When it comes to skincare nowadays there are so many brands and options to choose from! I’ve decided to blog about what I use on a daily basis. Here’s what I’ve been using in recent times, (I tend to change products every six months) but I’ve also included some of my all time favourites! 😉

Make up removal

I always use an extra cleanser, in particular when it comes to removing make up . You may have read in my previous blog I recommended the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (400ml/€4.50). This is a dream product to remove make up. Simply add the product to a cotton pad. Sometimes I wear a gel eyeliner- this can be slightly harder to remove, I recommend Clarins Instant Eye Make Up Remover (125ml/€21.00). I’ve had this smaller bottle a few months (as it came in a gift set)- so with the larger bottle you’ll definitely get your money’s worth from this product, as just a small amount is required.

Cleansing

Personally, I never feel I’ve removed all my make up with just the cleansing water. Here I’ve included two products, for either oily or dry skin. Originally I had been using the No 7 Melting Gel Cleanser (150ml/€12.50). This product is recommended for normal to dry skin. After about a week of using this product however I had to stop using it as my t-zone area began to break out. I tend to have oily skin. On the other hand however I really recommend this cleanser to those of you who have dry skin, as it leaves skin feeling really soft, and doesn’t dry it out.

The cleanser I switched to is a foaming cleanser again part of the No 7 range (150ml/€12.25). I find this product really good! I love the feel of a foam cleanser as I always feel squeaky clean after using this. To those of you with dry skin, I would not recommend this, but works for people with oily skin (like me)!

Exfoliating

Regular exfoliation is an essential part of caring for your skin! Twice a week is the recommended frequency to exfoliate.

My three favourite exfoliators are Clarin’s Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream (50mls/€31.00), No. 7 Beautiful Skin Purifying Exfoliator (75ml/€11.00) and Neutrogena Pore & Shine daily scrub (150ml/€6.29). I don’t recommend using the Neutrogena scrub on a daily basis however (even though it says so on the packaging) as I find it can be too harsh on the skin. To ensure I’ve removed all particles from the skin when exfoliating I always use a warm face cloth rather than my hands.

Moisturizers

What’s really important to remember when choosing a moisturizer is sun protection factor (SPF)  which protects skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

In recent times I’ve used the following moisturizers which are (currently) my top three. The first is Nivea Soft (300ml/€7.49), I really like this and it can also be used all over the body. I find it particular kind to the skin and it is especially good for dry skin. It is also a great price! The only downside to this product however is that is does not have SPF. I’ve also been using the No. 7 Early Defence Cream (50ml/€24.95), I don’t find it as nourishing as the Nivea Soft- when my skin is sometimes dry (like after exfoliating). However it still feels great on the skin and it’s non- greasy! Finally I have to mention the Clarin’s HydraQuench Cream (50mls/€45.00), it is the most expensive of the three but oh my- do I love this product, it simply feels like velvet on the skin and is without doubt my favourite of all three!

As I said this is what I like at the minute! You may have noticed I didn’t include toners as I don’t use them, but this is just a personal preference. I’ve also tried to cater for different budgets by including options! 🙂

Hope you enjoyed my second blog, feedback is welcome and let me know what you’d like to see next!

Happy Shopping,

Sinéad 💜