Monday, October 3, 2011

My Skincare Routine

Many of you have asked me to write a post on my skincare routine, and I've been meaning to write one for the past few months. It's something I never got round to doing, but finally I've gotten my act together. I also wanted to turn this post into a video, but realised I don't know how to make one.

Below are the products I use in my skincare regime. As I'm still (relatively) young, I believe in keeping things simple. An overload of products tend to clog my skin, so I much prefer a simple regime of cleanse-tone-moisturise.


I'm pretty happy with the current condition of my skin. It tends to be sensitive at times, but I find that it's fine when I use simple products that don't irritate my skin. I also noticed a huge decrease in sensitivity when I keep it well moisturised as well as when I switched to luke-warm/cool water when cleansing my face instead of hot.


Here's are a couple pics of me au naturel without makeup I look a bit ill I know. I'm not though, it's just what I look like sans makeup!):


My main skin concerns are hyper sensitivity and pigmentation.


And here is a close up pic taken in better lighting:



I LOVE natural products, but unfortunately most of them don't love me. I try to use organic natural products as much as I can, but most organic essential oils (especially floral ones) irritate my skin. Through perseverance, I managed to find a range of products that use natural ingredients but do not irrritate my skin.

Onto my current skincare routine. I have been using these products for 4 months.

Cleanse with Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth cleanser
Tone with Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic
Moisturise with Dr.Hauschka Melissa Day Cream
SPF protect with La Roche Posay Anthelios XL

In the evenings, I replace the Dr. Hauschka cream with Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate, and skip the SPF cream.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser -£12.25

This multi award winning cleanser uses a warm cloth to cleanse the skin whilst gently exfoliating. I've read some reviews saying this cleanser made them break out in spots, so I'm one of the lucky ones this cleanser works well for. It made me break out in little bumps on the forehead. I figured that as it centered on the forehead, in my case it probably wasn't a bad reaction, but may be a result of the cleanser purging my skin and cleaning out the pores. I stuck with it for a couple of weeks, and after a week my forehead was completely clear.

This cleanser has a thick creamy texture with a herbal eucalyptus scent. Combined with the warm cloths, it makes my skin feel thoroughly cleansed while feeling soothed.

The bad points of this cleanser is that I go through them too quickly. A 100ml tub last me only 3 weeks, so I've recently upgraded myself to a 200ml tube. In addition, the whole removing with a warm cloth thing, while is ok with me, maybe too abrasive for other sensitive skins. Also the cloths may need some getting used to. They need to be washed very frequently ( I use a fresh cloth everyday). This can be a pain while traveling. In Peru we would travel to a different location everyday, so carrying semi-dried cloths was a hassle. (Especially when camping!)


Instant Boost Skin Tonic - £12.25

I like the word tonic, and together with the shape of the bottle reminds me of yesteryear where people shopped for remedies in apothecaries.

This alcohol free toner smells of flowers. It does it's job (i.e removed residual traces of cleanser and closes pored slightly) and leaves my skin feeling fresh.

(For the Liz Earle products, you can find their full ingredients list on their website.)


Dr. Hauschka Melissa Day Cream -£23.95

Specially developed to meet the needs of combination sensitive skin, this cream is right up my street. It has a medium to light texture and smells of fresh lemons. It sinks into my skin beautifully and keeps it well hydrated. It never feels greasy or oily on my skin, even in the hot Summer months. What I love most about this cream is the light healthy glow is gives.


Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate -£19

In the evenings, I use this heavenly scented oil instead of moisturiser. As I get older, I start feeling the benefits of using an oil. This one feels relatively light for an oil and is a beautiful golden colour. I adore the scent. It's hard to describe, but immediately gives me a sense of well-being.

This oil makes me wake up to super soft glowing skin. It's really made me addicted to using facial oils!!

The £19 version comes in a rollerball. I would probably get it in a pump bottle next time due to hygiene reasons.


La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF50+ - £16.50

There's nothing much to say except that this is the best daily facial sun protection I've come across. It comes in a light fluid which spreads easily across the face and applies like a dream. La Roche Posay is not a natural cosmetic brand, but I love it all the same. I find them a godd, no nonsense brand whose products do what they claim.


...

