My Skincare Routine

I don't know if it was the extended winter weather or perhaps turning 30, but my skin has changed significantly over the last couple of months and I have had to completely change my skin care routine to cope with it. I used to have fairly oily skin, but overnight it turned to dry. My face was so dry that the skin was literally peeling from my forehead and nose, and wearing foundation was a total nightmare. I decided to embrace the change and revamp my skincare routine. I have been using these products daily for the last few weeks and I am pleased to have kissed goodbye to dry and flaky skin, and my face is now back to smooth and supple. 

This is my new daily skincare routine:

Step 1 Cleanse - Garnier Fresh Essentials Gel Wash
Step 2 Tone - Simple Soothing Facial Toner
Step 3 Moisturise - Olay Essentials Double Action Day Cream
Step 4 Prime - Nars Oil Free Pro Prime

Has your skin ever done a 180?

March Empties

I'm shocked at how many moisturiser I have got through this month. Probably due to the diabolical weather. My skin is very dry at the moment and I am constantly having to moisturise my hands.

My favourite out of this lot is the Sanctuary hand cream. It smells divine and leaves your skin feeling soft. It feels more luxurious than most every day hand creams, and is just £5 from Boots.

February Beauty Empties

This month's empties are mostly skin and hair care products. I tend to find I get through a  lot more in the colder months as my hair and skin can get really dry. These are all the products I have used up:

Burt's Bees Citrus and Ginger Root Body Wash

Sleek Creme to Powder Foundation

Palmer's Firming Butter

Aussie Luscious Long Leave in Conditioner

Boots Smooth Care Shave Gel

Garnier Pure Anti-blackhead Deep Pore Wash

Nivea Creme Soft Shower Cream

World of Curls Oil Sheen Spray

Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer

I hadn't tried the Burt's Bees Body Wash before as it is quite expensive for a shower gel (£9.99) but it smells great and is a lovely treat so I would buy it again, but maybe not for every day use.

November Empties

A quick post of all the beauty products I have got through this month:

Dove Winter Care Nourishing Body Lotion

Mitchum Advanced Control Deodorant

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner

Boots Essentials Intense Hand Cream

L'Oreal Pure Shine Control Moisturiser

Nivea Diamond Touch Shower Cream Oil

Nars Pro Primer

Maybelline Dream Matt Mousse

Maybelline Falsies Mascara

It's hard to pick a stand our product from this lot as I really liked them all and would buy all of them again.

October Empties

Here are all of my October empties, and it's mainly the essentials that I have used up this month.

Luster's Pink Glosser - This is an oil spray that also acts as a heat protector. I only tried it because I had trouble tracking down my usual oil spray, and this one is stocked in Boots which is quite unusual for afro hair products. It was an okay substitute but to be honest my hair needed something a bit stronger.

Original Source Mint & Tea Tree Shower Gel - I love this shower gel. It gives a lovely tingly feeling on the skin which is amazing for waking you up the morning after the night before.

Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream - I quite liked this moisturiser. You can see a full review of hit here

Neutrogena Concentrated Hand Cream - I didn't think much of this one. It has quite an unusual texture for a hand cream. You only need a small amount and it does the job but I didn't think there was anything particularly special about it.

Superdrug Lipbalm - You can barely see the label on this one as it has worn off over time. A very basic lip balm that was nourishing and only needed to reapply once or twice throughout the day. No fragrance or colour, but just a good basic.

Garnier Pure Anti Blackhead Deep Pore Wash - You can see my comments on this one here

Mitchum Advanced Control Deodorant - I am a big fan of the Mitchum deodorant sprays. They smell nice, don't leave white marks and leave you feeling fresh even the morning after a big night. Result.

Beauty Review - Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream

I have quite dry skin and combat this by using a body moisturiser every day. During the summer months a light moisturiser works well but as the temperature drops I find I need something a bit more hard core. I quite liked this body cream by Dove. It is half way between a moisturiser and a body butter so just right for this time of year. It doesn't feel to heavy, absorbs quite quickly and only has a very light fragrance so wouldn't interfere with perfume. Lovely for autumn.

August Beauty Empties

These are all of the hair and beauty products I have used up this month...

Profectiy Mega Growth Stimulating Shampoo

Body Shop Dewberry Mure Savage Bath and Shower Gel

Superdrug Nail Polish Remover

Palmolive Aroma Therapy Absolute Relax Shower Gel

Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash

Garnier Intensive Seven Days Replenishing Lotion in Mango Oil

Sleek Blusher in Pomegranate

The stand out beauty product has to be Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash. I have noticed that after using it for a few weeks, my face feels less oily and I have definitely had less spots. This one is a winner that I have already re-purchased.