I love it so much that it was only when struggling to close the big skincare drawer in my 'beauty' station that I realised that maybe I was going overboard; it's not like I use anything other than a few simple products either. It's so easy to overdo it on skincare; and depending on your skin type - you don't always need every single product out there. Instead, it's much better to refine your skincare to almost capsule level - isn't it better to find staple skincare products that you know work than eleventy million serums and oils that will clog up your pores? Yes, I thought so too.
I can't afford to buy really expensive and high end products on the regular; so tend to go for drugstore products that are cheaper and effective. Products that don't cost the earth and are good is so ideal for the student or reduced budget - why should those who don't want to spend an extortionate amount have to miss out on great items?
It goes without saying as well; cruelty free skincare is something that everyone should be investing in, and actively only supporting brands that offer this. In addition; all items that are featured in this post are also vegan, which is great to see - despite what your diet is! All of these items are readily available in either Boots or many high street shops; so there is no excuse if you need some new skincare 😉
a quick side note; explored with a different editing style with the photographs to add a grain and dust effect to the photographs - will experiment across a few photographs in future posts to see what works!
Soap and Glory Face Soap & Clarity Vitamin C Facial Wash
It’s a vitamin C facial wash that takes no prisoners on the deeply-cleansing front, while powerful antioxidants, Vitamin C and Yuzu fruit work alongside lightly polishing wax particles – super-effect yet very gentle.
Phew; that's a bit of a mouthful isn't it! I've used this for years so just about feel qualified to talk about this as my favourite face wash holy grail - it just clears up any skincare issues I have and prevents others from occurring. Personally; I use this morning and night - it gives you a refresh and bit of a wake up in the am, then when used in the pm it gives that squeaky clean feeling if used after taking your makeup off or after cleansing. Depending on your skin type - it can dry your skin out or make it feel a little tight so make sure to use a moisturiser or facial oil afterwards (which you should be doing anyway!)
The price is especially an attraction point to me - at £8 it heavily competes with many of the more luxury brands and products and personally I prefer to save my pennies when I can. You can find this facial wash in many of S&G's gift sets and boxes which is a great addition; who knows - you might even have this one lying in a drawer somewhere from last Christmas. Dig it out and use it!
The Ordinary Squalene Cleanser
A gentle cleansing product formulated to target makeup removal whilst leaving the skin feeling smooth and moisturized. The formula incorporates Squalane, alongside other lipophilic esters that are gentle, moisturizing, efficient in dissolving makeup and facial impurities and increasing the spreadability of the product. When rubbed between your palms for approximately 10-30 seconds, the product undergoes an important textural change from a balm-like consistency to a clear oil-like consistency. This allows the emulsifying sucrose esters in the formula to trap and blend the dissolved makeup and facial impurities with water for rinsing. Being non-comedogenic and soap-free, this formula is designed to be gentle enough for daily use, without over-drying the skin, making it suitable for all skin types.
This product is both a cleanser and a makeup remover in one; which is great for really getting in and removing all makeup from the day. What I find great about this product is that it turns into an oil once massaged into your face; and literally dissolves all the makeup from your face including mascara. (Side note; you do look a bit scary with bits of mascara smeared round your face but that is some mid-skincare routine entertainment until you wash it away) In fact; I was surprised at just how well it performed.
The oil keeps your skin hydrated as well; which is fabulous if you don't like using special moisturisers or oils on your face. I will mention quite a few The Ordinary products in this post as they are super affordable, yet effective, and perfect for those looking for skincare on a budget - I ordered mine from ASOS to utilise my premier delivery and was impressed with how well packaged they were to avoid damage.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. This 10% formulation offers mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation.
Before trying this I was a face-acid virgin - to be honest; I was thinking that people were reverting back to secondary school chemistry lessons with all these different acids and skincare concoctions. It was only upon reading up on the benefits of using facial acids to improve skin texture, complexion and regeneration that I decided to try this one upon some trustworthy recommendations. I picked up the 10% one; as I was feeling in a 'go hard or go home' kinda mood (how spontaneous) but you can also pick up a 5% version for those with more sensitive skin.
This is applied in the PM; during your evening skincare routine to allow your skin to absorb and work with the acid overnight. Since using this acid my skin has maintained a healthy glow and my skin texture is so much more smooth and soft. Although I don't suffer from acne; I did have a few scars from previous blemishes and this cleared up my skin tone completely which is a great confidence boost when going makeup free.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This oil-free formula delivers long-lasting hydration to your skin, making it your new daily go-to. The winning combo of Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 will help with moisture retention on the skin for a plump and smooth complexion with a fresh, dewy feel.
