I’ve had this blogpost in my draft since the beginning of June but I just haven’t been able to write it. This Summer has been a struggle to settle with a skincare routine because the weather has been so up and down.
I know what kind of products to use when it’s cold and also for when it’s warm. But what do you do when it’s hot one day (sweaty, clogged-up skin. Yikes!) and cold/windy the next (hello dry patches, nice to be reacquainted!). Switching skincare everyday is totally not ideal, so even though my skin has been so imbalanced, I have decided to persevere with a summer routine.
My Summer skincare routine means simplifying, use lighter formulations, and products to combat the oils and compensate thirsty skin. Quite a juggle!
It seemed to have taken me what feels like ages to find something that works, but with trial and error, I eventually got there.
Here’s what I’ve been using on a daily basis for the past 8 weeks and will continue to do so in to the next few months too!
Morning Skincare Routine:
Step 1: Cleanse
Janjira Facial Pomegranate and Acai Gel Cleanser (shop link)
Usually, I don’t generally have a skin type that requires a gel cleanser but this Pomegranate And Acai from Janjira works really really well at the moment! I used it this time last year and have picked it up again for the Summer. It keeps the oil at bay during the day which is exactly what I need! This delicate cleanser is anti-aging and antioxidant.
Step 2: Tone
Balance Me Skin Bright Mist Toner (shop link)
I got this in the middle of June and I used it so much that I finished the bottle within 2 months. The mist is great for tightening pores and cooling skin, and I just got carried away with it! You can use it as part of your daily skincare routine or throughout the day over make-up. It also soothes, tones, and hydrates without that tightening sensation. This mist feature hyaluronic acid to plump, chamomile to soothe, and pineapple to rebalance.
Step 3: Eye Treatment
Beaute Mediterranea High Tech Hyaluronic Acid Eye Contour Cream (shop link)
This eye cream features hyaluronic acid and argan oil – two ingredients that are sure to boost moisture! I apply the amount of a single grain of rice on each eye area and you can immediately feel a ‘lifting’ sensation. It’s quite an addictive product to use but obviously it’s not good to use more than the required amount. The hyaluronic acid plumps the skin and therefore reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Step 4: SPF
Jurlique Face SPF (shop link) / Avon SPF
I’ve been using a lot of skincare which contains acids which makes my skin more sensitive to sun. It’s so important, therefore, so protect my skin with SPF. Jurlique is one of my fave beauty brands ever and this SPF is AMAZING! I can’t praise it enough. The non-sticky formula leaves my face with a really lovely glow! It smells like pineapple too! It doesn’t have an expiry date on the packaging but since I got this tube from Jurlique just over a year ago, I’m guessing it may be losing it’s effectiveness? So I have a spare face SPF on hand and the second tube is from Avon.
Step 5: Day Cream
Madara Ultimate Face Lift (shop link)
What I’ve been doing recently is apply SPF and day cream. My day cream of choice at the moment is Madara Ultimate Face Lift – an extremely luxurious cream that creates a tightening effect. It is made with Northern birch juice and hyaluronic acid to firm saggy skin and smooth the surface for a more youthful appearance. Love the performance and results from this cream but I am not all that keen on that spicy, gingery scent.
Evening Skincare Routine:
Step 1: Remove Make Up
Astalift Make Up Remover Oil (shop link)
Astalift Make Up Remover Oil (shop link)
I love make-up remover oils, they are much more thorough. My favourite has been Astalift (featured here) and I recently learned that this is made by Fujifilm! I only ever use this when I’m wearing heavy make-up (the whole shebang) so it only comes out of the bathroom cupboard a couple of times a week. It is an excellent product and highly recommend it! You can use it on it’s own or use a cream cleanser afterwards for double-cleansing action!
Step 2: Cleanse
Janjira Facial Pomegranate and Acai Gel Cleanser
Same as day time, except I use a silicone cleansing brush with it. I have the Foreo Luna Play and also Lidl’s silicone facial brush which cost £14.99.
Same as day time, except I use a silicone cleansing brush with it. I have the Foreo Luna Play and also Lidl’s silicone facial brush which cost £14.99.
Step 3: Cleansing Water
Melvita Nectar de Roses Micellar Water (shop link)
Melvita Nectar de Roses Micellar Water (shop link)
I put this in the fridge 20 minutes before I use it and it feels soooo great on skin, especially on muggy evenings. It cleanses, tones, and removes any remaining traces of make-up from step 2. I’m very fussy with micellar water but this passes the test! It cleans skin without leaving that weird-feeling residue that most micellar waters tend to! The benefits of using rose water and rose petal extract as an ingredient ensures that your skin is moisturised and restores radiance. Check here for more rose scented beauty products from Melvita.
