I have never been one for a complicated skincare routine, I’m going to be honest all this cleanse & double cleanse business everyone talks about all just really confuses me. Simple skincare, now there’s something that appeals to me. I have always liked to have a quick but effective routine that I can easily carry out in the morning, when I wake up, and at night, before I go to sleep. And that’s all I need. In the past I have really struggled with skincare due to the fact I have eczema & sensitive skin (yay…), but I think I may have finally found the perfect products for me & I can’t wait to share them with you.
Let’s start with Micellar Water. This strange, seemingly magical product appeared on our shelves a few years ago and has taken Britain by storm. I mean the French have been using it for years and they are renowned for having beautiful skin so it definitely can’t do us any harm. Micellar Water is a gentle cleansing product and after what I was just saying it will be no surprise to you that I use a micellar water by the French brand, Bioderma. Their ‘Sensibio H2O Make-up Removing Micelle Solution‘ quickly replaced my Garnier Micellar Water (you know the one that everyone raves about). Yes, the Bioderma alternative is a bit more pricey, but since I have started using it I have seen a noticeable difference in my skin and it removes makeup like a dream. I also think that the fact it is formulated for sensitive skin really helps, if that is not the most obvious thing that someone with sensitive skin could say!
I use my Micelle Solution twice a day, putting it onto a cotton pad and then rubbing it over my face and eyes in circular motions. Say goodbye to dirt & makeup! It leaves your skin feeling soft and renewed and I honestly don’t know what I would do without it. I am just about to order my third bottle and I definitely consider it money well spent.
From one French product to another, may I introduce La Roche-Posay and their ‘Effaclar Clarifying Lotion’. I’m not going to lie to you, when I bought this I wasn’t entirely sure what I was buying but I had heard good things so I was willing to give it a go. And I am so glad I did. In basic terms it is an exfoliator & toner, don’t you just love a good two in one product, and is great for those days when your skin just isn’t looking its best. It is the ultimate pore tightener, minimising those pores for a more flawless look. Since I have been using this I have also found that my skin has been less prone to breakouts. Result!
I use the lotion every other day in the morning and evening and apply it in the same way as I do my micellar water, onto to a cotton wool pad and then in gentle circular motions over my face. Not over my eyes though as I’m pretty sure that would not end well. Ouch. You are probably thinking that this all sounds a bit intense for sensitive skin. You would think so wouldn’t you? But that is where this product has a surprise up its sleeve… it is tested for use on even the most sensitive skin and hasn’t aggravated my skin one bit. It has become a true staple of my routine and I love it.
Now onto my favourite part of my skincare routine, moisturising. This used to be my most hated thing, having eczema nothing seemed to work and I found it very frustrating. That was until I decided to give Egyptian Magic a go. You may have seen me mention this in a recent Q&A post as the one product I couldn’t live without and that hasn’t changed. It is a solely natural multipurpose skin cream with only six ingredients and my skin absolutely loves it. It is a 100% must have for anyone struggling with dry skin. It has a slightly more high end price tag than your regular moisturiser but it lasts well and works. What more could you want, it is definitely worth it. Update: I no longer use this for my eczema, but do use it for dry skin.
I use this moisturiser every day, in the mornings before I apply my makeup (it makes a great primer) and at night before I go to sleep. Each time I scoop a small amount out of the pot with the end of my finger and then rub it in my palms until it turns into an oil. I then slather it all over my face and neck, rubbing it in until completely absorbed. A little really goes a long way with this product and when I wake up in the morning my skin always feels so soft and renewed. Pure brilliance, literally.
So there you have it, my three sensitive skincare staples. They are all brilliant products that I am constantly recommending to friends and family, and now to you. Please bear in mind that everyone’s skin is different and what works well for me might not work for you, despite us both having sensitive skin. So always try and test products before using them.
Love Holly x