So that's my everyday skincare routine. I've been using them for around 4 months now, and as much as I love them I'm still fairly fickle and like to try new products.

* As you can see from my pic above, I have skintone imperfections which I'd like to correct by trying out some brightening products*

I'll write another post soon on the treatments I like to use twice a week (masks etc), as well as a note on skincare -sharing tips which I've received and learnt over the years. As that is generally why I began a blog to begin with to share, swap and learn tips and tricks with all the beauty enthusiasts out there!


29 comments:

  1. I think ur skin looks perfect!

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  2. yay for natural product, I always check the ingredients first before deciding to stick on skincare product =D

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  3. You have lovely skin, Penelope! I really wish these Liz Earle products would be available in the U.S.!

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  4. Thanx for sharing your skincare routine with us . Personally i think you have a beautiful healthy skin and you look really beautiful without makeup too. I wish my skin would become as beautiful as your's :)

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  5. :) You have a beautiful skin babe! That's also the reason why I started to blog as well!:) Sharing and learning different tips from other beauty enthusiasts is way too fun and helpful indeed!:)keep safe*

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  6. You have a very beautiful skin Penelope! I wouldn't mind applying on foundation if I have a skin like yours. :) I wish I can get a hand of those La Roche Posay and Liz Earle but they're not locally available here in Asia. Too bad. :(

    xoxo,
    LoveSkinBest

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  7. Your skin is flawless Penny! You look great without makeup, don't look ill at all! I love the toner too and the muslin cloth. I wish Liz Earle products were available in Japan! Thanks sharing your skin care routine! <3

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  8. You have a beautiful skin and you look good natural, congrats :)

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  9. you look purrrity in here :D man you look awesome without make up I'm jealous lol

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  10. You skin is gorgeous. I should really adopt your routine.

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  11. I really want to get Liz Earle products but they are not available in U.S.

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  12. I agree, your skin is beautiful! I've heard mixed reviews on Liz Earle skin care so I've been a bit scared about trying them but I'm so glad its working out for you!

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  13. you have the most flawless skin ever!! I LOVE it!! I have really sensitive skin :( I hate it :( xx

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  14. love your skin hun.. i do simple skincare routine also.. cleanse-tone-moisturize!!!

    hugs and kisses dear
    rhaindropz

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  15. Thank you so much for sharing your skin care regime. I still have the Liz Earle that you sent me and I'm loving it! I seen so many bloggers been raving about this product and now I know why! =)

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  16. I know everyone else has already said it...but you have such nice skin!! I wish Liz Earle was available in aus!

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  17. I am really jealous of your skin!! I know what you mean about the liz earle, it runs out so fast! Have you ever seen the no 7 radiance boosting hot cloth cleanser? I picked it up from boots (with a voucher it only cost £4) and its quite similar. Not exact but with the vouchers circling it might be worth a try...I have sensitive skin too and its nice and soothing for me
    xoxo

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  18. you have nice flawless skin. your simple routine really helps to maintain it.

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  19. Oh my those are expensive brands. But you got a flawless skin.

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  20. You have gorgeous skin! Seems like you have a great routine.

    Dont forget to enter my $50 La Posh Style giveaway!

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  21. I used to use Liz Earle products as well, and the cleanser worked wonders!! Too bad it's pretty pricey to ship, or else I'd buy em!

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  22. You have a very beautiful skin and you also look so gorgeous, by the way..I was wondering which eye cream do you use?thanks for your answer in advance^^.

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  23. You are blessed with beautiful skin.. I also like your long black hair. I am growing mine :) A follower now.. x

    www.mayasvice.blogspot.com

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  24. Your skin looks so flawless!
    Lucky you!
    lionsandmakeup.blogspot.com
    xoxo

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  25. You look beautiful even without makeup! You don't look ill at all :O I'm very envious of your perfect skin Penelope! I agree that keeping your skincare routine simple while you're young is a good idea. You don't want your skin to be exposed to a million different chemicals for so many years. Thanks for sharing your routine!

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  26. Wow.. Wish I had such beautiful skin..

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  27. I've read some comments saying that this cleanser, they break in spots, so I the lucky one this effective cleanser. It makes me break the small bumps on his forehead.

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