My Skin Care Routine & Ramblings!

If you’re here for the food, please scroll on past! BUT, I get so many questions on social media about skin care, I thought I’d answer them here, all in one place (with big discount code – WOOHOO!)

I’ve avoiding writing this post for SO long because:

• I am 100% not and never will be a beauty influencer.
• I am 100% not an expert.
• I feel a bit.. Frivolous writing this?

SO. This post comes with a lot of caveats. First, I am no expert and this is just what I have found works for me over the last 7 or 8 years of really looking after my face. Please, find what works for you.

AND this stuff isn’t cheap. Spending on this is definitely a huge luxury. These are just the products that have suited my skin, there are certainly cheaper alternatives if you hunt them out, the principles of cleaning and hydrating your skin remain the same.

Also, this is a whole industry designed on the basis of women looking different to how we naturally look.

Honestly, I tie myself up in knots about the feminist implications of this sometimes, and I haven’t got to the bottom of my feelings around it. But just do what you want to do for you. And you’re perfect as you are ❤️ 

But spending 10 minutes on my face morning and evening makes me feel like I’m caring for myself and feels like a moment of joy, sooo, here we are!

🛍 Where I shop

I almost always purchase all of my products from Look Fantastic. This isn’t a sponsored post, but they’ve kindly given me a discount voucher for you to use as I told them how obsessed I am 🤩

If you use the links below (which are affiliate links) and use the code TAMINGTWINS, you can get up to 21% off some products (these vary and depend on the current offer!).

💡 Key thoughts

➡️ Doing less and doing it regularly is better than buying 20 products and only using them when you get time.

➡️ Listen to YOUR skin. This is just what works for me (my skin is very dehydrated).

➡️ Buy Caroline Hirons’ Skincare book. This has been a saviour to me. SO much information.

➡️ Try not to be overwhelmed. There’s so much out there, just focus on some little changes to start with.

➡️ Start with these:
Cleanse AM+PM
Vitamin C AM
Retinol PM
Moisturise AM + PM
SPF AM

💬 Insights on…

Cleansing

I use a clean flannel every morning, wash it out, leave to dry and use again at night. I buy packs of basic white flannels from Amazon.

What about ‘slugging’?!

I’ve talked about this on Instagram before (to explain my shininess!)

You can learn more about it on videos all over TikTok, but it’s basically where you do your whole skincare routine and then layer on an emollient afterwards to ‘lock it in’. 

I have no idea if there is any science behind this but I try and do it a few times a week and feel like it does help in the winter to keep my skin well hydrated.

Thoughts on Botox

Botox only works as the scaffolding behind your skin.

If you’re not looking after your skin there’s no point in having it as ultimately the skin on top of the muscle is what you’re actually looking at.

I have had botox in my forehead on and off for a few years. For me, I’d roasted my skin in the sun for years in my 20s and it showed on my forehead lines.

The skincare I’ve been religiously using is working hard to rehydrate and improve my skin, and the botox stops the movement causing it to get any worse.

Basically, it’s not a quick fix, and in my opinion, botox is totally pointless unless you’re using a good skincare regime (including SPF).

Oh and if you are going to have it, go to someone reputable who has been recommended!

⏰ My routine

⭐️ AM: In the morning…

• Cleanse
• Peptide
• Vitamin C OR exfoliate
• Spray
• Hyaluronic
• Spray
• Moisturise
• SPF

⭐️ PM: Before bed…

• Cleanse (twice if wearing makeup)
• Peptide
• Retinal
• Spray
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Spray
• Oil (sometimes)
• Moisturise

Do I do all of the above religiously every morning or night when I’m late or exhausted? Honestly, no. I guess I do it all maybe 5 nights a week?

If I don’t have time I’ll always focus on a spray + hyaluronic acid and moisturise. For me, those things keep me hydrated, which feels most important.

And ALWAYS SPF!

⭐️ Favourite products ⭐️

I don’t use all of these all the time, some are seasonal (or too expensive to use all the time).

BUT these are my favourites that I do buy repeatedly.

If you use the links below (which are affiliate links) and use the code TAMINGTWINS, you can get up to 21% off some products (these vary and depend on the current offer!).

Cleansers

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

I LOVE the feeling of this oil cleanser. It melts off my make up, feels really luxurious and is reasonably affordable. (They also do a small size if you want to test it out, or for travelling.)

