SKINCARE THAT DOESN'T MAKE MY SKIN FREAK OUT

I've literally wanted to talk about my Skincare for soooo long on my blog. If you've read my post, Living with an Auto Immune Disorder, you're probably wondering what it is I actually use under my makeup, to wash my face, to keep myself looking fresh etc. Theres no denying that when my skin is super bad, I can usually put nothing on my face what so ever. However, when its having a good spell, I wanted to talk about my holy grail products that I deem perfect for even the most sensitive of skin types. 

ROUND UP:

1. Cleanse - Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

2. Moisture Mask - Avene Soothing Moisture Mask

3. Deep Clean Mask - Kiehls Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

4. Exfoliate - Lush Honey Lip Scrub

5. Finish - Kiehls Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner & MAC Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist

MY SKIN TYPE: 

Dry, Sensitive, Oily T Zone, Redness, Combination

STEP 1: CLEANSE

LIZ EARLE CLEANSE AND POLISH - has been a staple in my skincare routine for about 7 years now. Theres never been anything about it that I don't like. I've used it through out all my skin troubles - dryness, breakouts, eczema & sensitivity. I find it's amazing for giving you a really deep clean and making you feel like you really have got every scrap of make up off. (I'm a bit OCD when it comes to makeup removal, so it's very satisfying to know that not only does the muslin cloth remove your makeup, but also gets rid of any dead skin cells too). Its recommended for any skin types, and for any age group. 

"Our rich cream instantly removes daily grime and makeup, even stubborn mascara, to leave skin beautifully smooth and exceptionally clean. Used with the pure cotton cloth it lifts away dead skin cells, revealing fresh, radiant skin."

I really love the fact that this cleanser is made with naturally active ingredients. Including cocoa butter to 'soften, smooth and moisturise', while rosemary, chamomile and eucalyptus 'tone, soothe and purify'. I literally haven't even tried another cleanser since finding how well this one works for me. Its so nice to have an evening skincare routine that feels so luxurious, even when you have super sensitive skin! To make things even better, its a mere £16 and that also includes two muslin cloths. (The 100ml usually lasts me around 3-4 weeks) Try yours here (CRUELTY FREE!). 

STEP 2: FACE MASKS & SCRUBS

I don't usually use any products other than Cleanser and Moisturiser on a daily basis (and a bit of Sudocrem if I have any breakouts). However, I find when I'm suffering from either intense dryness, or lots of under the skin spots/clogged pores, there are two amazing products I turn to.

• AVENE SOOTHING MOISTURE MASK - This is a recent discovery of mine and I absolutely love it. I've had countless compliments on how my skin looks the day after using this too, which is always a bonus in itself! Avene is a brand I've also had in my skincare routine for years. Originated in Paris, the brand claims their range to be hypoallergenic and specifically catered for sensitive skin. I find this mask amazing for if you ever get dry patches or flakiness that just doesn't go away with exfoliation alone. I'll put this on not long after I've cleansed, leave it for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse off. Voila! Clean, soft, hydrated skin. (Some people have claimed that it makes them look younger too!) Try yours here.

"A true moisture bath, leaves your skin refreshed and glowing".

• KIEHL'S RARE EARTH DEEP PORE CLEANSING MASQUE - Kiehl's is a brand I've wanted to try for ages, I just love all their packaging and general Ethos. However, I'm always really nervous about trying commercialised, colourful, potentially fragranced brands. A lot of things I've tried in the past have really broken me out in eczema and/or blemishes. However, to my surprise, this mask worked really well for me. I find it really does exactly what it says on the tub. I find I will usually get a break out the day after using this, but once they've gone, you end up with much less textured skin. I use this after I've cleansed onto damp skin, leave for 10 minutes until dry, and remove with a warm damp cloth. The recommended usage is twice a week but I usually end up using in once a fortnight as I don't want to dry my skin out! 

"Helps eliminate debris and dead surface skin-cell accumulation that can clog pores and leave skin looking dull. With ingredients sourced near the mouth of the Amazon River in Northern Brazil, this unique formula is rich in minerals and helps eliminate surface toxins from the skin."

• LUSH HONEY LIP SCRUB - This is another product I'd wanted to try for ages! The only thing that held me back was the price! I thought £5.75 for what technically was a pot of sugar and oils, a bit steep. However, around May time I was suffering from such stubborn dry lips, nothing seemed to make them stop being chapped/flakey! So I decided to go into my local Lush and finally try the lip scrub I'd been lusting after for a while. After my first/second application, I found my issues cleared up straight away. I think its pretty cool that its self preserving and I only have to use it around once a week, to make my lips super soft again. (CRUELTY FREE). Try yours here.

"The menthol of peppermint oil cools and freshens, while the sweet wild orange oil gives you a buzz. Made with Jojoba oil and Vegan white chocolate."

STEP 3: MOISTURISE

AVENE HYDRANCE OPTIMALE LEGERE, LIGHT HYDRATING CREAM - My moisturizer has literally been the same for years and years. During the Summer months I use the light hydrating cream, and during the winter I will use the rich hydrating cream - It's really pretty simple! There are no fragrance or colours in this moisturiser, its very plain and straight to the point, but when it comes to sensitive skin - thats all you need! I find this sits beautifully underneath makeup and keeps me hydrated all day. Its really lightweight and sinks into the skin immediately, which is nice when I'm super hot and red out of the shower - yay for no lingering greasiness! I find the price amazing for how long this lasts me (5-7 weeks), Try yours here!

STEP 4: TONE & COOL

Admittedly, these are usually steps I miss out. Only because once my face is comfortable after a cleanse and moisturise, I don't really see the point in putting any more products on. (Although it seems like I use a lot of products, I'm extremely basic when it comes to my skincare, due to having to be so careful with what I use). 

• KIEHLS CALENDULA HERBAL-EXTRACT TONER - I will usually use this when I'm having a super lazy makeup removal session. (You know the ones where you sit in bed and just smoosh a wet wipe over your face? we've all been there.) If I do use a wet wipe, I'll be sure to use the Kiehls toner afterwards. I find wet wipes never remove everything, which is proven afterwards by the extra grime that comes off when I use the toner - gross! I really love the smell and gentle feel of this toner, its alcohol free and is made with whole flowers and pure extracts. (There are actual petals in the toner water, that you can place over/around blemishes over night and it apparently helps them reduce in redness!). I find this toner has the same effect as the Kiehls mask, which means I sometimes break out after using it - but its always where I have under the skin bumps/spots, so at least its bringing them to the surface/cleansing deeply I guess! Try yours here.

"An effective, alchol free, face toner. Designed to soothe problem skin & maintains the natural balance and integrity of the skin"

• MAC CHARGED WATER SKIN HYDRATING MIST - I don't think this product gets enough credit. I find the MAC Fix Plus gets so much more recognition that this mineralise skin hydrating mist does! I love this for when my skins feeling especially dry/tight, I also find it works amazingly over makeup. It really helps get rid of the cakey look if you've over done it with the powder, or you have dryness around the eyes (like me). Amazing for perfecting and maintaining glowy skin! Try yours here.

"A blend of mineralise charged water and diamond powder that hydrates and energies skin"

If you suffer from sensitive skin, I highly recommend all of the above products! I know what its like to feel as though you can't use nice or luxurious products. (At one point I was just using my prescription moisturiser to wash my face with), however I feel like I finally have a little routine going on! If you have any recommendations on eye creams (the big 25 this year - eek), or exfoliators, do let me know!

Thanks for reading as always, 

Madi x