Tuesday 15 July 2014

Nightly Skin Saviours

best skincare products
I have a dream. A dream to restore my skin to its state before I started wearing makeup. I long for the day where I can confidently leave the house without anything on and not feel self-conscious about my spots and scars. It may be difficult, but I've been seeing great improvements in my skin after adhering to this skincare routine for almost a year. 

Firstly, let me give you the low-down of my current skin situation. I have acne-prone skin that is extremely sensitive and will suffer withdrawal symptoms if I even stray from my current products. In addition to that, I have a slightly oily t-zone and am dry everywhere else.  Because of this, I tend to stick to gentle products that aim to manage breakouts at the same time. 


In the evening after removing my makeup, I cannot go a day without CLEANSING with my Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser (AUD$9.99). It is a super gentle, gel cleanser and does not leave my skin feeling stripped. There was a time when I experimented with other cleansers and that did not go down so well. Since then, I've stuck to this cleanser and will repurchase it over and over.

One of the major steps of my routine that has helped control my breakouts is EXFOLIATING. The Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub (AUD$10.99) has been and will continue to be my holygrail exfoliant. I love how the beads are small and gentle enough for daily use. It is vital that the layer of dead skin cells is buffed away to allow the rest of my products to work more effectively, such as spot treatments. This scrub, together with a product I will mention later, really work well together in reducing scarring.

Next, I make sure to follow up with a TONER. The T.N.Dickinson Witch Hazel Toner (AUD$6.59) is the best toner that I have found that meets my sensitive skin needs. It always does a great job at restoring balance to my skin. It is also one of the key players in preventing and managing any pimples. I swear by this stuff and always recommend it.

skincare routine
After cleansing, exfoliating and toning, I work quickly to restore the MOISTURE back into my skin. Depending on the season, I alternate between the Clean and Clear Essentials Moisturiser with SPF15 (AUD$8.99) and the Cetaphil Moisturising Cream* for dry, sensitive skin (AUD$9.29). The Cetaphil offers heavy-duty moisture especially for those colder months without the feeling of greasiness but for the most part, I find that a few layers of the Clean and Clear moisturiser is sufficient for both day and night. For those with very dry skin though, you should probably opt for something like the Cetaphil.

I cannot forget EYE CREAM and my go-to at the moment is the Optiva Radiance Boosting Eye Balm* (AUD$22). Applying it is actually one of the more enjoyable moments of my night time routine - something about it is just very relaxing. Without it, my under eye area feels severely dehydrated and almost stifling. While I'm still searching for the perfect eye cream, the Optiva one is pretty darn good.

If there was one product out of my whole skincare regime that I had to recommend, it would definitely be ROSEHIP OIL. I use the Rosehip Oil Roll-on* by Rosehip Plus (AUD$14.95) and it has produced such amazing, long-term results in terms of fading acne scarring and improving the overall skin texture. After a year of religious use, I can now go without concealing the scars on my cheeks as they have faded significantly. I seriously cannot recommend it enough.

Finally, you cannot forget to take care of the lips. Let's just say, the thirst is real so I make sure to use a thick LIP BALM such as the Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine (USD$12) which I have previously raved about. It is so hydrating, keeps my lips soft and smells delicious; it is just a great balm overall.

What is the one skincare product you cannot live without?

*Provided for consideration. All opinions are 100% honest as always.


27 comments:

  1. I've been on the hunt for a good exfoliator, I might look into that Biore one! I also use that Sukin cleaner. I love the fact it's organic and it feels so nice on the skin.

    The Sunday Chapter
    Angela xo

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    1. Yes agreed! Both that cleanser and scrub are so gentle on sensitive skin. :) x

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  2. Love the sound of the Biore product - my new night time saviour is the Vichy Dermablend - such a useful product!

    Josie xoxo | Fashion Mumblr

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    1. Thanks for sharing! I've never heard of that one before :) x

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  3. I know how you feel, my skin is exactly the same! I might have to give some of these products a go!

    melaniface

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  4. one skincare product that i can't live without is a cleansing oil! there really good for removing makeup and cleaning your pores!

    Lisa | Multitasking Damsel

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    1. Ooh I have yet to try cleansing oil but they sound really good! x

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  5. I can't go without my LancĂ´me Dreamtone and my LRP products - I used to not be able to leave the house without makeup on but now I do it all the time and don't feel self conscious at all - it really is a great dream to strive towards so good on you!

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    1. Thanks Emma, I did read your recent skincare post. You've convinced me to pick up the LRP next time there's a sale!

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  6. I'm actually in need of a new facial moisturiser and that Cetaphil one seems pretty good for the skin and hip pocket. One thing that I've learnt is that if you want to retain the moisture, you really have to move quick after you have cleansed your face.

    missjessjess || Fleeting Stars

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    1. Agreed! Otherwise my skin feels so dry.

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  7. Love Biore products, have really noticed a difference since i started using them!

    Lauren| thatgirlcalledlauren.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Same! It's nice that they're affordable too :D

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  8. Great stuff!! I usually go for a serum moisturizer or a thick one depending on how my skins doing for the night and then a more specific roller ball for under my eyes and then a good lipbalm. I have owned that jasmine one from korres but I hate the caramel scent and it was too pasty in color to wear out during the day for me!

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    1. Haha I actually love the scent! Shame it was too pale for you. To each their own hey? Roller balls sound nice and cooling for the under eyes!

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  9. i miss those time too when i confidently leaving the house without anything on !!
    That biore product looks great
    going to try it soon

    http://amourpixie.blogspot.com/

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  10. OOOH You have Sukin here! I love that brand.It's good to hear you have nice things to say about it.
    http://reneehartsthis.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/brand-focus-bomb-cosmetics-free-shipping.html

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    1. Love how natural it is! So gentle too.

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  11. I have an eye cream but tend to forget to use it :\ I think I can't live without my facial cleanser. It's hard to choose only one product.

    xx
    http://felishmichelle.blogspot.com

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    1. Agreed! I think I would probably choose facial cleanser too. I used to forget eye cream but then my eyes got really dry so now the dry feeling is a reminder!

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  12. I love witch hazel. I also love a rich facial cream - Olay is my current fave!

    Lucy X
    www.skeeterandscout.com

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  13. Lovely post.

    Evi // Beneath the Glitter // http://www.evithefashionista.blogspot.ca/

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  14. Good to hear that rosehip oil is working for your acne scars, I've just started using it and am crossing my fingers for results! Here's my nightly routine that I've maintained for a while now which has totally changed my skin from hormonal acne (amongst other things). Biggest call out is a facial cleansing brush:
    http://skinsaviour.wordpress.com/2014/06/17/what-works-for-me-my-current-skincare-routine/

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    1. It's amazing, definitely can't live without it!
      Sure, will check out your post!

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Thanks so much for reading! Your comments make my day.