The Skincare Tag

It's been a long while since I last did a tag post here on the blog, but being the skincare junkie that I am, I couldn't resist giving these questions the once over when I saw them over on the lovely Jess's blog
(Just Jess). I'm not going to specifically tag anyone to do the same, but if you would like to then please feel free, and be sure to leave me the link in the comments below, as I love reading about what other people include in their skincare routine.

1. Describe your skincare routine in five words.

Pamper. Masks. Exfoliating toner. AHAs.

2. What is your skin type?

I've always had perfectly normal skin, but since the year began it has become quite blemish-prone on my chin and jawline area, and my t-zone is somewhat oilier than it used to be, which has been really bothersome and quite distressing. I'm fairly sure this has been down to the contraceptive injection I had been taking on a monthly basis for the past couple of years, and have just changed back over to the pill this week - fingers crossed it might finally be the answer! (I hope that's not too much info, but that's just the way things are!)

3. What's your favourite skincare product?

I don't think there could be a more difficult question! There are just so many skincare treats that I have come to love and rely upon, but the one that has made the biggest impact on my skin in recent times has got to be the Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightening Toner. I use this on a nightly basis, and as well as evening out my skintone no end, it has also kicked congestion in to touch and vastly improved my problem areas.

Other favourites of mine include the Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel and Facial Detox Mask, and the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask - weekly treats I just couldn't be without.

4. Top blemish zappers:

Lots of fish oil supplements (I take about 4g a day) and the afore-mentioned Clarins toner. Chemical exfoliants work far better for me than any manual scrub I've ever tried, and making sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs on the inside is key to overall skin health. Again, I like the Elemental Herbology Facial Detox mask for taking down active blemishes, and sometimes leave it on over night if I've got any particularly tough customers on the go. It's the best clarifying mask I've tried.

As for treatments such as La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole any more.

In my experience, they often take a minor skincare issue and make it into something worse, and more long term. Saying that, they do work brilliantly for some people, so I think it's just a case of trial and error, and getting to know your own skin.

5. Face wipes: yay or nay?

Hell to the no, my face wipe days are well and truly behind me. It makes me shudder when I look back upon the years I spent using face wipes, and NOTHING BUT face wipes. WHAT WAS I THINKING!? Nowadays, only a proper skincare routine will do, and I wouldn't dream of going to bed with my makeup on, either.

6. Toner: yay or nay?

Most definitely - in fact, you've probably gathered that this is an absolute must for me from my previous answers. As well as an exfoliating toner, I also tend to use a nice hydrating spritz too, and my favourite is the Suti Peppermint Water Organic Facial Toner.

7. High-end skincare or high-end makeup?

High-end skincare all the way, if I had to choose. I do love a luxurious makeup purchase, but at the end of the day there are plenty of fantastic high-street/drugstore products out there that will do the job - in fact, I think such brands have really come into their own over the past couple of years and are producing some fantastic products.

When it comes to skincare though, I think it's worth investing in some really good quality products, as you only get one chance to get things right with your face. Plus, if your skin doesn't look good then what use is expensive makeup? You can plaster it over the top, but it will never look as good as it could. I  have to say though, there is a small part of me that does regret ever getting into the skincare brands that I love now, as it's taken me from spending minimal money on products to spending a lot more than I would like to!

Saying that, they do make a huge difference to my skin, and that is why I now hold them in such high esteem.

8. What's the most unusual skincare product you've ever tried?

This would have to be the Heaven Bee Venom Mask. Slightly scary plastering bee venom all over your face not knowing whether or not you are allergic! At the time I suffered from quite bad anxiety, so I was whipping it off again in seconds, but I have just rediscovered it in my skincare cupboard and am planning on giving it another go this week - watch this space!

9. You're in a French pharmacy and can only pick one item. What is it?

Another tough question. At the moment is probably the La Roche Posay Serozinc, as I am itching to give that a try. But otherwise, I'm not really a fan of their products, so I'd go for one of the many wonderful Caudalie products I've already tried.

10. Tell us your top skincare tip.

Drink lots of water, and take Omega 3 supplements (if you are struggling with blemishes then make sure to go for just the Omega 3s and not one that combines all the various different types, as breakouts can often be a result of a high Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio. So that means you might need less 6s and more 3s. Worked for me.). I'd also recommend using an exfoliating toner on a daily basis, whatever your skin type, and making sure to keep your skin nourished at all times. Don't assume that if you have blemishes, you need to let them dry out, as often the opposite is true.

Another tip is to cut back on your dairy and sugar if you are suffering from a particularly nasty breakout, as they can aggravate them further.

So that's it. I hope you enjoyed having a little delve into the things I like to use to pamper and protect my skin. I'm going to be filming an updated skincare routine video very soon, as while I used to chop and change a fair bit I am quite happy with what I'm using at the moment and am planning to stick with it, give or take a new treatment here and there - so if skincare is your thing then do keep an eye out for that.

Don't forget to link me up if you decide to do this tag - I'd love to read your posts.

xx