Friday 4 April 2014

My current skin care routine feat. Garnier, No7, Lush, Epiduo, Ponds & Bio-Oil









I think it's safe to say that I'm a complete and utter skin care addict. Skin care was the reason I started blogging; I have bad skin - that's no secret - and I'd tried out a lot of products so I wanted to get my opinions out there. Since then (over four years ago) I've tried out even more products and nothing makes me happier than seeing a comment, tweet or email from you guys letting me know that my recommendation has helped your skin care woes. Skin care, in general, makes me happy. I was watching skin care routine videos on YouTube last night and I was literally like a little girl in a sweet shop. But enough of that, here's my current skin care routine. It's changed a little bit since the last one and my skin is doing well at the moment.

Make up removers:
At first, this eye make up remover seems quite expensive however with No7's £5 vouchers (and my staff discount), this ends up being a bargain. I'd compare this to Lancome's Bi-Facial as they work in the same way and get the same results. The oily formula instantly dissolves all eye make up and makes removing waterproof mascara a doddle. I don't use this daily, just on those days when my eye make up has been particularly heavy.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - £4.99 (currently £3.33)
I have fallen head over heels in love with this product. I was always a Bioderma fan but I still find it hard to get a hold of in the UK and it works out quite expensive. So when I saw Garnier's version on the shelves, I had to get it. Dare I say it's better than Bioderma? I certainly think it is. It's a fraction of the price, breaks down make up instantly (I only need one cotton wool pad to completely remove a face of make up) and leaves the skin feeling soft and nourished. This is a product that I use when I'm feeling lazy with make up removal.

On most days, this is the make up remover I use. I thoroughly believe in the double cleanse and you may know that I use to be a massive fan of Super Facialist's Vitamin C Cleansing Oil. However, since getting this cleansing cream from LUSH, I haven't gone near the oil. I adore this product as it breaks down make up exceptionally well and leaves my skin feeling incredibly nourished and soothed. A lot of people comment on the scent of this and while it's nothing to rave about, it certainly isn't unpleasant like many people say. I doubt I'll stray from this cleansing cream, it's perfect, and dare I say, a wonder product?

Cleansers:
I'm not going to lie, I bought this because of the scent. It smells like fudge and leaves my face smelling good enough to eat. However, I've now been using it a couple of weeks and it's become my favourite cleanser. All you have to do is a scoop a little bit out of the pot, mix it with water to create a paste and you have your very own exfoliating face wash. It buffs away dead skin cells and leaves the skin looking glowing and feeling incredibly soft and subtle. Since using this I've found my make up application to be flawless - foundation glides onto the skin. 

Once again, this is another product I use if I'm having a lazy day. It's not something I believe I'll repurchase once I've ran out as I can't see many benefits when using it but it's a nice little extra. I keep it next to my bed in case I'm in need of a quick pick me up throughout the day as the scent is really uplifting and soothing. It doesn't really do much to my skin other than gently cleanse it (when I use it first thing on a cotton pad) or refresh my make up.

Moisturisers:
Garnier Moisture Match Wake Me Up Revitalising Hydrating Gel - £5.99 (currently £3.99)
I've been in need of a lighter moisturiser for a while now. I originally wanted to invest in the Origins GinZing Moisturiser but I saw this gel doing the rounds on blogs. It was on offer for £3.99 in Boots and of course, with a price like that I just couldn't resist. I'm very glad I picked it up as it's lovely. It's really refreshing on the skin and feels lightweight but nourishing. It doesn't interfere with my make up but instead, creates a beautiful 'awakened' base. One of the best moisturisers I've tried.

Bio-Oil* - £8.99 (currently £5.99)
Bio-Oil is a product that I've dabbled in since my teenage years but over the past few months, it's become a firm favourite of mine. I use this as my night time moisturiser as it's wonderful for balancing the skin and diminishing any scars and redness. I have noticed a reduction in my scarring since using this and the other day my housemate commented on how calm my naked skin was looking. Bio-Oil really is the perfect night time moisturiser as it's moisturising, sinks into the skin quickly and rejuvenates the skin whilst you sleep.

Treatments:
Epiduo - prescription only
I won't go into too much detail about this product as I've mentioned it a few times before. But if you don't know, this is my daily spot cream that I use every single night on top of Bio-Oil without fail. A combination of this and Yasmin (the contraceptive pill) has really helped to clear my skin up no end.

Ponds Eye Contour Cream* - £7.99
I don't have any problems with my eyes - the only area of my skin that's actually decent - but I do believe that prevention is better than cure. I use this eye cream every morning and every night as it isn't heavy and sinks into the delicate eye area nice and easily. The long term benefits include: reduced puffiness, smoothed out wrinkles and nourished eyelashes.

What products are in your skin care routine? Do you use any of the above?
*PR Sample