I ordered this on the recommendation from Jamie Genevieve; an influencer that I love and follow and decided to give it a go on the basis that I wanted something that hydrated my skin but wasn't a heavy moisturiser (does anyone else have those days where just the idea of putting moisturiser onto your skin feels criminal?) and I like this. It gives your skin such a healthy and dewy look, which is great if you're into glowing skin whilst not looking oily.
This product is great for those days where you've got no makeup on; and looking for that extra something-something to give your skin a little boost. You can use this both in the AM and PM; as it's not too harsh which is fab - I personally tend to just use this in the morning as I have other products to use at night; and don't want to go overboard but it's great to have the option. It makes it more of a capsule staple.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalene
Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that is found naturally in the skin. It has very high emollience, is an exceptional hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration that impairs dermal suppleness. Squalane is non-comedogenic and is suitable for use on all skin types. It can also be applied to hair to increase heat protection, add shine and reduce breakage potential.
This is another great hydrator; suitable for all skin types. You know the feeling after you've washed your face really well and it almost feels a bit tight? This solves that problem; without feeling greasy and overkill. The feeling of your skin after using this; soft and supple is just beautiful and I fully intend to repurchase once this runs out. Like with many of The Ordinary products - this has the really quirky glass pipette; which I haven't seen many other skincare brands do.
Nip & Fab Teen Fix Spot Zap
Help reduce and improve the appearance of blemishes on troubled skin with the Teen Skin Fix Spot Zap. The quick and easy roller ball applicator delivering an active gel formula enriched in eucalyptus + tea tree oils, known for their purifying benefits.
For some reason I was initially a little skeptical of Nip & Fab; and thought it was reserved just for young teenagers struggling with their skin (no idea why I previously limited the brand to that; but here we are) but decided to branch out when looking for some new skincare bits. I am a fan of spot zappers; and always go for ones containing witch hazel - although they can sometimes sting they are always very effective. This spot zap contains witch hazel, salicylic acid which helps unclog pores and wasabi extract which is a fantastic antioxidant and antimicrobial agent (look at me quoting the facts!)
I sometimes break out after excessive heat due to sweat and grime; and this does a great job of quickly reducing and healing them without leaving redness or mess on my skin. The product is dispensed via a silver roller that feels cool and offers instant relief from red blemishes. It's entirely suitable for sensitive skin as well; so it's a win-win!
The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Reviver
Give your skin a healthy-looking glow with our Vitamin C infused radiance-booster. Use after moisturising to effectively combat dull, tired complexions.
I couldn't do a cruelty free skincare post without some Body Shop features, could I? This product is slightly more on the expensive side - but I tend to buy products from the Body Shop when they have their frequent discounts or with my £5 vouchers which they offer on a regular basis so the price does become more affordable. This has been top rated by many influences; and I have to say that I agree.
This product has a primer-like texture and provides a great base for your skin as it makes your face feel smooth and well, 'revived'. The smell of this is amazing too - it contains Camu Camu berries (which smell very similar to fresh oranges to me) and provides a really refreshing scent to your skin. The glow of this is amazing too - mix this with the hyaluronic acid and you've got a dream glowy skin combo.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Antiperfection Night Mask
Our Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask is specifically formulated to care for blemishes and imperfections* while you sleep. Infused with salicylic acid and Community Trade tea tree oil, this leave-on mask helps reduce the size and number of imperfections*. Wake up to clearer looking skin that feels refreshed, purified and soothed.
This one is so highly rated by others ; it's quite unbelievable. Containing Tea Tree; it has great antibacterial properties that help to purify the skin and potential blemishes and I love using it on my face. I've found that using this overnight is a great way to reduce redness and inflammation; so your skin texture and condition is so much better for the next day. It has quite an odd jelly texture to it - it surprised me when I first opened the jar; but it does make it quite refreshing to work into your skin. Although slightly more expensive than others mentioned in this list; this jar lasts for ages as you really don't need a lot per use.
Phew; that was a long one, eh! You can look at some of my other skincare and beauty related posts if they intrigue you.
What are your skincare staples? Will you be trying any of these out?
0 Comments