I need to give myself more credit than I do. I get messages all the time from friends and family (and some through recommendations from friends) for skincare advice. You’re asking me? Seriously?

Maybe it’s because I’ve always wondered if anyone would ask me for advice on something and what it would feel like, now I’m like woah! It’s a nice feeling knowing you can give advice and be confident about it!

So skincare. Where to begin!

Did you know your skin isn’t down to just genetics? 🧬 How many times do you hear oh they must have good genes! Yes it makes up some of your beautiful skin, but only 25% of it. 75% is down to environmental factors which can be controlled by YOU. Look after your skin!!

Let’s talk products!

There are hundreds and thousands of products on the market which can be overwhelming. I see so many customers starting aimlessly at the skincare aisle wonder wtf they are even looking for.

Identifying your skin type is the first step to finding products that suit your skin…

Normal — lucky you! You find your skin just likes you. It needs little attention and doesn’t scream for any particular product. You’re one of a few, my friend.

Oily — you find your skin feels oily, especially in the t-zone and you suffer regular breakouts. A matte product can be your best friend and finding make up which keeps the oil at bay is a challenge in itself. BUT guess what?! You age much slower than other skin types (you hear that, normal skin type?!) yep. We << as I fall in this category << are blessed with skin that may drip with oil but we will thank when we’re wrinkle free at 60 (LOL).

Combination — you have an oily t-zone with dry cheeks, not ideal. Your pores appear more visible in the t-zone.

Dry — your skin is thirsty!!! It craves a drink. It can tend to be worse in winter when it becomes cold and windy outside. You have dry patches or experience flaking skin throughout the day. When you wash your face, your skin can feel tight, itchy or dried. Don’t worry, we can fix this!!

Sensitive — your skin suffers from redness or irritation after using new products or products with fragrance. If you suffer from rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, this is your category. Avoid a heavily fragranced product, RUN! We need all the fragrance free goods to keep your skin in tip top condition.

Now you’ve established your skin type, you will find all of a sudden, the skincare aisle aren’t overwhelming and you can target products for your skin.

BUT… what products do I even need?

Well I’ll cover each category in a blog post but to get you started, here is how my skincare routine looks… honestly it sounds like a lot of effort but those 10 minutes I look forward to every day as it’s a little bit of me time!!

1. Cleanse – TWICE! First removes the dirt the second gets deep into the pores.

2. Tone – Either a AHA/BHA lotion (which is an exfoliating stage) or a lotion like (Origins Mega Mushrooms 🍄 Soothing Lotion )

3. Eye cream — ring finger and pat upwards ⬆️

4. Serum – always ALWAYS use a serum. They penetrate quicker and deeper into the skin

5. Moisture with niacinamide topical powder (MUST have for everyone The Ordinary Niacinamide Topical Powder )- mix them together and apply all over

6. SPF — I use factor 50. Higher the better in my opinion! (What I’m currently using and loving Vichy Capital Soleil Mattifying Cream )

For nighttime, I would use a different moisturiser but still with the niacinamide powder (unless the moisturiser already contains it).

Instead of an SPF, at this stage I’ll apply an oil. Oils are always the last step in skincare. I alternate between a Retinol 1% and a 100% Organic Rose Hip Seed Oil.

My routine can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to skincare or you don’t have the budget to spend £££ on lots of products! But there are so many great products on the market that are reasonably priced allowing you to get an amazing skincare routine which is kind on the purse too!

A great skincare routine which combines my 6/7 steps into a 3 step routine is the NEW Fenty skincare range. A perfect starter set for newbies!

Love

Carly

💛