My Current Morning Skincare Routine Spring/Summer Edition

Sometimes it's nice to take a break from blogging and just focus on spending time with family, I recently went on holiday with my family to Greece which was lovely but it was about time I got motivated to get back into writing. I originally wanted to post this mid summer but I was always changing products and never stuck to the same skincare routine which is what I want to share this with you now.

I am by no means a skincare expert but have learnt a lot about it this year and since starting an AM/PM routine my skin has improved by appearance and by texture massively. If you don't know where to start then let this be a guide, you do not have to follow this order exactly as I've seen so many different orders so who knows which one is the best, this is just one that works for me.
1. Cleanser

Every morning I wash my face with warm water using the Kiehl's Centella Skin-Calming Facial Cleanser* for anyone who suffers from dry, sensitive skin I'd recommend this as it contains ingredients Aloe Vera and Chamomile known for calming sensitive skin. It isn't a foamy face wash which I like and can be used without water if needed. My favourite thing about using this cleanser is you aren't left with tight feeling skin which makes me feel very uncomfortable.

2. Exfoliate

I try not to exfoliate too often but sometimes my skin can feel a bit spotty and I get little bumps on my chin from whiteheads so I've been using the Kiehl's Clearly Corrective White Skin Brightening Exfoliator* to help remove dead skin cells, improve the feel of my skin and to illuminate my dull looking skin. This leaves my skin feeling very soft and clear.

3. Tone

Something which is new to me this year is toning and since doing it I have noticed a massive difference since I've been using Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliator Toner from Spring to Summer and it has really reduced the redness of my cheeks, it's suitable for all skin types. If you have any blemish scars which I sometimes get this really helps to fade them away after gradual use. I use this by adding a few drops on a cotton wool pad and sweep it over my face and neck.

4. Eye Cream

Something which I never bothered with in the past but has helped me feel more comfortable and beneficial in the mornings. I've been using Origins Eye Doctor a moisturiser for around the eye area as I tend to get dry cracked skin under my eyes, this cream helps reduce this if it gets really bad then I have to use something else, It's also very cooling due to its ingredients cucumber, rosemary and ginseng.

5. Serum

Something all dry skin types should consider, if you aren't using a serum then I strongly suggest you start using one now. You don't have to splash out and get an expensive one as I like to repurchase Superdrug's Vitamin E Moisture Boost Serum for under £5. All through the warmer months, I've finally given the Nib + Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Serum ago which gives you that shot of hydration boost before applying your moisturiser as it contains a lot of hyaluronic acids making my skin feel softer. I can't live without serums, once you have one in your routine you won't go without.

6. Oil/Essence

Some people skip this step but if I can add more moisture to my face I'm going to jump at the chance. I've been using the Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate Facial Oil* to help boost radiance and to protect my skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution by applying 2-3 drops in my hand and patting my face and neck, a little goes a long way with this product and I love it so much. I want to get the Midnight Concentrate to pair with this in my night routine.

Since using this product I've discovered a love for oils when I've always been scared to use them because I didn't know how if I'm honest and thought it would be greasy and give me spots but it's so lightweight.

7. Moisturiser

Finally, we are on the step that only last year was the only skincare product I applied and now I'm applying 8 products on my face! I've been using the Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturiser which I got for Christmas but was saving this for summer as it's a lightweight, radiant moisturiser which smells like oranges (just screams summer) and keeps my face hydrated all day. I would definitely buy this again for next year.

8. SPF

Most SPF's are already in skincare/makeup products but If not I do like to apply a bit of suncream on my face before applying foundation. I've been using the La Roche Posay Ultra Light 50+ Suncream which is light weight, has a matte finish so none of that greasy feeling which makes this perfect for applying before makeup. SPF has so many benefits and should play a part in your routine if sun damage is a concern to you, as a fair skinned girl this is massively important to me. This little bottle has been with me through my travels as it's perfect handbag size if you want to top up throughout the day.

If you know any tips on how I can improve my routine? or product recommendations? then please share in the comments.

Look out for my evening routine in a couple of months and how I slowly prepare my skin for winter.

My Current Everyday Make Up for Winter 2015

I've never really talked about my everyday look but over the past month or so these items have been what I've reached for the most and have now been placed in my make up bag.

For the base I have been wearing a choice of Revlon Colorstay and Estee Lauder Double Wear which are both full coverage. Mornings have become more of a struggle and this has left me with tired dark eyes so this Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer has been great for under my eyes making them look more awake. My cheeks I've been experimenting with a lot more darker tones and I do go through a cycle of reaching for Lord & Berry 'Lotus', Benefit 'Rockateur' and Max Factor Creme Puff 'Gorgeous Berries' at the minute which are all rose/mauve shades.

For the eyes this limited edition No7 eyeshadow palette is just my perfect everyday staple for all year round and it's very rare to find a palette where I will use all the shades. Liquid eyeliner is a must for me and my favourite look is a winged flick so I got this Eyeko Fat Felt Liner in my Birchbox October which stays on all day. For the lips, if it's for work then all I'll wear is a tinted lip balm, nothing too noticeable but for days off or weekends then i'll mostly be wearing a red or berry shade and I do go for a bit of variety as I love to change up my lipsticks but this Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution 'Bond Girl' is a luxury of mine and I'm wearing it whenever I get the chance or sometimes I wear lip liners on there own as they have great staying power and this Kiko Rebel Romantic has been a favourite.

What's been your most reached for products recently?

Current May Favourites

I feel like I've left it a bit late to talk about my April Favourites so that's why I've decided to do a current favourites instead.

So I got this little sample of the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil in a Birchbox which I was so happy about as it's something I've always wanted to try. It's a multi use oil that can be used for the face, hair and body. I've really enjoyed using this, it smells so nice too which is an added bonus and really helps to add moisture in my skin as I've been applying this as an overnight oil. I love using it for my hair as it adds shine and keeps my hair feeling healthy. You can even use this in the bath too which I'm going to give a try tonight.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer this is my first ever NARS product and I think I've made a good decision in picking this up as it's been a lifesaver recently as I've been breaking out a lot, getting so many spots on my chin. I've heard this is down to hormones but if any skincare experts want to correct me on that feel free. This concealer is high coverage and creamy which helps to not dry my skin out over blemishes, it's also worked wonders under the eyes to help brighten as it lasts for hours. I have the lightest shade Chantilly.

Nyx Soft Matte lip cream lipsticks are just everywhere and until you've tried one you'll get why, they are so pigmented and creamy which makes them easy to apply and even though they are matte, they aren't too drying, I'm not gonna say they are hydrating because what matte lipstick is, so still keep a lip balm handy when you wear these for top ups throughout the day. I have the shade 06 Istanbul.

On to my all time favourite product. It's even going as far as a possible holy grail which is the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner. I repurchased this from a designer outlet and got it for half the price which is a bargain. This liquid eyeliner will do exactly as it says 'stay on all day' and it's waterproof, you can wet your face and there will be no streaks, trust me I've tried. You can create thin to thick lines with the felt tip liner and one stroke is all you need because the pigmentation is insane. The best thing about this product is what makes me choose this over any drugstore liners is the fact that this liner will not dry out in 3-6 months time, this lasts me for about a year until it starts to dry out as you can give this a little shake to make the product reach the tip.

What's been your current favourites?