It wasn’t till I turned 22 years old that I even understood that makeup removal was not the be-all and end-all of skin due diligence. I discovered that was there not only a whole market for makeup removal, as well as a plethora of products that women and men can use every day to look after their faces, but that there also existed in our busy world, a whole ideology around taking care of, and managing this very important organ.

My eyes widened as I learned a process existed, not just to clean up our skin or look after our pores, but to also maintain and create in our lives our sense of well-being, with self-care of our own skin. Now at 28 years old, I’m also learning that behind the manufacturing of these products, separated from their brand ambassadors, and marketing campaigns, also hold a significant amount of research behind them, with a whole industry embodying the science of dermatology.

Skincare has become an important and integral part of my daily life, a time I deeply enjoy ; that I hope to now share with you all.

If I go back to where it began for me, removing makeup before one fateful day regularly consisted of a disposable face wipe (Probably “Simple’s”) and if my skin was lucky, a warm flannel with soap! This all changed after a gander around John Lewis. Cleansers were first introduced to me by an Origins Ambassador in my hometown. Six years on from that interaction I feel so blessed and grateful to that counter therapist, who clearly knew, that firstly; I had no idea about skincare, but also, and more importantly that I probably didn’t even have the immediate finances to complete a skincare routine purchase anyway, but never the less, still booked me in for a try-it-all free facial to educate me on what a basic skincare routine might look like. And since then, my love, interest, and use of skin products have expanded tenfold.

I knew nothing about skincare then, and I felt I was a fairly low-maintenance gal, so she brightly suggested: to “start with the cleanser, and when [I] had gotten used to having that step in my day-to-day life, to then consider building up the process product-by-product”. One new step at a time. This was perfect for someone who at 22 barely cared about my skin.

I can now happily say that my skincare routine consists of at least 5 steps, and when I’m feeling extra indulgent it can expand by a further 3 steps. And I feel extremely grateful to that ambassador for beginning my skincare journey with so much kindness, grace, and without even a hint of sarcasm or judgment. It has allowed within me so much curiosity, freedom, and self-care, and thus opened up passion in me for all things self-care related.

With that in mind, I’m going to share my skincare secrets with you all. I have definitely found my favorites, and whilst I’m always learning, and ready to understand more about our skin, the process I follow in my skincare routine is unwavering. Small disclaimer; of course any good skin advisor will tell you that it is not a simple “one size fits all” in terms of skincare. You will need to learn about your skin type, to really get the most out of the products and a routine.

I found an online skin analysis quiz for you to check out your skin type, I’ll link it below for your convenience: Skin Quiz ; I have Combination/ Sensitive.

A lot of my own skin analysis has come by trial and error but also following some of the guidelines framed so eloquently in Sali Hughes’s “Pretty Honest” – one of the 7 books mentioned in my article; 7 Reads that changed my life. So please with that in mind, have some analysis done, and do some reading on your skin type before deciding which (if any) of the products I use are suitable for your skin. However, even if none of the products I recommend match your profile, I hope that the knowledge, and ethos behind my routine, at the minimum, inspires you to get creative and start to implement self-care for your skin, into your daily routine.

Let’s start with cleansers;

When I’ve run out; I use olive oil. Apparently, actresses use this on big makeup days; i.e The Oscars/ red carpet days, although I wouldn’t recommend permanently replacing your cleanser with it.

You can use this cleanser, or any oil cleanser with warm flannel / reusable pads. I currently have a USA Pro Makeup Pad which is fab and can be shoved in the laundry when getting dirty. It looks like they no longer sell them but this is similar to what I use; Reusable Makeup Pad. I’d soon like to invest in some of those reusable cotton-like pads that come with a cute mini laundry bag.

For a full list of all the products mentioned here I have put them under a “Skin Care You’re Skin Will Love” List on my Amazon storefront for your ease.

Next up; my latest and happiest discovery; a Toner I can depend on.

Serums; I am currently using a Primark Hyaluronic Boost serum, can you believe it?

I have already tried the following and not been persuaded; 

La Roche-Posay B5 Serum // Vichy Mineral Serum // Apivita Aqua Beelicious Booster Serum // Eva Belle Vitamin Booster Serum // Uriage Eau Thermale Serum // Charlotte Tilbury Elixir. I’m sorry… I just wasn’t impressed.

On my “to try next” list is the famous Estee Lauder Night Repair, Ren, or The Ordinary (even if the packaging for the ordinary looks a bit forensic lab experiment for my liking) & I’ll let you know if any of them excite me.

Moisturisers; My absolute fav of all time is Origins Ginzing Cream (not the gel!).

Step 5 Collagen; now for the exciting part. 

This is my current go-to; every night before I sit down to do my routine, I mix up a cup and sip on it whilst I’m doing my skin. It tastes of wild berries and isn’t heavy. 

Step 6 – If it’s Morning; SPF

My foundation, as well as my Clarins Hydra Essential Moisturizer, also has some SPF in it, you can see my daytime makeup look over at; “What’s in my makeup bag?” < here. 

Step 6; If it’s the evening; Night Mask

Extra Steps if you’re feeling fancy!

To spritz up tired makeup, or dried out skin when you’ve already been out and about, or at work all day, when you’ve applied makeup but don’t want to be taking it off and redoing; I can recommend; Rose Water by Grace & Stella. A quality product that brightens and refreshes your face. I used to keep this in my handbag on big exhibition days.

There are also some extras, which are not for everyday but for when a little more care is needed. 

Natura Siberica Biome Hyaluronic Eye Patches //

Hydrating Face Mask (Garnier) //

Do a lymphatic drainage self massage (I get tips from @lisabeautify on insta) //

An exfoliating scrub – I can highly recommend “Never a dull moment” – Origins (once a week) //

Frozen cucumber – to be used to calm down inflamed skin or close pores – seriously put a cucumber in your freezer and use it like a Gua Sha, cut off the use end after each go. //

I have more! But I believe this to be sufficient for those of you adventuring into new skincare routines. Remember that separate from the science and products this routine is all about taking time out of your day to look after yourself. It’s an act of self love, nourishment and replenishment. It gives your brain a chance to slow down, to reflect away from scrolling thumbs, or emails. To take 15-20mins for just you. Even if you only use an SPF from now on, I’ll be happy with that, just make sure you gift yourself a little bit of extra love this spring.

Your skin and sense of self will thank you for it.

With love from me to you, as always,

& a Happy Easter,

Char xox

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You can check out the full list of products available in my Amazon Shop Front ; Skin Care You Will Love

Thanks again for joining me.

Stay Brave Darling.