5 Step Skincare Routine

On my thirtieth birthday I woke up and thought “It’s all downhill from here Toto, you have to step up your game”. There were many areas in my life this could have pertained to, but in this instance it was referring to my skincare routine. 

I was (and still am) determined to try to look as young as I can for as long as I can. Now lucky for me, my Sicilian genes are overriding my pale skin Scottish ones, so I was lucky to never notice any ‘fine lines’ or ‘wrinkles’ creeping in until now. And because I do not want to resort to injectables or fillers, I have developed a 5 step skincare routine that I believe gives my face exactly what it needs to keep it appearing youthful and refreshed as opposed to dull and lackluster.

See below with some great product recommendations!

My 5 Step Skincare Routine

Step  1: TONE

I like to start with a toner. This way I remove any dirt that may be on my skin even from just popping out to walk my dog (ugh- city living!) or any make-up that refused to budge when I last washed my face. This will help achieve the look of clear and fresh skin.

USA PICK- Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner

UK PICK- Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner

Pop a bit of toner on a cotton round and softly wipe!

Step 2: QUENCH

What’s the best way to stay hydrated? By drinking water. So in my mind it makes sense to apply a water based product (either a serum, a liquid or a moisturizer). 

USA PICK- Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluronic Skin Essence

UK PICK- Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluronic Skin Essence

Just rub it into your face and gently pat down for application.

Step 3: HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

I try to be anti-chemicals as much as possible, but when they work and don’t impose risk or long term complications, sign me up! Hyaluronic Acid Serum is oil free so your skin will feel hydrated and cared for but without making your face appear greasy. 

USA PICK- Grace & Stella Hyaluronic Acid Serum

UK PICK- Grace & Stella Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Use a penny sized amount and smooth all over your face and neck.

Step 4: MOISTURIZE

Now this is the one step that perhaps is already a part of your skincare routine. Now I don’t know about you, but I love the feeling of being ‘moisturized’. Whether it’s my body or face, I need to feel it. I don’t like to apply a cream and then wonder where the blooming heck it disappeared to seconds later. I like to know my moisturizer is sitting there for a while, as to me this means it’s slowly sinking in because my face isn’t desperately crying out for hydration. 

USA PICK- Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream

UK PICK- Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cream

Generously apply all over the face and neck, once applied reapply a small amount underneath the eye area.

Step 5: AM- SPF! & PM- FACIAL OIL

In the morning my last step is to apply a product with SPF to protect my skin from the outdoor elements. I’m not just talking about the sun. The wind, the rain and the pollution! So many products include SPF but try to find one that is actually more like a sunscreen in consistency. 

Generously apply all over the face and neck!

Now at night, I like to use an oil for my face. After all, olive oil worked for my ancestors! Using an oil will seal in all the other products optimizing skin hydration. It’s the pretty bow that comes on the gift. It’s the perfect last step for the end of the day.

Try not to use too much and make sure you ‘dab’ as opposed to rub during application.

USA SPF PICK- Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47

UK SPF PICK- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense For Face SPF 50

USA OIL PICK- Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

UK OIL PICK- Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

Let me know how these workout for you and be sure to check out more of my posts from Beauty Boop!

And as always,

Live with Love,

The Bimbo in Limbo xxxx