Over the past 5 years I have noticed a significant change in my skin and have, through trial and error, recently changed my whole skin routine. I do not consider myself old, but at 38 I find I am transitioning into a different range of products when I go the beauty counters and drugstores.

Growing up I had never really worn much make up through school and just used a quick face wash each morning and night. At the age of 18 I started focusing on my skincare. I remember heading down to the local Boots in Chester and having a consultation with a gorgeous lady on the counter who analysed my skin. She told me I had combination oily/sensitive skin. I walked out with a Face Wash, Toner and Moisturiser and an empty purse.

 

I used the Clinique 3-step routine for many years. It really worked for me. Even as a poor student I would find the money to continue to use my beauty and skin care products, as I knew how important it was.

 

 

Over the past 2 years I have found the products have just not been working for me. My skin has changed a lot I have quite dry areas now, especially at the top of my nose between my eyes and on the edges of my face. I now also have fine lines around my eyes and across my forehead too. I have tried different products from the Clinique range but still wasn’t happy with my skin. Through a lot of research I have now developed a new skin care routine and I am really happy with the results. My skin is even; dry and oily patches are balanced. My skin stays matte throughout the day. I will share the routine below:

Morning:

 

Step 1: Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine Daily Wash. (£4.79 for 200ml from Boots)

This really cleans my skins whilst unclogging my pores & mattifying my skin.

 

 

 

Step 2: LUSH Tea Tree Toner Water.
(£8.50 for 250g from Lush)

This really refreshes my skin and helps balance any oil without drying my skin.

 

 

 

 

Step 3: UltraLift Complete Beauty Serum.
(£10.52 for 30ml from Amazon)

This is an anti-wrinkle serum that claims to firm your skin and boost the skin’s appearance. I am still trailing this, not convinced it has enough impact on my fine lines yet. Let me know any suggestions for serums.

 

 

Step 4: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.
(£30 for 125ml from Clinique)

This is the one Clinique product I have stuck too. I have been trying others but I just cannot find one that really impresses me and helps control my dry and oily patches like this one does. So any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Step 5: Garnier Skin Natural Ultra Lift Eye Cream.
(£4.45 for 27g from Amazon)
This helps to keep my eye area moisturized and claims to help fine lines but I haven’t really noticed a difference with that as yet.

 

 

EVENING:

This is very similar;

Step 1: Garnier Micellar Water Combination Skin.
(£2.66 for 400ml from Tesco)

I love this product. I use this first to remove my make up. I feel it really cleanses and mattes my skin. I am a big believer of the double cleansing method. I feel this step allows my facial wash in the next step to really cleanse the skin as all make up has been removed.

 

 

Step 2: Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine Daily Wash.

Step 3: LUSH Tea Tree Toner Water.

Step 4: UltraLift Complete Beauty Serum.

Step 5: Caviar Illumination Night Cream.
(£6.99 from Aldi)

This is fantastic nightcream. Really nourishes and moisturizes my skin without leaving it greasy or oily. It also claims to have Pro-Vitamin B5 to help smooth and repair damaged skin, improve suppleness and reduce signs of ageing.

 

 

 

Step 6: Garnier Skin Natural Ultra Lift Eye Cream

 

I also use St. Ives Blemish Fighting Apricot Scrub.
(£4.19 for 150 ml from Boots).
This is a lovely exfoliator that gently deep cleanses your skin whilst removing any oil and dead cells.

 

I hope this has been a helpful post for you. Thanks for reading and let me know in the comments any suggestions xx