I had originally intended to write up an Autumn/Winter specific skin care routine, but then I realised that a lot of the additional products I’m using at the moment are things that I’m attempting to finish for Project 50 Pan and not necessarily products that I like. I have a pretty good grasp on the basics that I like to have in my skin care routine, and I tend to rotate these products along with others that I may want to try out or things that I receive for review along the way. So without further ado, here are my ‘holy grail’ skin care products. Buckle up because this post might get long-winded and a little bit ranty.
Pre-Cleanser
I use the double cleansing method, which basically means that I use two products to cleanse my skin; one to remove my makeup and one to really get in and do the nitty gritty cleaning. I have used Dermalogica Precleanse for years, and it will always be the first product I reach for as pre-cleanser. (note: I also really like the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and the Nivea Daily Essentials Fragrance Free Facial Cleansing Wipes – which incidentally are the best wipes I’ve ever used on my sensitive skin)
Cleanser
Finding a good cleanser to suit my temperamental skin has been on-par with difficult levels as finding a decent foundation that won’t oxidise and give me pumpkin face. Thank goodness for Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. I love this stuff, so much so that I now buy it in the mega sized pump bottles to ensure that I’m never without it. (note: I also love the Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser, and I alternate this with the Dermalogica cleanser every now and then)
Exfoliant
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is one of those skin care products that people either love or they hate. I love it and would totally put a ring on it. It’s not pictured above because I recently ran out and I’ve been trying to use up my second favourite exfoliant, the Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub instead. I exfoliate twice a week and if I’m using the Daily Microfoliant I opt to use it in place of my regular cleanser.
Toner
I’ve nearly always used a rose mist in place of a regular toner, and my favourite is the Echolife Rose Facial Mist. Toners are generally used as a last ditch attempt to remove any impurities and also to tone the skin (ha), but as I use the double cleansing method I find that a mist is better suited for my routine. (note: I also really like the Kora Balancing Rose Mist and The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner)
Moisturiser
As with cleanser, I’ve struggled to find a decent moisturiser to suit my skin. The Dermalogica Active Moist is probably the best match I’ve found so far. It’s lightweight and non-greasy and I’m able to use it throughout most of the year except for in the dead of Winter when I mix it up for something with a bit more oomph. (note: I also love the Ultraceuticals Ultra Moisturiser Cream, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream and the Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Cream)
Eye Cream
I haven’t really found an eye cream that I’m madly in love with, but the Benefit It’s Potent! Eye Cream has been getting a heavy workout in my current routine. I haven’t included it in the picture above because I’m not completely certain that it’s HG material, but it will do for now. I tend to use eye creams for their moisturising ability rather than any of their much promised age-defying qualities. Hopefully I won’t look back on this in 20 years time and regret it. (note: I also like the This Works Tired Eye Serum)
Oils & Serums
I use oils and serums as a night treatment (in place of moisturiser) every couple of days, or depending on when I feel like my skin needs a boost. The Kosmea Organic Rose Hip Oil has been my favourite for years, but I’ve recently discovered the Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Oil which I find to be just as good. I’ve also recently rediscovered the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster which has been an Autumn/Winter favourite of mine for a few years. (note: I also love the Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum)
Masks
I’ve never really been faithful to one particular mask because I like to try different ones for different skin concerns, but my most reached for face masks would definitely be the Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask and the Dermalogica Skin Refining Mask. I also really love the LUSH Mask Of Magnaminty, but it’s such a pain to get to a LUSH store that I haven’t had one on hand for a long time.
Spot Treatment
Despite being 27 years old I still battle with breakouts (in particular hormonal breakouts aka the bane of my existence) and the best products that I’ve found to combat these are the Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick (wonderful if you can get past the intense licorice smell) and the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (a cult favourite of a lot of beauty fans).
So that’s it, my holy grail list of skin care products. I’ve probably forgotten quite a few things but oh well. Please feel free to leave me a comment suggesting any of your favourite products that you feel like I might need to try out in the future.
