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Skincare Starter Routine- beginner friendly (I promise)
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items So I have struggled with my skin my whole life and while I admit it is still not perfect (lets hope 2025 is the year!), it is a lot better than it was- so here are my recommendations for products that I have found worked for me. I am in no way a prof...
Sections
7
Morning- Serum
Morning- Moisturiser/SPF
Evening- Oil cleansers
Evening- Water based cleansers
Evening- Serum
Evening- moisturiser
Morning- Serum
personally i dont like cleansing in the morning- as my skin is very sensitive, some times its a bit too much so i generally skin straight to serums etc
Words cannot explain the difference this has made, if i'm honest i dont know how to tell if your barrier needs repairing or why but what i do know is that this one product is the one which has made the biggest difference to my skin- i use it morning ...
Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum - Aveeno
So I no longer use this myself but used it religiously for about a year and my sister still uses this. It is a bit more on the pricier side (which is why i stopped) however using this in the morning with my moisturiser did make my skin feel really ni...
Effaclar Duo | Acne Spot Treatment - La Roche-Posay
This used to be a staple in my morning routine and is something i am looking to bring back in now my skin barrier is in a better place as i found it did make my skin feel smoother and more hydrated!
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Morning- Moisturiser/SPF
For morning moisturisers- i tend to go with whatever is cheap, easy and light that i dont react to. I was more hesitant with SPF as they tend to break me out however i have found the ones below dont cause me any issues
This is probably my favourite ever moisturiser and now one i use morning and night. i personally like a gel moisturiser as it doesnt feel too heavy and this one feels really rich still!
AVEENO Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
This used to be my favourite before I found the Aveeno Oat, again it is nice and light and i didnt notice it cause my skin any issues. Personally i love simple and also use one of their other moisturisers in the evening!
Simple Hydrating Moisturiser
typically as long as a suncreen doesnt break me out, Im quite happy with it- this was my first go to for sunscreen and I didnt really have any issues beyond the price, if it was more affordable i would probably still be using it
La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Fluid
This is one I came across from Natalies recommendations and tik tok and I actually found it really good! it has more of a gel consistency which is something i love and worked nicely with my usual routine
B. Protect Defence Sun Cream SPF 50 75ml | Skin - Superdrug
This is my current go to SPF which i do keep restocking- i love how easiliy it blends in and goes under my make up! i dont know if it does all the anti aging and Vit C things it says but it is probably my favourite factor 50 and doest cause my skin (...
L'Oreal Revitalift SPF 50 UV Fluid
Evening- Oil cleansers
I love a good cleansing balm and oil cleanser- it is probably my favourite step. Please remember once you have massaged it in- to use a little bit of water to emulsify it before washing it off
Probably my favourite (affordable) cleansing balm, it smells so nice and is refillable and the creator also struggled with acne and clearly knew what they were doing as this gave me no issues at all and was amazing at taking off makeup!
Grace's Cleansing Balm - The Beauty Crop
If I could afford to use this all the time I would! it is such a good texture and feels so luxurious and nourishing. I found the 50G did actually last me quite a while which was amazing as you only need a tiny bit at a time ! Whilst this is no longer...
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 50g
I have been coming back to this for the past 5 years ever since my Uni flatmate recommended it because I love it. Its so affordable, lasts ages and is a great alternative to a cleansing balm. sometimes it does take a little whilst to properly breakdo...
Squalane Cleanser | The Ordinary
Evening- Water based cleansers
I dont usually go with anything fancy here anymore, i feel at this point i have probably tried half of whats out there and they all seemed the same- but these are my top 3!
This is my current daily to use after my oil based cleanser and i only picked it up because i needed a travel sized wash for holiday! I have definately noticed an improvement in my skin since using this- i dont know why but i think because it is so g...
Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash
This was another staple for months when I realised my skin needed a bit more nourishment and was struggling from previous face washes being too harsh and stripping. It definately made my skin feel softer and is something i would probably go back to i...
Effaclar Cream Cleanser For Oily Skin | La Roche-Posay
You love to see it- another Aveeno Oat! This was for gentle and kind to my skin and paired really well with the rest of the line. My only down side was that is doesnt really foam up which is something i like my facewashes to do.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Face Cleanser
Evening- Serum
Serums are entirely optional and can be tailored to what you need for your skin but I would recommend a barrier serum at the least!
I just love it and will die on this hill
Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum - Aveeno
This was my go to retinol before I took a break from it- aside from the initial purge (necessary evil) I found that this did improve my skin but please remember retinol does increase sun sensitivity so wear sunscreen!
Retinol 1% in Squalane | The Ordinary
This is another one I was put onto from TikTok and is my current Retinal serum- I actually didn't find the purge too bad on this one so thats a win, results TBC though as I have only recently started with it
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10-0.1% Retinal serum
Evening- moisturiser
I usually go with a slightly thicker cream in the evenings because I find after double cleansing and usually a really hot bath or shower- my skin is a bit dry and needs some extra love
So when i was not using retinol serums- i loved a moisturiser with retinol in and this was a staple. It is really thick but didnt feel like it clogged my pores- however does take a little while to properly absorb!
Olay Retinol24 Night Moisturizer Wake Up to Smoother, Brighter Skin
This is my current evening moisturise now i have reintroduced retinol serums and I love it- it is again a nice and thick moisturiser for the evening before bed but also doesn't feel too heavy on your skin. It can also double as a morning moisturiser ...
Simple Repairing Rich Face Cream 22...
See I wouldnt class this as a moisturiser but it is something i will use in place of a moisturiser once a week as a treat and the mini version lasts forever! Again- no breakouts and leaves your skin feel so soft and subtle!
Peptide4 Thousand Flower Mask - Elemis
Accessories
Just a few little handy bits that helped!
Okay so it really doesnt matter where you pick these up- I got some from Primark and then some of the ‘erase your face’ ones from TK Maxx. Either way- they are so much softer than flannels and are so cheap and easy to come by- especially in multipack...
Microfibre Facial Cloths
There is a bit of a back and forth of if the stainless steel gua shas are better- I think if i bought them again, i would get a steel one however my jade one currently works perfectly fine so i dont overly feel the need to replace it. There are tonne...
Jade Roller & Gua Sha
so you usual see these and the head band together- im not too bothered about the headband as i usually just use hair grips (if it works- it works) however these are life changing! you don't realise how irritating it is to have water driping down your...
Cleansing Cuffs
Again- any box will do! unfortunatly as much as i try to be, i cannot be the person who neatly puts everything away on the cute little vanity organisers or neatly in a cupboard- instead i have a box with a lid which sits on the side next to the sink ...
Storage Basket Box With Lid