Col’s Favourite Morning Skincare Routine.

So, in fitting with the theme of my birthday this week, I thought it was about time I share my personal skincare routines that I absolutely adore. I’ve definitely tried may a product over the years and have tried things dealing with everything from breakouts to dryness - my skin has really gone through it all. Typically, my skin type would be normal to combination, but it’s prone to sensitivity, so breakouts and dry spells (especially at this time of year). Also, I’m giving you my most extra routines for the morning and night, so i’ve included the ways I like to simplify it down. No matter how much I love skincare, I can’t always channel my inner skincare queen energy. It also includes not only my facial routines but nails, body shower routines the whole lot. So enjoy my girlie self care habits and I hope they can inspire your own!

Morning Col

I love to start with Dry brushing all over my body. This is definitely something I don’t always get time for, but the benefits of doing it are to die for, so I try my best at least on weekends to include it. I run my Body Shop dry brush all over, especially focusing on my knees, elbows, joint areas as they’re the points on your body most likely to get dead skin build up. Dry Brushing is brilliant for promoting circulation and keeping the top layer of your skin fresh and vibrant, so I would 100% recommend if you’re looking for a gentle body exfoliation to add to your skin routine.

Next I move on to my face. I don’t tend to do a proper cleanse my skin in the morning as I find it always leaves my skin oilier in the long term which then causes breakouts that nobody wants. So, instead, I opt for either micellar water or Avene’s Spring water and I run a cotton pad with it on over my face to get rid of any sleep etc. Then, to add to that hydration, I add a couple drops of Facetheory’s Hylafecta serum to keep my skin feeling bouncy and avoid any dryness from the winter chill.

The next product is, again, something I occasionally use but is such a good addition to anyone’s skincare routine. When I can, after a hydrating serums, I will also add a few drops of vitamin C serums to combat and dullness, dark circles and to really keep my skin radiant. It’s such a good accompaniment to any sort of hydrations as it adds to keeping your skin full and healthy, with that little extra shine. I’ve used several different vitamin C serums and I would always recommend opting for something lightweight and non-sticky as it will sit so much better under your moisturiser.

Which leads on to perhaps to my favourite step and the one I will absolutely never miss, no matter how lazy I’m feeling: moisturiser. Again, I’ve definitely tried my fair few, but recently I’ve been loving my Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream, it’s super clean, lightweight and locks in all the wonderful products I’ve already used. Sometimes, if my skin is feeling super dry or a little sensitive, I will only use my moisturiser and add a little Rosehip oil to really up that hyrdation game.

Next is a product that will absolutely divide the masses. Some think its useless, others think its the key to keeping your bright and pretty eyes. Yep, I’m talking about eye cream or eye balm, any product related to eyes. I have recently fallen in love with the Tula Eye Balm and have been pleasantly surprised at how well its combatted my tired little eyes and just added such a lovely glow. I’m not saying this is a super vital product, but I do think its a lovely addition ;)

Last, but not least, is spf/sun cream. This is definitely the most important step of anyone’s morning routine. I’ve always been a La Roche Posay chemical spf girl, but I’m finding myself more and more drawn to mineral based products. La Roche Posay is incredibly lightweight, doesn’t leave you greasy and has really good, tested levels of spf within it. However, if you’re particularly conscious of the sun, mineral based sun creams are the way to go, they may be a little heavier but you can gaurantee it will keep your skin healthy and moisturised throughout the day.

If i’m feeling extra fancy, I will add a little cuticle oil to my nails and a touch of hand cream to make sure i’m protected from any harsh winter weather. This is also very true for your lips; having a high grade lip balm like aquaphor, vaseline, or any skincare brand like summer fridays or naturium will keep your lips safe from any cracking or pain.

So, there you have it, my morning skincare routine. These morning habits are so foundational to my day and really keep me happy and healthy both inside and out. Everyone has a different relationship to their skin, but for me taking the time to sit and go through these steps really helps me ground myself in my day and set it up to start afresh! Mixing and matching each of these steps is also totally possible, we don’t always have time to sit and go through all our favourite products, but even doing on or two of them can really help prep for your day.