Back to Basics – Cleanse, Tone & Moisturise

My blog this week may seem a bit of a boring topic compared to the glamorous world of fake eyelashes, tanning and the make- up looks i usually blog about. However, all these looks cannot be truly effective on any ladies skin if it has not been prepared with a cleanser, toner and most importantly moisturiser!I’m known for being a member of the moisturiser police but it is a really, really important part of anyone’s make – up routine. Moisturisers keep your skin hydrated, create a barrier between your pores and pollution, and most moisturising creams nowadays contain an SPF protecting your skin from harmful and ageing sun rays. If you are reading this thinking I don’t wear a moisturiser because it makes my skin greasy/ shiny/makes me get spots/ makes my skin dry etc, etc, then you are using the wrong moisturiser. After reading this blog I hope you will be converted to the other side and your skin will thank you for it with a soft radiant glow!

Combination Skin

Your skin type is  combination if you have oily skin in your T-Zone (nose, forehead, chin) illustrated on the left in oval shapes. And your cheeks go through stages of dryness which can result in dry patches, shown on the left in the circle shapes. It is a myth that combination skin is only a skin type of teenagers as a long sufferer myself i know how frustrating it can be. But there are numerous products out there that cater for women with combination skin. Go for cleansers and toners made specifically for combination skin as light as possible. Look for gel washes, water based toners, don’t go for the most luxuriously creamy options as they will cause your T-zone to become increasingly oily. Moisturisers that are gels/ lotions work best for combination skin! Most skincare ranges incorporate gels and lotions in each of their ranges. Below is a few of my favourite moisturisers for combination skin.

Clarins Hydra -Matte Lotion €27.50

Clarins Multi Active Lotion €56.00

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

Dry Skin

Dry skin tends to happen to us all at different times of the year. Most people will be feeling that taut dryness creeping back with long cold nights causing us to constantly be around heating at home and if your anything like me blasting warm air all day in the car!. The best way to know if your skin is dry or dehydrated is to look at your skin after a shower and see if it is tight or flakey. The good news is that every skincare range incorporates products for dry skin. When shopping for cleansing products choose creamy cleansers and toners containing no alcohol as this can also cause dryness, look for toners with calming ingredients if  your dry skin tends to be itchy or sensitive. When choosing a moisturiser go for a cream with a mid to heavy to texture, try a bit on your hand see how long it takes to be absorbed and you will know the consistency you are comfortable with. Below is a few of my favourite moisturisers and serums for dry skin. Most of us will pick up a heavier mosturiser or serum for the winter months to keep off that grey winter look.

No. 7 Essential Moisture €11.75

Clarins HydraQuench Serum €53.00

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Daily Moisturiser €35.00

Oily Skin

Oily skin is one of the hardest skin types to live with as you are more prone to blemishes. Like combination, oily skin is often thought of as a teenage hormonal result but many women live with oily skin phases throughout their life. When choosing cleansing products for oily skin pick ones ideally that are oil free as thick oily creams/ cleansers will result in even more oil being produced in your skin. Go for a light cleanser such as a thin cream or gel wash. Toners are really important for those with oily skin as they help tighten pores and control oil production. Don’t be pulled in by the promises on the box and go for products such as Clearasil, in my experience they don’t get rid of your spot in a day and contain numerous chemicals. Go for one that is again light on the skin and contains some good oil fighting ingredients such as witch hazel. Look for moisturisers and serums that use the word ‘mattifying’ as this will help give a matte look rather then the shininess oily skin types often have to deal with. Below is a collection of skincare products I would recommend to help control oily skin.

 Clarins Ultra- Matte Rebalancing Lotion €27.50                      

Burt’s Bees Anti Blemish Solution Range – Prices begin at €13.99

No.7 Beautifully Clear Blemish Serum €24.45                            

Remember ladies not all skin types are set in stone and if you find your changing from dry to oily etc it is completely normal, especially throughout different times of the year, hormonal phases and stress. Just take comfort in the fact that you can try out more of these lovely products 🙂