BUY HERE

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 100g

Classic rich cleanser that I’ve loved for years. Even the scent is iconic. I tend to buy it when it’s on offer, has a good discount or ask for it for Christmas and stock up! It lasts and feels like a facial every night.

BUY HERE

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm 100g

This is my ultimate luxury cleanser. It's expensive but it is DREAMY. Again, this is not my normal go to, but use a couple of times a week to make a pot last longer!

BUY HERE

If you use the links below (which are affiliate links) and use the code TAMINGTWINS, you can get up to 21% off some products (these vary and depend on the current offer!).

Treatments

Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30ml

Peptide products are apparently one of the best anti-aging treatments, I’ve tried a few and this is the one I love, just because it’s super easy to apply and sinks in very quickly.

BUY HERE

Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe 30ml

This needs to be used in the morning to avoid using with Retinal (or Retinol) products. I alternate it with an exfoliating product as it’s too strong to use together. Also this one is a HIGH strength. Ask Medik8 for advice on which to start with especially if you have sensitive skin (they have live chat on their own website which is super helpful).

BUY HERE

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (Pack of 30)

These wipes exfoliate the skin. They are reasonably strong so I alternate with my Vitamin C.

BUY HERE

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum 30ml

I could write a a whole post about Retinol/Retinal (there's heaps more info on the Medik8 website). This is a mid range Retinal I actually use this but in a higher strength but you need to start lower and phase it in. THIS IS IMPORTANT. Retinal (or Retinol) are the REALLY active anti ageing products in your routine. You MUST use SPF EVERY DAY if you're using this.

BUY HERE

DR.JART+ Ceramidin Cream Mist 110ml

I use this to spray before hyaluronic acid, and before moisturising. It feels gorgeous. I've linked this on Amazon as it seems to be cheaper, and this size is often out of stock elsewhere.

BUY HERE

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Serum 30ml

If you want to try just ONE product (not including SPF!) make it a Hyaluronic Acid. Spray the skin (or wet it) before using and it locks in the moisture. I’ve tried so many and this is the only one I love that also doesn’t make my skin react.

BUY HERE

If you use the links below (which are affiliate links) and use the code TAMINGTWINS, you can get up to 21% off some products (these vary and depend on the current offer!).

Moisturisers

Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream 50ml

I use this as my day cream, it's very rich and keeps me well hydrated without being too.. Slippery?!

BUY HERE

La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Rich 50ml

I love this if you want a rich moisturiser (if you have dehydrated or dry skin like me). It feels a lot more expensive than it is too.

BUY HERE

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil 15ml

I use this as an extra little layer before my moisturiser on odd days in the winter or when my skin feels like it needs some extra love. The smell is my favourite too.

BUY HERE

Weleda Skin Food (75ml)

I use this in winter at night a couple of times a week. It's very good if your skin is VERY dry or dehydrated. It's good value but beware it is VERY sticky!

BUY HERE

REN Clean Skincare – Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm 30ml

I use this in the winter at night a few times a week. I love this for my very sad winter skin. I really wish it wasn't so expensive!

BUY HERE

Cerave Healing Ointment

For ‘slugging’ – see above.

I get this one from Amazon as LookFantastic doesn't have it for some reason.

BUY HERE

Medik8 Advanced Night Eye 15ml

I use this eye cream at the night at the moment. Honestly I'm not sure it's my favourite ever but I've still yet to find one that is so until I find one that I do, here we are!

BUY HERE

SPF

Use an SPF every day and NOT one including in another product. Read the Caroline Hirons book on this, but if you’re using it in your moisturiser or make up it will not be doing a good enough job. Ideally Factor 50.

Also if you’re using a Retinol/Retinal product you MUST use an SPF.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+

I use this regularly but I have to say I am not IN LOVE with it. I will often buy another SPF50 if I see it on offer or included in a skin care kit. It's a good option though.

BUY HERE

If you use the links above (which are affiliate links) and use the code TAMINGTWINS, you can get up to 21% off some products (these vary and depend on the current offer!).

PHEW!

I hope that list was useful. As I say, don’t be overwhelmed and feel you need to buy mountains of stuff to start with. This collection of loves of mine have built up over 7 or 8 years.

What’s your favourite product?! Leave me any questions or comments below please!