This post may contain affiliate links.
If you’re here for the food, please scroll on past! BUT, I get so many questions on social media about skin care, I thought I’d answer them here, all in one place (with big discount code – WOOHOO!)
I’ve avoiding writing this post for SO long because:
- I am 100% not and never will be a beauty influencer.
- I am 100% not an expert.
- I feel a bit.. Frivolous writing this?
SO. This post comes with a lot of caveats. First, I am no expert and this is just what I have found works for me over the last 7 or 8 years of really looking after my face. Please, find what works for you.
AND this stuff isn’t cheap. Spending on this is definitely a huge luxury. These are just the products that have suited my skin, there are certainly cheaper alternatives if you hunt them out, the principles of cleaning and hydrating your skin remain the same.
Also, this is a whole industry designed on the basis of women looking different to how we naturally look.
Honestly, I tie myself up in knots about the feminist implications of this sometimes, and I haven’t got to the bottom of my feelings around it. But just do what you want to do for you. And you’re perfect as you are ❤️
But spending 10 minutes on my face morning and evening makes me feel like I’m caring for myself and feels like a moment of joy, sooo, here we are!
🛍 Where I shop
I almost always purchase all of my products from Look Fantastic. This isn’t a sponsored post, but they’ve kindly given me a discount voucher for you to use as I told them how obsessed I am 🤩
If you use the links below (which are affiliate links) and use the code TAMINGTWINS, you can get up to 21% off some products (these vary and depend on the current offer!).
💡 Key thoughts
➡️ Doing less and doing it regularly is better than buying 20 products and only using them when you get time.
➡️ Listen to YOUR skin. This is just what works for me (my skin is very dehydrated).
➡️ Buy Caroline Hirons’ Skincare book. This has been a saviour to me. SO much information.
➡️ Try not to be overwhelmed. There’s so much out there, just focus on some little changes to start with.
➡️ Start with these:
Cleanse AM+PM
Vitamin C AM
Retinol PM
Moisturise AM + PM
SPF AM
💬 Insights on…
Cleansing
I use a clean flannel every morning, wash it out, leave to dry and use again at night. I buy packs of basic white flannels from Amazon.
What about ‘slugging’?!
I’ve talked about this on Instagram before (to explain my shininess!)
You can learn more about it on videos all over TikTok, but it’s basically where you do your whole skincare routine and then layer on an emollient afterwards to ‘lock it in’.
I have no idea if there is any science behind this but I try and do it a few times a week and feel like it does help in the winter to keep my skin well hydrated.
Thoughts on Botox
Botox only works as the scaffolding behind your skin.
If you’re not looking after your skin there’s no point in having it as ultimately the skin on top of the muscle is what you’re actually looking at.
I have had botox in my forehead on and off for a few years. For me, I’d roasted my skin in the sun for years in my 20s and it showed on my forehead lines.
The skincare I’ve been religiously using is working hard to rehydrate and improve my skin, and the botox stops the movement causing it to get any worse.
Basically, it’s not a quick fix, and in my opinion, botox is totally pointless unless you’re using a good skincare regime (including SPF).
Oh and if you are going to have it, go to someone reputable who has been recommended!
⏰ My routine
⭐️ AM: In the morning…
- Cleanse
- Peptide
- Vitamin C OR exfoliate
- Spray
- Hyaluronic
- Spray
- Moisturise
- SPF
⭐️ PM: Before bed…
- Cleanse (twice if wearing makeup)
- Peptide
- Retinal
- Spray
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Spray
- Oil (sometimes)
- Moisturise
Do I do all of the above religiously every morning or night when I’m late or exhausted? Honestly, no. I guess I do it all maybe 5 nights a week?
If I don’t have time I’ll always focus on a spray + hyaluronic acid and moisturise. For me, those things keep me hydrated, which feels most important.
And ALWAYS SPF!
⭐️ Favourite products ⭐️
I don’t use all of these all the time, some are seasonal (or too expensive to use all the time).
BUT these are my favourites that I do buy repeatedly.
If you use the links below (which are affiliate links) and use the code TAMINGTWINS, you can get up to 21% off some products (these vary and depend on the current offer!).
Cleansers
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 100g
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm 100g
If you use the links below (which are affiliate links) and use the code TAMINGTWINS, you can get up to 21% off some products (these vary and depend on the current offer!).
Treatments
Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30ml
Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe 30ml
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (Pack of 30)
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum 30ml
DR.JART+ Ceramidin Cream Mist 110ml
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Serum 30ml
If you use the links below (which are affiliate links) and use the code TAMINGTWINS, you can get up to 21% off some products (these vary and depend on the current offer!).
Moisturisers
Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream 50ml
La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Rich 50ml
Elemis Superfood Facial Oil 15ml
Weleda Skin Food (75ml)
REN Clean Skincare – Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm 30ml
Cerave Healing Ointment
Medik8 Advanced Night Eye 15ml
SPF
Use an SPF every day and NOT one including in another product. Read the Caroline Hirons book on this, but if you’re using it in your moisturiser or make up it will not be doing a good enough job. Ideally Factor 50.
Also if you’re using a Retinol/Retinal product you MUST use an SPF.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
If you use the links above (which are affiliate links) and use the code TAMINGTWINS, you can get up to 21% off some products (these vary and depend on the current offer!).
PHEW!
I hope that list was useful. As I say, don’t be overwhelmed and feel you need to buy mountains of stuff to start with. This collection of loves of mine have built up over 7 or 8 years.
What’s your favourite product?! Leave me any questions or comments below please!
SPF junkie here. Highly recommend the Ultra Violette brand. Products Clean Screen & Lean Screen are always in my kit. Perfect for sensitive skin, no cast, strong protection & layers beautifully on top of skincare & under make-up.
If you had dehydrated skin you might LOVE the isntree hyuralonic acid watery sun gel spf50. You can get it from Amazon.
Ooh thank you I’ll try it!
Slugging! I’ve heard people use Vaseline, what are your thoughts?
I tried with Vaseline but preferred the texture of the Cerave!