A Morning Skincare Routine Shake Up That Actually Works

My skin and me have not been getting on lately, it's red and sore, full of blemishes, super sensitive and I can't seem to find anything that helps. And so I have decided to have a skincare overhaul and adapt a new skin care routine and chuck out everything I used and started from scratch. I am two weeks into the new routine and so far my skin is feeling more nourished and certainly hydrated, however I still have a long way to go with battling my dark circles and breakouts. But I think I may have finally cracked it and created the perfect morning routine that actually works. It's been a long journey and left me with an empty purse but my skin is getting better and better. So it's worth it!


We all know the importance of night time skincare, but a solid morning routine is just as crucial. A night time skincare routine aims to help skin issues before the regenerative process of sleep begins, but daytime skincare is all about protection and preservation. One of the best routines out there seems to be a routine full of twelve steps for the blemish free complexion, but who really has time for twelve steps everyday. So today I wanted to share my quick and easy morning skincare routine shake up that actually works.

Cleanse

First thing in the morning, cleanse your skin with water, then a foam based cleanser. Water removes the few impurities that settle on the face during the night, and keeps skin hydrated, too. Foam cleansers are just that: cleansers that have some sort of foaming, sudsy quality to them. They’re usually suggested for oily and acne-prone skin types since they are meant to deep clean the skin by getting rid of excess oil and sebum, as well as work to uproot any debris stuck in your pores, helping to keep your skin clean and refreshed. My favourite one is this Aloe Calming Foaming Facial Wash from the Body Shop. Now I must admit, their Aloe range is my absolute favourite. This gentle cleanser will leave your skin feeling clean, fresh and calmed. And it's amazing for those with sensitive skin. I have been using this facial wash every morning for the past two weeks, and I can already feel the benefits. I'm not going to sit here and write that I have a clear complexion that's blemish free, but this foaming cleanser has most definitely made a difference already.

Toner

Toner is easily the most misunderstood skin care product and way more important than it receives credit for. Toner is the first barrier product you apply – good toner balances your skin’s PH, and is intended to hydrate – not strip your skin. But balance the skin's pH levels, it's important to apply toner; otherwise the skin can become dry and dehydrated. Toner further helps to absorb the next products you apply. My favourite toner is from the body shop and their Aloe Calming Toner that gently tone, prime and refresh your skin with our soothing toner. Aloe effectively removes residual impurities, to refresh and clarify sensitive skin.

Essence

However I much prefer using an essence. Now this is some what a new discovery. The essence is really the heart of a Korean skin care routine, a step that is credited to their culture and probably seen as the most important part of the a morning routine. I'm so glad that I made the discovery.  Essence is a hybrid between a toner and a serum. It works perfectly to hydrate the complexion, aiding cellular turnover for a youthful appearance. One that I have been using is this LUMENE Valo (Light) Glow Boost Essence. When we want to achieve a glowing finish we often reach for a dewy foundation to do the trick. But what if instead it was as simple as the skincare we used beforehand to guarantee a hydrated and beautifully glowing base? Introducing this Valo Glow Boost Essence from Lumene- a foolproof solution for reviving fatigued and dull looking skin and instead swapping it out for a glow. I love this essence! I've been using it to prep my skin before make up or if my skin needs an extra moisture boost. It leaves your skin feeling so smooth and looking really lovely and dewy. And it's smell so good.

Serum

The most important (and expensive) step in your morning skincare routine is a serum. Let's be honest throughout the day you are faced with many things that can affect your complexion; pollution, the elements, dirty hands, your phone screen and even makeup and top ups. Serums see to it that none of those affect your skin. These concentrated formulas with an unprecedented amount of active ingredients, target specific skin concerns like wrinkles, dark spots, and dehydration. The Skin Chemist 24hr Aqua Repair Facial Serum is perfect for a high dose of moisture to set you up for the day. This 24 hour repair facial serum has been formulated to soothe and hydrate the skin. I think for me, this was something that I was really looking forward to putting into my morning routine. My skin has been battling the elements this year so it needs some extra T.L.C and it has done just that.

Moisturiser

There is no such thing as skin that is too hydrated. Applying a soothing moisturiser in a light layer across the skin for long lasting all-day hydration is a must. I decided to relive my youth and try some new products on the market, namely Simple's Water Boost Hydrating Booster. Specifically designed to reverse dehydration signs such as dry, rough, tight or dull looking skin, making it ideal for dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin. Lightweight formulation instantly quenches thirsty skin, making it look and feel healthy, supple and soft to the touch.

Primer

Now we have the basis for hydrated and moisturised skin, let's go all in and talk primers and in particular this pore perfecter. Lately, I have been really struggling with my foundation, in that it never likes to actually stay on my face. By the end of the day my makeup has either rubbed off or my skin looks red and patchy. So I need something that may help with my complexion. This Figs & Rouge. Soft Focus Pore Perfect HD+ Matte Veil is designed to keep the skin shine free, blur pores and help reduce impurities and tackle breakouts. It can be used along or as part of a makeup routine, something that I have been using under my makeup and it's made such the difference. The product comes out of the tube silky and super lightweight and left my skin completely matte, perfect base for my makeup. Once it dries, I will then begin my makeup routine! 

So that's it! A morning skincare routine shake up that actually works. Have you used any of the products that I mentioned in my routine? You'll have to let me know in the comments. Now don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for my night time routine. 

12 comments

  1. I love the look of the Figs & Rouge Matte Veil! The tube is so pretty too! x

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    1. I know isn't it just! It's a great primer.

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  2. I love your products, some look like they will work really well for me!

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    1. Aloe product from the body shop all the way. It's cleared my skin no end.

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  3. I love the sound of the aloe stuff, there's something about aloe that really works well with my skin so I'll have to give it a try.

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    1. Oh yes, you should Emily. This range has cleared my skin no end.

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  4. my skin can be so hit or miss sometimes, i really need to up my skincare game

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    1. My skin was really bad. It was sore, itchy and I have lots of spots. This has seemed to do the trick so far.

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  5. I love Simple skincare products! They are some of the best x

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    1. Their daily moisturiser is pretty good for my skin and actually dries really quickly.

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  6. I need to check out that cleanser!

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