Starting Off: Skincare

First of all, let me introduce to you, my skin condition! My skin has gone through some major transformations throughout my life! I got acne at a young age and no matter how hard I tried to get rid of it, it stayed with me for at least 5 years. I was lucky enough to be acne free for about one year, but it started all over again in my first year at university. However, it disappeared as soon as it came when I started eating healthily and eliminated alcohol from my daily life. I still get break outs and dry patches every now and then if I use the wrong products or eat fatty/sugary things, but my biggest concern right now is to get rid of acne scars and tiny blemishes left from years of break out prone skin. My skin goal has always been “to achieve flawless skin to the point where I can get rid of all my foundations, BB creams and tinted moisturisers”. Because of the magical transformation my skin has gone through, I hardly use foundations anymore. 🙂
I remember the times when I had acne, I couldn’t bare to leave my room without putting on at least a  layer of tinted moisturiser or BB cream. The worst time was my first year at uni, and I remember it too well. Every time I took a step out of my room, even going to the kitchen for a cup of tea, I had to check my face and make sure that everything was covered. It’s crazy considering that I go shopping without make-up these days. Beautiful skin has given me confidence in my every day life and it just saves  so much time not having to put foundation on every time I go to the supermarket.
I am currently at my parent’s home at, so I don’t have a huge collection of skin care products with me. Therefore, I thought it would be nice to show you my current skin care routine in pictures! Yay!
Cleanser
I start off my morning skincare routine with a gentle cleanser. In the evenings I start with a make-up remover before cleansing. I am using L’Oreal Gentle Make-up Remover at the moment, but I don’t have a picture for you. Remember no matter how sleepy you are, ALWAYS remove your make-up before bed, even just a quick wipe. The cleanser I am currently using is Balance Me Pure Skin Wash, which I got in Glamour Magazine August Edition. I want to do a detailed review on this product so I’m not gonna say too much now. 🙂
Toner
I love spray toner’s because they are so refreshing! and simple to use, of course. None of this cotton pad business. The one I am using at the moment is Pukka Herbs Uplifiting Toner (review), but I am also a big fan of Caudalie Beauty Elixir (review).
Serum
After toning, I apply a serum. No no no! Serums are not for old people with wrinkles because that’s what I thought as a teenager. Serums are beneficial for everyone! The active ingredients help to treat all sorts from skin conditions ranging from acne to anti-aging. You have to find one that suites you. The ones I’m using are S5 Illuminate Serum in the morning and Pukka Herbs Radiance Serum in the evening as it calms my skin. Again, reviews coming soon.
Eye Cream
While I wait for my serum to absorb, I apply an eye cream. Again, eye creams are not for old people! Why? read about it in the post featuring my current eye cream: Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream (review).
Moisturiser
Yay! Everyone uses one of those, rigth? The one shown here is Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer for stressed skin because my skin tends to be a bit red from time to time. Review coming soon.
Additional Steps Twice a Week:
Mask
I don’t actually use a specific face mask at the moment, I have a few sachet of various types of face masks lying around the house so my choice is based on my mood and what my skin needs that day. The one shown here is Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask, which is actually one of my favourite! If I were to use a mask, I incorporate it into my evening skin care routine and use it after cleansing but before toning.

Exfoliator

I didn’t  understand the magical things exfoliators can do until recently. They help to get rid of these annoying miny blemishes that literally make good skin look bad. Using an exfoliator twice a week has definitely helped me to achieve smooth looking skin. I have a large collection of exfoliators because they rarely get used up, it’s not something I use everyday so I tend to mix them up a little and make a choice depending on my skin’s need. The one show here is Elemis Freshskin Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash

Summary 

This is basically my skin care routine, but it’s up to you to decide which steps you’d like to include or eliminate. The products show are the ones I’m currently using, which works well on me. However, everyone is different so the choice is yours depending on your skin condition. I do recommend natural and organic products because they are really gentle and helps a lot in the long run.

My skin is by no mean, perfect! I still get mild breakouts, but I think I’ve come a long way from what it used to be in about 2 years time. Besides, a layer of BB cream is good enough to completely cover those remaining imperfections (scroll down to see my skin transform with a BB Cream). In addition, I would also like to mention that we often see our own imperfections more than the people around us. For instance, I keep babbling to my boyfriend and friends about my spots, wrinkles and pores, but no one really understands what I’m talking about. I am very confident showing my bare face to the world, I hope you can be too when you have figured out a nice skin care routine that leads you in the right direction.

