My morning skin-care routine

I’m making a conscientious effort this year to take better care of myself. Starting by paying my skin some attention.

I’m an ‘all-or-nothing’ kind of girl. I’ll spend twenty minutes using everything I own. Or I’ll do nothing. As soon as my mood goes, skin-care is always right behind it. But having stopped a downward spiral a few times lately, I’ve also realised that feeling fresh, clean and hydrated is an effective way of snapping myself out of it. Not all the time, but it’s worth a try, right?

It’s time-consuming. True.

 But I need to stop that preventing me from doing it, even getting up a few minutes earlier to fit it in. My commute and working environment means my skin takes a painful hit each day – and it doesn’t take much for a break-out.

Having had a clear through of products, I’m making the point of writing up my routine. It then won’t look as daunting and, with any luck, I can persuade myself that it’s worth-while doing every morning, no excuses.

When it comes to products, I’m a clean split between Clarins and The Body Shop, and my products first thing in the morning are no exception!*

The Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Gel Wash – £8

This range suits my skin-type and this product is great for the morning. You only need a small amount and it lathers well – so it lasts. You get that ‘deep’ cleansing feeling that leaves your skin feeling fresh. Perfect for first thing!

The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Balancing Toner – £8

I haven’t tried many cleansers but I like this one. It’s light and leaves you feeling refreshed – nothing too heavy. It works really well as an extra step to cleansing as well for stubborn make-up or left-over cleanser. Great for combination skin like mine.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel moisturiser – £36

Combination skin is tricky for moisturisers – getting the right hydration without feeling greasy. I adore this moisturiser – it’s light without being oily and soaks in really well. You never feel like you’ve put too much on. This cream has brought my skin back from dehydration multiple times!

Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution – £32.50

This is a new find – a barrier between your skin and the world. I haven’t used it for long, but with open pores and a daily commute, it’s a layer of protection. Light to put on, soaks in well and doesn’t cause problems when applying make-up.

It doesn’t look so daunting when I write it down like this! Maybe I can get myself into a few better habits.

The environments I’m in means it only takes a couple of bad days before my skin pays the price of me ignoring it. But I love buying different products and when I do it properly, it feels great. I don’t know why I find it so hard to keep it up.

What are your favourite products for first thing in the morning? Do you have any tips for someone trying to get into better habits? Let me know!

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*Prices according to the websites at time of writing