Morning skin care routine - And rub it on your face An' go blud-dle-ud-dle-ud-dle Ud-dle-um-dum

This post is about my current morning skincare routine but I will also talk about things I should probably be doing and I am not! 

My skin currently is combination to oily, though having said that it has felt quite dry over the last couple of weeks. I think this is the result of being inside more over the festive period and cranking up the central heating when I get the chance (I would be very happy living in an old folks home!).  This along with over indulging in alcohol and sugar filled treats has left my skin dry and grey and in need of a spot of TLC.

I also still get hormonal spots, mainly on my chin at that "time of the month" and being 40 this year I do wonder if this will ever stop. I just tend to leave my spots and definitely don't pick them.

First thing in the morning after brushing my teeth I hop into the shower. Here, I don't help my skin either as I like my showers really hot and I find I can't wake up properly unless I stand with my face under the water for a good couple of minutes. This is not good for my skin and definitely dries it out in the colder months.

After my shower I cleanse my face. It is important to cleanse your face in the morning even having done a thorough cleanse the night before.  It cleans the skin and gets it going, along with preparing it for any make up you want to apply later.

I use a cleansing oil. I like a foaming cleanser but I keep reading how drying they are to the skin so I have gone for an oil and I use the Nude Perfect Cleanse.  I have recently learnt I have been applying my cleanser incorrectly as I was putting the oil onto damp skin when I should have been putting it on to dry skin. I then massage the oil in and remove with warm water. One of my skincare aims of 2015 is to use a warm flannel to remove my cleanser as everyone seems to suggest this is the best method and to use a new one everyday.  I feel a trip to Primark coming on to stock up on flannels.

I have just purchased Origins GinZing Refreshing Facial Scrub Cleanser which I plan to use a couple of mornings a week to really get my skin going and the blood circulating. It also happens to smell fab.

I don't use and haven't tried the Clarisonic or the like and I have heard mixed reviews from friends who have used it so I would love to hear any thoughts or views you have on this way of cleansing.

My cleansing oil is enough really to remove eye make up as well but I do like to quickly use my Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water on my eyelids to get rid of any remnants of eye make up which might not have shifted when I cleansed the night before. I have to say I am loving this product and it is a total bargain.

The next two steps I don't currently do but am thinking of introducing this New Year. These are to use a toner and then spritz with a hydrating toner or moisturisng water. By toner I don't mean the pungent, stripping toners of years gone by but the new exfoliating ones.  I have the Clarins Exfoliator Brightening Toner for night time use which can also be used in the morning or I have seen a lot of ex foliation pads which can also be used.  After using the toner a facial spray is recommended but I think this could be a step too far for me in the morning.

I then apply my eye cream and I put this on before my serum to give it more time to work.  I am currently using Kiehls Midnight Recovery Eye and dab it gently on the skin around my eyes.  As I have mentioned before I suffer from black circles so this tends to be the main focus when buying eye creams along with reduction in lines. If you know of any good ones do let me know by leaving a comment below or on my Facebook page. I don't tend to suffer much from puffiness under the eyes but if you do and know any good ones let me know about those too.

Serum next and at the moment I am using the Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil.  I love the smell and feel of this. I rub it into my finger tips and massage it into my face. A little bit of facial massage in the morning is great for getting the blood flow going and waking your face up. I have heard good things about the Kiehls Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate and I did try a sample which I liked. It felt slightly tingly and tightening which I personally liked.  Serum penetrates the skin deeper and will help your moisturiser take to your skin.

Moisturiser is the last step and due to my combination skin I don't tend to go for a very heavy one and am currently using Neals Yard Yarrow & Comfrey.  A 10 pence-sized amount or less is good and massage it in, not forgetting your neck.

SPF I am a bit rubbish with. Especially in the winter when there is not much sun and what there is we need for Vitamin D. In the summer I tend to use a separate SPF to moisturiser but I don't really know why.

I will also do a post on my evening skincare routine which tackles removing all that make up I love to wear.

x