I am not a morning person, whatsoever. However, when I do eventually crawl out of bed, I always feel so much more fresh and awakened once I've completed my morning skincare routine. There are five steps to it, so not overly excessive. I can probably complete it in under 7 minutes (that's a guesstimation, and a precise one at that). Yet most importantly my skin has been in the best condition (overall, with the occasional blemish) it has ever been in, since properly getting into this routine. Obviously my night time skincare routine most likely plays a role in that too, but I do think this morning routine is making a positive difference to my skin.
STEP ONE: CLEANSE.
I am currently using the Evelom Morning Time Cleanser. I have a sample sized 50ml, the full size is 125ml (£40). First of all I love the power of marketing with this one. The fact it is called a 'Morning Time Cleanser' makes me remember to use it in the morning! Moreover though, it is such an incredible product. It is a lightweight balm cleanser that is to be applied all over a dry face, and then left for a couple of minutes before being washed off. It's so luxurious. It makes my skin feel incredibly soft and smooth afterwards, as well as completely clean. However (and this is a BIG however) it stinks. The smell of this product is really awful in my opinion, and it does linger slightly. So I am torn when it comes to it, because the results are lovely... if you can ignore the scent.
STEP TWO: TONE.
The Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (£27) - A little tip with this one is that I was actually doing a large online shop from Liberty (well I was purchasing a beauty advent calendar) and so fished around online for a coupon code to get some kind of discount. I found one that was for £30 so I technically got this toner for free - I thoroughly enjoy that it comes in a spray bottle, as I can just spritz it all over my cleansed face, and be done with it. It feels so refreshing. In addition, the scent is a gorgeous lavender which reminds me of my Gran so makes me a happy bunny, but if you're not into lavender scents I would avoid this one.
Also a cheaper alternative I have found is Lush's Eau Roma Water (£7.95) which is very similar in my opinion, if you don't want to spend big bucks on what can be essentially viewed as a face mist.
STEP THREE: SERUM.
This is a step you could skip over if you wanted to, but I enjoy the benefits of a serum. The Dr Sebagh Serum Repair (£69) contains the highly coveted ingredient hyaluronic acid, which aids the nourishment and replenishment of the skin. It basically makes you look more radiant and youthful (not that I need to look any younger, I'm always being ID'd, I was even ID'd for a scratchcard the other day, and you only have to be 16 to buy one!).
STEP FOUR: MOISTURISE.
Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser (£23) is totally worth the hype. It does what it says on the jar. It is a lovely consistency, it is super moisturising, and it smells likes oranges. What's not to like?
STEP FIVE: EYE CREAM.
Again trusty Origins. This time it's the No Puffery Cooling Roll-On For Puffy Eyes. I have a 7ml sample size, the full size is 15ml (£24). This comes with a metal roller-ball applicator which does indeed cool the under eye area immensely. It makes my under eye area feel hydrated and silky smooth. Nonetheless I am still on the look out for a product that can help my dark under eye circles, however that may be asking too much as I think a miracle worker would be needed to combat them...
...And that's it! Overall I am a fan of all the products I have in my routine currently, despite a few issues here and there, mainly because I do find my skin to be happier as of late, and that in turn makes me happy.
Let me know what skincare you have been loving lately, or if you are aware of any dupes for me when these rather hefty price tagged products run out...
NOT a sponsored post, all products were purchased with my own money.
I love a classic tag post. They are so much fun to ponder over, but I did amalgamate a couple of questions since they were related, to speed up the reading process. There are quite a few areas to cover, so lets get cracking!
Skincare
How many times a day do you wash your face?
Twice. Once in the morning, and once at night. I don't like to over cleanse my skin, in case it strips the skin of the natural oils, as then it will over produce oils wreaking havoc for the condition of my skin.
What skin type do you have?
I have never had a professional skin assessment, but in my opinion I think I have combination skin.
What is your current face wash?
I am currently loving the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Facial Cleanser. Nevertheless I always have a couple of different cleansers on the go.
