More than a minute, it’s been 9 months. So with the ‘back to school’ air that comes around every September, I’ve set myself a goal of 12 blog posts before the end of the year.
I was trying to think of what would be the best thing to write about to signal the end of my blogging gestation period, and the most obvious thing was my current routine and specifically how simple it is. Perhaps the most pared back it’s ever been.
The pandemic was a big reason for that shift. Initially, it was purely because I couldn’t buy more. Shops were closed, retailers weren’t ready for the surge in online demand and so I found myself using what I already had (which was a lot). Sure, throughout the 18 months that followed, I treated myself here and there (Shani Darden Retinol, Dr Dennis Gross Peel Pads) but what I’m using now is not only minimalist in the approach, it is also kinder on my bank balance and probably also my skin.
Cleanser: I have 2 both of which are from the Inkey List, still a favourite brand of mind. In the morning I use the Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser. Gel-based, it works well as a morning cleanse for all skin types (I would say particularly if you are oily). In the evening, I’m still enamoured with the Oat Cleansing Balm. The tube itself lasts a seriously long time as a little goes a long way (3 months+) and it gets to the point that you need to cut it open to ensure you get everything out. It leaves skin very soft, no oily residue, minimally fragranced and removes makeup. I use it with a muslin or face cloth.
Serum/Treatment: There is only one that I’m using regularly and this is in the evening only. I need to write a whole post about this alone (contributing to the goal of 12 posts) as it has been a serious game changer for me. I’m using the Skin&Me personalised subscription treatment having seen rave reviews across social media. I love the concept and the results have been impressive. You complete a questionnaire on their website including what your current skin concerns are as well as your goals. Based on that, it sends you a personalised prescription of a treatment that focuses on acne/lines/dullness/pigmentation.
Moisturiser: I was using the Inkey List MultiBiotic Moisturiser (I’ve included the link to my post on that below) and then once that was empty I bought the La Roche Posay Hydraphase Light after a friend gave me a sample. Most of the time, I can count on LRP to deliver and this is no different. It pushes the ‘green technology’ which isn’t my agenda when it comes to skincare, but it’s very light, sinks in quickly and I would consider the texture between a gel and a cream so it’s great in the summer.
SPF: The last 4 months I’ve used a few. For days predominantly spent in the sun, I’ve reached consistently for Ultrasun and also tried Altruist which is a much richer cream. Now that I’m doing more work days and less relaxing outside (boo) the Thank You Farmer Light Sun Essence SPF50+ is lightweight, sheer and sits well under makeup.
- Review: Teresa Tarmey Facial
- Skin&Me Review
- It’s been a minute
- The Inkey List- my new favourite moisturiser?
- Hyperpigmentation & the products I’m using to tackle it
If you like more consistent posting (without 9 month gaps), you can also follow me on Instagram:
Skin Shelfie 