well - it reduces redness and calms the area like nobodies business.

For eyes, this is mostly used in the morning but it is the Vichy Aqualia Thermal roller ball. This is nice and cooling and keeps any dry business at bay. I still haven't found my perfect night cream for eyes so do leave recommendations!

Last but not least the Jade Facial Roller is used post cleanse to really soothe the skin and reduce redness. Perfect!

So that's it, minus bits and bobs like masks or treatments. 

What is in your current skincare rotation? I'll be taking notes!

Peace!

Hair Care Routine

When it comes to hair I've always been of the opinion 'less is more' - I don't like to pile on products every single day and I sure as hell won't use more than one or two styling products - because if I have to use more than that - then I know that the products I'm using just ain't working and should be ditched for something that does work.

I've had a bit of a switch up with my shampoo and conditioner as of late. Mentioned here, the L'Oreal EverPure shampoo and conditioner are sulphate free (essential for not ruining coloured hair,) and while they are not completely free of 'nasties,' I've seen a radical difference in regards of itchiness on the scalp and helps keep my colour bright. 

Standard shampoo and conditioner wasn't working anymore, to the point where my hair was actually dry... I never had dry hair before, it's usually always soft (but because I have a fringe, that tends to get a bit greasy before the rest of my hair,) and my hair is always well behaved. 

I'm really loving these two at the moment so if you're looking to start going sulphate free or just fancy a new shampoo/conditioner combo to try - give these ago, especially if you colour your hair like I do or if it's quite dry. 

Moving onto masks/treatments I've also been using the L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask aimed to help coloured/dry hair, I've been loving using this. I only use it once a week as to not overkill my hair completely - and I must say I love the way it feels afterwards. It doesn't weigh down my hair and it smells gorgeous. 

Also in the treatment section is the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment. I usually use this product about three days after the L'Oreal mask - if I haven't mention already I am trying to grow my hair out - and whilst I don't think this a wonder product - I think in time it has gradually helped with growth and keeping my hair healthy at the same time. 

In terms of styling - I don't do much. A simple sea salt spray is all I need, along with a spritz of hair spray if it's being truly unruly - but I like my hair looking a bit like a lions mane. I only use heat defense products (usually Aussie,) if I blow dry or straighten/curl my hair which never happens really. I hate using them and loathe when I have to get them out of their drawer.

So that's my favourite hair care products, what's yours?

Peace!

Updated Skincare Routine

 Skincare extras; Boots cucumber eye remover gel, Tri-Peptox Scrub, Witch Blemish stick, Superdrug Natural High facial wash, simple wet wipes.

 Morning Routine; No7 Hot cloth cleanser, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Vichy eye roll on, Superdrug Simply Pure moisturiser.

Evening Routine; No7 Hot cloth cleanser, No7 toner, Boots Cold Cream, No7 night eye cream.

After what seemed like months of being in a rut, it seems I have found an-ideal-for-me-right-now skin care routine. Which is always great, you know?

I tend to stick to the same morning/evening routine but if something ain't working I'll switch it up with the extras to give me a little boost.

I'm on the look out for a good serum. I've tried the Caudalie, No7 and L'Oreal serums to date - all from different price ranges as you can see... But let me know if you have any recommendations. 

Have you got your ideal routine down pat?

Peace!

Quick Make Up Routines?

 MUA primer, Benefit High Beam, Collection 2000 Illuminating Touch Light Diffusing Concealer.

Collection 2000 Colour Lash in Clear, Volume Million Lashes for Hazel Eyes Mascara.

You know when you gotta be quick? Or, you those days in the mornings/afternoons and you need to go out for whatever reason even though you reaallyyyy do not want to and then... 

You look at your face and think 'holy fuck, I must cover this up,' - for whatever reason, we've all been there, right? A spot, blemish, something that makes our morning routine a little bit more hassle, and let's face it, could potentially put us in a bad mood for the rest of the day...

My answer, for myself, of course, is...

Primer. Tighten my pores, even my skin tone please! 

Concealer. Blemish? Gone. Spots? Nearly gone, but it will do. Dark circles? Gone.

Highlighter. Cheeks. Rosy tint? Perfect. Glowing? Hell yes.

Brow/Lash correctors. Tidy brows. Sorted.

Mascara. Open up them peepers. Lush.

Then of course, depending my mood, lip balm, lip stick or lip gloss. Usually balm or the schtick. 

What's your 'shit I gotta get a move on' routine?

Peace!!