Do you exfoliate?
Yes, a couple of times a week. I am using St. Ives Timeless Skin Daily Microdermabrasion, at the moment.
What moisturiser do you use?
The Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser. I highly recommend it, it has such a lovely sweet orange scent and makes your skin feel super hydrated.
Do you have freckles?
Not nearly as many as I had when I was younger, but I do have fair skin, so they can make an appearance in the Summer.
Do you use eye cream?
Yes. The Soap and Glory Puffy Eye Attack.
Do you have acne prone skin, and did you ever have to use Pro-Activ?
I do have skin prone to spots, but I never used Pro-Activ.
Make Up
What foundation do you use?
My drugstore foundation is the trusty Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation, a classic. While my high-end favourite at the moment is Tarte's Amazonian Clay Foundation. My goodness I adore it, such a great full coverage foundation.
What concealer do you use?
For blemishes I really like Seventeen's Phwoarr Paint. It has a really nice consistency and coverage. For the under eye area I enjoy Rimmel's Match Perfection 2 in 1 Concealer and Highlighter to brighten up my dark circles.
Do you know your undertone colour?
Pink I think (hey that rhymes).
What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I think they can look gorgeous, but I have actually never dabbled in them. I do not see myself being able to apply them successfully at all. haha.
Did you know you are supposed to dispose of mascara after three months?
Yes. Do I follow the rule? No. Woops.
What mascara brand do you use?
Tarte and Rimmel.
Sephora or Mac?
Sephora, so many choices.
What make up application tools do you use?
brushes, a beauty blender, and eyelash curlers.
Do you use primer?
I haven't found a primer I really like. I do not enjoy the silicone feeling of most, it feels yucky on my hands. It's like my personal equivalent of hearing nails being scraped down a chalkboard. Eek.
What is your favourite eye shadow?
Marc Jacobs palette in 'The Dreamer' all of the shades are beautiful and buttery.
Pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Pencil, I am not the most skilled at liquid application.
How often do you poke your eye with eyeliner?
On occasion.
What do you think of pigment eye shadows?
They can look stunning, when used in moderation. Although they can be rather messy.
Do you use mineral make up?
Nope, not currently.
What is your favourite lipstick?
I am loving Soap and Glory's 'Mantrap' muted red at the moment, as well as Rimmel's Kate Moss shade in number 08. It is my everyday dark neutral colour.
How about lipgloss?
I am more of a lipstick girl, but lipgloss wise I really like NYX's buttergloss in Tiramisu. It is such a lovely formula and such a fabulous neutral gloss.
What is your favourite blusher?
Nars Deep Throat.
Do you buy your make up on Ebay?
Nope.
Do you like drugstore make up?
YES. The majority of my make up collection is from the drugstore.
Have you ever considered taking make up classes?
Yes I have, but haven't taken the plunge yet.
Are you clumsy in putting on make up?
I wouldn't say clumsy, but things certainly do not go as planned on occasion.
Name a make up crime you hate?
Super duper dark and overdrawn eyebrows when the persons hair is fair. I am all for slightly darkened and defined brows, but there is a limit. When your hair is bleach blonde, it is unlikely that you would have black eyebrows. But each to their own I guess!
Do you like colourful make up shades or neutral?
Both! I like neutral eyes, with bright lips.
Which celebrity always has great make up?
Apologies for being cliche, but Kylie Jenner does have a great look. Trend setting some might say.
If you could leave the house using only one make up item which would it be?
Concealer. Or mascara.
Do you think you look good without any make up on?
Depends on the condition of my skin mostly. Usually that's a struggle for me, to think I do, but I have good days and not so good days.
In your opinion what is the best make up brand?
Rimmel, Tarte or Sleek.
What do you think of make up?
I adore it. It's so much fun to create different looks and styles. Plus it can be a confidence booster, but never let it define you.
That was so much fun. If you fancy a go at this tag leave your blog post in the comments below so I can check out your thoughts and favourites.