I’ve never been one for new years resolutions, now in the typical manner ever, but there was one biggie this year that’s been looming over me that there is no escaping. I’m getting married.
Shit.
At the end of the day the cake could go on fire, I could break my arm and there could be at least one severe family disruption but as long as I’m married to the bear by the end of it, I’m golden. That said there’s things I can put in place to prevent disasters from happening, and sure the flaming cake and the broken bones may seem like extreme examples, but one biggie I’m worried about is my skin.
Being lax in my skincare routine is no longer an option. A face wipe and a quarterly (if that) face mask just won’t cut it. And while I’m a big believer in beauty from the inside out (drink tons of water, eat your veg and wear a big ass smile) there’s a few products to help you along the way.
So dear reader, today I share my “low maintenance” skincare guide to make sure I won’t look like a lizard woman on the day. Trust me there isn’t enough smoke, mirrors and fantastic lighting to fix my skin at it’s worst.
DAILY
Cleanser: Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore and Shine Daily Wash
Controversial? Perhaps. This drug store number is my quick fix to clean skin. I know, I know, it’s not for everyone. It’s very soapy but it always get my make up off in a jiffy and leaves my skin feeling really fresh. It’s gentle enough for every day use (twice a day use) and won’t break the bank.
Eye Cream:
Day Moisturiser: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
This is just one of my favourite products hands down. It’s super light, lasts for ages and never fails to make my skin feel amazing. If we’re talking desert island beauty products – this would be mine. I’ve yet to read a bad review about this wonder product which keeps your skin feeling fresh and hydrated for up to 24 hours. If I did have one critique (and this is me getting really nitty gritty)
if that it doesn’t have an SPF. I’ve used their Moisturiser with SPF 50 in the past and I felt an overwhelming sense of….meh. I do implore you to try this though.You won’t regret it.
Night Serum: bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum
Just listen to that name. It even sounds good for you. If I miss this little beauty at night my skin feels (and shows) it in the morning, especially in Winter. If you’re looking for some kind of aromatherapy treatment, this ain’t it. If you are looking for skin to feel plump and primed and not like it wants to peeled of in the morning, this is the one for you. Serums for the longest time were a tough sell for me, but this has found itself in my daily beauty routine. A wee pea sized amount patted in to your face every night will make all the difference.
WEEKLY
Exfoliater: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Not the cheapest of products but this one goes a hell of a long way. If I want to feel like I’m taking a good layer of skin of (the dry, dirty sadness of the day) this is my go to product. I wouldn’t recommend using it more than once, maybe twice a week max (I know guys the feeling of freshly exfoliated skin is the titties) and this one gives your skin a truly great spring clean. I need the tiniest amount (I use maybe slightly smaller than a pea size) and scrub that goodness all over my face. It doesn’t feel to ebrasive like other exfoliaters but it gets the job done and leaves your face feeling baby bottom soft and ready for a treatment.
Face Mask: Arran Aromatics: Feel Good Formulas Sea Mud Mask
When it comes to face masks I’m a bit of a hussy. I chop and change depending on my skin, the weather, to whatever looks good at the time. Arran Aromatics however and their sea mud mask is the one I reach for after a good old exfoliation. It calms and smooths the skin out, smells utterly divine and makes me feel well and truly pampered. I’ve got a few others that I keep to hand if my skin is being particularly problematic, but they are more of an intensive operational exercise than a luxurious once a week skin treatment.
I’ve found the best way to keep my skincare routine up is by not looking it as a chore, but a dead lovely treat for myself. I want my skin to feel amazing, so I put the work in. My weekly treatments are always coupled with a book and an executive bath so while I’m obviously beginning to implement my some what militant beauty regime, I’m doing it surrounded by candles and fancy bath smellies.
I’ve got 10 months to completely revamp my skincare and truly there are worst habits I could take up than giving my skin a bit of attention. These are the guys that I’ve found work best for me, but I’m always willing to play around with others. Is there any biggies that you feel I’m missing out?