My Updated Skincare Routine

After the success of my original 'skincare routine' post back in January, I thought it was about time I wrote an updated version, seeing as I've been trying out a plethora of different products over the past seven months. Clarins is still my favourite skincare brand, our love is still strong, but I'll admit I've been flirting with Origins and Benefit. I needed a skincare shake-up and these are the results..

Disclaimer: I have combination to oily skin and no I am not sponsored by Clarins *sob*

My basic daily routine

1. Remove eye makeup using Clarins Gentle Eyemakeup remover - simple and effective

2. I use the Origins Checks and Balances Frothy face wash morning and night; it has a gorgeous minty scent and leaves your face squeaky-clean. I discovered this gem when I purchased the Origins 'Essentials Only' kit - photos are below

3. Post-wash, I use the Clarins toning lotion for combination to oily skin (I couldn't find it to photograph but it'll be in my original post)

4. Pre-makeup, I use the Clarins HydraQuench lotion which has the added bonus of SPF 15. I read about this in a post by fellow blogger Gabrielle from A Glass of Ice and I love it! It's great as a makeup base and is suitable for normal to combination skin

5. On an evening, however, I often switch the lotion for the Clarins HydraQuench cream or the Clarins Lotus oil, depending on what my skin needs. The HydraQuench cream is more suited towards dry skin but I think every now and again it's ok to use a thicker moisturiser at night. The lotus oil is my new best friend as it is designed to combat oily tendencies by tricking your skin into thinking it doesn't need to produce any more oil - genius! It has a very 'herbally' scent which might put people off but give it a try and your skin will feel rejuvenated in the morning! I haven't purchased the oil in full size as of yet - the price is quite steep for a student like myself - but I'm sure I will be doing soon. Until then, I'll stick with the samples. 

Extras

6. Once a week I like to use either the Origins Modern Friction scrub or the Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, which you can read more about in my January favourites post. It's important to get rid of those nasty dead skin cells and these products certainly pack a punch when it comes to removing blackheads 

7. I also like to use the Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal mask on designated 'pampering days' to help sort out any skin issues. You look like a monster for 20 minutes but the results are worth it

8. Benefit's Total Moisture is a thick intensive moisturiser which I wouldn't recommend for the entire face but simply for certain areas that need it. This mini size is part of the Benefit skincare collection, mentioned briefly in my Holiday Beauty Haul post. I won't be repurchasing this in a full size but it'll definitely be handy in winter.

The Origins Essentials Only kit also includes the GinZing Energy-boosting moisturiser but despite loving the orange scent, my skin was not a fan. It might be more suited towards dry skin rather than sensitive skin so don't let this sway you.  

Are you a Clarins fan? What's your favourite skincare product?

xxx