How To Level-Up Your Skincare Routine
CLEANSE, TONE, MOISTURISE. IT’S THE WELL-VERSED SKINCARE ADAGE THAT POINTS US TOWARDS A TWICE-DAILY ROUTINE BASED SOLELY AROUND CLEANSING AND HYDRATING THE SKIN. AND WHILST THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH STICKING TO CONVENTIONAL WISDOM, IF YOU’RE IN PURSUIT OF PERFECT SKIN, YOU’RE MISSING A TRICK. A LOT OF MY CLIENTS COME TO ME BELIEVING THAT ‘LESS IS MORE’, BUT WHEN FACED WITH A BARRAGE OF POLLUTANTS, FREE RADICALS AND UV RAYS THAT ACCELERATE AGEING – CLEANSER AND MOISTURISER ALONE NO LONGER CUTS IT. INSTEAD, YOU’LL REQUIRE A COMPREHENSIVE SKINCARE ARSENAL THAT GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND THE STANDARD - THE BELOW ARE THE FIRST PRODUCTS I’D RECOMMEND ADDING TO YOUR ROUTINE IF YOU WANT TO EXPLORE BEYOND THE BASICS.
CONSIDER THESE NOT JUST AS COMPLEMENTARY ADDITIONS TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE, BUT A SELECTION OF FINE-TUNED AND PERSONALISED BOLT-ONS DESIGNED TO GIVE YOU YOUR BEST SKIN TO DATE.
TONER/MIST
A product that seamlessly bridges the gap between cleanser and treatment. Toner removes residue whilst prepping skin for the absorption of any products applied next.
BENEFITS
Typically refreshing and soothing, many toners extend their function to include light chemical exfoliation (most often using AHAs) or added hydration, whilst balancing skin’s pH levels.
APPLICATION
Mist on, or sweep over the face with a well-soaked cotton pad morning and/or night.
RECOMMENDED
Freck Cactus Water – Offering gentle exfoliation via a potent blend of lactic acid, this toner will suit a congested and acne scarred complexion.
Aesop B & Tea Balancing Toner – In the spirit of traditional toners, this balances and refreshes whilst delivering the calming and hydrating benefits of green tea.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir – A cocktail of plant and fruit extracts, which soaks skin in a luxuriously refreshing solution of vitamins and antioxidants.
SERUM
Consider serums as the most strategic and personalised part of your skincare routine – and pick one that promises to address your concerns. Lightweight and liquid, their fast-absorbing formulas are designed to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin for long-term behind-the-scenes maintenance.
BENEFITS
Most serums operate by encouraging regeneration at a cellular level and stimulating collagen, resulting in brighter, plumper, healthier looking skin. However, the most high-science of them also assist with the fading of scarring, pigmentation, and fine lines.
APPLICATION
Press into skin after cleansing or toning. Allow to fully absorb before applying moisturiser. Use day and/or night (most sit well under makeup).
RECOMMENDED
Codage Serum No 04 – Boosts the skin’s natural exfoliation process in order to achieve an even skintone and texture, combatting the appearance of pigmentation.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair – The OG face serum that works for any and every skin type. Fights free radicals and shields skin from pollution whilst repairing the damage caused by environmental aggressors to reveal a brighter complexion.
Fresh Beauty Deep Hydration Face Serum – Enriched with a patented blend of retinol that is both six times more powerful than standard retinol and suitable for sensitive skin types.
OIL
A blend of pure and natural oils offering multiple benefits for the skin, alongside a hefty dose of guaranteed hydration.
BENEFITS
Capitalising on the nourishing benefits of natural ingredients, facial oils serve to hydrate and balance the complexion, leaving skin soft and glowing. Most are high in vitamins and fatty acids so will promote skin that both looks and feels healthier.
APPLICATION
For maximum benefits spend 20-30 minutes massaging into the skin (working the muscles beneath) using both fingertips and knuckles.
RECOMMENDED
The Ordinary Rosehip Oil – Accelerates the skin’s natural renewal process in order to reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, and UV damage.
Freck Lil Prick Cactus Seed Dry Oil – A weightless blend of vitamin-rich cactus seed oil – the easily absorbed formula reduces inflammation and increases the production of collagen.
Ra Oils Acne Therapy – A luxurious texture, rich in fatty acids and vitamins; this helps to trigger collagen production to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
MASK
Quick-fix, powerhouse treatments for all manner of skincare concerns, the masking ritual is as indulgent as it is efficacious. Performance depends upon type, but consistent use helps to keep skin clear and balanced.
BENEFITS
From clay-based formulations that draw out impurities through to moisture-rich sheet masks that boost radiance, a good mask offers something a little more powerful than your standard routine can provide.
APPLICATION
Apply to face and neck with a flat foundation brush. Leave on for the required amount of time before rinsing off with a warm flannel.
RECOMMENDED
Apply on a bi-weekly basis (unless otherwise stated), and be sure to exfoliate (or at least thoroughly cleanse) beforehand to boost absorption.
Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask – A gentle approach to blemish battling, antibacterial honey cleanses whilst drawing moisture into the skin.
Pixi Glow Mud Mask – Improves texture and circulation whilst removing toxins and absorbing excess oil, thanks to a gentle but effective clay-based formula.
Eve Lom Radiance Transforming Mask – Instantly nourishes skin with a complex blend of vitamins and antioxidants; the luxe texture transforms from gel to oil before melting into skin.
BLEMISH TREATMENT
A topical treatment with a dual-pronged effect; for efficient blemish control requires both attack and defence.
BENEFITS
Existing blemishes are healed and future breakouts prevented thanks to powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic formulas.
APPLICATION
Designed to be used topically; dab a small amount onto effected areas as soon as you feel a blemish arise.
RECOMMENDED
Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion – Specially formulated to deal with even the worst cystic acne, redness and inflammation are calmed immediately.
MyClarins Clear Out Blemish Target Gel – A gentle salicylic acid-based treatment in a thin gel texture, which helps to treat blemishes and prevent scarring.
Zitsticka Killa – Designed to stop blemishes in their tracks, these stickers reduce inflammation overnight - and without damaging the surrounding skin.
