As I planned to use a facemark today, I cleansed my skin with the Glow Lab Creme cleanser to make sure my skin was completely free of last nights make up and ready to absorb all the goodness of the face mask. I don't think this cleanser is different to any other you can buy but it came in a set I got and I don't not like it. I've been actively trying to use cleansers to remove make up as make up wipes aren't biodegradable and every little helps you know? I've also been using cleansers more on an everyday basis to wash my bare face as they're so gentle on the skin and in this cold weather I don't like using harsh products which can aggravate my sensitive and dry skin.
For Christmas I was gifted a variety of the 'Oh K!' face masks which I've been wanting to try for a while. Today I used the 'Skin clarifying leopard print sheet mask' which has ingredients such as tea tree and willow bank to really cleanse and clear pores while calming redness and inflammation, things that I definitely need right now. I didn't realise that the mask wasn't a 'soapy' mask that needed washing off afterwards otherwise I would've used my toner before hand but that was jut me not paying proper attention, and it was still lovely. I was thinking that the mask would be slightly gimmicky and probably wouldn't work wonders but it made my face feel wonderful. After massaging in the left over serum on my face, I was left with super soft, fresh skin and my face felt wonderful. The packet that the sheet mask came in had a bunch of left over serum in the bottom so I've saved the packet to use up the rest of it as it really did make my skin feel bright and renewed. I'm excited to try more of the 'Oh K!' products.
The toner I've been using for the last couple of weeks is 'The Ordinary glycolic acid 7% toning solution'. I just gently swipe this over my skin on a reusable cotton pad before using any other products, I heard that you're meant to apply your skin care in order of the lightest product to the heaviest so I use this first. This toner claims to boosts radiance and clarify the skin to create a smoother appearance, I don't know exactly what that's meant to look like but my skin does appear to have less little bumps so I assume it's working. I mainly like using a toner because I'm always worried that I've missed make up residue or something whilst washing my face so the toner makes me feel that little bit fresher.
I also use a serum from 'The Ordinary' called 'Alpha arbutin 2% + HA serum' to reduce the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. After struggling with acne for such a long time in my life and having to use such harsh methods to rid myself of it, I've been left with acne scarring across my cheeks which is a constant reminder of that time for me. Acne scars are so hard to get rid of and are also near impossible to cover with make up, they're a completely different kind of skin, it's scar tissue and it's something I'd like to fix. With this serum I can see a slight improvement but it's not as drastic as I'd like so I may scout around for something a bit stronger but this product has visibly given me a more even complexion which I am grateful for.
To hydrate my under eyes I've been using the 'Mario Badescu ceramide eye gel' which I am absolutely in love with. The gel formula, for me, is so much better than any cream product I've ever used. The gel gives more hydration without feeling greasy and leaves a cool, fresh barrier under my eyes to relieve the tired, puffy bags that had definitely worsened over the festive period. This eye cream is definitely the priciest skin care product I've purchased but it is so worth it and the amount of product justifies the price, I've been using it for a while now and there's still tonnes of product left.
Even though I've banished my acne, I still get the occasional hormonal or stress related breakout. I previously would've used a harsh spot treatment to try and remove it from my face but I've now started only using savlon to just keep the break out at bay. I won't lie, every now and again I will pick at my face even though I know it always ends up worsening the problem but I just can't help myself. When I do get this urge I make sure to ice the spot and then use savlon to try and rectify it all. At the end of the day, we all get spots now and again so it's not too much of a big deal.
I use the 'Glow Lab facial moisturiser' to finish my skin but even though I used to love this product, it's not doing it for me anymore. The moisturiser feels a little too oily and it doesn't give me as much hydration as I would like. For the summer the Glow Lab moisturiser was great, it's light on the skin and gives the right amount of hydration for a hot day, but in the winter with the harsh, cold air on my face, I need something thicker to protect my skin. If anyone has a recommendation please let me know!
Once I've finished my skin care I don't want to leave out my lips. I use the 'Lush galaxy lip scrub' to exfoliate and remove any dead skin before I literally lather cocoa butter across my lips to heavily hydrate them. My lips are so dry after being on acne medication for so long and especially in this cold weather they crack and tend to split and bleed a bit (lovely, I know) and cocoa butter is just that bit thicker than a traditional lip balm to give some more protection.
Skin care and pampering are my favourite things, I love taking time everyday to do my skin care routine and just be calm and relaxed. Good quality skin care doesn't have to be expensive but sometimes it does feel luxurious to buy something a little nicer and treat yourself to a pamper. I have whole days where I'll give myself a DIY spa day but on an everyday basis my skin care routine gives my skin the appreciation it needs.
And to anyone who needs to hear it, don't sleep in your makeup.
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