Being a complete novice in my skincare and makeup routine, this post feels like treading new ground to be honest! Nevertheless, after a four month funk of dealing with dry, acne-scarred and dull looking skin, I’ve made it my mission to make me – body, mind and skin a priority in 2020.
Thanks to the team at Next Beauty, I was sent a few cult classics, every day favourites and a fair few, entirely new products that I’ve been putting to the test over the last few months! I shot these photos in The Hoxton, Southwark hotel with Sarah which was a gifted stay back in February. From the interiors, the friendliest staff and 10/10 aesthetics in general, I can’t recommend this hotel enough – it was absolutely incredible and what a treat it was to have the opportunity to stay the night. Your girl felt very spoilt!
Anyway, lets crack on and talk skincare first shall we? *This post contains affiliate links and gifted items.
Clinique Moisture Surge*
I’ve always found Clinique’s skincare very hit and miss. On one hand, I swear by the night repair cream and would bathe in it if I could but on the other hand, I’ve found that a few of their cleansers and toners have been very harsh on my skin. However after hearing many raving reviews about Moisture Surge from bloggers and influencers alike, I felt compelled to give the brand another go. Glowy, soft skin you say? I want in.
I’ve been using this moisturiser and eye cream for a few months now and well? Consider me well and truly converted. Got anything negative to say say about this cream? Let’s fight. That’s how much I love it. It has a gel-like consistency and glides on/sets like a refreshing cold diet coke on a hot day. It doesn’t feel heavy and that’s what I love about it. My skin feels so soft and hydrated, plus it sets quickly, leaving little to no time to procrastinate as I can pop my makeup on pretty much straight away!
10/10 would recommend.
Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Infusion Serum*
I was fondly introduced to this product after coming across an article on Stylist Magazine written by a WOC about her acne-scarring journey – jackpot! I had extreme acne in my mid twenties and although it cleared up in my late twenties, it left some nasty scars to make sure I’ll always remember that it happened. I can’t tell you how many products I’ve been through hoping that it would clear my scars… but sadly, nothing has ever lived up to the hype for me. That was until I received this bad boy…
Now, I’m not going to sit here and tell you it has magically cleared up every single one of my scars and I now have the skin of Kendall Jenner. Those beautiful scars are pretty embedded and I reckon it’s going to take one fancy dermatologist to break them down and banish them forever. But what I can tell you is that using this product for the last three months has made my scars fade more and I don’t seem to be getting any new ones. It’s worth noting that I also no longer pick or touch my face in general. And no, that’s not because of the Corona Virus overdoing right now. I’ve been resisting the urge to touch my face because constantly picking and touching my face was causing serious irritation. It’s also really icky, so just don’t do it OK? Promise?
Pixi Glow Tonic*
Ah Pixi Beauty – an extremely popular brand and holy grail product according to many. I can’t lie, I was excited to try this one… mainly because I wanted to see if it really lived up to the hype. And for me, it did – I really can’t fault this product at all. Starting a new skincare routine can be daunting (and risky). So I found starting off small with fewer products has really worked for me. After cleansing with the Pixi Beauty Rose Cream*, I absolutely love using this toner. It’s refreshing and feels like it’s really doing it’s job as soon as you put it on your face. This also means that it’s a little bit tingly but is it weird that I like that? It’s like instant gratification that it’s working. It ticks all the boxes for me. Tones? Yes. Firms? Yes. Removes all the dead skin cells? Absolutely. In a nutshell, it feels like a deep clean to my face. Big fan.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum*
There’s no denying that if you’re looking to even out your skin tone and tackle hyper pigmentation, vitamin C is your friend! I have been using Sunday Riley products for YEARS now and I don’t ever see me straying away. Adding this product into my morning routine has really helped keep my skin looking fresh and radiant. Yes, I said it and I’ll say it again, radiant. Just like the Clinique Moisture Surge it’s fast absorbing, smells amazing and makes my skin pop. I have no choice but to stan.
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil*
I always thought that if you had oily, combination skin putting more oil on your face was a recipe for disaster. How chaldish of me – this isn’t the case at all as I’ve recently learned. After applying my cleanser, toner and serum at night I like to pop on Juno instead of a moisturiser. At first it feels like I’ve rubbed olive oil all over my face and I’m convinced I’m going to breakout immediately. But that’s never been the case with Juno. It’s rich in antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and omega oils, however the greasy residue doesn’t last long at all. In the morning I wake up with a brighter and smoother complexion and the dullness has been minimal since using it.
Nars Radiant Longwear Foundation (in Macao)*
I know I’m massively late to the party with this one (I’m usually a Sheer Glow gal you see) but I adore this foundation! It’s lightweight but high coverage. Yet SUPER natural and breathable. It gave me the confidence I needed when I was struggling with my skin to be honest.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer (in Radiant Bronze Light)*
Although Hourglass is a new brand to my makeup collection, I seem to have accumulated a lot of products in a very small space of time. No regrets. As someone who’s trying to achieve effortless (but actually this is turning out to be a pretty extensive skincare/makeup list) skin, the Hourglass bronzer felt like the best fit for what I wanted – a natural glow with a radiant and healthy skin appearance. That’s exactly what it says in description. And that’s exactly what it does. Boom.
I hope you enjoyed my lil round up and taking a peek into the beauty products I am loving right now. I also hope it’s been helpful for any fellow combination skin gals out there!
Lotsa love,