I've been ill recently, necessitating a more than a couple of hospital trips, and it means I need a small procedure later on in the year. It's nothing too serious, but the feeling of being more rundown than usual has been showing in my skin, and as a result I've had to break out some of the big guns in my skincare arsenal. Far from being a pain, I've found myself really enjoying taking care of my skin recently, mainly thanks to these somewhat ... er, luxurious* products. I have two routines, evening and morning, and I'll take you through them both.
Evening:
In the evening, I like to give myself a really thorough cleanse, using a lot of massage techniques. Le Belle Oil Cleanser (£28) is a fairly thick oil-based cleanser which doesn't really emulsify, so is perfect for a really thorough cleanse when you've got a full-face of makeup on. And even if you don't, it's still great for a really deep cleanse. I rinse using one of my gazillion washi cloths and some hot water, then I give my face a good going over with a Zelens PHA Bio-Peel Resurfacing Face Pad (£65) These are a recent discovery for me, and I LOVE them.
Based on a combination of AHAs and BHAs, alongside PHAs, and with a combination of acids (including salicylic, lactic, citric and polyhydroxy) these are a gentler alternative to my beloved Alpha-H Liquid Gold. They help to resurface, and rehydrate your skin overnight. When my skin is feeling sensitive, it's easier to use these then the Alpha H, and I can really tell the difference. I follow with a spritz of toner (see morning), then add two drops of Sjal Saphir Concentrate Oil (£125) An anti-ageing oil suffused with sapphire, this stuff is amazing, plumping and firming, it's a pleasure to use. I use it as a serum rather than a moisturiser, as it's rather light, so I finish with a tiny dab of Zelens Z Recovery Intensive Repair Balm (£140). Again, on the pricey side, this is the one product on this list that I'd go without shoes to re-purchase. A thick, slightly gummy "balm", it leaves the skin plump and hydrated, plus it soothes and repairs any dry patches or irritated skin. It's light and non-greasy, and after applying, I always look forward to seeing how great my skin looks the morning after, if I could marry a product, this would be The One.
Morning:
I do another oil cleanse, this time with Nude Cleansing Facial Oil (£28) it is lighter than the Le Belle, and emulsifies easily in water. This is my default cleanser - I may dabble with others, but Nude is the one I return to again and again and again, even in this, my fourth (eep!) year as a beauty blogger.
After rinsing with a washi, I spritz again with toner, this time with Sjal Mineral Kalla Energy Tonic (£50), which is hydrating and calming, and sets your skin up for serums and moisturiser nicely. For daytime use, I like Darphin Camomile Aromatic Care (£41), as I find it it both soothing, and protective for my "prone to redness and sensitivity" skin. Finally, I apply a layer of Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream ($55), which contains both goat milk (good for a lactic acid dose), and aloe vera for soothing, plus avocado and jojoba oils for hydration. Sadly, SpaceNK have dropped the Kate Somerville line, so I beg everyone I know who has a trip to the US planned to pick some up for me, and this is my fourth jar.
I realise that this is an expensive routine in anyone's book, but what price skin?
* Expensive. Yes, I KNOW.
The Fine Print: I sold my soul to PRs, various relatives, and several online retailers for some of these products, which are a combination of samples, gifts and (in a surprisingly large proportion) purchases. You don't even want to know what the MiL wanted in return for the Goat Milk Cream ...
Oh, all links in this post are for informational purposes only, and are NOT affiliate links.
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Even thought good skin care is expensive, it's mostly worth it. :) thanks for introducing me to so many new brands.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try Zelens but it's just a bit too far out of my price range at the moment. It's amazing how one's idea of 'expensive' changes over time, so hopefully it won't be too long before I think nothing of forking out £140 for a jar!
ReplyDeleteI also use Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream and I got mine shipped from the US from Essential Day Spa. I think they have the full Kate Somerville range. The postage is quite pricey but because of the exchange rate it still works out cheaper than buying from Space NK anyway. Hope that helps :)
You're not wrong there, Gillian! I remember a time when £30 was "megabucks". Still, I don't buy expensive shoes or handbags, so ... would rather invest in my face!
DeleteThanks for the tip about Essential Day Spa, I'll check them out.
Ooh, thanks for the KS in Essential Day Spa tip.
DeleteI don't buy expensive bags or shoes either. Skin care is my spending high!
Nice routine.
ReplyDeleteI sulked a little (a lot) when Kate Somerville left SpaceNK. I'm going to have a look at those Zelens pads, I love me some lactic acid action.
I cried actual tears when KS left SNK. Big snotty ones.
DeleteYou'll love the Zelens, seriously.
I think there's something really satisfying about a good skin care routine when you're not feeling at your best. I've tried a couple of the Zelens products and think they are excellent, I'm tempted by the pads you've mentioned. Do they feel tingly like the Liquid Gold?
ReplyDeleteThere's a tingle, Jane. Not nearly as pronounced as the Liquid Gold, and, because I follow it with toner and moisturiser, not nearly as long-lasting, either. The pads and the balm are AMAZEBALLS. TOTES AMAZEBALLS.
DeleteYou have a great routine. Yes agreed it is expensive but if it works for you then it's worth every penny! It's your skin and therefore an investment after all :) x
ReplyDelete