Step 4: Facial Oil
Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum (shop link)
Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum (shop link)
I couldn’t wait to try this. I’ve been going through many bottles of face oils and serums, all of which lasts FOREVER because you only need use about 6 tiny little droplets a day! It has taken me a while to open this magical potion! It’s absolutely amazing if your skin is dehydrated, and of course, as a running theme to my Summer skincare routine (or all year round routine, really!) is that it contains hyaluronic acid! A side note: Despite the name of this product, this is not an entire bottle of pure hyaluronic acid. It actually worried me to begin with! As much as I love using products that contain this brilliant ingredient, I know it might not be a good thing to saturate your skin with it! I have since found out that it has 2% concentrate, which is fine, I can totally handle that!
Step 5: Eye Treatment
Beaute Mediterranea High Tech Hyaluronic Acid Eye Contour Cream
Same as day.
Beaute Mediterranea High Tech Hyaluronic Acid Eye Contour Cream
Same as day.
Step 6: Night Cream
Melvita Nectar de Roses Moisture Replenishing Night Cream (shop link)
This night cream is enriched with all the rosey goodness to create very hydrating formula, so if you find that your skin feels a little parched by the end of the night, Melvita Nectar de Roses Night Cream will fix you right up. The thick, velvety cream replenishes moisture while you sleep and it takes care of any dry patches on my face overnight. It seems to rebalance my skin and leave it gently moisturised without leaving it oily.
The Weeklies:
I use these once a week without fail, usually at the weekend. If my skin feels problematic, I have a mid-week pamper too! I love using exfoliator followed by a face mask, and this two-phase step ensures that it prevents a break out. As a skincare junkie, you can not beat that feeling of giving yourself a pamper session with luxurious products. Here are my current faves:
Exfoliator/Face Scrub
Madara Exfoliator Oil-To-Milk Scrub (shop link)
I really really REALLY love this exfoliator which can be used 2-3 times a week. Certified by ECOCERT, it contains ingredient from organic farming and natural essential oils. The formula contains apricot and oat oils, and the exfoliating particles are made up of natural wax with medium grade abrasiveness. When first squeezed out of the tube, it is a gel which then turns in to velvety oil upon the touch of skin, and once water is applied it turns in to a milky substance. This product smells so good too, a bit like Fanta Fruit Twist!
Madara Exfoliator Oil-To-Milk Scrub (shop link)
I really really REALLY love this exfoliator which can be used 2-3 times a week. Certified by ECOCERT, it contains ingredient from organic farming and natural essential oils. The formula contains apricot and oat oils, and the exfoliating particles are made up of natural wax with medium grade abrasiveness. When first squeezed out of the tube, it is a gel which then turns in to velvety oil upon the touch of skin, and once water is applied it turns in to a milky substance. This product smells so good too, a bit like Fanta Fruit Twist!
Face Masks
1. Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask (shop link)
One of Antipodes hero products, the anti-bacterial Aura Manuka Honey Mask boost tired, lack-lustre skin. It’s suitable for blemish proned skin and it advisable to use this as soon as blemishes appear. The non-harsh mask leaves face feeling bright and radiant.
1. Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask (shop link)
One of Antipodes hero products, the anti-bacterial Aura Manuka Honey Mask boost tired, lack-lustre skin. It’s suitable for blemish proned skin and it advisable to use this as soon as blemishes appear. The non-harsh mask leaves face feeling bright and radiant.
2. NUXE Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute (shop link)
This is my second tube, it’s so reliable in sorting out dull skin! I ABSOLUTELY LOOOOOVE IT!! The consistency (like a gel cream) and results are very similar to Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask, they both give skin a shot of hydration but the NUXE one is a couple of pounds cheaper. And instead of using water to rinse it off, you simple rub the excess off with your fingertips. It’s an AMAZING face mask and perfect for when you’ve been out in the sun for a prolonged period of time and your face is feeling tight, dry and shrivelled (eeeks). I highly recommend using this to transform your skin to feel silky smooth. It freshens and relaxes the skin, and reduces redness. Make this your next skincare buy, you will not regret it!!
Read more skincare blogposts here!
Share this post:
The Janjira Facial Cleanser sounds so good and I suffer with oiliness so I might have to give that one a try when my cleanser runs out!
Gemma Louise
great stuff!
http://www.bstylevoyage.blogspot.com
Jurlique's skincare is so lovely, isn't it? I have their hydrating mask, it's so good to make our skin bright.
Selene Addicted
My skin care is far from being as good as yours ! Nice photos as well !
Sara,
http://www.thecrimeofashion.com
I have heard such good things about the Foreo brush! x
Lottie
http://www.flareaforte.com
Lovely skin care regime, thanks for sharing it with us!
* Electric Sunrise – Fashion and Lifestyle Blog *
x
Definitely need to look into trying some of these products! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lotte | http://www.lottebeautybox.blogspot.co.uk
Oh you have included so many of my favourite brands here Sarah, Balance Me being one of them.
I really do need to explore Melvita more, I have a cleansing oil from them which I haven't even opened yet; perhaps that should be the next one I open.
Amy x