Skincare Diary #6

Although I've been trialling lots of new (and wonderful) skincare products this month, I decided to use this month's skincare diary to showcase my skincare staples and favourites. You'll find below a compilation of the best of the best, the products which have stood the test of time and which REALLY work to bring out the best in my skin - keeping breakouts at bay, fading scars, and providing optimal texture, moisture, and a glow like no other...

Monday Morning -  La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel*, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Lotion*, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +.Evening - Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, Pixi Glow Skin Tonic, Hydraluron, Antipodes Divine Face Oil*, Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream*, Verso Super Eye Serum*.

Forgive the profusion of LRP products... I was recently sent this new launch to test out and it was love, at first sight. I've been a user (read: disciple) of Effaclar Duo for years so when news broke that LRP would be releasing a cleanser and toner into the range I was over the moon. The cleanser is everything I dreamed it would be, and more. Light, gentle, and not at all drying (despite being aimed at oily skin), it works perfectly with my Clarisonic and leaves my skin feeling super clean and silky smooth. I also love the toner, which is equally gentle and has an instantly mattifying effect. An insta-purchase if you're a fan of Effaclar Duo.

TuesdayMorning -La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel, Clarisonic Aria with Cashmere Cleanse Brush Head*, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Lotion, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel*.Afternoon - Bioderma Sensibo H20, Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse*. Evening - Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, Pixi Glow Skin Tonic, Hydraluron, Antipodes Divine Face Oil, Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, Verso Super Eye Serum.

I'm hands up a complete and utter Clarisonic convert. After using a (much cheaper) electronic facial brush (which I did love) for several months, I can safely say that the Clarisonic is 100% worth paying more for. Without sounding too melodramatic, it's done things for my skin that I never even thought possible. This month I started using the Cashmere Cleanse Brush Head which is super super soft and gentle - perfect for dry or sensitive skin. Details to follow in Friday's blog post.

Wednesday Morning - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Lotion, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I., Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel.Afternoon - Bioderma Sensibo H20, Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse. Evening - AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser*, Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque, Hydraluron, Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum, Verso Super Eye Serum.

I've spent the last few weeks moving my belongings (in various stages) up to our new flat in Manchester - so now that I finally have all of my beauty products under one roof once again, I can truly get back into the swing of using masks on a regular basis and establishing a routine. Post-mask I like to maximise the potential of deeply cleansed skin and unblocked pores to pack in the good stuff. In today's case this SUPER hydrating serum from Aesop which combines oil and moisturiser into one for a shine-free intensive boost of anti-oxidant goodness.

Thursday Morning - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel, Clarisonic Aria with Cashmere Cleanse Brush Head, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Lotion, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +.Evening -  Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, Pixi Glow Skin Tonic, Hydraluron, Antipodes Divine Face Oil, Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, Verso Super Eye Serum.

I've discovered that the key to keeping my skin in its happy place is in keeping it hydrated. After even just a week of using a face oil on an everyday basis my skin not only feels healthier but looks noticeably clearer and brighter. This Antipodes one is the best I've used. It works incredibly fast and doesn't feel overly greasy. A no-brainer if you're on the hunt for a natural glow.

Friday Morning - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Lotion, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel.Afternoon - Bioderma Sensibo H20, Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse. Evening - Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, Pixi Glow Skin Tonic, Hydraluron, Antipodes Divine Face Oil, Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, Verso Super Eye Serum.

Forgive me if this month's diary is erring on the repetitive side - I only hope that this serves to reinforce my love for those products which pop up again and again, drives home the importance of a regular routine, and proves that you don't need to have a different cleanser for every day of the week. Speaking of cleansers, the Skinesis Ultmiate Cleanse has become my go-to post-Bioderma makeup remover. It's unlike other hot cloth cleansers in that it has a much more balm-like texture. Rich and luxurious, it makes the mundane ritual of makeup removal the ULTIMATE luxe treat.

Saturday Morning - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel, Clarisonic Aria with Cashmere Cleanse Brush Head, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Lotion, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel. Afternoon - Bioderma Sensibo H20, Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse.Evening - Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, Pixi Glow Skin Tonic, Hydraluron, Antipodes Divine Face Oil, Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, Verso Super Eye Serum.

I've never been particularly impressed by Effaclar Duo's propensity as a makeup base. For me, it doesn't provide enough of a layer to leave the smooth, matte base required beneath a foundation like Nars Sheer Glow (which, as wearers will know, clings to dry patches like nothing else). This gel from Aesop feels thick and tacky at first touch but sinks straight into the skin leaving a perfectly smooth surface. All of the capabilities of a primer, with the added benefit of intense hydration and anti-oxidant protection. For details on the stars of my staple evening skincare routine, see here.

Sunday Morning - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel, La Roche-Posay Clarifying Lotion, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +.Evening - AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, Eve Lom Rescue Mask*, Hydraluron, Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask, Verso Super Eye Serum.

Whereas the Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse may be a contender for the world's most luxurious cleanser award, Eve Lom's Rescue Mask most definitely holds the title for 'Mask Most Likely To Make You Feel Like A Princess'. The ultimate antidote to stressed out skin - whatever your ailment, this mask is guaranteed not only to cure it, but to leave your skin feeling cleaner and more radiant than it's felt in years. The ultimate Sunday stress buster, and worth every penny.

Which skincare products constitute your staple routine??

G x

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