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Your skincare routine is only as good as its worst product, and since hitting the mid-to-late twenties mark, my skin is something I’ve invested in more and more.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless skincare products in search of the ones that would deliver the radiant complexion I’ve always dreamed of, but where I was going wrong and struggling to strike the right balance was the fact I never really understood my skin type.
I was always under the impression that I had ‘combination skin’ due to the fact my t-zone would always be shiny with oil come tea-time, while suffering with drier patches elsewhere. However, a facialist at the spa informed me of my dry complexion, explaining that my skin overproduces oil in a bid to combat the dryness. Everything seemed to click into place, and through diligent trial and error and carefully selecting products that I find work in harmony with one another, I have finally discovered an evening skincare regimen that works for me.
One – Cleanse – Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
I start off by removing my makeup or washing away the grime from the day with my Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, a cult-loved cleanser with a stellar reputation – and it’s all incredibly well deserved.
The number one best-seller is one of few skincare saviours that genuinely offers that ‘spa at home’ feel. The balm has a rich, buttery texture that melts effortlessly in the warmth of your hands and on contact with the skin, releasing the iconic fragrance that the brand is renowned for.
The formula is infused with a blend of nine essential oils including lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus for an invigorating yet soothing scent as it changes from balm, to oil, to milk as it breaks down makeup and impurities, leaving my skin cleansed, soothed and supremely soft.
Enriched with anti-aging ingredients like Padina Pavonica and mimosa, the balm is perfect for those looking to start their preventative measures against premature ageing and those well into their anti-ageing journey alike.
Read more: Is the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm worth it?
Two – Toner – Liz Earle Smooth and Glow
Then I move on to an exfoliating toner, and while there’s a few I enjoy, such as Pixi Glow Tonic and REN’s Ready Steady Glow AHA Daily Toner, I’m currently using the Liz Earle Smooth and Glow.
I really like to use a chemical exfoliant in the evening as they can make your complexion sun-sensitive, and it means I can use my niacinamide serum in the morning, as you should generally avoid using them immediately after one another.
What I love about this particular toner is that it’s super gentle but incredibly effective, with a blend of prickly pear (nature’s powerful brightening exfoliant), acerola cherry (bursting with fast-acting, brightening vitamin C) and sea buckthorn.
I apply a generous amount to a cotton pad and use it to sweep away dead skin cells, creating the perfect canvas for moisturiser.
Three – Serum – Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Multi-Recovery Complex
This iconic serum is a staple in my skincare arsenal for a reason. Packed with powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, it works wonders overnight to repair and rejuvenate my skin, leaving it looking plump and hydrated.
The award-winning serum has a lightweight, water-gel texture, is non-comedogenic, won’t clog pores and suits all skin types – including oily and sensitive – and even features an exclusive Chronolux Power Signal Technology that helps to support the natural synchronisation of the skin’s renewal processes.
While it is pricy at £89, a little goes a long way and the bottle does last quite a while. I actually don’t think I could live without it.
Four – Eye Cream – Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Gel Eye Creme
Dark circles and textured, dehydrated skin around my eyes is something I’ve become quite aware of in the last 12 months, but the way this rich gel formula brightens and hydrates has really helped tackle my problem areas and concerns.
The texture of this gel-creme is stunning – silky, lightweight and fast-absorbing, making it a dream to use. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, it’s designed to be used both morning and night, leaving the eye area feeling refreshed, renewed and recharged without leaving a sticky residue, as can often be the case with eye creams.
The two key ingredients in the Estée Lauder eye cream include Sodium Hyaluronate – AKA Hyaluronic Acid – a powerful moisture magnet that helps hydrate the skin for up to 100 hours, alongside Tripeptide-32, an exclusive peptide that’s so good, it’s been patented until 2033. Meanwhile, Vitamin E softens the feel of the skin, as caffeine provides an invigorating effect and antioxidant protection, which helps my eyes look more rested, refreshed and less puffy.
Read more: The £54 Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream that supercharges your skincare
Five – Retinol – Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Marula Oil
If you’re looking for an introduction to retinol, then the Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Marula Oil is great for beginners. Combining a gentle but effective dose of 0.5% vegan retinol with barrier-supportive, plant-derived ceramides and pure, antioxidant-rich virgin marula oil this unique formula diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
Suitable for all skin types (but not recommended for teenagers), the A-Gloei Marula Oil improves skin texture and tone while locking in moisture. I apply three drops to my skin before my facial oil and moisturiser to help transform tone and texture.
Infused with potent retinol and nourishing oils, it works overnight to smooth out fine lines and refine skin texture, giving me that coveted lit-from-within glow.
Six – Face Oil – Elemis Superfood Facial Oil
A beauty therapist helping me to better understand my skin’s needs told me that oil combats oil. Essentially, my dry skin was overproducing oil in a desperate bid to compensate for the dryness – however, if you ‘feed’ it with oils, your skin will balance itself out – and the Elemis Superfood Facial Oil is one of my favourite products for this.
The nutrient-rich facial oil is packed with superfood ingredients like broccoli seed and flaxseed oils, to replenish my skin’s moisture barrier and leaves it feeling soft and supple. And again, you only need three to four drops of this and the glow it gives your skin is totally unmatched.
Seven – Moisturiser – Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Repair Cream
After all that, I seal in all the goodness with the ultra-nourishing Bora Barrier repair cream from Drunk Elephant.
Bora Barrier boasts a pretty impressive lineup of ingredients, loaded with lipids, minerals, ceramides, and antioxidant compounds to deliver deep 24-hour moisture. The vegan formula is 100 per cent free of what the brand calls the ‘suspicious six’: essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS – aka, the root of almost every skin problem ever.
Upon application, the cream is incredibly thick and luxurious, yet still spreads evenly, only needing to use one pump to cover my whole face. The texture is so buttery without being heavy or greasy, and instead of sitting on the surface, effortlessly melts into the skin to leave it feeling intensely nourished with a post-facial style glow.
Additionally, the Bora Barrier Cream is fragrance-free, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, and I actually find it to be so effective at delivering that daily dose of moisture that I only have to use it once a day. I find it a little too heavy to use in the morning under makeup, but after cleansing the day away and applying my go-to toners and serums come evening, the Bora Barrier has fast become a staple in my routine.
Read more: Drunk Elephant’s Bora Barrier Repair Cream is a game-changer for dry skin
Final steps – lips and lashes – Malin+Goetz Lip Mousituriser and Glow For It lash serum
Particularly in the colder months, dry lips are a real problem for me, but I’ve loved using the Malin+Goetz lip moisturiser of late. The formula is infused with fatty acids and antioxidants to keep lips soft and smooth, and it’s so comfortable to wear. I rarely go anywhere without it.
Last but not least, I apply the Glow For It Lash Serum to help encourage growth and promote healthier, longer lashes. Consistency is key with these kinds of products and I have noticed a real difference in my length and retention over the last six months – which is even more noticeable whenever I get a last lift.
It may seem like a lengthy routine, but trust me, it still takes less than 15 minutes and the results are so worth it. It really helps me wind down ready for bed, and in the morning it often still feels freshly applied and since sticking to this routine, my skin has never looked better.
