A few of you have asked me to share an updated skincare routine. I’m invested in my skin and finding myself buying more skincare and slowing down considerably on my makeup purchases. I also only purchase as and when I need products or replace ones, I know I cannot go without.

Shorter posts seem to be the thing, so I’ll try and keep it short and sweet. I’ll split it up into two posts, namely my morning and evening routine. I’ll share the products I use, in the order I use them as well as a mini-review on each. And to make it shorter, I’ll link a post if I’ve reviewed any of the products before.

Morning Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleanse

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

A mild, soap-free face and body cleanser that hydrates and soothes skin as it cleans. This very gentle non-foaming cleanser was formulated for sensitive skin. I prefer using this for my morning cleanse as it’s gentle yet effective enough. I’ve tried it as an evening cleanser after a day of wearing makeup and prefer a foaming cleanser over this. This one works well but you have to go in about 2-3 times to really cut through heavy makeup.

This cleanser has been raved about by many influencers and dermatologists and for good reason. It doesn’t make my skin tight and leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped. Since it contains non-comedogenic properties, people with oily skin and acne-prone skin can use it without worrying about any breakout.

Step 2: Toner

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar Water 400ml

I know this is essentially micellar water, but I’ve been using it as a toner in the morning. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Triple Micellar Water 400ml is a 3-in-1 cleanser that removes waterproof makeup, deeply cleanses by removing oil and dirt, and hydrates skin. Its hyaluronic acid-enriched formula boosts hydration, leaving skin both clear and plump.

Step 3: Serums

3.1 Skin Functional ANTI-OXIDANT COMPLEXION FIRMER – 10% Ascorbic Acid + 3% Ferulic Acid

Vitamin C has become a staple in my morning skincare routine. I saw this one from Skin functional and thought I’d give it a try and I must say, I quite enjoy it. It has a liquidy consistency with a slightly oily feel to it, but this formula absorbs beautifully and works well under makeup.

This is a potent stabilized form of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), which provides powerful skin brightening, anti-oxidant and collagen production benefits.

Vitamin C has many benefits, but it mainly assists with

• Fine lines/wrinkles
• Dullness/poor complexion
• Dark marks/age spots

Ferulic Acid, an antioxidant that reduces harmful damage to collagen by preventing harmful enzymatic activation, thereby preventing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

3.2 Superfood Cica Calm Hydration Juice

This lightweight serum has done wonder for my skin. It has a slightly gel liquidy consistency that drenches the skin in juicy hydration, leaving it feeling calm, cool and refreshed.

Loaded with vitamin-packed Superfoods, 75% Organic Aloe and a Prebiotic, this gel moisturiser delivers instant cooling hydration while helping to soothe and protect dehydrated or sensitive skin. The vegan-friendly, silicone-free formula moisturizes and improves the look of skin texture for a more even, calm and balanced-looking complexion. The lightweight gel texture also layers well under makeup, making it the perfect addition to your daily routine.

Highlighted Ingredients:

• Biotransformed Cica
• Active Fruit Water InfusionTM
• Organic Aloe Vera Juice
• Organic Cucumber Extract

Step 4: Eye cream

Do Not Age with dr. brandt® TRIPLE PEPTIDE EYE CREAM

I know many feel that eye cream isn’t a necessary step. Some prefer just using their serums or moisturisers around the eye area. I, however, like the idea of eye cream and I’ve been using it for years. Boxycharm always comes through with exciting brands. I received this Dr Brandt triple peptide eye cream in one of my boxes a while back.

It is a hydrating cream that helps diminish signs of ageing around the delicate eye area, including lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin. This cream formula feels rich and works beautifully under makeup.

Highlighted Ingredients:

• Triple Peptide Complex: Palmitoyl oligopeptides, Argireline, and vitamin C polypeptides smooth the look of skin reducing the appearance of deep lines and dark circles.
• Phospholipids, Ceramide 3, and Shea Butter: Help strengthen skin and replenish moisture levels.
• Caffeine: Helps to reduce puffiness and the look of dark circles.

Step 5: Moisturise

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Moisturiser

Many rave about the Neutrogena hydro boost range, so I figured I’d give it a try and I have not been disappointed. I tried the water gel and although it worked well, I just felt like I needed something a little more hydrating. I then bought the gel-cream, which is more hydrating than the water gel. You would think someone with combination to oily skin would stay clear of extremely hydrating products out of fear of your skin becoming more oily and you potentially breaking out. But this isn’t the case with this moisturizer.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream boosts hydration locking it in all day to leave your skin feeling moisturized and rejuvenated. Fragrance-free. Oil-free. Suitable for sensitive skin.

This enriching face gel is designed to preserve the moisture barrier, so your skin retains hydration all day long. Intensely nourishing skin, it offers a healthy, hydrated glow whilst minimizing the appearance of dehydration lines.

The combination of two smart ingredients helps to deliver long-lasting results. Hyaluronic acid offers a hydration boost, whilst botanical trehalose locks in moisture. The face gel formula also helps to strengthen skin for a dewy supple complexion.

Step 6: Spf

Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 50+

This has been my go-to sunscreen for years and I’ll continue using it because it works perfectly for my skin type. It’s ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

UV light is the main cause of sun-induced skin damage, but high-energy visible (HEVIS) light can also induce free radicals that cause further stress to the skin. Sebum-regulating Oil Control technology with L-Carnitine and absorbing micro-particles give skin an immediate dry touch finish and a long-lasting anti-shine effect of up to eight hours.

Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 50+ is unperfumed and has an ultra-light, non-greasy texture. Clinical and dermatological studies prove good skin tolerability on sensitive and acne-prone skin.

This has been the only sunscreen I’ve been using since I discovered it. I’ve heard of so many other great sunscreens especially for oily skin but you know what they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Eucerin Sun Face Oil Control Dry Touch SPF 50+ is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It has a high sun protection factor and wears beautifully under Makeup. An absolute must-try.

Final Thoughts

I switch my skincare up after a few months and as seasons change. We’re headed for colder and dryer seasons so I’ll add a slightly richer moisturizer as part of my morning routine. I also enjoy adding hyaluronic acid for that extra plumpness and long-lasting hydration.

Let me know which of the abovementioned products you’ve tried? I would also like to know if you use a Vitamin C daily and what your go-to Spf is?

I’ll share my evening routine next week, so stay tuned for that.

XoXo

Yolanda