Also, let me know if you want me to do a post regarding my battle with acne. Feel free to ask me questions and let me know which product from the ones above you want me to review 🙂
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30 Comments

  1. August 27, 2013 / 6:48 pm

    Gorgeous post, beautiful photos!

    Rebecca x
    cloudnineindulgence.blogspot.co.uk

    • August 27, 2013 / 9:02 pm

      Thank you so much! Glad you liked the photos x

  2. August 27, 2013 / 7:08 pm

    You look amazing, i need to try out these products! I have scars too and want to get rid of them! Thanks for sharing your tips!

    Please check out my blog if you get the chance!

    http://www.SunshineMalone.blogspot.co.uk

    x

    • August 27, 2013 / 9:03 pm

      Thank you for the lovely comment! Yeah, I hate scars but at least they are easier to cover than acne. 🙂 x

  3. August 27, 2013 / 8:22 pm

    Your skin looks great 😀 I think it is so good to see positive results from changes you make to your routine.

    Amy x
    A Little Boat Sailing

    • August 27, 2013 / 9:04 pm

      Thanks! Not only positive on the outside, but also more confident on the inside x

  4. August 28, 2013 / 8:37 am

    Your skin is great <3 I liked that you show us that it brings improvements the change of a "live routine". You like my graphics and me I like your pictures. They are really pro and nice :*

    • August 28, 2013 / 3:25 pm

      Thank you so much for the comment! Yes, I wanted to be more interactive in my posts and use lots of pictures! Glad you liked them 🙂 x

    • August 28, 2013 / 3:27 pm

      It is very refreshing! Great formula too with roses and orange flowers 🙂 x

  5. August 28, 2013 / 4:07 pm

    Your photos look incredible! What camera do you use? Have you tried any of the other amie products? xx

    • August 28, 2013 / 7:02 pm

      Thank you! I use Canon 1100D (worst of the best), but the natural light really helps. Yes, I have an Amie Exfoliator, but I've only used it a couple of times.

  6. August 28, 2013 / 4:47 pm

    Your skin looks brilliant – so good that you can go out without make up too 😀

    Holly Mixtures

    xx

    • August 28, 2013 / 6:59 pm

      Thanks!!!! Still got a bit of acne scarring, but I'm heading in the right direction. I hope anyways 🙂 x

    • August 28, 2013 / 7:04 pm

      I'm glad that you found it helpful! Means a lot! Thanks for following 🙂 x

    • August 29, 2013 / 5:59 pm

      Aw thanks! Yes, I am trying to swap my makeup and skincare products to natural ones, but it's not always easy. Doing it bit by bit :p x

  7. August 29, 2013 / 4:24 pm

    Such a great routine! Very detailed too, something in which I absolutely love in a blog! I can soon see your blog rising as being one of my all time favourites! 🙂 XX

    • August 29, 2013 / 6:01 pm

      OMG! Thank you, thank you and thank you! Well, I'll aim for that then! 🙂 x

  8. August 30, 2013 / 6:10 pm

    I can tell you put so much effort into your blogs. I thin k that is amazing, I love your blog and I wish you all the best with gaining more followers! My aim is for my blog to become like yours, but im new 🙁 Great blog anyway 🙂 xxxxx

    http://stayupdatedfashionandbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

    • August 31, 2013 / 6:42 pm

      Thank you Kyra, that's beautifully said! My main goal is to inspire my readers and I do hope you enjoy reading my blog. Don't worry, I'm pretty new too! You'll get there 🙂 x

  9. August 31, 2013 / 1:42 am

    The before and after pictures are just amazing. I'm so glad that keeping up with your routine have made such a great different overall for your skin 🙂

    http://www.hudasbeauty.blogspot.com

    • August 31, 2013 / 6:48 pm

      Thank you! I was a little skeptical about showing my before picture, but the response between "before and after" had been great! X

    • August 31, 2013 / 6:50 pm

      Thank you! Glad you like you the photos! X

  10. August 31, 2013 / 5:19 pm

    Do not worry, I had some serious break out
    once in awhile! And in my case: bad caring
    and sometimes I don't wash my face..
    You look beautiful really c: Xx

    • August 31, 2013 / 6:54 pm

      I don't get bad break outs anymore, but I do get a couple of spots every now and then. It all starts with good skincare and what I eat xxx

  11. September 4, 2013 / 11:25 pm

    I love your blog and this post! I look after my skin pretty well, but got some really good tips from this, you've got a new follower!

    drainedbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

    • September 6, 2013 / 11:53 am

      Thank you! I'm glad you found some of the tips helpful, it's good to have a nice skincare routine. x