my beauty routine

I thought I'd do something different today by writing about my beauty routine. Now, I've never had perfect skin - I've always had an oily T-zone and combination skin that is prone to a blemish or two (especially if I don't cleanse properly before bed) so I've been trying to find the perfect routine for my skin. I think I may have found it and as my blog is about an organised life, I have to be organised to ensure that I maintain this routine. This beauty routine is only half of the story though because I try and keep up a healthy lifestyle (minimal refined sugars, no fried foods and sweets (but if I do, it is on a very rare basis) and exercise on a regular basis).

Before I begin, I just want to say that this isn't a sponsored post and I'm not being paid to write this - all products featured were paid for using my own money.

First off, in the mornings, I wash my face with warm water and a clean cotton flannel. After this, I wipe all over using Garnier Micellar Cleansing water. Once my skin is dry, I apply La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] all over and then moisturise using Eucerin Dermopurifyer Hydrating Care.

In the evenings, I used to use No 7 Soft and Soothed Gentle Cleanser which I applied to a dry face. I then wet the brush of my No 7 Cleansing Brush and massage the cleanser in, 30 seconds in each zone (each cheek, nose and chin and forehead). This is followed by a wipe down using a Clean and Clear Sensitive Skin Deep Cleansing Lotion but this product has now been replaced by the previously mentioned Micellar water as I found the former too harsh. After this, I apply Eucerin Dermopurifyer Active Concentrate to problem areas (or areas of enlarged pores in my case) and then some night cream from Nivea.

For a 23 year old, I have skin that loves to act like a teenager. This means that sometimes, I get those annoying under the skin spots that go red after a day or two. Once I see or feel one coming up, I apply a dot of Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, using a cotton bud) to each bump. This is left to work overnight while I sleep and more often than not, the bump has gone down or the redness is decreased by the morning. During the day, I apply Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel directly onto the spot and it usually works its magic pretty quickly.

Recently, I've replaced the No 7 Gentle Cleanser and cleansing brush with a hot cloth cleanser. I've found that this is equally effective as the cleansing brush I used before but I like how much more luxurious this feels. I use a new flannel each evening (to try and minimise dirt transfer that using a dirty flannel could do). I've tried Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish (I received a free sample instore a few weeks' ago) and the Ren Rosa Centifolio Hot Cloth Cleanser and at this moment in time, I prefer Ren's hot cloth cleanser (the smell is nicer and I get more for my money too) and a full 'cleanse-off' review will be coming in due course to explain why.

Each week, I use a mask and I have been using a tea-tree mask from The Body Shop. However, I am about to run out of this and will be trying the Avene Cleanance Mask because I have seen some great reviews for it, especially from people who say they have similar skin to myself. Another one I want to give a go is the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Oil Control Cleansing Mask so we'll see which one works better for me and my purse.

Overall, I have noticed that although the amount of time I spend cleansing my skin each morning and evening has increased ever so slightly, my skin is softer and clearer than it has been for years if I stick to the regime that works for me. I know that each person's skin is different and it has taken my years of trying different products to see what works and what doesn't. I'm still not 100% sure that this routine is 100% effective but I am willing to give it a try for a few months to see if it does. I also know that (supposedly) using products from the same brand can give a better effect, however, I see that as a marketing ploy by companies trying to leech more money from their customers (the skeptic in me!).